Linoleic Acid Induces Metabolic Reprogramming and Inhibits Oxidative and Inflammatory Effects in Keratinocytes...

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Biochemistry
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Linoleic acid (LA), an omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), is vital for skin barrier function.
• LA-rich oils mitigate UV radiation damage, but its protective mechanisms against UVB are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate LA's role in restoring redox and metabolic balance after UVB exposure.
• To assess LA's impact on the inflammatory response in keratinocytes.

Main Methods:

• HaCaT cells were exposed to UVB radiation.
• Flow cytometry assessed reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels.
• Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) metabolomics analyzed metabolic profiles.
• Gene expression of glutathione synthesis and COX-2 was evaluated.

Main Results:

• LA significantly reduced UVB-induced ROS production.
• LA restored depleted glutathione (GSH) levels and modulated carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism.
• LA upregulated PI3K/Akt-dependent GCLC and GSS expression.
• LA downregulated COX-2 expression, indicating an anti-inflammatory effect.

Conclusions:

• LA promotes metabolic reprogramming, enhancing GSH biosynthesis via PI3K/Akt signaling to combat UVB-induced oxidative stress.
• LA suppresses UVB-induced inflammation by downregulating COX-2.
• LA represents a potential therapeutic agent for mitigating UVB-induced skin damage.