Tranexamic Acid Diminishes Laser-Induced Melanogenesis
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Published on: January 19, 2024
Myoung Shin Kim1, Seung Hyun Bang2, Jeong-Hwan Kim3
1Department of Dermatology, Inje University, Sanggye Paik Hospital, Seoul, Korea.
Background:
The treatment of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) remains challenging. Tranexamic acid, a well-known anti-fibrinolytic drug, has recently demonstrated a curative effect towards melasma and ultraviolet-induced PIH in Asian countries. However, the precise mechanism of its inhibitory effect on melanogenesis is not fully understood.
Objective:
In order to clarify the inhibitory effect of tranexamic acid on PIH, we investigated its effects on mouse melanocytes (i.e., melan-a cells) and human melanocytes.
Methods:
Melan-a cells and human melanocytes were cultured with fractional CO2 laser-treated keratinocyte-conditioned media. Melanin content and tyrosinase activity were evaluated in cells treated with or without tranexamic acid. Protein levels of tyrosinase, tyrosinase-related protein (TRP)-1, and TRP-2 were evaluated in melan-a cells. Signaling pathway molecules involved in melanogenesis in melanoma cells were also investigated.
Results:
Tranexamic acid-treated melanocytes exhibited reduced melanin content and tyrosinase activity. Tranexamic acid also decreased tyrosinase, TRP-1, and TRP-2 protein levels. This inhibitory effect on melanogenesis was considered to be involved in extracellular signal-regulated kinase signaling pathways and subsequently microphthalmia-associated transcription factor degradation.
Conclusion:
Tranexamic acid may be an attractive candidate for the treatment of PIH.
Insights
Tranexamic acid reduces melanin production and tyrosinase activity in melanocytes, offering a potential treatment for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). This effect is linked to the extracellular signal-regulated kinase pathway, suggesting a novel therapeutic mechanism for PIH.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) presents a significant clinical challenge.
- Tranexamic acid, an anti-fibrinolytic agent, shows promise for treating melasma and UV-induced PIH.
- The exact mechanism by which tranexamic acid inhibits melanogenesis requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the inhibitory effects of tranexamic acid on melanogenesis in mouse (melan-a) and human melanocytes.
- To clarify the molecular mechanisms underlying tranexamic acid's action on melanocytes.
Main Methods:
- Culturing melan-a and human melanocytes with fractional CO2 laser-treated keratinocyte-conditioned media.
- Assessing melanin content and tyrosinase activity in tranexamic acid-treated and untreated cells.
- Evaluating protein levels of tyrosinase, TRP-1, and TRP-2, and investigating signaling pathway molecules in melan-a cells.
Main Results:
- Tranexamic acid significantly reduced melanin content and tyrosinase activity in melanocytes.
- Protein levels of tyrosinase, TRP-1, and TRP-2 were decreased by tranexamic acid treatment.
- The observed inhibition of melanogenesis involved the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathway and microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) degradation.
Conclusions:
- Tranexamic acid demonstrates potent inhibitory effects on melanogenesis.
- The findings suggest tranexamic acid's potential as an effective therapeutic agent for PIH.
- Further research into tranexamic acid's mechanism could lead to improved PIH treatments.
