Search Results (557)

Sosnovsky’s hogweed (Heracleum sosnowskyi Manden.) is an invasive plant species widely distributed across Eastern Europe and Russia that poses a serious threat to human health due to its pronounced phototoxic properties. Contact with the plant sap followed by exposure to solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation frequently results in phytophotodermatitis, which is characterized by erythema, blistering, ulceration, and persistent hyperpigmentation. The development of these photochemical injuries—most notably furanocoumarins—act as potent photosensitizers and induce cellular and DNA damage upon UV activation. This review provides an integrated overview of the geographical spread and invasiveness of H. sosnowskyi, the chemical composition of its biologically active metabolites, and the molecular mechanisms underlying hogweed-induced skin injury. Particular emphasis is placed on the photochemical transformations of furanocoumarins, including psoralens and their photooxidation products, such as 1,2-dioxetanes, which generate reactive oxygen species and DNA crosslinks. In addition, the review examines other compounds derived from hogweed biomass—including furan derivatives, aromatic compounds, fatty acids, sterols, and their oxidative products—that may contribute to phototoxic and cytotoxic effects. Clinical manifestations of hogweed-induced burns, their classification, symptomatology, and current therapeutic approaches are critically discussed, highlighting the absence of standardized treatment guidelines. Rather than serving as a purely clinical or botanical survey, this review frames Sosnovsky’s hogweed injury as a solar-light-activated photochemical hazard, tracing the sequence from environmental sunlight exposure through molecular photochemistry to biological tissue damage. By integrating chemical, biological, and dermatological perspectives, the review aims to clarify injury mechanisms and support the development of more effective preventive and mitigation strategies under real-world exposure conditions. Full article

Our prior research revealed that UV-B stress enhances bioactive compounds’ biosynthesis in buckwheat sprouts while simultaneously increasing oxidative damage. To address this, we searched for an exogenous hormone capable of promoting bioactive compound accumulation while mitigating UV-B-induced oxidative damage. This study investigated the regulatory effects of exogenous melatonin (MT) on secondary metabolite accumulation and antioxidant systems in buckwheat sprouts under UV-B stress. MT (30 μM) treatment significantly increased the contents of bioactive compounds (flavonoids and total phenolics) in buckwheat sprouts under UV-B stress. Moreover, these contents peaked in 3-day-old sprouts, showing increases of 23.1% and 13.6%, respectively, compared to UV-B-treated. Concurrently, combined UV-B and MT treatment significantly elevated key enzyme activities in the phenylpropanoid pathway and upregulated the related gene expression levels. Additionally, exogenous MT significantly enhanced the antioxidant capacity of sprouts under 3-day UV-B stress, increasing DPPH radical scavenging rate and FRAP values by 8.38% and 12.2%, respectively. MT treatment also upregulated superoxide dismutase activity (32.1%), peroxidase activity (10.3%), and catalase activity (27.2%). It further enhanced the expression of antioxidant-related genes. Collectively, these effects reduced the accumulation of malondialdehyde, hydrogen peroxide, and superoxide anions, thereby mitigating UV-B-induced oxidative damage in sprouts. This research suggests a potential strategy for the targeted enhancement of bioactive compounds in buckwheat sprouts. Full article

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a significant environmental stressor that exerts profound impacts on insect physiology, behaviour and survival. Although some insects can use UV light for spatial orientation and navigation, it can induce DNA damage, oxidative stress, and impair critical biological functions, ultimately reducing ecological fitness. Sclerodermus alternatusi Yang (Hymenoptera: Bethylidae) is a dominant ectoparasitoid of the early instar larvae of Monochamus alternatus and plays a key role in the biological control of this pest in forestry systems; however, it faces intense UV exposure in the field environment. Despite its ecological importance, the molecular mechanisms underlying its responses to UV-induced stress remain poorly understood. In this study, newly emerged adult wasps (within 24 h post-eclosion) were exposed to UVA (365 nm) and UVC (253.7 nm) radiation for 9 h under controlled laboratory conditions. Total RNA was extracted from treated and control individuals for transcriptomic analysis using RNA-Seq. A total of 505 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified; gene ontology enrichment analysis revealed that UVA exposure significantly upregulated genes involved in cellular respiration and oxidative phosphorylation, suggesting an enhanced metabolic response. Furthermore, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis revealed that UV stress modulates energy metabolism through the activation of oxidative phosphorylation and thermogenesis-related pathways, highlighting the reallocation of energy resources in response to UV-induced stress. To validate the RNA-Seq data, four representative DEGs were selected for quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) analysis. The qPCR results were consistent with the transcriptomic trends, confirming the reliability of the sequencing data. Collectively, this study provides a comprehensive overview of the molecular response mechanisms of S. alternatusi to UV stress, offering novel insights into its environmental adaptability and laying a theoretical foundation for its application in biological pest control under field conditions. Full article

Background: Plants represent an important source of photoprotective compounds that are capable of protecting human skin from solar-induced damage. In this study we investigated the suitability of a murine model for estimating the Erythema Protection Efficacy (EPE) of natural compound. Methods: UVB-induced skin erythema in albino BALB/c mice was quantified using a Mexameter MX18 MDD colorimeter. The ARRIVE principle was followed. The Minimum Erythema Dose (MED) was determined based on Log₁₀ dose–erythema response curves. EPE values for UV filters (e.g., titanium dioxide or zinc oxide) and selected plant-derived compounds (apigenin, caffeic acid, epigallocatechin gallate, kaempferol, and pinocembrin) were calculated as the ratio between the MED of protected skin and that of unprotected skin. Results: The UVB-induced erythema in both female and male mouse skin followed a linear response. Erythema intensity varied by sex and by the dorsal skin area examined. MED values ranged from 39 to 57 mJ/cm² in female mice and from 71 to 80 mJ/cm² in male mice. In both sexes, MED increased linearly with the logarithm of the radiation dose. All tested compounds (apigenin, caffeic acid, epigallocatechin gallate, kaempferol, and pinocembrin) provided protection against UV-radiation-induced erythema in mouse skin. Among them, apigenin, caffeic acid, and kaempferol exhibited the highest EPE values, indicating strong potential for incorporation into sunscreen formulations. Conclusions: The murine EPE metric proved to be a useful tool for identifying plant-derived compounds with potential relevance for the photoprotection of human skin. Full article

The biological effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMFs) remain an unresolved scientific issue with important societal relevance, particularly in the context of the global deployment of fifth-generation (5G) wireless technologies. The skin is continuously exposed to both RF-EMFs and ultraviolet (UV) radiation, a well-established inducer of oxidative stress and DNA damage, making it a relevant model for assessing combined environmental exposures. In this study, we investigated whether post-exposure to 5G RF-EMFs (3.5 and 28 GHz) modulates ultraviolet A (UVA)-induced genotoxic stress in human keratinocytes (HaCaT) and murine melanoma (B16) cells. Post-UV RF-EMF exposure significantly reduced DNA damage markers, including phosphorylated histone H2AX (γH2AX) foci formation (by approximately 30–50%) and comet tail moments (by 60–80%), and suppressed intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation (by 56–93%). These effects were accompanied by selective attenuation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphorylation (reduced by 55–85%). The magnitude of molecular protection was comparable to that observed with N-acetylcysteine treatment or pharmacological inhibition of p38 MAPK. In contrast, RF-EMF exposure did not reverse UV-induced reductions in cell viability or alterations in cell cycle distribution, indicating that its protective effects are confined to early molecular stress-response pathways rather than downstream survival outcomes. Together, these findings demonstrate that 5G RF-EMFs can facilitate recovery from UVA-induced molecular damage via redox-sensitive and p38-dependent mechanisms, providing mechanistic insight into the interaction between modern telecommunication frequencies and UV-induced skin stress. Full article

Natural compounds, as honey-derived flavonoids and phenolic compounds, are increasingly investigated for their potential to mitigate skin aging and prevent oxidative stress-induced cellular damages. In this context, a dynamic cell culture model was employed to assess the protective influence of honey pre-treatment on stem cell–associated genes and the Wingless-related integration site (Wnt) signaling pathway following ultraviolet (UV)-induced aging. Using a bioreactor, skin stem cells (SSCs) derived from healthy skin biopsies and human skin fibroblasts (HFF1) were pre-treated with 1% honey for 48 h and then exposed to UV. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) analyses were performed on Wnt signaling and anti-aging molecular responses. Honey pre-treatment enhanced the expression of pluripotency markers (Octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (Oct4); SRY-box transcription factor 2 (Sox2)) and reduced senescence-related cell cycle regulators (cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2A (p16); cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1A (p21); tumor protein 53 (p53)) in SSCs. In UV-damaged SSCs, honey also significantly increased Wnt3a expression. In fibroblasts, honey pre-treatment upregulated Heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) and Hyaluronan synthase 2 (HAS2) expression, while downregulating caspase-8 (CASP8), indicating a protective role against UV-mediated cellular stress. We also analyzed nitric oxide release and the total antioxidant capacity of cells after treatment. Collectively, these findings suggest that honey may safeguard skin stem cells from UV-induced aging by modulating pluripotency and senescence-associated genes and regulating differentiation through alterations in Wnt signaling. Furthermore, Hsp70 upregulation in fibroblasts appears to strengthen cellular stress responses and support homeostatic stability. Full article

Ultraviolet B radiation is a major cause of skin aging, cellular senescence, and inflammaging, mediated by the excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and induction of apoptosis. This study evaluated the photo-protective effects of astaxanthin, one of the strongest natural antioxidants, in UVB-treated keratinocytes. The antioxidant capacity of astaxanthin was evaluated using ABTS, DPPH, and NBT/riboflavin/SOD assays. HaCaT cells were exposed to 30 mJ/cm² of UVB radiation. Photoprotective effects and accumulated ROS were evaluated in UVB-irradiated HaCaT cells by MTT and DCFH-DA assays. Nitric oxide levels were quantified using the Griess reagent. Apoptosis was assessed by dual staining using acridine orange/ethidium bromide, lysosomal integrity by acridine orange uptake, and cell migration by scratch assay. Cell adhesion was assessed on ECM-coated Nunc plates. Finally, we formulated a 0.5% astaxanthin-enriched cream. Astaxanthin mitigated UVB-induced damage by reducing intracellular ROS levels by 3.7-fold, decreasing nitric oxide production to 29.8 ± 7.7% at the highest concentration, and maintaining lysosomal integrity. The carotenoid significantly enhanced cell viability, increasing it from 60.64 ± 8.3% in UV-treated cells to 102.1 ± 3.22% at 40 µM. Moreover, treated cells showed a significant reduction (p < 0.001) in the apoptotic rate (37.7 ± 3.1 vs. 87.7 ± 3.8 in UVB-irradiated cells, as evidenced by reduced chromatin condensation and nuclear fragmentation. Astaxanthin also enhanced tissue repair, as evidenced by increased cell migration and adhesion to several extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins (poly-L-lysine, laminin, fibrinogen, vitronectin and collagen I). In silico molecular docking predicted strong binding affinities between astaxanthin and key cellular targets, including JAK2 (−9.9 kcal/mol, highest affinity), STAT3, FAK, COX-2, NF-k-B, MMP2, and MMP9. The formulated cream demonstrated an in vitro SPF of 7.2 ± 2.5. Astaxanthin acts as a multifunctional photoprotective compound, providing a strong rationale for its incorporation into cosmetic and dermatological formulations, as further supported by the successful formulation and in vitro SPF estimation of an astaxanthin-enriched cream. Full article

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a primary environmental factor responsible for skin photodamage, and exposure to UV rays is strongly linked to a variety of skin diseases. This study examined the prophylactic and therapeutic effects of Seed Oil of Lycium barbarum L. from the Qaidam basin (QLBSO) in a UV-induced skin photodamage model in BALB/c mice, exploring potential mechanisms by analyzing the skin microbiota and metabolites using 16S rDNA sequencing and metabolomics. The results showed that QLBSO effectively alleviated UV-induced histopathological changes in mouse skin. It also significantly increased the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in UV-damaged skin tissue, while reducing levels of inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β), as well as matrix metalloproteinases-1 (MMP-1) and MMP-3. Omics analysis revealed that QLBSO successfully restored the balance of the skin microbiota and corrected disruptions in amino acid metabolism caused by UV exposure. Notably, Firmicutes_A and Kineothrix, along with cysteine, cystine, glycine, arginine, proline, and choline, were identified as key microbial species and metabolites responsive to QLBSO’s prophylactic and therapeutic effects. In conclusion, QLBSO likely protects against UV-induced skin photodamage by modulating the skin microbiota and amino acid metabolism, providing a scientific foundation for its potential use in skin health protection. Full article

Background: Melanin protects skin and hair from the effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation damage, which contributes to all forms of skin cancer, including melanoma. Human melanocytes produce two main types of melanin: eumelanin provides effective photoprotection, and pheomelanin offers less protection against UV-induced skin damage. The agouti signaling protein (ASIP) antagonizes the melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R), hinders melanocyte signaling, and shifts pigmentation toward pheomelanin, promoting UV vulnerability. In this study, we aim to discover compounds that inhibit ASIP–MC1R interaction and effectively preserve eumelanogenic signaling. Methods: The ASIP–MC1R interface-based pharmacophore model from ASIP is implicated in MC1R receptor protein engagement. We performed virtual screening with a validated pharmacophore model for ~4000 compounds curated from ZINCPharmer and applied drug-likeness filters, viz. ADMET and toxicity profiling tests. Further, the screened candidates were targeted for docking to the ASIP C-terminal domain corresponding to the MC1R-binding moiety. Top compounds underwent a 100-nanosecond (ns) run of molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to assess complex stability and persistence of key contacted residues. Results: Sequential triage, including pharmacophore, ADME–toxicity (ADMET), and docking/ΔG, yielded a focused group of candidates against ASIP antagonists with a favorable fit value. The MD run for 100 ns supported pose stability at the targeted pocket. Based on these predictions and analyses, compound ZINC14539068 was screened as a new potent inhibitor of ASIP to preserve α-MSH-mediated signaling of MC1R. Conclusions: Our in silico pipeline identifies ZINC14539068 as a potent inhibitor of ASIP at its C-terminal interface. This compound is predicted to disrupt ASIP–MC1R binding, thereby maintaining eumelanin-biased signaling. These findings motivate experimental validation in melanocytic models and in vivo studies to confirm pathway modulation and anti-melanoma potential. Full article

Marine plants are a rich source of bioactive compounds with unique properties. The Mediterranean seagrass Posidonia oceanica is particularly abundant in phenolics and flavonoids, which exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. In this study, a phenolic-rich extract (POS) was obtained from beach-cast P. oceanica leaves using supercritical fluid extraction (SFE), an eco-friendly technique that preserves thermolabile compounds and avoids organic solvents. POS was incorporated into a base cream (POS-enriched cream) to evaluate its bioactive potential in topical applications. The antioxidant capacity of POS and the cream formulation was firstly evaluated using the DPPH radical scavenging assay, confirming strong radical scavenging activity for the POS (IC₅₀ = 2.32 ± 0.33 mg/mL) and significant activity for the POS-enriched cream (IC₅₀ = 16.76 ± 0.58 mg/mL) compared to a base cream as control (IC₅₀ = 37.62 ± 1.27 mg/mL). The antioxidant and photoprotective effects of POS were investigated in human skin fibroblasts (HS-68) exposed to oxidative stress and UV-induced damage, while anti-melanogenic activity was assessed in human epidermal melanocytes (HEM) by measuring tyrosinase activity and melanin content. POS significantly reduced ROS accumulation and modulated key molecular pathways involved in apoptosis (p-JNK), inflammation (NF-κB), energy balance (p-AMPK), and collagen synthesis (Col1A1) in fibroblasts. In melanocytes, both POS pure extract and POS-enriched cream effectively inhibited tyrosinase activity while maintaining unaltered basal melanin levels, indicating a modulatory rather than fully suppressive effect. These findings highlight the potential of P. oceanica SFE extracts as sustainable natural marine-derived products for photoprotection and anti-melanogenesis, thereby bridging the gap between marine waste stream management and applications in skin health and anti-aging strategies. Full article

Cryptochromes (CRYs) are a conserved class of blue light and near-ultraviolet light receptors that regulate diverse processes, including photomorphogenesis in plants. In the extreme Antarctic environment, ice algae endure intense UV radiation, prolonged darkness, and low temperatures, where cryptochromes play a vital role in light sensing and stress response. In this study, we cloned the complete open reading frame (ORF) of the cryptochrome gene CiCRY-DASH1 from the Antarctic microalga Chlamydomonas sp. ICE-L. Both in vivo and in vitro DNA photorepair assays showed that CiCRY-DASH1 effectively repairs cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer (CPD) and 6-4 photoproducts (6-4PPs) induced by UV radiation. Furthermore, deletion of the N-terminal and C-terminal loop regions, combined with activity assays, revealed that the C-terminal loop region plays a crucial role in photorepair activity. These findings elucidate the adaptive photorepair mechanisms of Antarctic microalgae and establish CiCRY-DASH1 as a valuable genetic resource. Specifically, the high catalytic efficiency and evolutionary robustness of the engineered variants position it as a promising marine bioactive agent for photoprotective therapeutics and a strategic target for constructing microbial chassis to enable sustainable drug biomanufacturing. Full article

This study examines the pigment-dependent photoaging behavior of laboratory-prepared mock-up Chinese lacquer coatings colored with cinnabar, orpiment, and lapis lazuli under high-pressure mercury-lamp irradiation. Colorimetric results showed rapid changes within the first three days, with maximum ΔE values of 14.05 (red), 16.74 (yellow), and 17.97 (blue) after 30 days. Cinnabar-based films exhibited the highest color stability, whereas orpiment and lapis-lazuli coatings underwent pronounced hue shifts and chroma increases. Gloss loss and surface roughness evolution displayed a strong negative correlation: orpiment coatings experienced the most severe degradation, with gloss decreasing by over 60% and surface roughness increasing by approximately 70%, while cinnabar coatings showed the least decline (≈55% gloss loss; ≈27% roughness increase). SEM analysis further revealed extensive cracking and particle fragmentation in orpiment films, moderate surface disruption in lapis-lazuli films, and minimal microstructural damage in cinnabar films. Non-invasive reflection-mode FTIR spectroscopy confirmed these trends, showing minimal chemical change in cinnabar coatings but significant carbonyl growth, C–O–C band broadening, and aliphatic chain cleavage in orpiment and lapis-lazuli coatings. These results highlight the critical role of pigment chemistry in modulating UV-induced degradation pathways. Integrating optical, morphological, and chemical evidence, this study establishes a clear pigment-dependent degradation mechanism and provides valuable guidance for evaluating the long-term stability of lacquered cultural heritage and optimizing modern lacquer formulations. Full article

Polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN), a DNA fragment mixture, exerts biological effects via adenosine A2A receptor and salvage pathway activation. Here, Paeonia lactiflora-derived PDRN (Peony PDRN) is proposed as a plant-based alternative to salmon-derived PDRN. While P. lactiflora is known for its medicinal properties, the biological functions of Peony PDRN have not been characterized. To validate and optimize its efficacy, we systematically compared the biological activities of three molecular weight groups of Peony PDRN (high, medium, and low) using in vitro assays and clinical studies. The low-molecular-weight fraction (Low-Peony PDRN) markedly enhanced skin cell proliferation and migration, upregulated extracellular matrix-related genes (COL1A1, COL5A1, ELN, and FBN1), and promoted keratinocyte differentiation and epidermal barrier formation by increasing COL7A1, IVL, FLG, and OCLN expression. It also reduced reactive oxygen species levels and suppressed key inflammatory mediators. Clinically, topical application of Low-Peony PDRN for 2 weeks markedly reduced transepidermal water loss in a sodium lauryl sulfate-induced skin damage model, enhancing barrier recovery (n = 10). Periorbital skin elasticity improved after 4 weeks of treatment (Approval No. Intertek IRB-202505-HR(1)-0001, 20 June 2025). These results indicate that Low-Peony PDRN is a promising plant-derived biomaterial of pharmacological and cosmetic significance, with potential to address skin aging. Full article

Intrinsic aging and external stimuli such as UV exposure contribute to heightened MMP-1 expression, leading to collagen deterioration and weakening of the skin’s structural framework, hallmarks of aging tissue. Peucedanum japonicum, a plant consumed in East Asia, contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds, but its effects on skin aging remain unclear. This study profiled six major bioactive compounds in P. japonicum leaves and roots and evaluated their protective effects in TNF-α-stimulated human dermal fibroblasts (NHDFs). Phytochemical profiles were determined, and biological activity was evaluated by measuring intracellular ROS, MMP-1 secretion, and COL1A1 expression. Both leaf and root extracts exhibited antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, with leaves generally showing stronger effects. Among the six compounds, chlorogenic acid (1) demonstrated the most potent activity. It markedly decreased intracellular ROS, suppressed MMP-1 secretion, and enhanced COL1A1 expression in TNF-α-stimulated NHDFs, indicating protection against inflammation-induced collagen degradation. These findings suggest that P. japonicum, particularly its chlorogenic acid (1) content, may be a promising natural resource for anti-aging skincare and therapies targeting inflammation-associated skin damage. Full article

Skin is constantly exposed to UV radiation. While topical sunscreens are the main preventative measure, oral photoprotective agents are emerging as promising systemic adjuncts, offering uniform, continuous protection. This study presents the results of two clinical trials designed to evaluate the efficacy of supplementation with a standardized coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) seed oil (CSO) in mitigating UV-induced skin damage, in comparison with a placebo. The first trial investigated the effects of CSO supplementation on women with reactive skin, assessing UVA+B-induced skin erythema and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) release. The second trial included women of all skin types and, in addition to the outcomes mentioned above, examined UVA-induced lipoperoxidation. Measurements were taken before and after 56 days of supplementation. CSO supplementation led to a significant reduction in UV-induced skin erythema and associated TNF-α levels in both cohorts, with decreases of 11.8% and 24.1% in the reactive skin group and 18.1% and 18.7% in the cohort with all skin types, respectively. In women of all skin types, UV-induced skin lipoperoxidation was reduced by 31.9% at 4 h and by 69.9% at 24 h post-exposure. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study reporting the photoprotective efficacy of CSO. This finding is attributed to CSO’s high petroselinic acid content and its known anti-inflammatory properties. Full article