Background: During melanogenesis, melanocytes produce melanin through enzymatic reactions. Microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) is a major regulator in controlling the expressions of melanogenic enzymes tyrosinase (TYR), tyrosine-related protein-1 (TRP1), and dopachrome tautomerase (DCT). Self-Growth Colony (SGC) is prepared from human platelet-rich plasma (PRP) having an enrichment of growth factors, and which has claimed skin regeneration function.
Aim:In this study, we aim to identify and investigate the novel role of SGC in skin melanogenesis.Methods: MTT assay was performed to determine the cytotoxicity of applied SGC.Melanin assay was adopted to quantify the intracellular melanin after SGC treatment. Promoter-driven luciferase assay, real-time PCR, and Western blotting were performed to determine the expressions of melanogenic enzymes and MITF in SGCtreated cultured Melan-A cells, being treated with or without UV induction. Ex vivo mouse skin was treated with SGC, and then was subjected to Western blotting and histochemical staining.
Results:We identified that SGC inhibited melanogenesis in cultured melanocytes and ex vivo mouse skin. The phenomena were attributed to a reduction of MITF expression, which subsequently down-regulated the melanogenic enzymes, that is, TYR, TRP1, and DCT. Moreover, ERK signaling was activated in the SGC-inhibited melanogenesis.
Conclusions:The findings suggest that SGC extracting from human blood can be a safe and potential agent in promoting skin whitening.