In Vitro and In Vivo Anti-Psoriasis Activity of Ficus carica Fruit Extracts via JAK-STAT Modulation

Psoriasis, a chronic and autoimmune inflammatory disorder of the skin, has been often underdiagnosed and underestimated despite its prevalence and considerable negative effects on the quality of life. In this study, the anti-inflammatory activity of Ficus carica fruit extract (FFE) was investigated against LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. The in vitro results showed that FFE reduced the production of nitric oxide (NO) and iNOS expression. Moreover, FFE reduced the level of fi-hexosaminidase released with histamine in allergic reactions. However, the MAPK and NF kappa B signaling molecules associated with the inflammatory response were not significantly regulated by FFE. In contrast, the phosphorylation of JAK1 and STAT3 in the JAK-STAT signaling pathway was dramatically reduced by FFE treatment. Psoriasis-like skin lesions were induced in BALB/c mice using imiquimod (IMQ) to test the feasibility of FFE as a treatment for psoriasis. The efficacy of FFE was evaluated based on phenotypic and histological features. FFE was effective in relieving the symptoms of psoriasis-like skin lesions, such as erythema, dryness, scales, and thick epidermis. Notably, STAT3 modulation was also contributable to the in vivo ameliorative activity of FFE. Taken together, FFE with anti-psoriasis activity in vitro and in vivo through the JAK-STAT modulation could be developed as a therapeutic agent against psoriasis.

Automated summary

The study investigated the anti-inflammatory activity of Ficus carica fruit extract (FFE) against LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. FFE showed reduction in nitric oxide (NO) production and iNOS expression, and also decreased fi-hexosaminidase released during allergic reactions. Although FFE did not significantly regulate MAPK and NF kappa B signaling molecules, it dramatically reduced the phosphorylation of JAK1 and STAT3 in the JAK-STAT signaling pathway. FFE was found effective in relieving psoriasis-like skin lesions in mice, indicating its potential as a therapeutic agent against psoriasis.