A nuclear factor kappa B-derived inhibitor tripeptide inhibits UVB-induced photoaging process

Abstract

Background: Ultraviolet (UV) irradiation on the skin induces photoaging which is characterized by keratinocyte hyperproliferation, generation of coarse wrinkles, worse of laxity and roughness. Upon UV irradiation, nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) is activated which plays a key role in signaling pathway leading to inflammation cascade and this activation stimulates expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1alpha (IL-1α) and a stress response gene cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). In addition, activation of NF-κB up-regulates the expression of matrix metalloprotease-1 (MMP-1) and consequently collagen in dermis is degraded.

Objective: In this study, the effects of a NF-κB-derived inhibitor tripeptide on the UVB-induced photoaging and inflammation were investigated in vitro and in vivo.

Methods: A NF-κB-derived inhibitor tripeptide (NF-κB-DVH) was synthesized based on the sequence of dimerization region of the subunit p65 of NF-κB. Its inhibitory activity was confirmed using chromatin immunoprecipitation assay and in situ proximate ligation assay. The effects of anti-photoaging and anti-inflammation were analyzed by Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunoblotting and immunochemistry.

Results: NF-κB-DVH significantly decreased UV-induced expression of TNF-α, IL-1α, MMP-1 and COX-2 while increased production of type I procollagen.

Conclusion: Results showed NF-κB-DVH had strong anti-inflammatory activity probably by inhibiting NF-κB activation pathway and suggested to be used as a novel agent for anti-photoaging.

Keywords: Anti-inflammation; NF-κB inhibitor tripeptide; Photoaging; UV.