Photoprotective potential of gadusol against ultraviolet B radiation in melanocytes

The increasing incidence of skin cancer, including melanoma, combined with the need for ultraviolet (UV) filters that are safe for human health and marine ecosystems, is driving the search for new photoprotective agents. Gadusol, a natural metabolite present in marine organisms, has been identified as a compound capable of absorbing UV radiation and exerting antioxidant functions. In this study, we investigated the photoprotective effects of gadusol on non-tumorigenic murine melanocyte cell line exposed to UVB radiation. Cell viability was assessed by trypan blue exclusion, and parameters of cell death, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and proliferation were also analyzed. The results showed that gadusol (50 μM) did not exhibit cytotoxicity and, when administered during exposure to 15 and 30 mJ/cm² of UVB, protected cells against reduced cell viability and viable cell count. Furthermore, gadusol also protected against apoptosis, attenuated ROS production, and maintained the proliferative rate at levels similar to the control, even under high UVB doses (30 mJ/cm²). We conclude that gadusol exerts effective photoprotective action, attenuating the effects of UVB radiation on melanocytes without compromising cell viability or proliferation. These findings reinforce the potential of gadusol as a safe, effective, and environmentally sustainable alternative for skin photoprotection applications.