Propionic acid produced by Cutibacterium acnes fermentation ameliorates ultraviolet B-induced melanin synthesis.

ABSTRACT: Ultraviolet irradiation induces melanin accumulation, which can be reduced by the use of chemical whitening products. However, the associated safety concerns of such products have prompted the search for natural and harmless alternatives. This study aimed to identify a natural acidic formulation to reduce skin pigmentation. The metabolite propionic acid (CH₃CH₂COOH, PA) was the most abundant fatty acid in the filtrate from Pluronic F68 (PF68) fermentation of Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes) and reduced the DOPA-positive melanocytes by significantly inhibiting cellular tyrosinase activity via binding to the free fatty acid receptor 2 (FFAR2). Moreover, 4 mM PA treatment did not alter melanocyte proliferation, indicating that it is an effective solution for hyperpigmentat

SUBMITTER: Kao HJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8184931 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature