Effects of Activin A on Cytokine Expression in Fibroblasts and Keratinocytes Under Atopic Dermatitis-Like Conditions

BACKGROUND: Activin A is involved in the inflammatory response, wound repair, and skin fibrosis. Serum activin A concentrations change during the menstrual cycle, and this can lead to periodic exacerbation of atopic dermatitis. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of activin A on the cytokine expression profiles of human fibroblasts and keratinocytes under atopic dermatitis-like conditions. METHODS: Cultured human fibroblasts and keratinocytes were treated with activin A in combination with interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13 to determine the changes in cytokine concentrations. RESULTS: Activin A decreased the expression of IL-1β and IL-23 mRNA in fibroblasts. IL-4 and IL-13 increased the expression of IL-6 and IL-16 and decreased the expression of IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-8, IL-10, and IL-23 in fibroblasts. In keratinocytes, IL-4 and IL-13 increased the expression of IL-1α and IL-1β and decreased the expression of IL-8. Activin A treatment in combination with IL-4 and IL-13 significantly increased the expression of IL-1α, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-16, and IL-23 and decreased the expression of IL-1β in fibroblasts. In keratinocytes, only IL-8 expression was significantly increased following treatment with activin A, IL-4, and IL-13. CONCLUSION: Activin A modulates cytokine expression in a cell type dependent manner under conditions mimicking atopic dermatitis, suggesting its potential involvement in cutaneous inflammatory regulation.