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Pharmacologic Induction of Epidermal Melanin and Protection Against Sunburn in a Humanized Mouse Model
Published on: September 7, 2013
Radix clematidis extract inhibits UVB-induced MMP expression by suppressing the NF-kappaB pathway in human dermal
Young-Rae Lee1, Eun-Mi Noh, Kang-Beom Kwon
1Department of Biochemistry, Institute for Medical Sciences, Chonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonbuk 560-182, Japan.
Abstract:
Ultraviolet (UV)B irradiation induces the production of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which are responsible for the degradation of collagenous extracellular matrix in connective tissues, causing skin photoaging. Although Radix clematidis is commonly used in Chinese medicine for the treatment of arthralgia, the anti-skin photoaging effects of Radix clematidis have not yet been reported. In the present study, we investigated the inhibitory effects of Radix clematidis extract (RCE) on MMP-1 and -3 expression of human dermal fibroblast cells via various in vitro experiments and elucidated the pathways of inhibition. Western blot analysis and real-time PCR revealed RCE inhibited UVB-induced MMP-1 and -3 expressions in a dose-dependent manner. UVB strongly activated nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) activity, which was determined by IkappaBalpha degradation, nuclear localization of p50 and p65 subunit, and NF-kappaB binding activity. However, UVB-induced NF-kappaB activation was completely blocked by RCE pretreatment. These findings suggest that RCE prevents UVB-induced MMP expression through inhibition of NF-kappaB activation. In conclusion, RCE is a potential agent for the prevention and treatment of skin photoaging.
Insights
Radix clematidis extract (RCE) inhibits skin photoaging by blocking matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) activation, offering a potential natural treatment.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Molecular Biology
- Traditional Chinese Medicine
Background:
- Ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation causes skin photoaging by inducing matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) that degrade extracellular matrix.
- Radix clematidis, used in traditional Chinese medicine for arthralgia, has unexplored anti-photoaging properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the anti-photoaging effects of Radix clematidis extract (RCE) on human dermal fibroblasts.
- To elucidate the molecular pathways involved in RCE's inhibition of UVB-induced skin damage.
Main Methods:
- In vitro experiments using human dermal fibroblast cells.
- Western blot analysis and real-time PCR to assess MMP-1 and MMP-3 expression.
- Evaluation of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) pathway activation, including IkappaBalpha degradation and p50/p65 subunit localization.
Main Results:
- RCE significantly inhibited UVB-induced MMP-1 and MMP-3 expression in a dose-dependent manner.
- UVB-induced activation of the NF-kappaB pathway was completely blocked by RCE pretreatment.
- RCE demonstrated inhibitory effects on key indicators of NF-kappaB activation.
Conclusions:
- Radix clematidis extract (RCE) effectively prevents UVB-induced MMP expression by inhibiting the NF-kappaB signaling pathway.
- RCE shows potential as a therapeutic agent for preventing and treating skin photoaging.
