A nuclear factor kappa B-derived inhibitor tripeptide inhibits UVB-induced photoaging process

Ultraviolet (UV) irradiation on the skin induces photoaging which is characterized by keratinocyte hyperproliferation, generation of coarse wrinkles, worse of laxity and roughness. Upon UV irradiation, nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) is activated which plays a key role in signaling pathway leading to inflammation cascade and this activation stimulates expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1alpha (IL-1α) and a stress response gene cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). In addition, activation of NF-κB up-regulates the expression of matrix metalloprotease-1 (MMP-1) and consequently collagen in dermis is degraded.

In this study, the effects of a NF-κB-derived inhibitor tripeptide on the UVB-induced photoaging and inflammation were investigated in vitro and in vivo.

A NF-κB-derived inhibitor tripeptide (NF-κB-DVH) was synthesized based on the sequence of dimerization region of the subunit p65 of NF-κB. Its inhibitory activity was confirmed using chromatin immunoprecipitation assay and in situ proximate ligation assay. The effects of anti-photoaging and anti-inflammation were analyzed by Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunoblotting and immunochemistry.

NF-κB-DVH significantly decreased UV-induced expression of TNF-α, IL-1α, MMP-1 and COX-2 while increased production of type I procollagen.

Results showed NF-κB-DVH had strong anti-inflammatory activity probably by inhibiting NF-κB activation pathway and suggested to be used as a novel agent for anti-photoaging.