Introduction::Nepetin is a type of O-methylated flavone (6-hydroxy luteolin) and has
been found in many herbal medicines that exhibit various pharmacological properties, including
anti-inflammatory responses. Here, we aimed to investigate the efficacy of nepetin in attenuating
inflammatory responses in cultured keratinocytes and 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB)-induced
atopic dermatitis (AD) in BALB/c mice.Methods::Various assay methods including cell viability, flow cytometry, fluorometry, confocal
microscopy, western blot, ELISA techniques, staining methods, score and scratch frequency assessment,
etc. were employed to explore the mechanisms.Results::LPS-treated keratinocytes showed a significant increase in inflammatory mediators (i-
NOS, COX-2, PGES2, and NO) and cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) in a dose-dependent manner.
Treatment with nepetin prevented LPS-induced cell death and inhibited inflammatory mediators
and the production of cytokines in cultured keratinocytes. This inhibition was achieved by
nepetin, which inhibited LPS-induced ROS production and the translocation of NF-κB in the cultures,
thereby inhibiting the generation of inflammatory mediators and/or cytokines. In a mouse
model of AD, treatment with nepetin reduced skin inflammation symptoms in a dose-dependent
manner, as evidenced by the significant reduction of inflammation-related cytokines, skin lesions,
and behavior scores.Conclusion::Based on the present in vitro and in vivo study, nepetin is the safest bioactive compound
with potential therapeutic applications for AD-related skin lesions and adverse skin reactions.