Background: 20-Hydroxyecdysone (20-HE) is a naturally occurring plant-produced phytoecdysteroid found in various edible plants and reported to have skin-related effects, such as wound healing and immune protection. However, its safety profile in human keratinocytes studied in vitro—especially those derived from psoriasis patients—remains inadequately characterized. Additionally, topical delivery methods may influence cellular tolerance and warrant evaluation in psoriasis-relevant models.
Aim: The study evaluated 20-HE and a topical nanocarrier-based 20-HE formulation intended for local application in psoriasis. Their impact on cell viability of human epidermal keratinocytes (HEK) and psoriasis patient-derived epidermal keratinocytes (PHEK) was analyzed.
Methods: HEK and PHEK cells were treated with 20-HE or nanoformulation containing 20-HE at concentrations ranging from 1 to 100 µM for 24 and 48 hours. Cell viability was measured using the colorimetric MTS assay to determine non-cytotoxic concentration ranges and to compare the cytotoxicity profiles of the free compound versus the nanocarrier formulation.
Results: 20-HE generally showed a favorable viability profile within the tested range, whereas the nanoformulation of 20-HE exhibited higher cytotoxicity, with a greater reduction in viability at higher concentrations and/or longer exposure times. These findings suggest that nanocarrier incorporation can increase cellular sensitivity to 20-HE and highlight the importance of defining safe topical dosing ranges for psoriasis-relevant keratinocyte models.
Conclusions: The study offers an initial in vitro safety/cytotoxicity evaluation of free 20-HE and its topical nanoformulation intended for local psoriasis treatment in keratinocyte models relevant to inflammatory skin disease, supporting further formulation refinement and more extensive biological testing.
Funding: Research aimed at developing a new, innovative pharmaceutical form for the topical treatment of psoriasis vulgaris” is being implemented as part of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan, as part of Investment D3.1.1 Comprehensive development of research in medical sciences and health sciences, reference number: 2024/ABM/03/KPO/KPOD.07.07-IW.07-0043/24-00.
