Quercitrin protects against ultraviolet B-induced cell death in vitro and in an in vivo zebrafish model

Chronic exposure of skin to ultraviolet (UV) B radiation induces oxidative stress, which in turn, plays a crucial role in the induction of skin aging. The search for strategies to reverse skin aging is being constantly pursued. Here, the cytoprotective effect of quercitrin (QR) on UVB-induced cell injury in HaCaT human keratinocytes and in the zebrafish was investigated. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by the exposure of HaCaT cells to UVB radiation were significantly decreased after treatment with QR, and significantly so with QR at 50 μM. As a result, QR reduced UVB-induced cell death and apoptosis in HaCaT cells. QR similarly reduced UVB-induced ROS generation and cell death in live zebrafish.

► We have investigated the cytoprotective effect of QR against UVB-induced cell damage.
► QR inhibited UVB-induced ROS intracellular formation in HaCaT cells.
► QR reduced UVB-induced cell death and apoptosis in HaCaT cells.
► QR similarly reduced UVB-induced ROS generation and cell death in live zebrafish.