Transcriptomic and metabolomic insights into gabapentin’s therapeutic role in neurogenic inflammation of rosacea

Abstract Rosacea is a prevalent skin disorder in which neurogenic inflammation plays a significant role in its pathogenesis. Gabapentin (GBP) has garnered attention as a therapeutic option; however, its precise mechanism of action in treating rosacea remains unclear. Through a comprehensive analysis of experimental and clinical data, the research team has elucidated the molecular mechanism by which GBP inhibits neurogenic inflammation, particularly through modulating the NF-κB signaling pathway to alleviate rosacea inflammation. Using a murine rosacea model induced by LL37, the efficacy of GBP was compared to Minocycline and Hydroxychloroquine combination therapy. Various techniques assessed marker expression, transcriptomic profiles, and in vitro cell experiments with BV2 cells. Clinical data from 60 rosacea patients were analyzed through a randomized trial, comparing GBP therapy to the combination treatment. Results showed GBP effectively reduced skin inflammation and facial redness in mice and patients. Metabolomic analysis indicated significant changes in metabolites post-GBP treatment, correlating with inflammatory factors. The study concludes that GBP mitigates rosacea progression by targeting neurogenic inflammation via NF-κB pathway regulation, shedding light on novel treatment mechanisms through transcriptomics and metabolomics for future clinical application in rosacea research.