Protective Effect of Soy Lecithin Liposomes in Oxazolone-Induced Dermatitis in a Mouse Model: A Comparative Evaluation Publisher

Summary: Can topical SL relieve eczema? In mice, treatment reduced scratching and skin inflammation, performing similarly to hydrocortisone; human benefit remains untested. #Dermatology #Preclinical

Partoazar A ; Alemi M ; Saffari P M ; Nasab M E ; Rastegar T ; Dehpour A R ; Goudarzi R
Source: Iranian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research Published:2026

Abstract

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder characterized by intense itching, severe erosion, and rashes on the skin surface. Prolonged AD may cause hemorrhage and secondary infections due to scratching. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the anti-AD effects of soy lecithin (SL) applied topically to oxazolone (OX)-treated skin in a mouse model. Methods: The effects of SL and hydrocortisone (HC), used as the standard drug, on behavioral responses such as scratching and grooming were evaluated during a 35-day trial. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry (IHC) for the cytokines TNFα and IL8 were also evaluated in the skin of the treated mice. Results: Topical administration of SL showed efficacy comparable to that of HC and significantly alleviated itching and grooming behaviors in eczematous animals. Topical SL also improved symptoms, including skin erythema, scarring, and edema, as well as histopathological parameters in AD mice. IHC analysis indicated that SL administration effectively reduced tissue levels of the inflammatory cytokines TNFα and IL8 in AD mice. Conclusions: Topical SL significantly improved AD severity in an OX-induced mouse model of AD. These results support further preclinical studies before clinical investigations in humans are undertaken. Copyright © 2026, Partoazar et al.