2-O-β-D-Glucopyranosyl-4,6-dihydroxybenzaldehyde Isolated from Morus alba (Mulberry) Fruits Suppresses Damage by Regulating Oxidative and Inflammatory Responses in TNF-α-Induced Human Dermal Fibroblasts

Human skin is composed of three layers, of which the dermis is composed of an extracellular matrix (ECM) comprising collagen, elastin, and other proteins. These proteins are reduced due to skin aging caused by intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Among various internal and external factors related to aging, ultraviolet (UV) radiation is the main cause of photoaging of the skin. UV radiation stimulates DNA damage, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and pro-inflammatory cytokine production such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), and promotes ECM degradation. Stimulation with ROS and TNF-alpha upregulates mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappa B), and activator protein 1 (AP-1) transcription factors that induce the expression of the collagenase matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1). Moreover, TNF-alpha induces intracellular ROS production and several molecular pathways. Skin aging progresses through various processes and can be prevented through ROS generation and TNF-alpha inhibition. In our previous study, 2-O-beta-D-glucopyranosy14,6-dihydroxybenzaldehyde (GDHBA) was isolated from the Morus alba (mulberry) fruits and its inhibitory effect on MMP-1 secretion was revealed. In this study, we focused on the effect of GDHBA on TNF-alpha-induced human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs). GDHBA (50 mu M) inhibited ROS generation (18.8%) and decreased NO (58.4%) and PGE 2 levels (53.8%), significantly. Moreover, it decreased MMP-1 secretion (55.3%) and increased pro-collagen type I secretion (207.7%). GDHBA (50 mu M) decreased the expression of different MAPKs as per western blotting; p-38: 35.9%; ERK: 47.9%; JNK: 49.5%; c-Jun: 32.1%; NF-kappa B: 55.9%; and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2): 31%. This study elucidated a novel role of GDHBA in protecting against skin inflammation and damage through external stimuli, such as UV radiation.

Automated summary

This study found that GDHBA can inhibit the production of ROS induced by TNF-α in human dermal fibroblasts, decrease the levels of NO and PGE2, reduce the secretion of MMP-1, and increase the secretion of pro-collagen type I. Additionally, GDHBA can decrease the expression of various MAPKs, including p-38, ERK, JNK, c-Jun, NF-κB, and COX-2. These findings suggest that GDHBA can protect the skin against inflammation and damage caused by external stimuli.