아토피 피부염 동물 모델에서 하이드로젤 피하주사와 국소 보습제의 치료 효과 비교

Abstract

Purpose: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by eczema and pruritus. Topical moisturizers restore the skin barrier and alleviate AD symptoms, although they require frequent application. This study explored an alternative therapy using an injectable hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogel crosslinked via a visible-light-induced thiol-ene reaction. Methods: AD was induced in NC/Nga mice by applying a Dermatophagoides farinae extract ointment for four weeks. Mice were assigned to four groups: negative control (NC), positive control (PC), HA hydrogel therapy, and moisturizer therapy. On day 28, the HA hydrogel group received a subcutaneous injection of the HA hydrogel precursor polymerized using transdermal blue light. The moisturizer group received daily topical application from days 28–35. Treatment efficacy was assessed using dermatitis scores, scratching frequency, and transepidermal water loss (TEWL). On Day 35, histologic findings and serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels were analyzed. AD-related gene expression was evaluated by using quantitative RT-PCR. Results: HA hydrogel and moisturizer treatments decreased dermatitis scores and reduced TEWL and scratching frequency compared to the PC group. The HA hydrogel group showed significantly lower serum IgE levels and reduced eosinophil and mast cell infiltration in dorsal skin lesions than the PC group. Additionally, inflammatory cytokine gene expression decreased, whereas filaggrin expression increased in the HA hydrogel group compared to that in the PC group. Conclusion: Subcutaneous HA hydrogel injection showed therapeutic efficacy similar to that of a commercial moisturizer for the treatment of AD skin lesions in NC/Nga mice. These results suggest that HA hydrogel may be considered a potential therapeutic option for AD.