(-)-Epicatechin-3-gallate, a green tea polyphenol is a potent agent against UVB-induced damage in HaCaT keratinocytes

(-)-Epicatechin-3-gallate (ECG) is a polyphenolic compound similar to (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) which is abundant in green tea. Numerous workers have proposed that EGCG protects epidermal cells against UVB-induced damage. However, little has been known about whether ECG protects keratinocytes against UVB-induced damage. We decided to investigate the protective effects and underlying mechanisms of ECG on UVB-induced damage. Cell viability was determined by the MTT assay. Activation of ERK1/2, p38 and JNK was analyzed by Western blotting. Intracellular H2O2 production and DNA content was analyzed by flow cytometry. Lipid peroxidation was assayed by colorimetry. In our study, we found that ECG dose-dependently attenuated UVB-induced keratinocyte death. Moreover, ECG markedly inhibited UVB-induced cell membrane lipid peroxidation and H2O2 generation in keratinocytes, suggesting that ECG can act as a free radical scavenger when keratinocytes were photodamaged. In parallel, H2O2-induced the activation of ERK1/2, p38 and JNK in keratinocytes could be inhibited by ECG. UVB-induced pre-G1 arrest leading to apoptotic changes of keratinocytes were blocked by ECG. Taken together, we provide here evidence that ECG protects keratinocytes from UVB-induced photodamage and H2O2-induced oxidative stress, possibly through inhibition of the activation of ERK1/2, p38 and JNK and/or scavenging of free radicals.     

Green tea phenol extracts reduce UVB-induced DNA damage in human cells via interleukin-12

Green tea chemoprevention has been a focus of recent research, as a polyphenolic fraction from green tea (GTP) has been suggested to prevent UV radiation-induced skin cancer. Recently, it was demonstrated that GTP reduced the risk for skin cancer in a murine photocarcinogenesis model. This was accompanied by a reduction in UV-induced DNA damage. These effects appeared to be mediated via interleukin (IL)-12, which was previously shown to induce DNA repair. Therefore, we studied whether GTP induction of IL-12 and DNA repair could also be observed in human cells. KB cells and normal human keratinocytes were exposed to GTP 5 h before and after UVB. UVB-induced apoptosis was reduced in UVB-exposed cells treated with GTP. GTP induced the secretion of IL-12 in keratinocytes. The reduction in UV-induced cell death by GTP was almost completely reversed upon addition of an anti-IL-12-antibody, indicating that the reduction of UV-induced cell death by GTP is mediated via IL-12. The ability of IL-12 to reduce DNA damage and sunburn cells was confirmed in "human living skin equivalent" models. Hence the previously reported UV-protective effects of GTP appear to be mediated in human cells via IL-12, most likely through induction of DNA repair.     

Lutein, zeaxanthin and astaxanthin protect against DNA damage in SK-N-SH human neuroblastoma cells induced by reactive nitrogen species

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ability of the predominant carotenoids (lutein and zeaxanthin) of the macular pigment of the human retina, to protect SK-N-SH human neuroblastoma cells against DNA damage induced by different RNOS donors. Although astaxanthin has never been isolated from the human eye, it was included in this study because its structure is very close to that of lutein and zeaxanthin and because it affords protection from UV-light. DNA damage was induced by GSNO-MEE, a nitric oxide donor, by Na(2)N(2)O(3), a nitroxyl anion donor and by SIN-1, a peroxynitrite-generating agent. DNA damage was assessed using the comet assay, a rapid and sensitive single cell gel electrophoresis technique able to detect primary DNA damage in individual cells. The tail moment parameter was used as an index of DNA damage. The values of tail moment increased in all the samples incubated with the RNOS donors, indicating DNA impairment. Data obtained show that the ability of zeaxanthin, lutein, and astaxanthin to reduce the DNA damage depends on the type of RNOS donor and the carotenoid concentration used. All the carotenoids studied were capable of protecting against DNA damage in neuroblastoma cells when the cells were exposed to GSNO-MEE. However, a different behaviour was present when the other two RNOS donors were used. The presence of a carotenoid alone (without an RNOS donor) did not cause DNA damage. Spectrophotometric studies showed that the order with which tested carotenoids reacted with RNOS was not always in agreement with the DNA protection results. The data from this study provides additional information on the activities of the macular pigment carotenoids of the human retina.     

Naringenin protects HaCaT human keratinocytes against UVB-induced apoptosis and enhances the removal of cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers from the genome

Many naturally occurring agents are believed to protect against UV-induced skin damage. In this study, we have investigated the effects of naringenin (NG), a naturally occurring citrus flavonone, on the removal of UVB-induced cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPD) from the genome and apoptosis in immortalized p53-mutant human keratinocyte HaCaT cells. The colony-forming assay shows that treatment with NG significantly increases long-term cell survival after UVB irradiation. NG treatment also protects the cells from UVB-induced apoptosis, as indicated by the absence of the 180 base pair DNA ladders and the appearance of sub-G1 peak using agarose gel electrophoresis and flow cytometric analysis, respectively. The UVB-induced poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) cleavage, caspase activation and Bax/Bcl2 ratio were modulated following NG treatment, indicating an antiapoptotic effect of NG in UVB-damaged cells that occurs at least in part via caspase cascade pathway. Moreover, treatment of UVB-irradiated HaCaT cells with NG enhances the removal of CPD from the genome, as observed by both direct quantitation of CPD in genomic DNA and immuno-localization of the damage within the nuclei. The study provides a molecular basis for the action of NG as a promising natural flavonoid in preventing skin aging and carcinogenesis.     

Protective effects of cyanidin-3-O-beta-glucopyranoside against UVA-induced oxidative stress in human keratinocytes

Ultraviolet-A (UVA) radiation causes significant oxidative stress because it leads to the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to extensive cellular damage and eventual cell death either by apoptosis or necrosis. We evaluated the protective effects of cyanidin-3-O-beta-glucopyranoside (C-3-G) against UVA-induced apoptosis and DNA fragmentation in a human keratinocyte cell line (HaCaT). Treatment of HaCaT cells with C-3-G before UVA irradiation inhibited the formation of apoptotic cells (61%) and DNA fragmentation (54%). We also investigated antioxidant properties of C-3-G in HaCaT cells against ROS formation at apoptotic doses of UVA; C-3-G inhibited hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) release (an indicator of cellular ROS formation) after UVA irradiation. Further confirmation of the potential of C-3-G to counteract UVA-induced ROS formation comes from our demonstration of its ability to enhance the resistance of HaCaT cells to the apoptotic effects of both H2O2 and the superoxide anion (O2*-), two ROS involved in UVA-oxidative stress. Furthermore, in terms of Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Activity, C-3-G treatment led to a greater increase in antioxidant activity in the membrane-enriched fraction than in the cytosol (55% vs 19%). The protective effects against UVA-induced ROS formation can be attributed to the higher membrane levels of C-3-G incorporation. These encouraging in vitro results support further research into C-3-G (and other anthocyanins) as novel agents for skin photoprotection.     

Photoprotection by honeybush extracts, hesperidin and mangiferin against UVB-induced skin damage in SKH-1 mice

The possible mechanism of photoprotection by polyphenolic extracts of honeybush and the two most abundant polyphenols found in honeybush, hesperidin and mangiferin were determined using a mouse model. Ethanol: acetone soluble extracts and pure honeybush compounds were applied topically to the skin of SKH-1 mice before daily exposures to ultraviolet B (UVB) (180 mJ/cm2) for 10 days. The honeybush extracts reduced signs of sunburn, such as erythema, peeling and hardening of the skin and also significantly (P < 0.05) reduced edema, epidermal hyperplasia and the induction of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), ornithine decarboxylase (ODC), GADD45 and OGG1/2 expression. The fermented honeybush extract significantly (P < 0.05) reduced lipid peroxidation and depletion of the antioxidant enzymes catalase and superoxide dismutase. Hesperidin and mangiferin were less effective. These results show that extracts of honeybush and to some extent, hesperidin and mangiferin, renders protection against UVB-induced skin damage. The mechanisms investigated suggest that honeybush extracts protected the skin via modulation of induced-oxidative damage, inflammation and cell proliferation. Other specific biological properties such as modulation of signaling pathways could also be involved.     

Continuous-flow synthesis of activated vitamin D3 and its analogues

An efficient, two-stage, continuous-flow synthesis of 1α,25-(OH)(2)-vitamin D(3) (activated vitamin D(3)) and its analogues was achieved. The developed method afforded the desired products in satisfactory yields using a high-intensity and economical light source, i.e., a high-pressure mercury lamp. In addition, our method required neither intermediate purification nor high-dilution conditions.     

UVB-induced conversion of 7-dehydrocholesterol to 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (calcitriol) in the human keratinocyte line HaCaT

We have previously shown that keratinocytes in vitro can convert biologically inactive vitamin D3 to the hormone calcitriol. The present study was initiated to test whether ultraviolet B (UVB)-induced photolysis of provitamin D3 (7-dehydrocholesterol, [7-DHC]) which results in the formation of vitamin D3 also leads to the generation of calcitriol in keratinocytes. Submerged monolayers of HaCaT keratinocytes were preincubated with 7-DHC (25 microM) at 37 degrees C and irradiated with monochromatic UVB at different wavelengths (effective UV-doses: 7.5-60 mJ/cm2), or a narrow-band fluorescent lamp Philips TL-01 (UVB-doses: 125-1500 mJ/cm2). Irradiation with both sources of UVB resulted in the generation of different amounts of previtamin D3 in our in vitro model followed by time-dependent isomerization to vitamin D3 and consecutive formation of calcitriol in the picomolar range. Unirradiated cultures or cultures exposed to wavelengths > 315 nm generated no or only trace amounts of calcitriol. The conversion of vitamin D3 generated after UVB irradiation to calcitriol is inhibited by ketoconazole indicating the involvement of P450 mixed function oxidases in this chemical reaction. The generation of calcitriol was wavelength- and UVB dose dependent and reached approximately 18-fold higher levels after irradiation at 297 nm than at 310 nm (effective UVB dose: 30 mJ/cm2). Hence, keratinocytes may be a potential source of biologically active calcitriol within epidermis, when irradiated with therapeutical doses of UVB.     

Simplified dynemicin analogues: diastereoselective synthesis and evaluation of their activity against plasmid DNA

The total synthesis of two diastereoisomeric simplified dynemicin analogues is reported. The key steps involved are: the regio- and diastereoselective functionalisation of an appropriate racemic quinoline precursor and the ring closure to give the 10-membered enediyne moiety through a Pd(0)-catalysed Stille reaction. After the successful conversion of one of these derivatives into a compound more readily activable under nearly physiological conditions, the activity against plasmid DNA was evaluated.     

Study on induction of differentiation of a human megakaryoblastic leukemia cell line (HIMeg) by 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3

It is reported that 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3), a physiological factor, has an inductive effect on the differentiation of a novel human megakaryoblastic leukemia cell line (HIMeg) in vitro. At the concentrations ranging from 10(-9) to 10(-6) mol/L, 1,25(OH)2D3 showed inhibition of proliferation on HIMeg cells which was demonstrated by count of survival cells and cloning efficiency. Meanwhile, using light/electron microscopy, stain of cytochemistry (including immunoenzymatic technique) and flow cytometry, we found that HIMeg cells could be further induced into more mature cells in megakaryocytic lineage confirmed by a series of evidence, including the changes of cell morphology/structure and cytochemistry, increased expression of differentiation antigens on the cell surface, and polyploidization. So, it is possible for 1,25(OH)2D3 to promote the differentiation of the cells in megakaryocytic lineage in vivo and to be used to treat acute megakaryoblastic leukemia and other diseases with malignant megakaryocytosis.     

Electrolyzed-reduced water protects against oxidative damage to DNA, RNA, and protein

The generation of reactive oxygen species is thought to cause extensive oxidative damage to various biomolecules such as DNA, RNA, and protein. In this study, the preventive, suppressive, and protective effects of in vitro supplementation with electrolyzed-reduced water on H₂O₂-induced DNA damage in human lymphocytes were examined using a comet assay. Pretreatment, cotreatment, and posttreatment with electrolyzed-reduced water enhanced human lymphocyte resistance to the DNA strand breaks induced by H₂O₂ in vitro. Moreover, electrolyzed-reduced water was much more effective than diethylpyrocarbonate-treated water in preventing total RNA degradation at 4 and 25°C. In addition, electrolyzed-reduced water completely prevented the oxidative cleavage of horseradish peroxidase, as determined using sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gels. Enhancement of the antioxidant activity of ascorbic acid dissolved in electrolyzed-reduced water was about threefold that of ascorbic acid dissolved in nonelectrolyzed deionized water, as measured by a xanthine-xanthine oxidase superoxide scavenging assay system, suggesting an inhibitory effect of electrolyzed-reduced water on the oxidation of ascorbic acid.     

Photodynamic activities of silicon phthalocyanines against achromic M6 melanoma cells and healthy human melanocytes and keratinocytes

Dichlorosilicon phthalocyanine (Cl2SiPc) and bis(tri-n-hexylsiloxy) silicon phthalocyanine (HexSiPc) have been evaluated in vitro as potential photosensitizers for photodynamic therapy (PDT) against the human amelanotic melanoma cell line M6. Each photosensitizer is dissolved in a solvent-PBS mixture, or entrapped in egg-yolk lecithin liposomes or in Cremophor EL micelles. The cells are incubated for 1 h with the sensitizer and then irradiated for 20 min, 1 h or 2 h (lambda > 480 nm, 10 mW cm-2). The photocytotoxic effect is dependent on the photosensitizer concentration and the light dose. Higher phototoxicity is observed after an irradiation of 2 h: treatment with a solution of photosensitizer (2 x 10(-9) M) leads to 10% (HexSiPc in egg-yolk lecithin liposomes) or 20% (Cl2SiPc in DMF-PBS solution) cell viability. After 1 h incubation and 20 min of light exposure, the photodynamic effect is connected with the type of delivery system used. For HexSiPc, lower cell viability is found when this photosensitizer is entrapped in egg-yolk lecithin instead of solvent-PBS or for Cremophor EL micelles with Cl2SiPc. Liposome-delivered HexSiPc leads to lipid damage in M6 cells, illustrated by an increase of thiobarbituric acid-reacting substances (TBARs), but the change is not significant with Cremophor EL. The same is observed for the antioxidative defences after photodynamic stress. The cells irradiated with HexSiPc entrapped in liposomes display an increase of superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and a decrease of glutathione (GSH) level, glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx) and catalase (Cat) activities.     

Hydroxyl radical quenching agents protect against DNA breakage caused by both 365-nm UVA and by gamma radiation

The ability of hydroxyl radical (.OH) scavengers to reduce DNA breakage in isolated DNA from Bacillus subtilis by either gamma radiation or monochromatic radiation in the UVA region (365 nm) was examined by comparing dose reduction factors (the ratio of dose required to induce n DNA breaks in the absence to the presence of quencher). Previous data have demonstrated that acetate, formate, azide, and mannitol protect supercoiled DNA against gamma-radiation-induced ssb (single-strand breaks-relaxation of supercoil by first nick) in close agreement with the rate at which their solutions quench .OH. Here we show that these quenchers also protect against 365-nm-induced ssb. The ratios for protection against 365-nm induced DNA ssb in isolated B. subtilis DNA by the four quenchers are also in proportion to their ability to quench .OH. In view of the diverse chemical nature of the quenchers and the wide range of concentrations involved, these findings are evidence that both these radiations may induce ssb in DNA via a common step that might involve .OH.     

Synthesis and biological evaluation of all A-ring stereoisomers of 5,6-trans-2-methyl-1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) and their 20-epimers: possible binding modes of potent A-ring analogues to vitamin D receptor.

BACKGROUND: The secosteroid 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) (1) has a wide variety of biological activities, which makes it a promising therapeutic agent for the treatment of cancer, psoriasis and osteoporosis. Insight into the structure-activity relationships of the A-ring of 1 is still needed to assist the development of more potent and selective analogues as candidate chemotherapeutic agents, as well as to define the molecular mode of action. RESULTS: All possible A-ring stereoisomers of 5,6-trans-2-methyl-1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) (6a-h) and their 20-epimers (7a-h) were designed and efficiently synthesized. The dependence of the affinities for vitamin D receptor (VDR) and vitamin D binding protein (DBP), as well as the HL-60 cell differentiation-inducing activity, upon the stereochemistry of the A-ring and at C20 in the side chain was evaluated. CONCLUSIONS: The binding affinities and potency of the 5,6-trans and 5,6-cis analogues were enhanced by a 2-methyl substituent in a certain orientation. Molecular docking studies based upon the X-ray crystal structure of VDR suggested that the axial 2-methyl group would be accommodated in a pocket surrounded by hydrophobic amino acid residues in the ligand binding domain, resulting in enhanced interaction.     

Synthetic studies of vitamin D analogues. XI. Synthesis and differentiation-inducing activity of 1 alpha,25-dihydroxy-22-oxavitamin D3 analogues.

Six analogues of 1 alpha,25-dihydroxy-22-oxavitamin D3 (OCT) (2), 26,27-dimethyl OCT (5), 26,27-diethyl OCT (6), 24-norOCT (7), 24-homoOCT (8), 24-dihomoOCT (9), and 24-trihomoOCT (10) were synthesized from the 20(S)-alcohol (11) as the common starting material. In the activity inducing differentiation of human myeloid leukemia cells (HL-60) into macrophages, 26,27-dimethyl OCT (5) and 24-homoOCT (8) showed the highest activities. The binding properties of these analogues to the chick embryonic intestinal 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1) receptor are also described.     

Interexperimental and interindividual variations of DNA repair capacities after UV-B and UV-C irradiations of human keratinocytes and fibroblasts

DNA repair plays a central role in the cellular response to UV. In this work we have studied the response of skin cells (i.e. fibroblasts and keratinocytes) from the same or from different individuals after both ultraviolet-B (UV-B) and ultraviolet-C (UV-C) irradiations using the comet assay to characterize the specific cellular response to UV-induced DNA damage. Cells were irradiated with increasing doses of UV-B or UV-C. To study the UV dose dependency of initial steps of DNA repair, namely recognition and incision at DNA damage level, the comet assay was performed, under alkaline conditions, 60 min after UV irradiation to allow detection of DNA strand breaks. Comparative analysis of tail moment values after UV exposure of cells from the same or from different individuals showed interexperimental and interindividual variations, implying that repeated assays are necessary to characterize the individual DNA repair capacity. With increasing doses of UV in keratinocytes, a plateau was rapidly reached after irradiation, whereas in fibroblasts a linear dose-effect relationship was observed. These interindividual variations associated with cellular specificity in DNA response may be of significance in skin cell and individual susceptibility toward UV-induced carcinogenesis.     

Photoinduced DNA cleavage and cellular damage in human dermal fibroblasts by 2,3-diaminophenazine

Aromatic amines, such as o-phenylenediamine (OPD), have been used extensively in commercial hair dyes and in the synthesis of agricultural pesticides. Air oxidation of OPD results in the formation of 2,3-diaminophenazine (DAP). Although the mutagenic toxicity of DAP has been shown in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems, its phototoxicity remains largely unexplored. This study focuses on the pH-dependent photophysical properties of DAP and demonstrates its ability to photoinduce DNA damage to pUC19 plasmid in vitro. The photocytotoxicity of DAP toward human skin fibroblasts was also measured. DAP exhibits weak intercalative binding to double-stranded DNA with a binding constant K(b) = 3.5 x 10(3) M(-1). Furthermore, upon irradiation with visible light, DAP is able to nick plasmid DNA in the presence of oxygen. The concentration of DAP that resulted in 50% cell death was 172 +/- 9 microM in the dark and 13 +/- 1 microM after irradiation of the DAP-treated cell cultures with visible light (400-700 nm, 30 min, 5 J/cm(2)). The 13-fold increase in toxicity upon exposure to visible light shows the need for further study of the photocytotoxicity of contaminants such as DAP.