Abstract
BackgroundSyringic acid is a phenolic compound that can be produced through selective hydrolysis of eudesmic acid containing 20% sulfuric acid. The acid is obtained by breaking down components, such as anthocyanin and lignin acid, present in the oils of acai berries and other fruits. Recently, the anti-inflammatory, selective toxicity, anticancer, and antioxidant effects of syringic acid have been studied, but few studies on the effects of syringic acid on human keratinocytes (HaCaT) cells have been published. The present study investigated the antioxidant effects of syringic acid, as a potential cosmetic ingredient, on matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression alteration and MMP production control through the activator protein-1 (AP-1) mechanism in HaCaT cells exposed to ultraviolet B radiation.MethodsA reactive oxygen species (ROS)-scavenging assay using a luciferase reporter that utilizes the AP-1 response element, an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) were used. To confirm if ROS in HaCaT cells damaged by ultraviolet B are eliminated by syringic acid, 2′-7′-dichlorofluorescein diacetate was used to measure the ROS quantity. qRT-PCR analysis was used to measure the expressions of SOD1 mRNA, GPx1 mRNA, and catalase (CAT) mRNA, which are related to oxidation inhibition. To measure the anti-aging effects of syringic acid, qRT-PCR was used to measure the expression levels of MMP mRNA, c-Jun, and c-Fos.ResultsROS were eliminated by syringic acid, and cell aging due to ultraviolet B was suppressed. Results of qRT-PCR analysis confirmed that syringic acid suppressed oxidation in HaCaT cells damaged by ultraviolet B. Further, syringic acid was found to suppress the expression of MMP mRNA, c-Jun, and c-Fos in a concentration-dependent manner. ELISA showed that MMP-1 production decreased in a concentration-dependent manner. The luciferase reporter analysis revealed a concentration-dependent decrease in the transcriptional activity of AP-1 promoter caused by syringic acid.ConclusionsSyringic acid was shown to be involved in altering MMP expression and controlling MMP-1 production through the AP-1 mechanism. Thus, the antioxidant and anti-aging effects of syringic acid increased the survival rate of HaCaT cells damaged by ultraviolet B, suggesting that it can be used as a natural phytochemical in cosmetic products.
Highlights
Syringic acid is a phenolic compound that can be produced through selective hydrolysis of eudesmic acid containing 20% sulfuric acid
We found that 1 μM of syringic acid resulted in a 105% cell survival rate, 2 μM resulted in a 108% cell survival rate, 5 μM resulted in a 104% cell survival rate, 10 μM resulted in a 96% cell survival rate, and 20 μM resulted in an 88% cell survival rate (Fig. 1)
To investigate the cytoprotective effects of syringic acid against cell damage caused by UVB, the Human keratinocyte (HaCaT) cells were treated with syringic acid at concentrations of 1, 2, 5, and 10 μM and irradiated with 15 mJ/cm2 UVB
Summary
Syringic acid is a phenolic compound that can be produced through selective hydrolysis of eudesmic acid containing 20% sulfuric acid. The present study investigated the antioxidant effects of syringic acid, as a potential cosmetic ingredient, on matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression alteration and MMP production control through the activator protein-1 (AP-1) mechanism in HaCaT cells exposed to ultraviolet B radiation. External stimuli, including the sun’s rays as well as direct and continuous exposure of keratinocytes to the external environment, lead to oxidative stress and skin aging. Short-wavelength ultraviolet light (UVB) induces the production of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which harm the skin (Pygmalion et al 2010). Continuous research and development have been conducted in a variety of fields to normalize the signal systems within skin cells and prevent harm caused by UV and external stimuli
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