Figure 4 | Scientific Reports

Figure 4

From: Ghrelin protects against contact dermatitis and psoriasiform skin inflammation by antagonizing TNF-α/NF-κB signaling pathways

Figure 4

Ghrelin improves psoriasis in an IMQ-induced psoriasis mouse model. (A) Improved skin conditions were observed in mice treated with ghrelin. (B) Ghrelin treatment led to reduced PASI scores in an IMQ-treated psoriasis mouse model. (C,D) A smoother epidermis, lesser degree of parakeratosis, and reduced epidermal thickening were demonstrated upon treatment with ghrelin, as shown by both HE staining and the measurement of epithelial thickness. (E) Ghrelin downregulates the expression of CD68, supporting the anti-inflammatory effect of ghrelin in IMQ-induced psoriasis, as shown by immunohistochemistry. (F) iNOS is decreased in response to treatment with ghrelin, as shown by immunohistochemistry. (G,H) Total protein was extracted from skin tissue, and iNOS expression was decreased upon treatment with ghrelin, as shown by western blotting. (I–K) Ghrelin application significantly attenuated the mRNA expression of IL-1β, IL-6 and iNOS, as shown by real-time PCR. (L,M) The serum levels of IL-1β and IL-6 were notably reduced by ghrelin administration, as shown by ELISA. (*p < 0.01, **p < 0.01, ***p < 0.005 vs the control group). Scale bar: 150 μm.

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