Salicylamide Enhances Melanin Synthesis in B16F1 Melanoma Cells

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 di-phenolase activity in a cell-free assay. Westem 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 anti-hypopigmentation agent for skin and/or hair.

Automated summary

Salicylamide, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, has been shown to enhance melanin content in B16F1 melanoma cells by increasing tyrosinase expression through transcriptional activation of the Mitf gene. This suggests that Salicylamide could be used as an anti-hypopigmentation agent for skin and/or hair.