Betanin Attenuates Epigenetic Mechanisms and UV-Induced DNA Fragmentation in HaCaT Cells: Implications for Skin Cancer Chemoprevention

• Published in: Nutrients Vol. 16; no. 6; p. 860
• Main Authors: Zand, Afshin, Enkhbilguun, Sodbuyan, Macharia, John M, Varajti, Krisztina, Szabó, Istvan, Gerencsér, Gellért, Tisza, Boglárka Bernadett, Raposa, Bence L, Gyöngyi, Zoltán, Varjas, Timea
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Switzerland MDPI AG 01.03.2024; MDPI
• Subjects: Angiogenesis; Antioxidants; Apoptosis; beetroot; Betacyanins - pharmacology; betanin; Cancer; Care and treatment; Cell cycle; Cell growth; Chemoprevention; DNA; DNA damage; DNA Fragmentation; DNA methylation; DNMT; Enzymes; Epigenesis, Genetic; Epigenetic inheritance; Epigenetics; Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid; Gene expression; Genes; Genetic aspects; Genetic transcription; HaCaT Cells; HDAC; Humans; Methyltransferases; Nitrates; Oxidative stress; Pharmaceutical industry; Prevention; Radiation; Scientific equipment and supplies industry; Skin cancer; Skin Neoplasms - genetics; Skin Neoplasms - prevention & control; Ultraviolet Rays - adverse effects; Hungary; United States; France; United States > US; ultraviolet exposure; DNMT; skin cancer; comet assay; DNA fragmentation; XTT assay; qRT–PCR; beetroot; gene expression; HDAC; betanin
• ISSN: 2072-6643; 2072-6643
• DOI: 10.3390/nu16060860

Dermal photoaging refers to the skin's response to prolonged and excessive ultraviolet (UV) exposure, resulting in inflammation, changes to the tissue, redness, swelling, and discomfort. Betanin is the primary betacyanin in red beetroot ( ) and has excellent antioxidant properties. Yet, the specific molecular mechanisms of betanin in HaCaT cells have not been fully clarified. The objective of this study was to investigate the activity of betanin and the underlying mechanisms in HaCaT cells; furthermore, in this study, we explored the protective effect of various concentrations of betanin against UVB irradiation on HaCaT cells. Additionally, we assessed its influence on the transcription of various epigenetic effectors, including members of the DNA methyltransferase ( ) and histone deacetylase ( ) families. Our findings demonstrate a notable downregulation of genes in HaCaT cells, exhibiting diverse patterns upon betanin intake. We considered the involvement of and genes in distinct stages of carcinogenesis and the limited exploration of the effects of daily exposure dosages. Our results indicate that betanin may protect the skin from damage caused by UV exposure. Further investigation is essential to explore these potential associations.