Total glucosides of paeony inhibit NLRP3/caspase-1/GSDMD-mediated inflammation and pyroptosis in C3H/HeJ mice with alopecia areata

The study investigates the effects of total glucosides of paeony (TGP) on alopecia areata (AA) in a mouse model, focusing on its role in inhibiting inflammation and pyroptosis, a form of programmed cell death. Using a chronic unpredictable mild stress approach, the researchers administered TGP and MCC950 to AA mice and observed the outcomes through various assays. TGP was found to reduce hair loss, increase hair follicle numbers, and decrease inflammatory markers such as IL-6, TNF-α, IL-18, and IL-1β. It also significantly inhibited the NLRP3/caspase-1/GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis pathway in a concentration-dependent manner. These findings suggest that TGP could be a promising therapeutic agent for treating AA by suppressing inflammation and cellular pyroptosis.