Profiling of bile acid metabolism in ultraviolet-induced skin injury reveals the protective role of glycochenodeoxycholic acid (GCDCA) and glycodeoxycholic acid (GDCA)
With the increasing intensity of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) and the growing frequency of UV exposure, the prevention and treatment of UV overexposure have become critical concerns. In response to external stimuli, the organism adapts, with metabolism being particularly sensitive and responsive to such changes. Our previous report reveals the involvement of BA metabolism in ionizing radiation-induced skin injury. In this study, we examined the metabolic changes of bile acid (BA) and derivetives in rats following UVR exposure and found that metabolites in BA pathway were altered, as revealed by metabolomics analysis, with BA levels continuing to rise. These BAs significantly protected skin cells from UV-induced apoptosis and maintained mitochondrial homeostasis. Furthermore, transcriptome analysis suggested that glycodeoxycholic acid (GDCA) and glycochenodeoxycholic acid (GCDCA) may exert their effects by inhibiting Ras/MAPK signaling. Collectively, our findings highlight the potential preventive and therapeutic roles of BAs and their derivatives in mitigating UV-induced skin damage through the antagonism of the MAPK signaling pathway. Additionally, this study offers new insights for developing novel strategies to prevent and manage UV-induced skin damage.