An integrated network pharmacology and molecular docking approach to reveal the role of Arctigenin against Cutibacterium acnes-induced skin inflammation by targeting the CYP19A1

Acne caused by inflammation of hair follicles and sebaceous glands is a common chronic skin disease. Arctigenin (ATG) is an extract of Arctium lappa L., which has significant anti-inflammatory effects. However, the effect and mechanism of ATG in cutaneous inflammation mediated by Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes) has not been fully evaluated. The purpose of this study was to explore the effect and potential mechanism of ATG in the treatment of acne through network pharmacology and experimental confirmation. An acne model was established by injected live C. acnes into living mice and treated with ATG. Our data showed that ATG effectively improved acne induced by live C. acnes, which was confirmed by determining ear swelling rate, estradiol concentration and hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. In addition, ATG inhibited the NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathway in mice ear tissues and reduced the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1 beta to relieve inflammation. The results of network pharmacology and molecular docking confirmed that ATG can regulate 17 beta-Estradiol (E2) levels through targeted to CYP19A1, and finally inhibited skin inflammation. Taken together, our results confirmed that ATG regulated E2 secretion by targeting CYP19A1, thereby inhibiting the NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathway and improving inflammation levels in acne mice. This study provides a basis for the feasibility of ATG in treating acne in clinical practice.