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This is an early access version, the complete PDF, HTML, and XML versions will be available soon.
Article

Synthetic Curcuminoids Combined with Blue-Light-Mediated Photodynamic Therapy for Anti-Inflammatory Effect and Potential Mechanism on Imiquimod-Induced Psoriasis-Like Proliferation of Keratinocytes

by
Lee-Fong Lin
1,2,
Yu-Chang Chu
1,
Wei-Chun Chen
1,
Jing-Jia Hsu
1,
Ming-Lun Chou
1,2,
Anren Hu
3 and
Sung-Jen Hung
4,5,*
1
Department of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 97004, Taiwan
2
Department of Life Sciences, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 97004, Taiwan
3
Department of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 97004, Taiwan
4
Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 97004, Taiwan
5
Department of Dermatology, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien 97002, Taiwan
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(15), 6716; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27156716
Submission received: 14 June 2026 / Revised: 16 July 2026 / Accepted: 23 July 2026 / Published: 27 July 2026
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Natural Compounds in the Prevention and Treatment of Human and Veterinary Diseases)
Versions Notes

Abstract

Psoriasis is characterized by the rapid proliferation of keratinocytes, leading to erythematous plaques with silvery scales, skin pain, and impaired quality of life. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has emerged as a promising treatment modality for various skin disorders, including psoriasis. Curcumin, a natural photosensitizer, possesses potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. In this study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory potential of synthetic curcuminoids combined with blue-light-mediated PDT for psoriasis treatment using human keratinocyte (HaCaT) cells. MTT assays demonstrated that the synthetic curcuminoids (1E,6E)-1,7-bis(5-methylthiophen-2-yl)hepta-1,6-diene-3,5-dione (No. 11) and (1E,6E)-1,7-di(thiophen-2-yl)hepta-1,6-diene-3,5-dione (No. 12) exhibited minimal cytotoxicity toward HaCaT cells. Upon ultraviolet–visible light irradiation, curcuminoid-treated cells generated intracellular reactive oxygen species, confirming the photodynamic activity induced by blue light exposure. Treatment with synthetic curcuminoids significantly suppressed the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-17A/F and IL-8 in imiquimod-stimulated HaCaT cells, a commonly used psoriasis-like inflammatory model, indicating notable anti-inflammatory effects. Western blot analysis further revealed an increased Bax/Bcl-2 ratio in cells treated with synthetic curcuminoids No. 11 or No. 12 under photodynamic irradiation, suggesting the induction of apoptosis. Synthetic curcuminoids combined with blue-light PDT may represent a promising and cost-effective strategy for psoriasis.
Keywords: curcumin analog; photodynamic therapy; psoriasis; blue light; anti-inflammation curcumin analog; photodynamic therapy; psoriasis; blue light; anti-inflammation

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MDPI and ACS Style

Lin, L.-F.; Chu, Y.-C.; Chen, W.-C.; Hsu, J.-J.; Chou, M.-L.; Hu, A.; Hung, S.-J. Synthetic Curcuminoids Combined with Blue-Light-Mediated Photodynamic Therapy for Anti-Inflammatory Effect and Potential Mechanism on Imiquimod-Induced Psoriasis-Like Proliferation of Keratinocytes. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27, 6716. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27156716

AMA Style

Lin L-F, Chu Y-C, Chen W-C, Hsu J-J, Chou M-L, Hu A, Hung S-J. Synthetic Curcuminoids Combined with Blue-Light-Mediated Photodynamic Therapy for Anti-Inflammatory Effect and Potential Mechanism on Imiquimod-Induced Psoriasis-Like Proliferation of Keratinocytes. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2026; 27(15):6716. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27156716

Chicago/Turabian Style

Lin, Lee-Fong, Yu-Chang Chu, Wei-Chun Chen, Jing-Jia Hsu, Ming-Lun Chou, Anren Hu, and Sung-Jen Hung. 2026. "Synthetic Curcuminoids Combined with Blue-Light-Mediated Photodynamic Therapy for Anti-Inflammatory Effect and Potential Mechanism on Imiquimod-Induced Psoriasis-Like Proliferation of Keratinocytes" International Journal of Molecular Sciences 27, no. 15: 6716. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27156716

APA Style

Lin, L.-F., Chu, Y.-C., Chen, W.-C., Hsu, J.-J., Chou, M.-L., Hu, A., & Hung, S.-J. (2026). Synthetic Curcuminoids Combined with Blue-Light-Mediated Photodynamic Therapy for Anti-Inflammatory Effect and Potential Mechanism on Imiquimod-Induced Psoriasis-Like Proliferation of Keratinocytes. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 27(15), 6716. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27156716

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