[Baicalin inhibits the activity of keratinocytes in psoriasis by activating Notch signaling pathway]

Objective To investigate the effect of baicalin on the viability and cell cycle of psoriatic keratinocytes and its possible mechanism. Methods MTT assay was used to detect the viability of keratinocytes treated by 0, 10, 50, 100, 200, 300 μg/mL baicalin for 48 hours. The cell cycle and apoptotic rate were detected by flow cytometry. The mRNA expression levels of ki67, Fas, and caspase-3 were analyzed by real-time quantitative PCR and the protein expression of Notch 1, Jagged 1 and Hes l in the keratinocytes were observed by Western blot analysis. Results The viability of keratinocytes was inhibited by baicalin in a dose-dependent manner. Baicalin (200 μg/mL) significantly promoted the apoptosis of keratinocytes, arrested the S phase, inhibited the mRNA expression of ki67, increased the Fas and caspase-3 levels, down-regulated the protein expression of Jagged 1, and up-regulated the Notch 1 and Hes protein levels. Conclusion Baicalin can significantly inhibit the viability of keratinocytes and promote cell apoptosis, probably by activating Notch signaling pathway.