Ginsenoside Rh2 Suppresses Neovascularization in Xenograft Psoriasis Model

Background/Aims: Psoriasis is a common inflammatory skin disease of undetermined etiology and poor prognosis. The current therapies have focused on direct inhibition of local inflammation, e.g. through hormone treatments. However, neovascularization plays a critical role in the development of psoriasis but so far no therapies have been developed to suppress psoriasis-associated neovascularization. Methods: We treated AGR129 mice that had received human PN skin grafts with different doses of Ginsenoside Rh2 (GRh2). The acanthosis and papillomatosis index were evaluated. The percentage of T lymphocytes in the grafts was quantified by flow cytometry. The levels of vascularization in the grafts were quantified based on CD31-positive area. We examined the levels of VEGF-A in the skin treated with GRh2. We treated AGR129 mice that had received human PN skin grafts with different doses of soluble Flt-1 (sFlt1) and then evaluated the effects on the acanthosis and papillomatosis index, T lymphocyte percentage and vessel density. Results: GRh2 dose-dependently decreased the acanthosis and papillomatosis index, T lymphocyte percentage and vessel density in PN skin grafts in mice. GRh2 inhibited VEGF-A levels in the PN skin grafts. Treatment with sFlt1 mimicked the effects of GRh2 on the acanthosis and papillomatosis index, T lymphocyte percentage and vessel density in PN skin grafts in mice. Conclusions: GRh2 may have an anti-psoriasis effect through neovascularization suppression.