h-89 and 5-7-dimethoxyflavone

Melanin protects the skin against ultraviolet radiation (UVR) and diverse free radicals. Agents that increase melanin synthesis in melanocytes may reduce UVR-induced skin damage and skin cancer. In the present study, we evaluated the effects of 5,7-dimethoxyflavone (5,7-DMF) on melanogenic protein expression and signalling pathways. We found that 5,7-DMF significantly increased melanin content by upregulating microphthalmia-associated transcription factor and related melanogenic proteins. Additionally, 5,7-DMF increased cAMP levels, which activates a cascade of reactions, such as cAMP responsive element-binding protein and Akt/glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) signalling. Thus, 5,7-DMF may be an effective pigmentation stimulator for photoprotection and hypopigmentation disorders.

Topics: alpha-MSH; Animals; Cell Line, Tumor; Cyclic AMP; Cyclic AMP Response Element-Binding Protein; Cyclic AMP-Dependent Protein Kinases; Flavonoids; Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3; Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 beta; Intramolecular Oxidoreductases; Isoquinolines; Melanins; Melanoma, Experimental; Mice; Microphthalmia-Associated Transcription Factor; Monophenol Monooxygenase; Oxidoreductases; Phosphorylation; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt; Signal Transduction; Sulfonamides