Impact of kanamycin on melanogenesis and antioxidant enzymes activity in melanocytes--an in vitro study

Dorota Wrześniok1, Michał Otręba, Artur Beberok

  • 1Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Medical University of Silesia, Jagiellońska 4, PL 41-200, Sosnowiec, Poland.

Insights

Kanamycin, an aminoglycoside antibiotic, harms human melanocyte viability and melanin production. This study suggests kanamycin

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Toxicology
  • Dermatology

Background:

  • Aminoglycosides are broad-spectrum antibiotics effective against various infections.
  • However, aminoglycosides can cause adverse effects like nephrotoxicity, ototoxicity, and toxicity to pigmented tissues.
  • Kanamycin is a commonly used aminoglycoside antibiotic.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of kanamycin on human melanocyte viability, melanogenesis, and antioxidant enzyme activity.
  • To explore the potential mechanisms behind kanamycin's toxicity to pigmented tissues.

Main Methods:

  • Cultured human normal melanocytes (HEMa-LP) were treated with varying concentrations of kanamycin.
  • Cell viability was assessed using EC50 values.
  • Melanogenesis was evaluated by measuring tyrosinase activity and melanin content.
  • Activity of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, GPx) was analyzed.

Main Results:

  • Kanamycin induced a concentration-dependent decrease in melanocyte viability, with an EC50 of approximately 6.0 mM.
  • Kanamycin suppressed melanin biosynthesis by inhibiting tyrosinase activity and reducing melanin content.
  • Significant alterations in SOD, CAT, and GPx activity were observed, indicating depletion of the antioxidant defense system.

Conclusions:

  • Kanamycin's inhibitory effect on melanogenesis and its detrimental impact on the antioxidant defense system in melanocytes may contribute to its observed toxicity in pigmented tissues.
  • These findings provide insights into the mechanisms underlying aminoglycoside-induced side effects on pigmented tissues.

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