Defensive Properties of Ginsenoside Re against UV-B-Induced Oxidative Stress through Up-Regulating Glutathione and Superoxide Dismutase in HaCaT Keratinocytes

Ginseng is now used worldwide as a traditional Oriental medicine. Ginsenosides, also known as ginseng saponins, are responsible for most pharmacological efficacies of ginseng. This work aimed to assess the novel skin anti-photoaging potential of ginsenoside Re (Re), a protopanaxatriol-type ginsenoside, by analyzing reactive oxygen species (ROS), pro-matrix metalloproteinase-2 (proMMP-2) and -9 (proMMP-9), total glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and cellular viability in UV-B-irradiated HaCaT keratinocytes. When HaCaT cells were pretreated with Re prior to UV-B irradiation, Re significantly suppressed the UV-B-induced ROS elevation. It was also able to attenuate the UV-B-induced proMMP-2 and -9 elevations at both activity and protein levels. Re was capable of overcoming the UV-B-reduced total GSH content and SOD activity in concentration-dependent ways. Under the experimental conditions used, Re could interfere with cellular viabilities in neither non-irradiated nor UV-B-irradiated keratinocytes.