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Preventive effect of Ephedra sinica extract on UVB-induced COX-2 and MMP-1 expression

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Abstract

Ultraviolet B (UVB)-induced cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 are representative markers for skin inflammation and photoaging, respectively. To evaluate compounds that may counteract the effects of UVB-induced skin damage, we developed an immortalized human keratinocyte (HaCaT) cell line with an MMP-1 reporter construct. Among the 30 botanical extracts screened, we selected Ephedra sinica extract (ESE) as a promising candidate and confirmed that ESE significantly suppresses UVB-induced COX-2 and MMP-1 expression in HaCaT cells. Treatment with ESE also potently suppressed UVB-induced ERK1/2 phosphorylation, as well as UVB-induced MEK1/2 and Raf phosphorylation in HaCaT cells. These findings suggest that our MMP-1 reporter system can be used to evaluate compounds with anti-inflammatory and anti-photoaging effects. We also report that ESE has potent suppressive effects against COX-2 and MMP-1 expression, which occurs via downregulation of Raf/MEK1/2/ERK1/2 phosphorylation.

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Acknowledgements

This research was supported by a grant from the Korea Food Research Institute, Republic of Korea.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Functional Food Research, Korea Food Research Institute, Wanju-gun, Jeollabuk-do, 55365, Republic of Korea

    Su Jeong Ha & Sung Keun Jung

  2. Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, Wonkwang University, Iksan, Jeonbuk, 54538, Republic of Korea

    Chang Joo Lee

  3. Food Biotechnology Program, Korea University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea

    Sung Keun Jung

  4. School of Food Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41566, Republic of Korea

    Sung Keun Jung

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  1. Su Jeong Ha
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  2. Chang Joo Lee
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Correspondence to Sung Keun Jung.

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Ha, S.J., Lee, C.J. & Jung, S.K. Preventive effect of Ephedra sinica extract on UVB-induced COX-2 and MMP-1 expression. Food Sci Biotechnol 27, 1157–1163 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10068-018-0331-3

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