Abstract
Hispolon is one of the most important functional compounds that forms Phellinus linteus (Berkeley & Curtis) Teng. Hispolon has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative and anticancer effects. In this study, we analyzed the functions of hispolon on melanogenesis and apoptosis in B16-F10 melanoma cells. The results demonstrated that hispolon is not an enzymatic inhibitor for tyrosinase; rather, it represses the expression of tyrosinase and the microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) to reduce the production of melanin in α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH)-stimulated B16-F10 cells at lower concentrations (less than 2 μM). In contrast, at higher concentration (greater than 10 μM), hispolon can induce activity of caspase-3, -8 and -9 to trigger apoptosis of B16-F10 cells but not of Detroit 551 normal fibroblast cells. Therefore, we suggest that hispolon has the potential to treat hyperpigmentation diseases and melanoma skin cancer in the future.
Highlights
IntroductionMelanin is produced by melanocytes for the protection of the skin against harmful ultraviolet (UV)
Melanin is produced by melanocytes for the protection of the skin against harmful ultraviolet (UV)irradiation; over-produced melanin frequently causes hyperpigmentation [1]
We investigated the effect of hispolon on melanogenesis and apoptosis in
Summary
Melanin is produced by melanocytes for the protection of the skin against harmful ultraviolet (UV). Melanoma is often characterized by resistance to cytotoxic agents, which contributes to the high morbidity and mortality rates in patients [9] For this reason, it is important to look for new anti-cancer agents that apply cytotoxicity activity against melanoma cells. Phellinus linteus (Berkeley & Curtis) Teng is a famous medical fungus of the genus Phellinus in the family of Hymenochaetaceae It has been used as a traditional medicine in oriental countries for many years to treat various diseases, such as gastroenteric disorders, inflammation, tumors and lymphatic diseases [5,10]. In the present study, we analyzed the functions of hispolon on the α-MSH-induced melanogenesis in B16-F10 melanoma cells to confirm the potential of hispolon as a depigmentation agent. The proposed mechanisms by which hispolon functions were discovered in this study
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