Morin Inhibiting Photocarcinogenesis by Targeting Ultraviolet-B-Induced Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Cytokines Expression in Swiss Albino Mice

Aim: To evaluate the effect of morin in ultraviolet-B (UV-B)-induced oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokines expression in the skin of Swiss albino mice. Materials and Methods: Swiss albino mice were divided into six treatment groups, and each group consisted of eight mice based on their exposure to UV-B radiation (180 mJ/cm2) and their respective treatment with morin (15 mg/kg). Morin was administered both intraperitoneally and topically thrice in a week for 30 weeks before UV-B exposure. After the treatment period, the mice were sacrificed, and the effect of morin on UV-B radiation-induced lipid peroxidation and enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidant levels was estimated on skin tissues spectrophotometrically. Western blot analysis was used to estimate the inflammatory cytokines. Results: This study revealed that the intraperitoneal and topical administration of morin significantly lowered the incidence of UV-B-induced tumor size in the skin of Swiss albino mice. Further, morin significantly reduced (P < 0.05) lipid peroxidation and increased the antioxidant levels in Swiss albino mice. It was also observed that morin reduced the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6. Conclusion: Morin has a stimulative effect on endogenous antioxidant defense mechanisms. It can prevent the photo damage of macromolecules such as lipids and the oxidation of proteins, thereby reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.