Abstract: Abstract: Objective To observe the effect of Pipa Qingfei decoction on the expressions of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1beta (IL-1β) and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) in the auricle of acne model rats. Methods Forty Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups: blank group, model group, isotretinoin group and Pipa Qingfei decoction group. In addition to the blank group, the other three groups were injected Propionibacterium acnes (P.acnes, 6×107 cfu/mL) solution into the auricle skin to make the acne model of rats. After the model was established, Pipa Qingfei decoction group was administrated by gavage (11.25 g/kg), isotretinoin group was administrated by gavage (3.125 mg/kg) and the other two groups were administrated by gavage with the same dose of normal saline. After 21 days of continuous administration, the changes of the appearance and shape of the rat ear were observed. The thickness of the auricle was measured. The swelling rate of the rat auricle was calculated, and the pathological changes of the rat auricle were observed by HE staining. The serum levels of TNF-α, IL-1β and IFN-γ were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the expressions of TNF-α, IL-1β, IFN-γ and mRNA in rat auricle were detected by Western blot assay and qPCR. Results Compared with the blank group, the auricle was dark red, the hair follicle mouth was rough and dry, the skin surface was uneven, the pathological finding showed that the boundary of epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous tissue wfere fuzzy, the hair follicle epithelium and epidermis granular layer were thickened, the adjacent hair follicles expanded and fused with each other, and a large number of inflammatory cells infiltrated in the model group. Compared with the blank group, the auricle thickness and swelling rate were significantly increased in the model group (P＜0.05). The TNF-α and IL-1β contents in serum and auricle tissue were significantly increased, and the IFN-γ content was significantly decreased (P＜0.05). Compared with the model group, the thickness and swelling rate of auricle tissue decreased, TNF-α and 1L-1β levels in serum and auricle tissue decreased, and IFN-γ increased in isotretinoin group and loquat Qingfeiyin group (P＜0.05). Compared with isotretinoin group, the thickness and swelling rate of auricle decreased, and the content of TNF-α and 1L-1β in serum and auricle tissue decreased in loquat Qingfeiyin group (P＜0.05). Conclusion Loquat Qingfeiyin can inhibit the local inflammatory response of acne in rats by down regulating the expressions of TNF-α, 1L-1β and up regulating the expression of IFN-γ.

Key words: acne vulgaris, ear auricle, rats, Wistar, inflammation, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1beta, interferon-gamma, Pipa Qingfei Decoction