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Updated: Jul 7, 2026

Pharmacologic Induction of Epidermal Melanin and Protection Against Sunburn in a Humanized Mouse Model
Published on: September 7, 2013
Fucoidan inhibits UVB-induced MMP-1 expression in human skin fibroblasts
Hee Jung Moon1, Soon Rye Lee, Sun Nyu Shim
1Institute of Natural Products for Health Promotion and Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Kosin University, Busan, Korea.
Abstract:
Ultraviolet (UV)B irradiation induces the production of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) by activating cellular signaling transduction pathways, which are responsible for the degradation or synthesis inhibition of collagenous extracellular matrix in connective tissues, causing skin photoaging. Using the human skin fibroblast (HS68) cell line in the present study, we investigated the inhibitory effects of fucoidan on MMP-1 expression by various in vitro experiments and elucidated the pathways of inhibition. Pretreatment with fucoidan inhibited UVB-induced MMP-1 expression in a dose-dependent manner. Extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK) activation was markedly inhibited by treatment with fucoidan, though JNK activation was very slightly affected by fucoidan. We also found that fucoidan pretreatment significantly reduced MMP-1 mRNA expression in comparison with UVB irradiation only. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that fucoidan can mainly inhibit UVB-induced MMP-1 expression by inhibiting the ERK pathways. Therefore, fucoidan might be used as a potential agent for the prevention and treatment of skin photoaging.
Insights
Fucoidan effectively inhibits UVB-induced matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) expression in skin cells. This compound primarily works by suppressing the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway, suggesting its potential for preventing skin photoaging.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology and cellular biology
- Investigating the molecular mechanisms of skin aging
- Exploring natural compounds for skincare applications
Background:
- Ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation triggers matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) production, leading to collagen degradation and skin photoaging.
- MMPs are key enzymes involved in extracellular matrix remodeling, and their dysregulation contributes to aging.
- Understanding the signaling pathways activated by UVB is crucial for developing anti-aging strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the inhibitory effects of fucoidan on UVB-induced MMP-1 expression in human skin fibroblasts (HS68).
- To elucidate the specific cellular signaling pathways involved in fucoidan's inhibitory action.
- To assess fucoidan's potential as a therapeutic agent against skin photoaging.
Main Methods:
- In vitro experiments using the human skin fibroblast (HS68) cell line.
- Treatment with varying doses of fucoidan followed by UVB irradiation.
- Analysis of MMP-1 expression at both protein and mRNA levels.
- Assessment of key signaling pathway activations, including ERK and JNK.
Main Results:
- Fucoidan pretreatment significantly inhibited UVB-induced MMP-1 expression in a dose-dependent manner.
- Fucoidan markedly suppressed the activation of the Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase (ERK) pathway.
- A notable reduction in MMP-1 mRNA levels was observed with fucoidan pretreatment.
- JNK activation was only slightly affected by fucoidan treatment.
Conclusions:
- Fucoidan effectively inhibits UVB-induced MMP-1 expression, primarily through the suppression of the ERK signaling pathway.
- These findings highlight fucoidan's potential role in preventing and treating skin photoaging.
- Fucoidan represents a promising natural compound for therapeutic interventions targeting UVB-induced skin damage.
