Tranexamic Acid Diminishes Laser-Induced Melanogenesis.
- Author:
Myoung Shin KIM
1
;
Seung Hyun BANG
;
Jeong Hwan KIM
;
Hong Ju SHIN
;
Jee Ho CHOI
;
Sung Eun CHANG
Author Information
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords: Hyperpigmentation; Melanocytes; Tranexamic acid
- MeSH: Animals; Asian Continental Ancestry Group; Humans; Hyperpigmentation; MART-1 Antigen; Melanins; Melanocytes; Melanoma; Melanosis; Mice; Microphthalmia-Associated Transcription Factor; Monophenol Monooxygenase; Phosphotransferases; Tranexamic Acid*
- From:Annals of Dermatology 2015;27(3):250-256
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
- Abstract: BACKGROUND: The treatment of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) remains challenging. Tranexamic acid, a well-known anti-fibrinolytic drug, has recently demonstrated a curative effect towards melasma and ultraviolet-induced PIH in Asian countries. However, the precise mechanism of its inhibitory effect on melanogenesis is not fully understood. OBJECTIVE: In order to clarify the inhibitory effect of tranexamic acid on PIH, we investigated its effects on mouse melanocytes (i.e., melan-a cells) and human melanocytes. METHODS: Melan-a cells and human melanocytes were cultured with fractional CO2 laser-treated keratinocyte-conditioned media. Melanin content and tyrosinase activity were evaluated in cells treated with or without tranexamic acid. Protein levels of tyrosinase, tyrosinase-related protein (TRP)-1, and TRP-2 were evaluated in melan-a cells. Signaling pathway molecules involved in melanogenesis in melanoma cells were also investigated. RESULTS: Tranexamic acid-treated melanocytes exhibited reduced melanin content and tyrosinase activity. Tranexamic acid also decreased tyrosinase, TRP-1, and TRP-2 protein levels. This inhibitory effect on melanogenesis was considered to be involved in extracellular signal-regulated kinase signaling pathways and subsequently microphthalmia-associated transcription factor degradation. CONCLUSION: Tranexamic acid may be an attractive candidate for the treatment of PIH.
