Triticum aestivum sprout extract attenuates 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene-induced atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions in mice and the expression of chemokines in human keratinocytes

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common chronic, recurring, inflammatory skin disease. A number of researchers have been seeking safe AD therapies for a long time. Triticum aestivum sprouts (TAEE), known as wheatgrass, are one of the most widely used health foods worldwide. They show numerous beneficial effects, including anticancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-obesity, anti-colitis and anti-allergy effects; however, their effect on AD is unknown. In the present study, the anti-AD effects of a 70% ethanol extract of TAEE were investigated in 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB)-treated mice with AD-like skin lesions and in tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-a- and interferon (IFN)-?-stimulated human keratinocytes (HaCaT cells). Oral administration of 200 mg/kg TAEE for 10 days significantly decreased the skin thickness, transepidermal water loss and serum immunoglobulin E levels in DNCB-treated mice. In addition, TAEE reduced the secretion of inflammatory chemokines via regulation of the signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 and suppressor of cytokine signaling pathways in TNF-a- and IFN-?-stimulated HaCaT cells. These results indicate that TAEE may have beneficial effects in the treatment and prevention of AD and associated skin diseases.