Abstract
Reducing hyperpigmentation has been a big issue for years. Even though pigmentation is a normal mechanism protecting skin from UV-causing DNA damage and oxidative stress, it is still an aesthetic problem for many people. Bacteria can produce some compounds in response to their environment. These compounds are widely used in cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications. Some probiotics have immunomodulatory activities and modulate the symptoms of several diseases. Previously, we found that the extracts of Rhodobacter sphaeroides (Lycogen™) inhibited nitric oxide production and inducible nitric-oxide synthase expression in activated macrophages. In this study, we sought to investigate an anti-melanogenic signaling pathway in α-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH)-treated B16F10 melanoma cells and zebrafish. Treatment with Lycogen™ inhibited the cellular melanin contents and expression of melanogenesis-related protein, including microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) and tyrosinase in B16F10 cells. Moreover, Lycogen™ reduced phosphorylation of MEK/ERK without affecting phosphorylation of p38. Meanwhile, Lycogen™ decreased zebrafish melanin expression in a dose-dependent manner. These findings establish Lycogen™ as a new target in melanogenesis and suggest a mechanism of action through the ERK signaling pathway. Our results suggested that Lycogen™ may have potential cosmetic usage in the future.
Highlights
Melanin plays important photo-protective roles in the carcinogenic and deleterious effects of the ultraviolet radiation of solar light
We used mouse B16F10 melanoma cell to evaluate the anti-melanogenic activity of LycogenTM
Doses (6.25 μM–12.5 μM) without significant cytotoxicity were chose to determine the effects of LycogenTM on melanin production (Figure 1a)
Summary
Melanin plays important photo-protective roles in the carcinogenic and deleterious effects of the ultraviolet radiation of solar light. Abnormal melanogenesis is a feature of many human skin diseases, including pigmentary disorders and melanoma. At least three enzymes are required for melanin synthesis, including tyrosinase, tyrosinase-related protein 1 (TRP1). Some of the agents with antioxidative activity have been shown to play an important role in the inhibition of melanogenesis. Bacteria can produce some compounds in response to their environment. We found that the extracts of Rhodobacter sphaeroides (LycogenTM) inhibited nitric oxide production and inducible nitric-oxide synthase expression in activated macrophages [3]. The effect of LycogenTM, a potent anti-inflammatory agent, was evaluated in mice with dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis. We sought to investigate an anti-melanogenic signaling pathway in α-MSH-treated B16F10 melanoma cells and zebrafish
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