Antioxidative and antiphotoaging activities of neferine upon UV-A irradiation in human dermal fibroblasts
Authors: Mingxia Chen
Hongliang Bai
Maoguo Shu
Abidullah Khan
Amin Khan
Zhuanli Bai
Journal: Bioscience Reports (2018)
Discipline: MOLECULAR BIOLOGY & GENETICS
Keywords: Antioxidant; Fibroblasts; Neferine; Oxidative stress; Photoaging
Affiliations: Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, School of Medicine, 277 West Yanta Road, Xi’an, Shaanxi 710061, China, Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, School of Medicine, 277 West Yanta Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China., Department of Electron Microscopy, Xi'an Jiaotong University, School of Medicine, 277 West Yanta Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China., Department of Chemistry, University of Science and Technology, Bannu, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) 28100, Pakistan., Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, School of Medicine, 277 West Yanta Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China .

Abstract:  Our daily exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) results in the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipids, proteins and DNA damage and alteration in fibroblast structure, thus contributing to skin photoaging. For this reason, the use of natural bioactive compounds with antioxidant activity could be a strategic tool to overcome ultraviolet A (UV-A) induced deleterious effect. Neferine is an alkaloid extract from the seed embryos of lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn). In the present study, we report the protective effect of neferine against UV-A induced oxidative stress and photoaging in human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs). HDFs subjected to UV-A irradiation showed increased production of ROS and malondialdehyde (MDA). Furthermore, it depleted the cellular enzymatic antioxidant superoxide dismutase (SOD) and non-enzymatic antioxidant glutathione peroxidase (GPx). On the other hand, HDFs treated with neferine followed by UV-A irradiation reversed the process, reduced the ROS and lipid peroxidation and restored the antioxidants pool. Moreover, neferine treatment significantly inhibited UV-A induced matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) expression in HDFs. Remarkable morphological and ultrastructural alterations observed in HDFs upon UV-A irradiation, were also reduced with neferine treatment. Taken together, our results suggest that neferine has strong antioxidative and photoprotective properties and thus may be a potential agent for the prevention and treatment of UV-A mediated skin photoaging. 

Retracted: No

PubPeer comments:
 Figure 3A appears to have two images which appear unexpectedly similar although they are described as having been differently treated. *** Contrast enhanced ![file] , 
 EXPRESSION OF CONCERN| FEBRUARY 17 2021 The Editorial Office has been made aware of potential issues surrounding the scientific validity of this paper, hence has issued an expression of concern to notify readers whilst the Editorial Office investigates. , 
 Corrected [1 July 2021] . --------------------------- This Correction follows an Expression of Concern relating to this article previously published by Portland Press. The Authors of the original article u201cAntioxidative and antiphotoaging activities of neferine upon UV-A irradiation in human dermal fibroblastsu201d (Biosci Rep (2018) 38(6): BSR20181414; DOI: 10.1042 BSR20181414) would like to correct Figure 3A, which had been identified as containing an overlap in two of the panels (Nef (0.2u03bcM) and Nef (0.8u03bcM)). The Authors state that this error had occurred during the figure making process, and confirm that it does not affect the conclusions of their study. The correct version of Figure 3A is presented in this Correction. ![file] ,