SCIENCE@home

Unripe Carica papaya protects skin keratinocytes against UVB-induced cell death via antioxidative and anti-inflammatory mechanisms

Wattanased Jarisarapurin,Khwandow Kunchana,L. Chularojmontri,Thanakorn Suraruk,S. Wattanapitayakul

Published 2025 in Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine

ABSTRACT

To investigate the mechanisms by which unripe papaya extract (UCP) protects skin keratinocytes from UVB-induced inflammation and apoptosis. High-performance liquid chromatography was used to identify the phytochemical composition of UCP. The free radical scavenging capacity of UCP was assessed against O 2 .- , and H 2 O 2 . HaCaT cells were pre-treated with varying concentrations of UCP and exposed to 40 mJ/cm 2 UVB radiation. Cell viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, apoptotic markers, and inflammatory mediators were evaluated using standard biochemical assays and molecular techniques. UCP treatment significantly improved cell viability and reduced intracellular ROS and the release of O 2 .- and H 2 O 2 . UCP also inhibited apoptosis, as evidenced by reduced cytochrome c release and suppression of Akt phosphorylation. Additionally, UCP exhibited anti-inflammatory effects by downregulating COX-2 expression, suppressing PGE 2 release, and inhibiting c-Jun and NF-κB signaling pathways. UCP effectively protects skin keratinocytes from UVB-induced oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. These findings support its potential as a natural therapeutic agent for preventing UV-related skin damage. However, in vivo studies are warranted to confirm its efficacy.

PUBLICATION RECORD

CITATION MAP

EXTRACTION MAP

CLAIMS

  • No claims are published for this paper.

CONCEPTS

  • No concepts are published for this paper.

REFERENCES

Showing 1-41 of 41 references · Page 1 of 1

CITED BY

  • No citing papers are available for this paper.

Showing 0-0 of 0 citing papers · Page 1 of 1