Grape seed extract as photochemopreventive agent against UVB-induced skin cancer.

Abstract Background In the recent years, the use of natural antioxidants as photochemoprotective agents against skin damages produced by ultraviolet radiation gained considerable attention. Our goal was to show that the hydroethanolic extract obtained from red grape seeds, Burgund Mare (BM) variety could have a protective effect on keratinocytes exposed to UVB radiation. Materials and methods HaCaT keratinocytes were treated with BM extract 30 min. before UVB exposure. The effect was evaluated by assessing cell viability with MTT; the generation of lipid peroxides with malondialdehide (MDA) assay; DNA damage using comet assay; the quantification of DNA photolesions by ELISA and apoptosis by immunocytochemistry with AnnexinV. Results After irradiation with UVB, HaCaT cells pretreated with BM showed: increased cell viability compared to those exposed to UVB only; significantly lower lipid peroxides level; the lesion scores and DNA photolesions were significantly lower and a significant reduction of the cells undergoing apoptosis. Conclusions These results recommend the use of the BM extract as photochemoprotective agent as such or in combination with sunscreens and/or other natural products with similar or complementary properties.