Caffeic Acid Protects Keratinocytes from PM2.5 by Regulating ROS,Mitochondrial Integrity, and JNK Activation
10.4062/biomolther.2025.254
- Author:
Herath Mudiyanselage Maheshika Madhuwanthi SENAVIRATHNA
1
;
Mei Jing PIAO
;
Kyoung Ah KANG
;
Mahadurage Pasindu Laksara MADHUWANTHA
;
Jinny PARK
;
Jin Won HYUN
Author Information
1. College of Medicine and Jeju Research Center for Natural Medicine, Jeju National University, Jeju 63243, Republic of Korea
- Publication Type:Original Article
- From:Biomolecules & Therapeutics
2026;34(3):697-708
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Caffeic acid (CA) is a naturally occurring phenolic compound known for its strong antioxidant and cytoprotective properties.Particulate matter (PM) with an aerodynamic diameter of 2.5 μm (PM2.5) or less is a major atmospheric pollutant that induces excessive oxidative stress and apoptosis in human skin cells, contributing to various adverse effects on the skin. In this study, we investigated the protective role of CA against PM2.5-induced cellular injury in human HaCaT keratinocytes. CA reduced PM2.5-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and mitigated oxidative damage, including lipid peroxidation, protein carbonyl formation, mitochondrial membrane depolarization, and intracellular calcium overload. In addition, CA attenuated PM2.5-induced apoptosis by upregulating B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) and suppressing Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), caspase-3, caspase-9, and phosphorylated c-Jun N-terminal kinase (phospho-JNK). Collectively, these findings demonstrate that CA protects HaCaT keratinocytes from PM2.5-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis by regulating the Bcl-2/Bax axis and inhibiting JNK-mediated apoptotic signaling, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic candidate for preventing pollutant-induced skin damage.
