Particulate matter promotes hyperpigmentation via AhR/MAPK signaling activation and by increasing α-MSH paracrine levels in keratinocytes. (1st June 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Shi, Yaqian; Zeng, Zhuotong; Liu, Jiani; Pi, Zixin; Zou, Puyu; Deng, Qiancheng; Ma, Xinyu; Qiao, Fan; Xiong, Weiping; Zhou, Chengyun; Zeng, Qinghai; Xiao, Rong
• Is Part Of: Environmental pollution. Volume 278(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-06-01
• Subjects: Particulate matter -- Aryl hydrocarbon receptor -- Melanogenesis -- α-MSH; aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) -- Human epidermal melanocytes cells (HEMs) -- mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) -- microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) -- Ras-related protein Rab-27A (Rab27A) -- reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) -- tyrosine (TYR) -- tyrosinase related protein 1 (TYRP1) -- tyrosinase related protein 2 (TYRP2) -- α-Melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH) -- polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs); Pollution -- Periodicals; Pollution -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Environmental Pollution -- Periodicals; Pollution -- Périodiques; Pollution -- Aspect de l'environnement -- Périodiques; Pollution -- Effets physiologiques -- Périodiques; Pollution; Pollution -- Environmental aspects; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 363.73
• DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.116850
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0269-7491

Abstract

Abstract: Particulate matter with an aerodynamic equivalent diameter of 2.5 μm or less in ambient air (PM2.5) has become a global public and environmental problem, and the control of the PM2.5 concentration in air is an urgent problem. PM2.5 can easily penetrate the skin, activating the inflammatory response in skin, unbalancing the skin barrier function, and inducing skin aging. Hyperpigmentation is the main manifestation of skin aging and has a considerable impact on quality of life worldwide. To date, no research on the influence of PM2.5 on hyperpigmentation has been conducted. Here, we illustrate that PM2.5 can induce melanogenesis in vivo and in vitro by regulating TYR, TYRP1, TYRP2, and MITF expression via AhR/MAPK signaling activation. Furthermore, PM2.5 increased α-MSH paracrine levels, which in turn promote hyperpigmentation. Our results provide a deeper understanding of how PM2.5 disrupts skin homeostasis and function. Treatment with AhR antagonists may be a potential therapeutic strategy for hyperpigmentation induced by PM2.5. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: PM2.5 can induce melanogenesis via AhR/MAPK signaling activation in vitro . PM2.5 can increase melanin contents in zebrafish model. PM2.5 can increase the α-MSH paracrine level to promote melanogenesis. AhR antagonists may protect skin health from damage of PM2.5.