Anti-inflammatory effects of ferulic acid in a mouse model of atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterised by impaired skin bar-rier function and predominant Th2-mediated inflammation. Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), a cytokine secreted by epidermal keratinocytes, plays a critical role in AD pathogenesis by initiating and amplifying allergic inflammation. Ferulic acid (FA), a natural phenolic compound with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, has gained attention as a potential therapeutic agent for AD. This study evaluated the effects of ferulic acid on TSLP expression using immunohistochemical staining in an experimental AD model. Histopathological analysis revealed that ferulic acid treatment significantly reduced epidermal thickness and inflammatory cell infiltration, compared to 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) group. Furthermore, TSLP immunoreactivity was markedly decreased following ferulic acid administration. In addition, real-time PCR analysis demonstrated that ferulic acid significantly downregulated the mRNA expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-4, and IL-13. These findings suggest that ferulic acid modulates TSLP-mediated inflammatory responses and improves histopathological outcomes in AD, highlighting its potential as a supportive treatment option for atopic dermatitis.