Cactus cladodes (Opuntia humifusa) extract minimizes the effects of UV irradiation on keratinocytes and hairless mice.
BACKGROUND
Cactus cladodes [Opuntia humifusa (Raf.) Raf. (Cactaceae)] is one of the cactus genera, which has long been used as a folk medicine for skin disorders.


OBJECTIVE
This study investigated the skincare potential of cactus cladodes extract (OHE), including its ability to regulate ultraviolet B (UVB)-induced hyaluronic acid (HA) production.


METHODS
Gene expression levels of hyaluronic acid synthases (HASs) and hyaluronidase (HYAL) were measured in UVB-irradiated HaCaT cells with OHE treatment (10, 25, 50, 100 μg/mL) by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The HA content was analyzed in hairless mice (SKH-1, male, 6 weeks old) treated with OHE for 10 weeks by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and immunohistological staining were performed to examine epidermal thickness and levels of CD44 and hyaluronic acid-binding protein (HABP).


RESULTS
HA synthases (HAS,1 HAS2, HAS3) mRNA levels were increased by 1.9-, 2.2- and 1.6-fold, respectively, with OHE treatment (100 μg/mL), while UVB-induced increase of hyaluronidase mRNA significantly decreased by 35%. HA content in animal was decreased from 42.9 to 27.1 ng/mL by OHE treatment. HAS mRNA levels were decreased by 39%, but HYAL mRNA was increased by 50% in OHE group. CD44 and HABP levels, which were greatly increased by UVB-irradiation, were reduced by 64 and 60%, respectively. Epidermal thickness, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and erythema formation was also decreased by 45 (45.7 to 24.2 μm), 48 (48.8 to 25 g/h/m2) and 33%, respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
OHE protects skin from UVB-induced skin degeneration in HaCaT cells and hairless mice.
a Regulatory Affairs & Product Compliance Korea and Philippines , Herbalife Korea , Seoul , Republic of Korea.
Kyungmi
K
Park
b Department of Food Science and Technology , Seoul Women's University , Seoul , Republic of Korea.
Hyeon-Son
HS
Choi
c Department of Beauty Art , Suwon Women's University , Suwon , Republic of Korea.
Yang Hee
YH
Hong
d Department of Home Economic Education , Jeonju University , Jeonju , Republic of Korea.
Eun Young
EY
Jung
e Department of Public Health Sciences , Graduated School, Korea University , Seoul , Republic of Korea.
Hyung Joo
HJ
Suh
D000818:Animals; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D004817:Epidermis / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D014453:Glucuronosyltransferase / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D018960:Hyaluronan Receptors / Q000032:analysis; D000076002:Hyaluronan Synthases; D006821:Hyaluronoglucosaminidase / Q000235:genetics; D015603:Keratinocytes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000528:radiation effects*; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008812:Mice, Hairless; D029747:Opuntia; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000494:pharmacology*; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000032:analysis; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays
C497483:CD44 protein, human; D018960:Hyaluronan Receptors; D010936:Plant Extracts; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D014453:Glucuronosyltransferase; D000076002:Hyaluronan Synthases; D006821:Hyaluronoglucosaminidase
CD44; HA-binding protein; HaCaT cell; Hyaluronic acid synthase; SKH-1 mice; hyaluronidase