Inhibition of melanogenesis by sodium 2-mercaptoethanesulfonate
10.4196/kjpp.2020.24.2.149
- Author:
Jeong Hwan KIM
1
;
Chang Taek OH
;
Tae Rin KWON
;
Jong Hwan KIM
;
Dong Ho BAK
;
Hyuk KIM
;
Won Seok PARK
;
Beom Joon KIM
Author Information
1. R&D Unit, AmorePacific Corporation, Yongin 17074, Korea.
- Publication Type:Original Article
- From:The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
2020;24(2):149-156
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Sodium 2-mercaptoethanesulfonate (mesna) is a protective agent that is widely used in medicine because of its antioxidant effects. Recently, reactive oxygen species (ROS) were shown to increase pigmentation. Thus, ROS scavengers and inhibitors of ROS production may suppress melanogenesis. Forkhead box-O3a (FoxO3a) is an antimelanogenic factor that mediates ROS-induced skin pigmentation. In this study, we aimed to investigate the whitening effect of mesna and the signaling mechanism mediating this effect. Human melanoma (MNT-1) cells were used in this study. mRNA and protein expression were measured by real-time quantitative PCR and Western blotting analysis to track changes in FoxO3a-related signals induced by mesna. An immunofluorescence assay was performed to determine the nuclear translocation of FoxO3a. When MNT-1 melanoma cells were treated with mesna, melanin production and secretion decreased. These effects were accompanied by increases in FoxO3a activation and nuclear translocation, resulting in downregulation of four master genes of melanogenesis: MITF, TYR, TRP1, and TRP2. We found that mesna, an antioxidant and radical scavenger, suppresses melanin production and may therefore be a useful agent for the clinical treatment of hyperpigmentation disorders.
