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 C3H/HeJ mice, focusing on its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to inhibit pyroptosis, a form of programmed cell death. Using a chronic unpredictable mild stress model, researchers administered TGP and MCC950 to AA mice and observed reduced hair loss, increased hair follicle numbers, and decreased inflammatory markers such as IL-6, TNF-α, IL-18, and IL-1β. TGP was found to significantly inhibit the NLRP3/caspase-1/GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis pathway in a concentration-dependent manner, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic agent for AA by suppressing inflammation and cellular pyroptosis.