Anti-inflammatory effect of paeoniflorin combined with baicalin in oral inflammatory diseases.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE\nThere are challenges in the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases of oral mucosa. Both paeoniflorin (PF) and baicalin (BAI) exert anti-inflammatory effects, but the mechanism underlying their combined effects is still unclear. Here, we explored the anti-inflammatory function of the PF-BAI combination in the oral inflammatory response.\n\n\nMATERIALS AND METHODS\nThe CCK-8 assay was used to determine the proliferative capacity of HOKs with PF and BAI. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent (ELISA), western blotting, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and confocal immunofluorescence were performed to study the anti-inflammatory effects of PF-BAI in LPS-stimulated human oral keratinocytes (HOKs). Immunohistochemistry and ELISA were performed to detect the levels of NF-κB p65, IKKα and IL-6, TNF-α in OLP and healthy tissues.\n\n\nRESULTS\nCompared to PF or BAI alone, the combination of PF-BAI at 5μg/mL down-regulated secretion of inflammatory cytokines more effectively (P<0.05). Combined PF-BAI decreased NF-κB p65 and IκBα protein phosphorylation, leading to reduced nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65. Higher expression of TNF-α, IL-6, NF-κB p65 and IKKα were observed in OLP than in HC tissues (P< 0.01).\n\n\nCONCLUSION\nThe optimal combination concentration of PF and BAI at 5μg/mL may have a positive effect on the treatment of oral inflammatory diseases, providing a novel therapeutic approach. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.