Anthocyanin‐rich extract mitigates skin photoaging in ultraviolet‐B irradiation‐induced human dermal fibroblasts

Bog blueberries are rich in anthocyanins, phytochemicals that belong to the flavonoid family and provide pigmentation to fruits and vegetables. Anthocyanins have received attention as agents that may have potential in preventing chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases and certain cancers. The present study investigated the capacity of an anthocyanin(ATH)‐rich extract from bog blueberry to inhibit degradation of collagen, secretion of collagenolytic MMP enzymes and production of inflammatory cytokines in ultraviolet (UV)‐B irradiated human dermal fibroblasts. The ATH‐rich extract attenuated the UV‐B‐induced cytotoxicity accompanying a blockade of ROS production. In addition, the ATH‐rich extract markedly suppressed collagen degradation in UV‐B‐exposed dermal fibroblasts by blunting production of these MMP enzymes. We next attempted to explore whether the ATH‐rich extract down‐regulated MMP production via interfering with the MAPK‐dependent and/or NF‐κB‐responsive pathways. This extract mitigated activation of MAPK, which resulted in a consequent decrease in MMP‐1 secretion. Additionally, the ATH‐rich extract reduced release of multiple inflammatory cytokines such as IL‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐8 and TNF‐α. These results demonstrate that the ATH‐rich extract dampens UV‐B‐triggered collagen destruction and inflammatory responses through modulating MAPK‐ and NF‐κB‐dependent pathways. Therefore, the ATH‐rich extract from bog blueberries may be a protective agent against UV‐induced skin photoaging. Grant Funding Source : Korea Research Foundation (KRF‐2006‐521‐F00072) and Brain Korea 21