Effects of Baicalin and Szechwan Lovge Rhizome on fibroblasts damaged by UVB irradiation

Objective To investigate damage effects of ultraviolet irradiation on human fibroblasts and to evaluate photo-protective efficiency of Traditional Chinese Medicines(Baicalin and Szechwan Lovge Rhizome) on fibroblasts damaged by UVB irradiation.Methods Subconfluent fibroblasts were sham or UVB irradiated and treated with above TCM agents.The damage degree of fibroblasts was observed by a light microscop.Cell growth was recorded by cell count and cellular activity was detected by MTT method.The secretion amount of IL-10,IL-12 and TNF-α?was measured by ELISA.Results The damage of fibroblasts was depended on the irradiated dosages and cellular activity was reduced.The intervention of the above drugs may increase the cellular activity.As to cytokine secretion,baicalin and szechwan lovge rhizome could reduce the secretion of IL-10,IL-12 and TNF-αinduced by UVB irradiation.Conclusion The injury effect of UVB irradiation on cultured fibroblasts is dose-dependent and the tested drugs have photo-protective potency.Inhibition of cytokine secretion may be one of the mechanisms related to reducing the damage effect of UVB irradiation.