Omega-3 fatty acid-derived mediator, Resolvin E1, ameliorates 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene-induced atopic dermatitis in NC/Nga mice.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common inflammatory skin disease for which few effective treatments are available. Resolvin E1 (RvE1; 5S,12R,18R-trihydroxy-6Z,8E,10E,14Z,16E-eicosapentaenoic acid) is an endogenous lipid mediator derived from omega-3 fatty eicosapentaenoic acid, which is a potent inhibitor of inflammation. AD-like skin lesion was induced by repetitive skin contact with DNFB in NC/Nga mice and the effects of RvE1 were evaluated on the basis of histopathological findings of skin, ear swelling and cytokine production of CD4(+) T cells. Intraperitoneal injection of RvE1 for one week after DNFB challenge significantly lowered ear swelling and improved back skin lesions. In addition, RvE1 significantly suppressed production of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and interleukin-4 (IL-4) by activated CD4(+) T cells and serum IgE level. Furthermore, RvE1 reduced DNFB-induced infiltration of eosinophils, mast cells, CD4(+) T cells, and CD8(+) T cells in skin lesions. Therefore, RvE1 may suppress the development of AD-like skin lesions in DNFB-treated NC/Nga mice by reducing IL-4 and IFN-γ of activated CD4(+) T cells and serum IgE levels and infiltration of immune cells to skin lesion.