Protective effect of kudzu root vinegar and adenosine against UVB-induced oxidative stress in human keratinocytes

Abstract

Ultraviolet (UV) irradiation generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cells, which induces sunburn cell formation, melanoma, photoaging, and skin cancer. This study examines the anti-photodamage effects of kudzu root vinegar and adenosine in UVB-exposed human keratinocytes (HaCaT cells). UVB significantly decreased HaCaT cell viability, whereas kudzu root vinegar and adenosine did not exhibit cytotoxic effects and increased the viability of HaCaT cells. To investigate the protective effects of kudzu root vinegar and adenosine on UVB-induced oxidative stress in HaCaT cells, ROS, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) were analyzed. UVB-induced treatment reduced the activity of antioxidant enzymes; however, kudzu root vinegar and adenosine increased their activity. These results indicated that kudzu root vinegar and adenosine exert cytoprotective activity against UVB-induced oxidative stress in HaCaT cells. Moreover, they suppressed the UVB-induced downregulation of MMPs and inhibited the phosphorylation of MAPK induced by UVB-irradiation. Therefore, kudzu root vinegar and adenosine offer anti-oxidative effects, via lowering ROS production, suppressing JNK activation, and downregulating expression of MMPs. Our findings suggest that kudzu root vinegar and adenosine have potential application in preventing skin damage owing to UVB exposure. Keywords: reactive oxygen species (ROS), HaCaT cell, UVB, skin damage, anti-aging