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dl-Malic acid as a component of α-hydroxy acids: effect on 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene-induced inflammation in atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions in vitro and in vivo

Abstract Background: dl-Malic acid (dl-M) is used widely in cosmetic formulations as a pH-adjuster or as a preservative. dl-M is used as an exfoliator in the form of α-hydroxy acids. However, the role of dl-M in skin diseases (including atopic dermatitis (AD)) has not been studied deeply. We wished to reveal the effect of dl-M on AD induced by 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) in Balb/c mice. Methods: The thickness and immune-cell infiltration into the dermis and epidermis were evaluated. Moreover, serum levels of cytokines, as well as expression of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) in tissue were measured in AD mice. We also studied the effect of dl-M on inflammatory mediators in a human keratinocyte (HaCaT) cell line. Results: The dl-M (high) group improved skin condition compared with the DNCB-treated group. The dl-M (high) group inhibited phosphorylation of MAPK and NF-κB in skin tissue. dl-M reduced serum levels of interleukin-4 and IgE. Finally, dl-M decreased the expression of thymus and activation-regulated chemokine, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and intercellular cell adhesion molecule induced by interferon-gamma/tumor necrosis factor-α in HaCaT cells. Discussion: These results suggest that dl-M can improve the skin conditions of AD mice.