Decreased expression of G-protein-coupled receptors GPR43 and GPR109a in psoriatic skin can be restored by topical application of sodium butyrate

Arch Dermatol Res. 2018 Nov;310(9):751-758. doi: 10.1007/s00403-018-1865-1. Epub 2018 Sep 12.

Abstract

The G-protein-coupled receptors GPR43 and GPR109a are known to play an important role in mediating anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer functions in the gut. Short-chain fatty acids, such as sodium butyrate (SB), are activators of GPR43 and GPR109a and thereby promote anti-inflammatory effects. The present study aimed to examine the expression of these receptors and their reaction to SB in psoriasis. Lesional and non-lesional biopsies of 6 psoriasis patients and of 4 controls were obtained and stained for GPR109a and GPR43. Ex vivo stimulation with SB was performed on fresh biopsy material. Lesional and non-lesional psoriatic skin showed a decreased expression of GPR109a and GPR43 on keratinocytes in comparison with control skin. Topical application of SB was able to increase the low-level expression of both receptors. The data suggest that SB by restoring the impaired expression of GPR109a and GPR43 might exert anti-inflammatory effects and may be utilized as a topical tool for the treatment of psoriasis, which has to be proven in future clinical trials.

Keywords: G-protein-coupled receptor; Inflammation; Psoriasis; Sodium butyrate; Treatment.

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Cutaneous
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Butyric Acid / administration & dosage*
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Humans
  • Keratinocytes / drug effects*
  • Keratinocytes / metabolism
  • Keratinocytes / pathology
  • Psoriasis / drug therapy*
  • Psoriasis / metabolism
  • Psoriasis / pathology
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / metabolism*
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / metabolism*
  • Skin / drug effects*
  • Skin / metabolism
  • Skin / pathology
  • Up-Regulation

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • FFA2R protein, human
  • HCAR2 protein, human
  • Receptors, Cell Surface
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled
  • Butyric Acid