Rhus coriaria L. Fruit Extract Prevents UV-A-Induced Genotoxicity and Oxidative Injury in Human Microvascular Endothelial Cells

Abstract

Rhus coriaria L. (sumac) is a small plant widely diffused in the Mediterranean region. Its fruit are often consumed as a spice but are also present in traditional medicine of several countries. Recently, interest in this plant has increased and many scientific works reported its beneficial effects including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Plant extracts can be successfully used against ultraviolet rays, which are able to reach and damage the human skin; however, sumac extracts were never applied to this usage. Thus, in this study, we used a macerated ethanol extract of Rhus coriaria L. dried fruit (mERC) to demonstrate its preventive role against the damage induced by ultraviolet-A rays (UV-A) on microvascular endothelial cells (HMEC-1). In vitro effects of the extract pre-treatment and UV-A exposure were evaluated in detail. The antioxidant capacity was assessed by reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation and cellular antioxidant activity measurement. Genoprotective effects of mERC were investigated as well. Our findings indicate that the extract acts as a cell cycle inhibitor or apoptosis inducer, according to the level of damage. The present work provides new insights into the usage of Rhus coriaria extracts against skin injuries.

Pharmacological and Antioxidant Activities of Rhus coriaria L. (Sumac)

“…Recent epidemiological studies show that consumption of plant materials with antioxidant activity may decrease the risk of several diseases [ 44 ]. Owing to its potent antioxidant capacities, summarized in Table 3 , Rhus coriaria may be useful in the management or treatment of several pathological disorders, such as skin injuries [ 45 ], myopathies [ 46 ], overweight, and obesity [ 47 ].…”

“…While both rays can damage epidermal cells, UV-A can penetrate deeply into the dermal layers [ 51 ]. The photoprotective effects of the macerated ethanol extract of Rhus coriaria L. fruit on microvascular endothelial cells (HMEC-1), a model of the skin microvascular endothelium cells, have been investigated [ 45 ]. Importantly, a protective role of Rhus coriaria L. extract against UV-A-induced damage was reported.…”

“…Importantly, a protective role of Rhus coriaria L. extract against UV-A-induced damage was reported. Indeed, Rhus coriaria extract not only reduced the level of UV-A-induced ROS production, but also significantly blocked the formation of DNA lesion in cells exposed to medium UV-A doses [ 45 ]. In contrast, when cells were exposed to higher and more damaging doses of UV-A, Rhus coriaria extract promoted cell cycle arrest and apoptosis [ 45 ].…”

Antioxidants and Skin Protection

“…Microvasculature is often forgotten when studying skin, but this Special Issue includes an original manuscript addressing this topic. In this manuscript [5], Noza and colleagues have studied the photoprotective action of a Rhus coriaria L. dried fruit extract on microvascular endothelial cells (HMEC-1), finding that the antioxidant activity of this extract is critical for its photoprotective activity and pointing out the relevance of this cellular model to skin studies.…”

“…The photoprotective properties of natural products has been addressed by five of the original articles of this Special Issue as their central topic [ 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 ]. These articles show up the relevance of photoprotection not only in cosmetics but also in cancer research, as UV radiation is the main cause of some melanoma subtypes.…”