title: Inhibitory effect of Astragalus membranaceus root on matrix metalloproteinase-1 collagenase expression and procollagen destruction in ultraviolet B-irradiated human dermal fibroblasts by suppressing nuclear factor kappa-B activity.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The root of Astragalus membranaceus, regarded as a tonic in traditional Korean medicine, has been prescribed for long periods to treat chronic illness by boosting the immune system. Ultraviolet (UV) irradiation causes damage to skin connective tissue by degrading collagen, which is a major structural component of the extracellular matrix. Such damage is considered to be a cause of the wrinkling observed in premature ageing of the skin. This study has investigated the photo-protective effect of A. membranaceus on UVB radiation-induced activation of nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) activity in human dermal fibroblasts.
  
  
  METHODS
  HS68 fibroblast cells cultured with various concentrations of A. membranaceus were exposed to UVB (40 mJ/cm²). Activation of NF-κB P65 and expression of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) and type 1 procollagen were measured by Western blotting. Translocation of NF-κB P65 and MMP-1 regulation were also examined by immunocytochemistry.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Western blotting and immunocytochemistry results showed that A. membranaceus inhibited UVB-induced translocation of NF-κB P65 and MMP-1 expression. The data suggested that A. membranaceus restored type 1 procollagen synthesis by inhibiting NF-κB P65 activity and MMP-1 expression in UVB-exposed human dermal fibroblasts.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A. membranaceus is a candidate for use in skin protection from UVB-induced skin inflammation and photoageing.
authors.affiliation: Department of Prescriptionology, College of Oriental Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea.
authors.forename: Min Jung
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Hong
authors.forename: Eun Bit
authors.initials: EB
authors.lastname: Ko
authors.forename: Seong Kyu
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Park
authors.forename: Mun Seog
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Chang
mesh_terms: D027885:Astragalus propinquus / Q000737:chemistry*; D015153:Blotting, Western; D002460:Cell Line; D049109:Cell Proliferation / Q000187:drug effects; D003872:Dermatitis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D020781:Matrix Metalloproteinase 1 / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D055670:Medicine, Korean Traditional; D016328:NF-kappa B / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors* / Q000378:metabolism; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000494:pharmacology*; D018517:Plant Roots / Q000737:chemistry*; D011347:Procollagen / Q000378:metabolism*; D011480:Protease Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology; D020011:Protective Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D021381:Protein Transport / Q000187:drug effects / Q000528:radiation effects; D012867:Skin / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology / Q000528:radiation effects; D015595:Skin Aging / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000473:pathology / Q000528:radiation effects; D051996:Transcription Factor RelA / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000378:metabolism; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays / Q000009:adverse effects
chemical_list: D016328:NF-kappa B; D010936:Plant Extracts; D011347:Procollagen; D011480:Protease Inhibitors; D020011:Protective Agents; C498143:RELA protein, human; D051996:Transcription Factor RelA; C522360:MMP1 protein, human; D020781:Matrix Metalloproteinase 1