RESUMO
Ginsenoside Rc (Rc) is a major ginsenoside isolated from Panax ginseng, and has exhibited pharmacological effects on skin cells. The present study aimed to investigate the putative skinprotective properties of Rc, including its antiphotoaging and barrier functionprotective effects, in human HaCaT keratinocytes exposed to UVB radiation. The protective properties of Rc were evaluated through the assessment of keratinocyte viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, total glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, caspase14, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)2 and 9 activity, and MMP2, MMP9 and filament aggregating protein (filaggrin) expression following UVB irradiation. Treatment with Rc was revealed to prevent the UVBinduced increase in ROS production and proMMP2 and 9 levels in HaCaT keratinocytes. In addition, treatment with Rc resulted in enriched GSH contents and enhanced SOD activity following exposure to UVB radiation. Furthermore, Rc treatment enhanced caspase14 activity and counteracted the UVBinduced downregulation in filaggrin expression. However, no significant difference was identified between Rctreated and normal groups in terms of keratinocyte viability, regardless of exposure to radiation. The present findings suggested that Rc may exert antiphotoaging and barrier functionprotective effects in keratinocytes, and thus protect the skin against photooxidative stress induced by exposure to UV radiation.