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Updated: May 9, 2026

Pharmacologic Induction of Epidermal Melanin and Protection Against Sunburn in a Humanized Mouse Model
Published on: September 7, 2013
Diphlorethohydroxycarmalol attenuated cell damage against UVB radiation via enhancing antioxidant effects and
Mei Jing Piao1, Kyoung Ah Kang1, Ki Cheon Kim1
1School of Medicine, Jeju National University, Jeju 690-756, Republic of Korea.
Abstract:
Exposure of human skin to excessive ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation induces pathophysiological processes via the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in skin cells, such as keratinocytes. This study investigated the ability of diphlorethohydroxycarmalol (DPHC) to protect human keratinocytes (HaCaT) against UVB-induced cell damage. DPHC restored cell viability that was reduced by UVB light. DPHC had an absorption maximum close to the UVB spectrum and decreased UVB-induced intracellular ROS levels, increased levels of reduced glutathione, activated superoxide dismutase and catalase. DPHC also decreased UVB-mediated damage to cellular components, including lipids, proteins, DNA, and attenuated UVB-induced apoptosis. These results suggest that DPHC safeguards human keratinocytes against UVB-induced cell damage by absorbing UVB ray, scavenging ROS and enhancing antioxidant system.
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