Extract fromPeriostracum cicadaeInhibits Oxidative Stress and Inflammation Induced by Ultraviolet B Irradiation on HaCaT Keratinocytes

Abstract

Periostracum cicadaeis widely used for the treatment of skin diseases such as eczema, pruritus, and itching. The current study sought to evaluate the effect ofP. cicadaeextract on ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation and identify the mechanisms involved. Photodamage-protective activity ofP. cicadaeextracts against oxidative challenge was screened using HaCaT keratinocytes.P. cicadaeextracts did not affect cell viability but decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. The extract attenuates the expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6), matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), and MMP-9 in UVB-treated HaCaT cells. Also,P. cicadaeabrogated UVB-induced activation of NF-κB, p53, and activator protein-1 (AP-1). The downmodulation of IL-6 byP. cicadaewas inhibited by the p38 inhibitor (SB203580) or JNK inhibitor (SP600125). Moreover, the extract attenuated the expression of NF-κB and induced thrombomodulin in keratinocytes and thereby effectively downregulated inflammatory responses in the skin. The nuclear accumulation and expression of NF-E2-related factor (Nrf2) were increased byP. cicadaetreatment. Furthermore, treatment withP. cicadaeremarkably ameliorated the skin’s structural damage induced by irradiation. This study demonstrates thatP. cicadaemay protect skin cells against oxidative insult by modulating ROS concentration, IL-6, MMPs generation, antioxidant enzymes activity, and cell signaling pathways.