Mechanisms of 4-Dimethylamino-4'-Methoxy Chalcone in Promoting Melanin Synthesis

Background and aims: Vitiligo, a pigmentation-associated disease, affects 1–2% of the global population andis difficult to treat. The pathogenetic mechanism vitiligo remains unclear. Vernonia anthelmintica (L.) Willd. extract for treatment was initially recorded 300 years ago. Itschalcone compounds are believed play essential roles in this treatment. In previous study, chalcones were shown enhance melanin production tyrosinase activity inmouse B16 cells. Materials methods: effects investigated 4-dimethylamino-4'-methoxy chalcone (DMC) on theexpression (TYR), tyrosinase-related protein (TRP)-1, tyrosinase-relatedprotein (TRP)-2, microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF)on murine Moreover, signaling pathways melanogenesis regulation,and DMCon AC/cAMP/PKA/CREB (CREB p-CREB), p38mitogen-activated kinase (MAPK) (MAPK, p-p38 MAPK, ERK andp-ERK), Wnt/β-catenin (β-catenin), SWI/SNF (SOX-10) proteinexpression levels examined by Western blot. Results: data showed that DMCcould promote upregulating p-CREB, p-p38,p-ERK β-catenin proteins.