Abstract
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder with pruritic and eczematous lesions. AD is characterized by the predominant infiltration of Th2-type cells in the acute phase of skin lesions. Thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC), a member of the CC chemokine superfamily was identified as a selective chemoattractant for Th2-type cells. The serum TARC level is significantly increased in patients with AD and is correlated with the severity of AD. Keishibukuryogan (KBG) is a Kampo formula composed of five kind of crude drugs and has been administered to patients with blood stagnation in Japan. This study investigated the effect of KBG on disease activity and TARC production in AD patients. AD patients were administered KBG for 4 to 6 weeks in addition to their prescribed medications. The SCORAD index and VAS score were decreased by the administration of KBG. The serum TARC level of the AD patients was much higher than that of normal controls. This elevated serum TARC level was significantly decreased by administration of KBG. These results suggest that KBG may improve AD by the inhibitory effect on Th2-type chemokine production.
