Acupoint catgut-embedding therapy ameliorates DNCB-induced atopic dermatitis in BALB/c mice by regulating Th2 type immune response and reducing infiltration of CD4+ and CD8+ cells

Background: This study aimed to assess how acupoint catgut-embedding therapy influences atopic dermatitis in BALB/c mice. It also conducted an initial examination of the underlying molecular mechanisms. Methods: Seventy-two mice were randomly divided into four groups: normal control, DNCB-induced atopic dermatitis model (AD), AD with acupoint catgut-embedding treatment (ADA), and AD with sham-acupoint catgut-embedding treatment. After DNCB challenge to induce AD, the ADA group received acupoint catgut-embedding therapy treatment at Zusanli (ST 36) and Quchi (LI 11) acupoints every other week from day 8. Mice in the AD with sham-acupoint catgut-embedding treatment group underwent the same procedure as the ADA group but without catgut implantation. Severity was assessed using SCORAD on treatment days 1, 10, and 20. On day 18, nine mice per group were euthanized, and the remaining on day 28. Histopathological changes were observed using hematoxylin-eosin and immunohistochemistry staining. TNF-alpha, IL-4, IL-6, and IL-13 levels were analyzed by ELISA, and GATA3 and STAT6 protein levels by western blot. Results: After 20 days of acupoint catgut-embedding therapy treatment, mice showed reduced dermatitis scores compared to DNCB-induced AD-like mice. Significant decreases occurred in serum IL-4, IL-6, IL-13, and TNF-alpha levels. Skin analysis revealed marked reductions in CD4+ and CD8+ cell infiltration, as well as GATA3 and STAT6 protein levels. Conclusion: Acupoint catgut-embedding therapy may effectively alleviate atopic dermatitis by suppressing Th2 immune responses via the STAT6-GATA3 pathway and reducing CD4+ and CD8+ T cell infiltration in skin lesions.