Effect of Bee Pollen on a Human Skin Keratinocyte Cell Line, PHK16-0b, Exposed to Ultraviolet B Radiation.

Bee pollen (BP) has been shown to have beneficial effects on human health. The effect of BP on the skin has yet to be demonstrated. This study aims to demonstrate whether BP alleviates the harmful effects of ultraviolet B rays (UVB) on human skin keratinocytes. The human skin keratinocyte cell, PHK16-0b, was cultured and divided into four groups: (1) control, (2) UVB, (3) BP, and (4) UVB+BP. The mRNA expression levels of age-related genes (p16 and IL-6), intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, mitochondrial ATP levels, and oxidative DNA damage (8-OHdG) levels were measured. The mRNA level of age-related genes (p16, IL-6) expression was significantly upregulated in the UVB group, but was downregulated after treatment with BP. The intensity of dihydroethidium (DHE) staining was significantly higher in the nucleus of the cells belonging to the UVB group compared to other groups. DHE staining was significantly decreased after treatment with BP in the UVB+BP group compared to the UVB group. The ROS level and DNA damage levels were both significantly higher in the UVB group but reduced after BP treatment in the UVB+BP group. BP may protect the skin from UVB-induced aging by reducing ROS and oxidative stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]