Suppressive effect of administration of recombinant human thioredoxin on cutaneous inflammation caused by UV

Thioredoxin (TRX) is small ubiquitous protein, which regulates cellular redox status and scavenges reactive oxygen species (ROS). TRX has been shown to exert suppressive effect on skin inflammation where oxidative stress is involved in its pathogenesis. We investigated the effect of TRX on UVB response. Ear swelling after UVB irradiation was significantly reduced in TRX-transgenic mouse compared with wild-type mouse. Furthermore, we have demonstrated that intraperitoneal administration of recombinant human thioredoxin (rhTRX) also reduced acute skin inflammatory reaction, such as skin erythema and edema. Histologically, inflammatory cells including neutrophils and lymphocytes were significantly reduced and average size of the caliber of blood vessels were also reduced in rhTRX-injected mice. The number of apoptotic keratinocytes, were significantly reduced in rhTRX-injected mice. Immunohistochemical intensity of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine was strikingly reduced in rhTRX-injected mouse. Western blotting showed that administration of rhTRX inhibited phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases and c-Jun NH 2-terminal kinase, which play important roles in inflammatory and apoptotic signaling. These findings indicated that rhTRX attenuated inflammatory and apoptotic responses by UVB. Possible mechanisms for this might be via redox regulation of stress signaling and reduction of reactive oxygen species. We discussed the future use of TRX for sedative use of skin inflammation.

Ultraviolet radiation and the slug transcription factor induce proinflammatory and immunomodulatory mediator expression in melanocytes

Despite extensive investigation, the precise contribution of the ultraviolet radiation (UVR) component of sunlight to melanoma etiology remains unclear. UVR induces keratinocytes to secrete proinflammatory and immunomodulatory mediators that promote inflammation and skin tumor development; expression of the slug transcription factor in keratinocytes is required for maximal production of these mediators. In the present studies we examined the possibility that UVR-exposed melanocytes also produce proinflammatory mediators and that Slug is important in this process. Microarray studies revealed that both UVR exposure and Slug overexpression altered transcription of a variety of proinflammatory mediators by normal human melanocytes; some of these mediators are also known to stimulate melanocyte growth and migration. There was little overlap in the spectra of cytokines produced by the two stimuli. However IL-20 was similarly induced by both stimuli and the NFκB pathway appeared to be important in both circumstances. Further exploration of UVR-induced and Slug-dependent pathways of cytokine induction in melanocytes may reveal novel targets for melanoma therapy.

Suppressive effect of recombinant human thioredoxin on ultraviolet light-induced inflammation and apoptosis in murine skin

Thioredoxin (TRX) is a small ubiquitous protein, which regulates cellular redox status and scavenges reactive oxygen species. The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of TRX on ultraviolet (UV)-B-mediated inflammatory and apoptotic responses. Ear swelling after UV-B irradiation was significantly reduced in TRX-transgenic mice compared to wild-type mice. Administration i.p. of recombinant human TRX also reduced acute skin inflammatory reaction, such as skin erythema and swelling. Histologically, numbers of inflammatory cells including neutrophils and lymphocytes were significantly reduced and the average size of the caliber of blood vessels were also reduced in recombinant human TRX-injected mice. The number of apoptotic keratinocytes, in terms of sunburn cells, activated-caspase-3-positive cells and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling-positive cells were all significantly reduced in recombinant human TRX-injected mice. Immunohistochemical intensity of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine was strikingly reduced in recombinant human TRX-injected mouse. Western blotting showed that administration of recombinant human TRX attenuated duration of phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases and intensity of phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase in the early phase, which play important roles in inflammatory and apoptotic signaling. Collectively, these findings indicated that recombinant human TRX attenuated inflammatory and apoptotic responses caused by UV-B. Possible mechanisms for this might be via redox regulation of stress signaling and reduction of reactive oxygen species.

siRNA-mediated knock-down of COX-2 in melanocytes suppresses melanogenesis

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is an enzyme induced in response to multiple mitogenic and inflammatory stimuli, including UV light. UV-induced COX-2 expression induces production of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in keratinocytes, which mediates inflammation and cell proliferation. Until recently, studies regarding COX-2 and PGE2 in the skin have focused on keratinocytes and skin cancer and the effect of PGs produced by keratinocytes on melanocytes. However, the effects of COX-2 itself or COX-2 inhibitors on melanogenesis are not well known. Therefore, to establish the role of COX-2 in melanogenesis, we investigated the effects of knock-down of COX-2 in melanocytes on melanin production and the expression of melanogenic molecules through silencing of COX-2 expression with COX-2 short interfering RNA (siRNA). COX-2 knock-down in melanocytes decreased the expressions of tyrosinase, TRP-1, TRP-2, gp100 and MITF and also reduced tyrosinase enzyme activity. Furthermore, COX-2 siRNA-transfected melanocytes showed markedly reduced alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH)-induced melanin production. In addition, α-MSH-induced COX-2 expression in both scrambled siRNA-transfected and COX-2 siRNA-transfected melanocytes was greater than α-MSH-untreated cells. Our results suggest that COX-2 might be a candidate target for the development of anti-melanogenic agents and α-MSH-induced pigmentation could be closely associated with COX-2 expression. COX-2 inhibitors might therefore be of particular use in whitening cosmetics for hyperpigmentation disorders such as melasma, postinflammatory hyperpigmentation and solar lentigo.

Cyclooxygenases and lipoxygenases in cancer

Cancer initiation and progression are multistep events that require cell proliferation, migration, extravasation to the blood or lymphatic vessels, arrest to the metastatic site, and ultimately secondary growth. Tumor cell functions at both primary or secondary sites are controlled by many different factors, including growth factors and their receptors, chemokines, nuclear receptors, cell-cell interactions, cell-matrix interactions, as well as oxygenated metabolites of arachidonic acid. The observation that cyclooxygenases and lipoxygenases and their arachidonic acid-derived eicosanoid products (prostanoids and HETEs) are expressed and produced by tumor cells, together with the finding that these enzymes can regulate cell growth, survival, migration, and invasion, has prompted investigators to analyze the roles of these enzymes in cancer progression. In this review, we focus on the contribution of cyclooxygenase- and lipoxygenase-derived eicosanoids to tumor cell function in vitro and in vivo and discuss hope and tribulations of targeting these enzymes for cancer prevention and treatment.

UVB-induced COX-2 expression requires histone H3 phosphorylation at Ser10 and Ser28

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is an inducible enzyme that contributes to the generation of chronic inflammation in response to chemical carcinogens and environmental stresses, including ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation. Although post-translational histone modifications are believed to play an important role in modulating transcriptional regulation of UVB-induced COX-2, the underlying biochemical mechanisms are completely unknown. Here, we show that UVB activates the p38 MAPK/MSK1 kinase cascade to phosphorylate histone H3 at Ser10 and Ser28, contributing to UVB-induced COX-2 expression. UVB has no effect on the global trimethylation level of histone H3 (H3K4me3, H3K9me3, and H3K27me3). We observed that selected mammalian 14-3-3 proteins bind to UVB-induced phosphorylated histone H3 (Ser10 and Ser28). In particular, 14-3-3ε is critical for recruiting MSK1 and Cdk9 to the chromatin and subsequently phosphorylating the C-terminal domain (CTD) of RNA polymerase II in the cox-2 promoter. We propose that histone H3 phosphorylation at Ser10 and Ser28 serve as critical switches to promote cox-2 gene expression by facilitating the recruitment of MSK1 and Cdk9 to the cox-2 promoter, thereby promoting RNA polymerase II phosphorylation.

Pomegranate fruit extract inhibits UVB-induced inflammation and proliferation by modulating NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways in mouse skin

There is considerable interest in the identification of natural agents capable of affording protection to skin from the adverse effects of solar ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation. Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) fruit possesses as strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative properties. Recently, we have shown that oral feeding of pomegranate fruit extract (PFE) to mice afforded substantial protection from the adverse effects of single UVB radiation via modulation in early biomarkers of photocarcinogenesis. This study was designed to investigate the photochemopreventive effects of PFE (0.2%, wt/vol) after multiple UVB irradiations (180 mJ cm(-2), on alternative day, for a total of seven treatments) to the skin of SKH-1 hairless mice. Oral feeding of PFE to SKH-1 mice inhibited UVB-induced epidermal hyperplasia, infiltration of leukocytes, protein oxidation and lipid peroxidation. Immunoblot analysis demonstrated that oral feeding of PFE to mice inhibited UVB-induced (1) nuclear translocation and phosphorylation of nuclear factor kappa B/p65, (2) phosphorylation and degradation of IκBα, (3) activation of IKKα/ΙΚΚβ and (4) phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase proteins and c-Jun. PFE consumption also inhibited UVB-induced protein expression of (1) COX-2 and iNOS, (2) PCNA and cyclin D1 and (3) matrix metalloproteinases-2,-3 and -9 in mouse skin. Taken together, these data show that PFE consumption afforded protection to mouse skin against the adverse effects of UVB radiation by modulating UVB-induced signaling pathways.

Chemoprevention of melanoma

Despite advances in drug discovery programs and molecular approaches for identifying drug targets, incidence and mortality rates due to melanoma continue to rise at an alarming rate. Existing preventive strategies generally involve mole screening followed by surgical removal of the benign nevi and abnormal moles. However, due to lack of effective programs for screening and disease recurrence after surgical resection, there is a need for better chemopreventive agents. Although sunscreens have been used extensively for protecting from UV-induced melanomas, results of correlative population-based studies are controversial, with certain studies suggest increased skin cancer risk in sunscreen users. Therefore, these studies require further authentication to conclusively confirm the chemoprotective efficacy of sunscreens. This chapter reviews the current understanding regarding melanoma chemoprevention and the various strategies used to accomplish this objective.

New agents for prevention of ultraviolet-induced nonmelanoma skin cancer

With the incidence of nonmelanoma skin cancer on the rise, current prevention methods, such as the use of sunscreens, have yet to prove adequate to reverse this trend. There has been considerable interest in identifying compounds that will inhibit or reverse the biochemical changes required for skin cancers to develop, either by pharmacologic intervention or by dietary manipulation. By targeting different pathways identified as important in the pathogenesis of nonmelanoma skin cancers, a combination approach with multiple agents or the addition of chemopreventative agents to topical sunscreens may offer the potential for novel and synergistic therapies in treating nonmelanoma skin cancer.

Chrysin protects epidermal keratinocytes from UVA- and UVB-induced damage

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.

UVB-induced DNA damage, generation of reactive oxygen species, and inflammation are effectively attenuated by the flavonoid luteolin in vitro and in vivo

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation induces DNA damage, oxidative stress, and inflammatory processes in human keratinocytes resulting in skin inflammation, photoaging, and photocarcinogenesis. The flavonoid luteolin is one of the most potent antioxidative plant polyphenols. We investigated the UV protective and antioxidant properties of luteolin in human keratinocytes in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo. Spectrophotometric measurements revealed extinction maxima of luteolin in the UVB and UVA range. UV transmission below 370 nm was <10%. In human skin, luteolin effectively reduced the formation of UVB-induced cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers. The free radical scavenging activity of luteolin was assessed in various cell-free and cell-based assays. In the cell-free DPPH assay the half-maximal effective concentration (EC₅₀) of luteolin (12 μg/ml) was comparable to those of Trolox (25 μg/ml) and N-acetylcysteine (32 μg/ml). In contrast, in the H₂DCFDA assay performed with UVB-irradiated keratinocytes, luteolin (EC₅₀ 3 μg/ml) was much more effective compared to Trolox (EC₅₀ 12 μg/ml) and N-acetylcysteine (EC₅₀ 847 μg/ml). Luteolin also inhibited both UVB-induced skin erythema and the upregulation of cyclooxygenase-2 and prostaglandin E₂ production in human skin via interference with the MAPK pathway. These data suggest that luteolin may protect human skin from UVB-induced damage by a combination of UV-absorbing, DNA-protective, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties.

7,3',4'-Trihydroxyisoflavone, a metabolite of the soy isoflavone daidzein, suppresses ultraviolet B-induced skin cancer by targeting Cot and MKK4

Nonmelanoma skin cancer is one of the most frequently occurring cancers in the United States. Chronic exposure to UVB irradiation is a major cause of this cancer. Daidzein, along with genistein, is a major isoflavone found in soybeans; however, little is known about the chemopreventive effects of daidzein and its metabolites in UVB-induced skin cancer. Here, we found that 7,3',4'-trihydroxyisoflavone (THIF), a major metabolite of daidzein, effectively inhibits UVB-induced cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) expression through the inhibition of NF-κB transcription activity in mouse skin epidermal JB6 P+ cells. In contrast, daidzein had no effect on COX-2 expression levels. Data from Western blot and kinase assays showed that 7,3',4'-THIF inhibited Cot and MKK4 activity, thereby suppressing UVB-induced phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases. Pull-down assays indicated that 7,3',4'-THIF competed with ATP to inhibit Cot or MKK4 activity. Topical application of 7,3',4'-THIF clearly suppressed the incidence and multiplicity of UVB-induced tumors in hairless mouse skin. Hairless mouse skin results also showed that 7,3',4'-THIF inhibits Cot or MKK4 kinase activity directly, resulting in suppressed UVB-induced COX-2 expression. A docking study revealed that 7,3',4'-THIF, but not daidzein, easily docked to the ATP binding site of Cot and MKK4, which is located between the N- and C-lobes of the kinase domain. Collectively, these results provide insight into the biological actions of 7,3',4'-THIF, a potential skin cancer chemopreventive agent.

Ultraviolet-radiation induced skin inflammation: dissecting the role of bioactive lipids

Acute exposure of human skin to the ultraviolet radiation (UVR) in sunlight results in the sunburn response. This is mediated in part by pro-inflammatory eicosanoids and other bioactive lipids, which are in turn produced via mechanisms including UVR-induction of oxidative stress, cell signalling and gene expression. Sunburn is a self-limiting inflammation offering a convenient and accessible system for the study of human cutaneous lipid metabolism. Recent lipidomic applications have revealed that a wider diversity of eicosanoids may be involved in the sunburn response than previously appreciated. This article reviews the effects of UVR on cutaneous lipids and examines the contribution of bioactive lipid mediators in the development of sunburn. Since human skin is an active site of polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) metabolism, and these macronutrients can influence the production of eicosanoids/bioactive lipids, as well as modulate cell signalling, gene expression and oxidative stress, the application of PUFA as potential photoprotective agents is also considered.

cis-Urocanic acid enhances prostaglandin E2 release and apoptotic cell death via reactive oxygen species in human keratinocytes

Urocanic acid (UCA) is a major UVR-absorbing skin molecule that undergoes trans to cis photoisomerization in the epidermis following UVR exposure. Murine studies have established that cis-UCA is an important mediator of UVR-induced immune suppression, but little is known about its signaling pathway. We have previously demonstrated that treatment of normal human epidermal keratinocytes with cis-UCA resulted in increased synthesis of prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) and cell death. Here, using immortalized human keratinocytes, we report that cis-UCA but not trans-UCA generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) in a dose-dependent manner and that the natural antioxidant α-tocopherol can reduce this ROS generation, subsequent PGE(2) release, and apoptotic cell death. Western blot analysis revealed that cis-UCA leads to a transient phosphorylation of EGFR as well as downstream mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and p38. Pharmacological inhibition of their activity attenuated PGE(2) release induced by cis-UCA. After transient activation, cis-UCA downregulated EGFR protein expression that corresponded to activation of caspase-3. In addition, pretreatment with α-tocopherol inhibited EGFR downregulation and caspase-3 activation induced by cis-UCA. These results suggest that cis-UCA exerts its effects on human keratinocytes via intracellular ROS generation that modulates EGFR signaling and subsequently induces PGE(2) synthesis and apoptotic cell death.

Tangeretin reduces ultraviolet B (UVB)-induced cyclooxygenase-2 expression in mouse epidermal cells by blocking mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation

The present study examined the effects of tangeretin, a polymethoxylated flavonone present in citrus fruits, on ultraviolet B (UVB)-induced cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression in JB6 P+ mouse skin epidermal cells. Tangeretin suppressed UVB-induced COX-2 expression and transactivation of nuclear factor-κB and activator protein-1 in JB6 P+ cells. Moreover, tangeretin blocked UVB-induced phosphorylation of Akt and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), including extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase, c-Jun N-terminal kinase, and p38, and attenuated the phosphorylation of MAPK kinases 1/2, 3/6, and 4. Tangeretin also limited the endogenous generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), thereby protecting the cells against oxidative stress. However, tangeretin did not scavenge the stable 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical and influence the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase activity. These results suggest that the anti-inflammatory effects of tangeretin stem from its modulation of cell signaling and suppression of intracellular ROS generation. Tangeretin may have a potent chemopreventive effect in skin cancer.

Involvement of P2Y6 receptor in p38 MAPK-mediated COX-2 expression in response to UVB irradiation of human keratinocytes

Ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation induces inflammation in human skin. Extracellular nucleotides are released from cells in response to various stimuli and act as intercellular signaling molecules through activation of P2 receptors. In this study, we investigated the involvement of extracellular nucleotides and P2 receptors in UVB-radiation-induced inflammation using human keratinocyte-derived HaCaT cells. UVB radiation induced rapid ATP release from HaCaT cells; this was inhibited by pretreatment with anion transporter blockers or maxi-anion channel blockers. In addition, the radiation-induced activation of p38 MAPK was significantly blocked by pretreatment with ecto-nucleotidase (apyrase) or P2Y6 receptor antagonist (MRS2578). Expression of COX-2, mediated by activation of p38 MAPK, was also induced by UVB radiation. Both pretreatment with MRS2578 and knockdown of the P2Y6 receptor by siRNA transfection attenuated the induction of COX-2 in HaCaT cells exposed to UVB radiation. Our results indicate that UVB radiation evokes ATP release from human keratinocytes and also that activation of P2Y6 receptor mediates the UVB-radiation-induced activation of p38 MAPK and expression of COX-2. Thus P2Y6 receptor is a mediator of UVB-radiation-induced inflammatory responses in keratinocytes.

Docosahexaenoic acid reverts resistance to UV-induced apoptosis in human keratinocytes: involvement of COX-2 and HuR

The dramatic increase in the incidence of nonmelanoma skin cancer over the last decades has been related to the augmented exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation (UVR). It is known that apoptosis is induced as a protective mechanism after the acute irradiation of keratinocytes, whereas apoptotic resistance and carcinogenesis may follow the chronic exposure to UVR. We found that not all the human keratinocytes lines studied underwent apoptosis following acute exposure to UVR (10-60 mJ/cm(2)). Whereas UVR induced apoptosis in the HaCaT cells, NCTC 2544 and nr-HaCaT cells showed apoptosis resistance. The cytokeratin pattern of the apoptosis-resistant cells indicated that they possessed a degree of differentiation lower than that of HaCaT cells. They also showed an enhanced expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), an early marker of carcinogenesis in various tissues, including skin. n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids have drawn increasing interest as nutritional factors with the potential to reduce UVR carcinogenesis, and since they are apoptosis inducers and COX-2 inhibitors in cancer cells, we investigated the ability of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids to influence the resistance to UVR-induced apoptosis in keratinocytes. We observed that docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) reverted the resistance of nr-HaCaT cells to UVR-induced apoptosis, increasing the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and caspase-3 activity, and reduced COX-2 levels by inhibiting the expression of the human antigen R (HuR), a known COX-2 mRNA stabilizer in keratinocytes. The transfection of nr-HaCaT cells with HuR siRNA mimicked the proapoptotic effect of DHA. Overall, our findings further support the role of DHA as a suitable anticarcinogenic factor against nonmelanoma skin cancers.

Anti-photoaging effects of soy isoflavone extract (aglycone and acetylglucoside form) from soybean cake

Soy isoflavones, found in soybean and soybean products, have been reported to possess many physiological activities such as antioxidant activity, inhibition of cancer cell proliferation, reduction of cardiovascular risk, prevention of osteoporosis and alleviation of postmenopausal syndrome. In our previous study, soy isoflavone extract ISO-1 (containing 12 soy isoflavones) from soybean cake was demonstrated to prevent skin damage caused by UVB exposure. In this study, soy isoflavone extract from soybean cake was further purified and evaluated for the protective effects on UVB-induced damage. The results revealed that Fraction 3, which contains the aglycone group (daidzein, genistein and glycitein) and acetylglucoside group (acetyldaidzin, acetylgenistin and acetylglycitin) of soy isoflavones, could inhibit UVB-induced death of human keratinocytes and reduce the level of desquamation, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), erythema and epidermal thickness in mouse skin. Furthermore, topical application of Fraction 3 increased the activity of catalase and suppressed cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) expression in mice exposed to UVB. In addition, in comparison with ISO-1 and genistein, the Fraction 3 possessed much greater protective effects on both UVB-induced oxidative stress and keratinocyte death than other fractions. Therefore, the soy isoflavone extract Fraction 3 from soybean cake is a desirable anti-photoaging agent for skin care.

UV radiation inhibits 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase levels in human skin: evidence of transcriptional suppression

Elevated levels of prostaglandins (PG) have been detected in the skin following UV radiation (UVR). PGs play an important role in mediating both the acute and the chronic consequences of UVR exposure. UVR-mediated induction of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) contributes to increased PG synthesis. In theory, reduced catabolism might also contribute to increased PG levels. 15-Hydroxyprostaglandin deyhdrogenase (15-PGDH), a tumor suppressor gene, plays a major role in PG catabolism. In this study, we investigated whether UVR exposure suppressed 15-PGDH while inducing COX-2 in keratinocytes and in human skin. UVR exposure caused dose-dependent induction of COX-2, suppression of 15-PGDH, and increased prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) production in HaCaT cells. Exposure to UVR suppressed the transcription of 15-PGDH, resulting in reduced 15-PGDH mRNA, protein, and enzyme activities. UVR exposure induced Slug, a repressive transcription factor that bound to the 15-PGDH promoter. Silencing Slug blocked UVR-mediated downregulation of 15-PGDH. The effects of UVR were also evaluated in the EpiDerm skin model, a three-dimensional model of human epidermis. Here too, COX-2 levels were induced and 15-PGDH levels suppressed following UVR exposure. Next, the effects of UVR were evaluated in human subjects. UVR treatment induced COX-2 while suppressing 15-PGDH mRNA in the skin of 9 of 10 subjects. Collectively, these data suggest that reduced expression of 15-PGDH contributes to the elevated levels of PGs found in the skin following UVR exposure. Possibly, agents that prevent UVR-mediated downregulation of 15-PGDH will affect the acute or the long-term consequences of UVR exposure, including nonmelanoma skin cancer.

UV-induced squamous cell carcinoma--a role for antiapoptotic signalling pathways

The incidence of nonmelanoma skin cancer including squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and basal cell carcinoma (BCC) has dramatically increased in the last decades, and chronic sun exposure was identified as a main etiologic agent. UV radiation may produce DNA damage either directly or through reactive oxygen species (ROS). As mutations caused by UV may lead to skin cancer due to oncogene activation and tumor suppressor gene inactivation, efficient safeguard mechanisms have been developed during evolution. These enclose induction of apoptosis and formation sunburn cells aiming at the removal of premalignant cells. The keratinocyte apoptotic machinery in response to UV consists of both intrinsic/mitochondrial and extrinsic/death receptor-mediated cell-death pathways, which are particularly regulated by mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs, JNK and p38) and the tumor-suppressor protein p53. For development of skin cancer, it appears that critical steps in apoptosis control are dysregulated leading to resistance both to death ligand-mediated and intrinsic proapoptotic pathways. These particularly include inactivation of p53, as well as activation of EGFR, COX-2 and MAPKs, which result in specific regulation of Bcl-2 proteins, death ligands and death receptors. The final unravelling of apoptosis regulation in epithelial skin cancer may allow the development of new targeted therapeutic strategies.

Targeting ornithine decarboxylase for the prevention of nonmelanoma skin cancer in humans

Bailey et al. report in this issue of the journal (beginning on page 35) one of the first successful trials of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) prevention. Oral alpha-difluoromethyl-dl-ornithine (DFMO) reduced new BCCs in patients with a prior history of nonmelanoma skin cancer. DFMO is an inhibitor of ornithine decarboxylase, a key enzyme in the polyamine biosynthetic pathway. This perspective on Bailey et al. discusses our knowledge of the contribution of polyamines to BCC pathogenesis, how this knowledge advanced the development of a new method to prevent BCCs, and prospects for future studies of DFMO in BCC prevention.

Gq protein mediates UVB-induced cyclooxygenase-2 expression by stimulating HB-EGF secretion from HaCaT human keratinocytes

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation induces cyclooxygenase-2 expression to produce cellular responses including aging and carcinogenesis in skin. We hypothesised that heterotrimeric G proteins mediate UV-induced COX-2 expression by stimulating secretion of soluble HB-EGF (sHB-EGF). In this study, we aimed to elucidate the role and underlying mechanism of the alpha subunit of Gq protein (Galphaq) in UVB-induced HB-EGF secretion and COX-2 induction. We found that expression of constitutively active Galphaq (GalphaqQL) augmented UVB-induced HB-EGF secretion, which was abolished by knockdown of Galphaq with shRNA in HaCaT human keratinocytes. Galphaq was found to mediate the UVB-induced HB-EGF secretion by sequential activation of phospholipase C (PLC), protein kinase Cdelta (PKCdelta), and matrix metaloprotease-2 (MMP-2). Moreover, GalphaqQL mediated UVB-induced COX-2 expression in an HB-EGF-, EGFR-, and p38-dependent manner. From these results, we concluded that Galphaq mediates UV-induced COX-2 expression through activation of EGFR by HB-EGF, of which ectodomain shedding was stimulated through sequential activation of PLC, PKCdelta and MMP-2 in HaCaT cells.

The roles of nitric oxide synthase and eIF2alpha kinases in regulation of cell cycle upon UVB-irradiation

In response to ultraviolet light (UV)-induced damage, cells initiate cellular recovery mechanisms including activation of repair genes and redistribution of cell cycle phases. While most studies have focused on DNA damage-inducible transcriptional regulation of cell cycle checkpoints, translational regulation also plays an important role in control of cell cycle progression upon UV-irradiation. UV-irradiation activates two kinases, PERK and GCN2, which phosphorylate the alpha subunit of eukaryotic initiation factor 2 (eIF2alpha) and subsequently inhibit protein synthesis. We recently identified an upstream regulator, nitric oxide synthase (NOS), which controls the activation of both PERK and GCN2 upon UVB-irradiation. Our data suggested that UVB induces NOS activation and NO(.) production, which reacts with superoxide (O(2)(*-)) to form peroxynitrite (ONOO(-)) and activate PERK. The NO(*) production also leads to L-Arg depletion and GCN2 activation. The elevation of nitric oxide and activation of PERK/GCN2 have been shown to play roles in regulation of cell cycle upon UVB irradiation. In the present study, we show that the cell cycle phases were redistributed by inhibition of NOS activation or reduction of oxidative stress upon UVB irradiation, indicating the roles of NO(*) and its oxidative products in regulation of cell cycle. We also demonstrate that both PERK and GCN2 were involved in regulation of cell cycle upon UVB-irradiation, but the regulation is independent of eIF2alpha phosphorylation. While the mechanism for UVB-induced cell cycle control is yet to be unraveled, we here discuss the differential roles of NOS, PERK and GCN2 in regulation of cell cycle upon UVB-irradiation.

Targeting polyamines and inflammation for cancer prevention

Increased polyamine synthesis and inflammation have long been associated with intraepithelial neoplasia, which are risk factors for cancer development in humans. Targeting polyamine metabolism (by use of polyamine synthesis inhibitors or polyamine catabolism activators) and inflammation (by use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) has been studied for many cancers, including colon, prostate, and skin. Genetic epidemiology results indicate that a genetic variant associated with the expression of a polyamine biosynthetic gene is associated with risk of colon and prostate cancers. A clinical trial of difluoromethylornithine (DFMO), a selective inhibitor of polyamine synthesis, showed that the 1 year treatment duration reduced prostate volume and serum prostate-specific antigen doubling time in men with a family history of prostate cancer. A second, clinical trial of DFMO in combination with sulindac, a NSAID in patients with prior colon polyps found that the 3-year treatment was associated with a 70% reduction of all, and over a 90% reduction of advanced and/or multiple metachronous colon adenomas. In this chapter, we discuss that similar combination prevention strategies of targeting polyamines and inflammation can be effective in reducing risk factors associated with the development of human cancers.

A systematic review of the anticancer properties of berberine, a natural product from Chinese herbs

Natural products represent a rich reservoir of potential small chemical molecules exhibiting antiproliferation and anticancer properties. An example is berberine, a protoberberine alkaloid widely distributed in medical plants used in traditional Chinese prescriptions. Recent advances have shown that berberine exerts anticancer activities both in vitro and in vivo through different mechanisms. Berberine shows inhibitory effects on the proliferation and reproduction of certain tumorigenic microorganisms and viruses, such as Heliobacter pylori and hepatitis B virus. Transcriptional regulation of some oncogene and carcinogenesis-related gene expression and interaction with both DNA and RNA are also well documented. Besides, berberine is a broad spectrum enzyme inhibitor, which affects N-acetyltransferase, cyclooxygenase-2, and topoisomerase activities and gene/protein expression. These actions, together with the regulation of reactive oxygen species production, mitochondrial transmembrane potential, and nuclear factor-kappaB activation might underlie its antiproliferative and proapoptotic effects. More importantly, the suppression of tumor growth and metastasis, the beneficial application in combined medication, and the improvement of multidrug resistance both in vivo and in vitro clearly show its potential as an alternative medicine for tumor chemotherapy.

Role of HuR and p38MAPK in ultraviolet B-induced post-transcriptional regulation of COX-2 expression in the human keratinocyte cell line HaCaT

COX-2 (cyclooxygenase-2) is a pivotal player in inflammatory processes, and ultraviolet radiation is a known stimulus for COX-2 expression in skin cells. Here, an induction of COX-2 expression in HaCaT human keratinocytes was observed only upon exposure of cells to UVB (280-320 nm) but not to UVA radiation (320-400 nm), as demonstrated by reverse transcription-PCR and Western blotting. Prostaglandin E(2) levels were elevated in cell culture supernatants of HaCaT cells exposed to UVB. COX-2 mRNA stability was dramatically increased by UVB irradiation. Both the stabilization of COX-2 mRNA and the enhancement of COX-2 steady-state mRNA and protein levels caused by UVB were prevented both by inhibition and small interfering RNA-induced depletion of p38(MAPK), a kinase strongly activated upon exposure to UVB, suggesting p38(MAPK)-dependent mRNA stabilization as a mechanism of UVB-induced COX-2 expression. A dramatic decrease in COX-2 expression induced by UVB was elicited by small interfering RNA-based depletion of a stress-responsive mRNA stabilizing protein regulated by p38(MAPK), i.e. HuR; UVB-induced elevation of COX-2 mRNA and protein levels coincided with an accumulation of HuR in the cytoplasm and was attenuated in cells depleted of HuR. Moreover, UVB-induced generation of prostaglandin E(2) by HaCaT cells was blunted by HuR depletion, suggesting that stress kinases (such as p38(MAPK)) as well as HuR are excellent targets for approaches aiming at interfering with induction of COX-2 expression by UVB.

Effects of macelignan isolated from Myristica fragrans Houtt. on UVB-induced matrix metalloproteinase-9 and cyclooxygenase-2 in HaCaT cells

BACKGROUND

UVB irradiation (290-320 nm) is the most damaging component of the UV spectrum and causes both direct and indirect damage to the basal cell layer of the epidermis; this results in the activation of a number of signaling pathways involved in pathophysiological processes in the skin, such as photoaging and inflammation. In photoaging UVB irradiation promotes degradation of the extracellular matrix (ECM) by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and, in inflammation, UVB irradiation promotes the expression of inducible cyclooxygenase (COX-2), leading to overproduction of inflammatory mediators.

OBJECTIVE

We first investigated the protective effects of macelignan from Myristica fragrans Houtt. on immortalized human keratinocytes (HaCaT) against UVB damage. We then explored the inhibitory effects of macelignan on UVB-induced MMP-9 and COX-2 and investigated the molecular mechanism underlying those effects.

METHODS

HaCaT cells were treated with macelignan for the indicated times followed by irradiation with UVB. Secretion of MMP-9 was measured by gelatin zymography. Expression of COX-2, mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt (PI3K/Akt), c-Fos, c-Jun, and CREB were assayed by western analysis.

RESULTS

Macelignan at a concentration of 0.1-1 microM increased the viability of HaCaT cells following UVB irradiation and inhibited MMP-9 secretion and COX-2 expression in a concentration-dependent manner. An inhibitory effect was also seen in the signal transduction network, where macelignan treatment reduced the activation of UVB-induced MAPKs, PI3K/Akt, and their downstream transcription factors.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that macelignan protects skin keratinocytes from UVB-induced damage and inhibits MMP-9 and COX-2 expression by attenuating the activation of MAPKs and PI3K/Akt.

Olive leaf extract and its main component oleuropein prevent chronic ultraviolet B radiation-induced skin damage and carcinogenesis in hairless mice

Chronic exposure to solar UV radiation damages skin, increasing its thickness and reducing its elasticity, and causes skin cancer. Our aim in this study was to examine the effects of an olive leaf extract and its component oleuropein on skin damage and the incidence of skin tumors caused by long-term UVB irradiation in hairless mice. Male hairless mice (5 wk old) were divided into 6 groups, including a non-UVB group, a vehicle-treated UVB group (control), 2 olive leaf extract-treated UVB groups, and 2 oleuropein-treated UVB groups. Five groups were UVB irradiated (36-180 mJ/cm(2)) 3 times each week for 30 wk and skin thickness and elasticity after UVB irradiation were measured every week. Olive leaf extract (300 and 1000 mg/kg) and oleuropein (10 and 25 mg/kg) were administered orally twice daily every day for 30 wk. The extract and oleuropein significantly inhibited increases in skin thickness and reductions in skin elasticity, and skin carcinogenesis and tumor growth. Furthermore, they prevented increases in the expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, MMP-9, and MMP-13 as well as in levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in the skin. Based on histological evaluation, they prevented increases in the expression of Ki-67 and CD31-positive cells induced by the irradiation. These results suggest that the preventative effects of the olive leaf extract and oleuropein on chronic UVB-induced skin damage and carcinogenesis and tumor growth may be due to inhibition of the expression of VEGF, MMP-2, MMP-9, and MMP-13 through a reduction in COX-2 levels.

Delphinidin suppresses ultraviolet B-induced cyclooxygenases-2 expression through inhibition of MAPKK4 and PI-3 kinase

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), a key mediator of inflammation, and its product, prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)), enhance carcinogenesis, particularly in skin. Ultraviolet (UV) B is the most carcinogenic component of solar irradiation, and a crucial role of COX-2 in UVB-mediated skin carcinogenesis has been reported. Here, we investigated the effects of delphinidin, an abundant dietary anthocyanin, on UVB-induced COX-2 upregulation and the underlying molecular mechanism. We found that delphinidin suppressed UVB-induced COX-2 expression in JB6 P+ mouse epidermal cells. COX-2 promoter activity and PGE(2) production were also suppressed by delphinidin treatment within non-cytotoxic concentrations. Activator protein-1 and nuclear factor-kappaB, crucial transcription factors involved in COX-2 expression, were activated by UVB and delphinidin abolished this activation. UVB-induced phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase, p38 kinase and Akt was inhibited by delphinidin. The activities of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MAPKK) 4 and phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI-3K) were inhibited markedly by delphinidin. A pull-down assay using delphinidin-Sepharose beads revealed that delphinidin binds directly with MAPKK4 or PI-3K in a manner that was competitive with adenosine triphosphate. Moreover, in vivo investigations using mouse skin revealed that the upregulation of COX-2 expression, MAPKK4 activity and PI-3K activity induced by UVB was abolished with delphinidin treatment. Collectively, our results demonstrated that delphinidin targets MAPKK4 and PI-3K directly to suppress COX-2 overexpression, suggesting a potential protective role for delphinidin against UVB-mediated skin carcinogenesis.

The role of translational regulation in ultraviolet C light-induced cyclooxygenase-2 expression

AIMS

The role of ultraviolet C light (UVC)-induced phosphorylation of the eukaryotic initiation factor 2 (eIF2) in the regulation of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression at both transcriptional and translational levels is investigated.

MAIN METHODS

Western analysis was used to determine COX expressions. Immunoprecipitation after [(35)S]-Met/Cys metabolic labeling was used to determine the rate for COX-2 synthesis and turnover. Quantitative real-time PCR was used to determine COX-2 mRNA levels. Ingenuity Pathways Analysis 6 was used for mapping COX-2 activation network.

KEY FINDINGS

UVC induces COX-2 expression in wild-type mouse embryo fibroblasts (MEF(S/S)) and that the inducibility is reduced in MEF(A/A) cells in which the phosphorylation site, Ser-51 in the eIF2alpha, is replaced with a nonphosphorylatable Ala (S51A). UVC-induced transcription of COX-2 is delayed in MEF(A/A) cells, which correlates with NF-kappaB activation as previously reported (Wu, S, Tan, M, Hu, Y, Wang, JL, Scheuner, D, Kaufman, RJ, Ultraviolet light activates NFkappaB through translational inhibition of IkappaBalpha synthesis. The Journal of Biological Chemistry, 279, 34898-34902, 2004). The translational efficiency of COX-2 is higher in MEF(A/A) cells than in MEF(S/S) cells at 4 h, but not at 24 h post-UVC. The translation efficiency is correlated to the ratio of activated COX-2 binding protein HuR/TIAR. In addition, the newly synthesized COX-2 protein is more stable in MEF(A/A) cells than in MEF(S/S) cells. The results demonstrated a complex and dynamic regulation of COX-2 expression.

SIGNIFICANCE

UVC induces a prolonged expression of COX-2. While transcriptional regulation of COX-2 expression is intensively studied, the role of translational regulation of COX-2 synthesis upon UVC-irradiation is not yet clear. This study elucidated a novel eIF2alpha phosphorylation-centered network for the regulation of COX-2 expression after UVC-irradiation.

Signal transduction molecules as targets for cancer prevention

Environmental and life-style aspects are major contributors to human carcinogenesis and, therefore, many human cancers may be preventable. Cancer is the end result of defects in cellular signaling processes that play a key role in the control of cell growth, survival, division, and differentiation. Therefore, identifying molecular and cellular targets critical in cancer development and prevention is an area of intensive research, driving the development of highly specific small-molecule inhibitors. A major idea today is that cancer may be prevented or treated by targeting the products of specific cancer-related genes, frequently encoding signaling proteins or transcription factors. Participants in these joint conferences discussed their latest findings in the identification of promising molecular targets and the development of agents directed against these targets with the goal of effectively transitioning these into the clinical setting.