The protective role of DJ-1 in ultraviolet-induced damage of human skin: DJ-1 levels in the stratum corneum as an indicator of antioxidative defense

• Published in: Archives of Dermatological Research 2015-12, Vol.307 (10), p.925-935
• Main Authors: Ishiwatari, Shioji, Takahashi, Minako, Yasuda, Chie, Nakagawa, Maho, Saito, Yoshiro, Noguchi, Noriko, Matsukuma, Shoko
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Antioxidants - metabolism; Biomarkers - analysis; Cell Line; Cytokines - biosynthesis; Cytoprotection - physiology; Dermatology; Epidermis - pathology; Epidermis - radiation effects; Female; Humans; Hydrogen Peroxide - adverse effects; Hydrogen Peroxide - metabolism; Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins - genetics; Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins - metabolism; Keratinocytes - metabolism; Keratinocytes - radiation effects; L-Lactate Dehydrogenase - metabolism; L-Lactate Dehydrogenase - secretion; Male; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Middle Aged; Oncogene Proteins - genetics; Oncogene Proteins - metabolism; Original Paper; Oxidative Stress - physiology; Protein Deglycase DJ-1; RNA Interference; RNA, Small Interfering - genetics; Skin Pigmentation; Ultraviolet Rays - adverse effects; Young Adult
• ISSN: 0340-3696; 1432-069X
• DOI: 10.1007/s00403-015-1605-8

DJ-1 is a multifunctional protein associated with Parkinson’s disease and plays a significant role in protecting nerve cells from oxidative stress. DJ-1 is expressed in the skin, although its function there is unknown. In this study, we investigated DJ-1 function in keratinocytes. DJ-1 was induced by H 2 O 2 exposure and UV irradiation in keratinocytes. DJ-1 knockdown with small interfering RNA (siRNA) increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release after UVB irradiation, suggesting that DJ-1 reduces ROS and might protect skin cells from UV damage in vitro. To investigate the in vivo role of DJ-1 in the skin, we determined DJ-1 levels in human stratum corneum samples obtained by the tape-stripping method. DJ-1 levels in the stratum corneum (scDJ-1) correlated with total antioxidant capacity. We also examined the effect of scDJ-1 on changes in skin after UVB irradiation. DJ-1 was elevated in SC from the upper arm 1 to 2 weeks after UVB irradiation. One day after UVB irradiation, L * (brightness) and a * (redness) values, indicators of skin color, were altered regardless of scDJ-1 expression. However, these values recovered more quickly in subjects with high scDJ-1 expression than in those with low scDJ-1 expression. These data suggest that DJ-1 in skin plays a significant role in protection against UV radiation and oxidative stress, and that DJ-1 levels in the SC might be an indicator of antioxidative defense against UV-induced damage.