7,8-Dimethoxycoumarin stimulates melanogenesis via MAPKs mediated MITF upregulation

Pharmazie. 2020 Mar 20;75(2):107-111. doi: 10.1691/ph.2020.9735.

Abstract

Background: Melanin in the skin is the defense against the harmful UV radiation, which is considered as one of the major risk factors for skin cancer. The compound 7,8-dimethoxycoumarin (DMC, C11H10O₄), a natural coumarin molecule present in several medicinal plants, possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. However, the mechanism underlying its effects on melanogenesis in melanocytes is unclear. Therefore, we investigated the effect of DMC on melanogenesis activation in B16F10 melanoma cells. Methods: We examined the cytotoxic range of DMC on B16F10 melanoma cells and increased effects of melanogenesis, and intracellular tyrosinase activity. In addition, regulation mechanisms were assessed by Western blot analysis. Results: The results showed that DMC significantly increased melanin content and tyrosinase activity in the cells without being cytotoxic. Furthermore, DMC stimulated the expression of tyrosinase, TRP-1, TRP-2, and MITF thereby activating melanin production and Akt phosphorylation was increased in the Akt signaling pathway. on the contrary, interfering with the phosphorylation of ERK in the MAPKs pathway. Conclusions: These results suggest that DMC may serve as a candidate for potential melanin-producing activator and anti-gray hair applications.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Survival
  • Coumarins / pharmacology*
  • Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases / metabolism
  • Intramolecular Oxidoreductases / metabolism
  • Melanins / biosynthesis*
  • Melanocytes / drug effects
  • Melanocytes / metabolism
  • Melanoma, Experimental
  • Membrane Glycoproteins / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Microphthalmia-Associated Transcription Factor / metabolism*
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Kinases / metabolism*
  • Monophenol Monooxygenase / metabolism
  • Oxidoreductases / metabolism

Substances

  • Coumarins
  • Melanins
  • Membrane Glycoproteins
  • Microphthalmia-Associated Transcription Factor
  • 7,8-dimethoxycoumarin
  • Oxidoreductases
  • Tyrp1 protein, mouse
  • Monophenol Monooxygenase
  • Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Kinases
  • Intramolecular Oxidoreductases
  • dopachrome isomerase