Ergothioneine attenuates psoriasis symptoms through modulation of M1/M2 macrophage polarisation via the NF-κB/JAK-STAT3 pathway.

Introduction: The underlying cause of psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory skin condition driven by an immune response, remains a topic of active investigation and is not yet fully elucidated. Recent studies have revealed that ergothioneine, a small molecule sulfur-containing histidine derivative that can be ingested from the daily diet and accumulated in the body, exhibits antioxidant capacity that is comparable to that of glutathione. Nevertheless, there is a paucity of empirical data concerning the precise impact of ergothioneine in the context of anti-inflammatory processes, particularly in the context of psoriasis. In the light of the aforementioned considerations, the present study was undertaken with the objective of conducting a comprehensive evaluation of the anti-inflammatory potential of ergothioneine (EGT) and to investigate its potential impact on the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Methods: The efficacy of EGT in reducing the extent of dorsal skin lesions in psoriasis model mice was confirmed through Results: The results demonstrated that the introduction of different concentrations of EGT into the LPS-induced inflammatory cell model resulted in notable anti-inflammatory effects, as evidenced by a reduction in inflammatory responses and a dose dependent decline in the concentrations of key inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-1β (IL-1β), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Furthermore, EGT was observed to reverse the LPS induced increase in the ratio of M1 to M2 macrophages. EGT was also observed to markedly suppress the LPS-induced phosphorylation of JAK/STAT3 and NF-κB, offering a novel insight into the anti-inflammatory mechanism of EGT. Discussion: In conclusion, the findings of the present study consistently demonstrated that ergothioneine had a significant ameliorative effect on the imiquimod-induced psoriasis model by modulating the NF-κB/JAK-STAT3 signalling pathway. This provides a strong experimental rationale for its potential application in psoriasis treatment.