Can l‐ascorbic acid and trans‐resveratrol protect HaCaT cells from fine particulate matter toxicity?

• Published in: Photochemistry and photobiology Vol. 100; no. 1; pp. 172 - 189
• Main Authors: Mokrzyński, Krystian, Krzysztyńska‐Kuleta, Olga, Wojtala, Mateusz, Wnuk, Dawid, Sarna, Michał, Sarna, Tadeusz
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01.01.2024
• Subjects: Air Pollutants - pharmacology; Air Pollutants - toxicity; Air pollution; Antioxidants; Antioxidants - metabolism; Antioxidants - pharmacology; Ascorbic acid; Ascorbic Acid - pharmacology; Cell death; Cytotoxicity; Damage prevention; fine particulate matter (PM2.5); Free radicals; HaCaT Cells; Humans; Keratinocytes; Lipids; Outdoor air quality; Oxidation; oxidative damage; Oxidative Stress; Particulate emissions; Particulate matter; Particulate Matter - analysis; Particulate Matter - toxicity; Phosphorescence; phototoxicity; Reactive Oxygen Species - metabolism; Resveratrol; Resveratrol - pharmacology; Scavenging; Seasonal variations; Singlet oxygen; Singlet Oxygen - pharmacology; Skin; Toxicity; Wound healing; skin; oxidative damage; fine particulate matter (PM2.5); phototoxicity; antioxidants
• ISSN: 0031-8655; 1751-1097
• DOI: 10.1111/php.13829

Continuous exposure of human skin to air pollution can result in a range of undesirable skin conditions. In our recent study, UV and visible light were found to increase cytotoxicity of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) against human keratinocytes. Since it is impossible to avoid exposure of human skin to PM2.5, effective strategies are needed to reduce their damaging effects. l‐ascorbic acid and resveratrol were tested as potential topical agents against pollution‐related skin impairment. Although these agents were previously found to ameliorate PM‐dependent damage, the effect of light and seasonal variation of particles were not previously studied. EPR spin‐trapping, DPPH assay, and singlet oxygen phosphorescence were used to determine the scavenging activities of the antioxidants. MTT, JC‐10 and iodometric assays were used to analyze the effect on PM2.5‐induced cytotoxicity, mitochondrial damage and oxidation of lipids. Live‐cell imaging was employed to examine wound‐healing properties of cells. Light‐induced, PM2.5‐mediated oxidative damage was examined by immunofluorescent staining. Both antioxidants effectively scavenged free radicals and singlet oxygen produced by PM2.5, reduced cell death and prevented oxidative damage to HaCaT cells. l‐ascorbic acid and resveratrol, especially when applied in combination, can protect HaCaT cells against the dark and light induced toxicity of PM2.5. Co‐exposure of human skin to PM2.5 and solar radiation can lead to undesirable skin conditions. l‐ascorbic acid and resveratrol were tested as potential topical agents against pollution‐related skin impairment taking seasonal variations of particles into account. EPR assays and singlet oxygen phosphorescence detection were used to determine scavenging activities of antioxidants. The protective potential of antioxidants on PM2.5‐exposed cells was demonstrated using MTT, JC‐10 and iodometric assays and visualized using immunofluorescent staining. The stimulating effect on wound‐healing was shown using live‐cell imaging. Both compounds, especially used in combination, can protect HaCaT cells against the damaging effects of PM2.5.