Ameliorative Effect of Topical Clinoptilolite on 2,4- Dinitrof luorobenzene Induced Atopic Dermatitis Model in Mice

Atopic dermatitis is a multifactorial disease process. It is defined as "a genetically predisposed inflammatory and itchy allergic skin disease associated with the production of immunoglobulin E against environmental allergens". Experimental models are considered important in the evaluation of therapeutic agents for the treatment of atopic dermatitis. This study aimed to reveal the effects of clinoptilolite and tacrolimus on atopic dermatitis lesions in the atopic dermatitis model in mice induced with 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene. For inducing the atopic dermatitis model, mice were administered topically on the back with 0.15% 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene twice a week for 5 weeks. For the next 4 weeks, 0.15% 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene was applied once a week to maintain inflammation. Afterward, topical tacrolimus cream (0.1%) and topical clinoptilolite powder were used for 4 weeks. Clinical score, serum thymus and activation-regulated chemokine, histopathology, and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) immunostainings were evaluated between groups. While clinoptilolite treatment was found to be effective in the normalization of clinical scores, serum thymus and activation regulated chemokine levels were found to be variable and insignificant. Histopathologically, clinoptilolite had an ameliorative effect on epidermal thickness and inflammation yet there was no significant difference of mast cells and fibrosis between groups. Furthermore, clinoptilolite had an inhibitory effect of TSLP immunostaining on epidermal tissue. In conclusion, clinoptilolite could be an alternative treatment of atopic dermatitis with its effects similar to tacrolimus.