Chrysin Protects Epidermal Keratinocytes from UVA- and UVB-Induced Damage

Abstract

Chrysin (5,7-dihydroxyflavone), a natural flavonoid occurring in various plants and foods such as propolis and honey, reportedly opposes inflammation and carcinogenesis, but has rarely been applied in skin care. This study, therefore, aimed to explore the roles of chrysin in protection against UV-induced damage in HaCaT keratinocytes. Results showed that chrysin can attenuate apoptosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) expression induced by UVB and UVA. Chrysin predominantly reversed the down-regulation of aquaporin 3 (AQP-3) by UVB. It predominantly reversed JNK activation and also mildly inhibited p38 activation triggered by UVA and UVB. Animal studies revealed that chrysin's topical application demonstrated efficient percutaneous absorption and no skin irritation. Overall, results demonstrated significant benefits of chrysin on the protection of keratinocytes against UVA- and UVB-induced injuries and suggested its potential use in skin photoprotection.

Flavonoids as photoprotective agents: A systematic review

“…Chrysin (5,7-dihidroxiflavon), a natural flavonoid occurring in various plants and foods such as honey and propolis, reportedly opposes inflammation and carcinogenesis, but has rarely been applied in skin care products (Wu et al, 2011). In a study with isolated chrysin, it was found that this flavonoid presents absorption spectrum in both regions (UVA and UVB).…”

“…The results showed that chrysin was able to reduce apoptosis, as well as the production of reactive oxygen species and the expression of the enzyme cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) induced by UVA and UVB radiation. COX-2 is an enzyme that participates of inflammatory processes which cleaves membrane lipids in the presence of oxygen and produces chemical mediators of inflammation such as prostanoids (Wu et al, 2011).…”

“…Photochemoprotection is the term that defines the use of agents capable of ameliorating the adverse effects of ultraviolet radiation on the skin, and much has been appreciated as a viable way of reducing the occurrence of skin cancer (F'guyer et al, 2003). Studies show that this type of prevention is required in daily life to avoid serious damage (Wu et al, 2011). In recent years the use of agents, especially botanical antioxidants, present in the common diet and in beverages consumed by the population has received considerable attention as photochemoprotection agents for human use.…”

Honey between Traditional Uses and Recent Medicine

“…In a study aimed to explore the roles of chrysin in protection against UV-induced damage in keratinocytes, results showed that chrysin can attenuate apoptosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) expression induced by UVB and UVA. Chrysin predominantly reversed the downregulation of aquaporin 3 (AQP-3) by UVB with efficient percutaneous absorption and no skin irritation and suggested to be used in skin photoprotection [90].…”

Avaliação in vitro do potencial de uso da apigenina, da crisina e do beta-caroteno na proteção contra a radiação UVA e luz visível

“…O potencial de uso da crisina na fotoproteção da pele foi sugerido por Wu et al (2011) após verificarem que a mesma pode atenuar a apoptose, a produção de EROS e a expressão da ciclooxigenase-2 induzidas pela radiação UV; além disso, observou-se que a crisina foi capaz de reverter a redução da expressão de aquaporina-3 induzida pela UVB, tal proteção é considerada importante, uma vez que os canais de aquaporina-3 regulam o transporte de água e glicerol da derme para epiderme e assim melhoram a hidratação do estrato córneo (WU et al, 2011).…”