Baicalin protects human fibroblasts against ultraviolet B-induced cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers formation

Arch Dermatol Res. 2008 Jul;300(6):331-4. doi: 10.1007/s00403-008-0851-4. Epub 2008 Apr 10.

Abstract

Exposure to ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation is a major risk factor for the development of skin cancer. Therefore, it is important to identify agents that can offer protection against UVB-caused DNA damage. Photocarcinogenesis is caused largely by mutations at the sites of incorrectly repaired DNA photoproducts, of which the most common are the cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs). In this study, a DNA damage model of UVB irradiation-induced fibroblasts was established. The immunocytochemical staining, immuno dot blotting and Western blotting were employed in the study. We demonstrated that pre-treatment of fibroblasts with Baicalin dose-dependently reduced the amount of UVB-generated CPDs. Compared with UVB irradiated cells, UVB-induced p53 accumulation was less pronounced in Baicalin-treated cells. Taken together, these results suggest that Baicalin prevent CPDs formation induced by UVB. Baicalin is therefore a promising protective substance against UVB radiation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cells, Cultured
  • Child, Preschool
  • DNA Damage / drug effects
  • DNA Damage / genetics
  • DNA Damage / radiation effects*
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Drugs, Chinese Herbal / pharmacology
  • Environmental Exposure / adverse effects
  • Fibroblasts / chemistry
  • Fibroblasts / metabolism
  • Fibroblasts / radiation effects*
  • Flavonoids / pharmacology*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Male
  • Pyrimidine Dimers / chemistry
  • Pyrimidine Dimers / genetics
  • Pyrimidine Dimers / radiation effects*
  • Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 / genetics
  • Ultraviolet Rays / adverse effects

Substances

  • Drugs, Chinese Herbal
  • Flavonoids
  • Pyrimidine Dimers
  • Tumor Suppressor Protein p53
  • baicalin