Salicylamide Enhances Melanin Synthesis in B16F1 Melanoma Cells
10.4062/biomolther.2020.222
- Author:
Yusuke ITO
1
;
Kazuomi SATO
Author Information
1. Division of Animal Science, College of Agriculture, Tamagawa University, Tokyo 194-8610, Japan
- Publication Type:Original Article
- From:Biomolecules & Therapeutics
2021;29(4):445-451
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Salicylamide, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), is used as an analgesic and antipyretic agent. We have previously shown that several NSAIDs have anti-melanogenic properties in B16F1 melanoma cells. In contrast, we have found that salicylamide enhances melanin contents in B16F1 melanoma cells; however, the underlying mechanism is not known. Therefore, we investigated the mechanism through which salicylamide stimulates melanogenesis. Interestingly, salicylamide enhanced diphenolase activity in a cell-free assay. Western blotting and real-time RT-PCR revealed that salicylamide increased tyrosinase expression via transcriptional activation of the Mitf gene. Together, our results indicate that salicylamide could be used as an antihypopigmentation agent for skin and/or hair.