Astilbin reduces ROS accumulation and VEGF expression through Nrf2 in psoriasis-like skin disease

Background Psoriasis is a common and intractable skin disease affecting the physical and mental health of patients. The accumulation of ROS is involved in the pathogenesis of psoriasis and antioxidants are believed to be therapeutic. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic efficacy of astilbin on ROS accumulation in psoriasis. Results The study showed that 50 mu g/ml astilbin could inhibit the growth and reduce the accumulation of ROS in HaCaT cells stimulated by IL-17 and TNF-alpha. Astilbin could elevate the Nrf2 accumulation in the nuclei, eventually leading to the transcriptional activation of various antioxidant proteins and reducing the expression of VEGF. Conclusions Our results collectively suggest that astilbin could induce Nrf2 nucleus translocation, which is contribute to reduce the ROS accumulation and VEGF expression, and inhibit the proliferation of HaCaT cells.