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Therapeutic potential of polygonatum polysaccharides in modulating gut microbiota and alleviating psoriasis-like
Yi Zhou1, Zhibo Yang2,3, Pinglan Zhou4
1Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital, The Domestic First-class Discipline Construction Project of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410005, Hunan, China.
Abstract:
Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder characterized by keratinocyte hyperproliferation and immune dysregulation. The gut microbiota has emerged as a significant factor influencing the pathogenesis of psoriasis, particularly through the gut-skin axis. This study investigates the therapeutic effects of Polygonatum polysaccharides (PSP) on imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriasis-like dermatitis in mice, focusing on gut microbiota modulation and systemic immune responses. Mice were treated with varying doses of PSP, and their effects were compared to methotrexate (MTX) as a positive control. PSP treatment significantly alleviated psoriasis-like skin inflammation, as evidenced by reduced epidermal hyperplasia, lower the modified Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) scores, and decreased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Moreover, PSP restored gut microbial diversity and altered the composition of key bacterial taxa, notably reducing the abundance of Oscillibacter and Ruminiclostridium 9, which are associated with psoriasis severity. Functional predictions revealed that PSP modulates metabolic and immune-related pathways, potentially suppressing pro-inflammatory processes. These findings suggest that PSP exerts its therapeutic effects by targeting both the skin and gut microbiota, offering a promising multi-targeted approach for psoriasis treatment.
Insights
Polygonatum polysaccharides (PSP) effectively treat psoriasis-like skin inflammation in mice by modulating gut microbiota and reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines. This study highlights PSP as a promising therapeutic agent for psoriasis.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Immunology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition involving keratinocyte hyperproliferation and immune imbalance.
- The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in psoriasis pathogenesis via the gut-skin axis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the therapeutic potential of Polygonatum polysaccharides (PSP) in an imiquimod (IMQ)-induced mouse model of psoriasis-like dermatitis.
- To evaluate PSP's effects on gut microbiota composition and systemic immune responses.
Main Methods:
- Mice with IMQ-induced psoriasis-like dermatitis were treated with varying doses of PSP or methotrexate (MTX).
- Skin inflammation, epidermal hyperplasia, PASI scores, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and gut microbiota were analyzed.
Main Results:
- PSP treatment significantly reduced skin inflammation, epidermal hyperplasia, and PASI scores.
- PSP normalized gut microbial diversity and altered specific bacterial taxa, decreasing Oscillibacter and Ruminiclostridium 9.
- PSP modulated immune-related pathways, suppressing pro-inflammatory responses.
Conclusions:
- Polygonatum polysaccharides demonstrate significant therapeutic effects against psoriasis-like dermatitis in mice.
- PSP acts through multi-targeted mechanisms, including gut microbiota modulation and suppression of systemic inflammation.
- PSP represents a promising natural compound for psoriasis treatment.
