Treatment of atopic dermatitis using non-thermal atmospheric plasma in an animal model

• Main Authors: Ik Jun Moon, Mi Ra Yun, Hae Kyeong Yoon, Keon Hee Lee, Sun Young Choi, Woo Jin Lee, Sung Eun Chang, Chong Hyun Won
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Nature Publishing Group 2021-08-01
• Series: Scientific Reports
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-95471-z

Abstract Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) has been incorporated into various fields, including promotion of cutaneous wound healing. Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic cutaneous condition characterized by inflammation-induced skin wounds and impaired skin barrier function. To investigate whether CAP may improve AD using an animal model. Dermatophagoides farinae extracts (DFE)-induced murine models of AD were used in this study. The plasma-treated group received a total of 6 CAP treatments during 2 weeks, while the control group did not receive any treatment. Differences in dermatitis severity, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), serum level of immunoglobulin (Ig) E and epidermal thickness were evaluated in both groups. The dermatitis severity was significantly improved by CAP treatment. TEWL was lower in the plasma-treated group compared with the non-treated control group. Serum Ig E dropped significantly after treatment with CAP. Difference in epidermal thickness of the ear skin was not significant between the plasma-treated and non-treated groups. Localized treatment of AD with CAP decreases dermatitis severity, TEWL, and serum Ig E level. These results show CAP’s potentials as a novel therapeutic modality for AD.