Therapeutic Potential of Rose Hip-Derived Nanoparticles for Psoriatic Skin Inflammation

Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease characterized by hyperproliferation of keratinocytes and excessive inflammation. Plant-derived nanoparticles (pdNPs) are promising agents for treating inflammatory skin diseases. In this study, we examined the characteristics and functions of rose hip-derived nanoparticles (RNPs) rich in various bioactive compounds. RNPs were isolated from rose hips using sucrose ultracentrifugation and characterized using NanoSight and transmission electron microscopy. Cellular uptake by HaCaT human keratinocytes was analyzed using flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. Uptake mechanisms were investigated using siRNA knockdown. Proliferation, apoptosis, and cytokine expression were evaluated in a HaCaT psoriasis model. Antioxidant activity was assessed by measuring reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in stimulated HaCaT and RAW264.7 mouse macrophage-like cells. The in vivo efficacy was evaluated in a mouse model of psoriasis via intradermal injection of RNPs. The RNPs obtained via ultracentrifugation exhibited a vesicular structure of approximately 100 nm in diameter. They were efficiently taken up by HaCaT cells and inhibited excessive inflammation-induced proliferation. RNPs reduced the mRNA levels of the inflammatory cytokines, interleukin-1β and interferon-γ. Additionally, RNPs were efficiently internalized by mouse macrophage-like RAW264.7 cells, decreasing the intracellular reactive oxygen species levels. The intradermal injection of RNPs effectively suppressed epidermal hyperproliferation and macrophage infiltration in an imiquimod-induced psoriasis mouse model. Collectively, these results suggest that RNPs can be used to treat psoriasis by regulating oxidative stress and inhibiting epidermal hyperproliferation. RNPs, which exerted potent effects on epidermal cells, target key pathological mechanisms such as oxidative stress and immune-driven keratinocyte proliferation. Therefore, they are promising natural therapeutic agents for psoriasis.