Antioxidant Peptide AOP-P1 Derived from Odorous Frog Showed Protective Effects Against UVB-Induced Skin Damages

The protection of skin from photo-damage induced by ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation has been a research hotspot in recent years and gene-encoded antioxidant peptides from amphibians have aroused great attention. In our previous research, a short peptide AOP-P1 identified from amphibian exerted direct scavenging capacity against free radicals, which implied its possible application in protecting skin against photo-injury. In this research, our results revealed that, on both UVB-irradiative and hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress models established with human immortalized keratinocyte, AOP-P1 could protect cell viability, promote the release of catalase, and decrease levels of lactate dehydrogenase & malondialdehyde. Moreover, AOP-P1 could promote the production of superoxide dismutase and glutathione, alleviate the thickness of epidermis & dermal and the production of light spot & collagen fibers on skin photo-injury animal model induced by UVB irradiation. In summary, our results implied the potential application of AOP-P1 in skin protection against photo-damage and highlighted the amphibian-derived antioxidant peptides as novel development of natural antioxidants for the treatment against photo-injury induced by ultraviolet irradiation.