Biomol Ther.  2021 Jul;29(4):445-451. 10.4062/biomolther.2020.222.

Salicylamide Enhances Melanin Synthesis in B16F1 Melanoma Cells

• Ito Y
• Sato K

• KMID: 2517170
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4062/biomolther.2020.222

Abstract

Salicylamide, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), is used as an analgesic and antipyretic agent. We have previously shown that several NSAIDs have anti-melanogenic properties in B16F1 melanoma cells. In contrast, we have found that salicylamide enhances melanin contents in B16F1 melanoma cells; however, the underlying mechanism is not known. Therefore, we investigated the mechanism through which salicylamide stimulates melanogenesis. Interestingly, salicylamide enhanced diphenolase activity in a cell-free assay. Western blotting and real-time RT-PCR revealed that salicylamide increased tyrosinase expression via transcriptional activation of the Mitf gene. Together, our results indicate that salicylamide could be used as an antihypopigmentation agent for skin and/or hair.

Keyword

Salicylamide; Melanogenesis; Tyrosinase; Melanoma; Mitf