%0 Journal Article
%T 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid alleviates radiation-induced skin injury by activating the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway.
%A Wang Z
%A Chen R
%A Chen J
%A Su L
%J Biol Chem
%V 405
%N 6
%D 2024 Jun 25
%M 38598859
%F 4.7
%R 10.1515/hsz-2023-0200
%X Radiation-induced skin injury is a common side effect of radiotherapy, but there are few therapeutic drugs available for prevention or treatment. In this study, we demonstrate that 18β-Glycyrrhetinic acid (18β-GA), a bioactive component derived from Glycyrrhiza glabra, substantially reduces the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inhibits apoptosis in HaCaT cells after ionizing radiation (IR), thereby mitigating radiation-induced skin injury. Mechanistically, 18β-GA promotes the nuclear import of Nrf2, leading to activation of the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway in response to IR. Importantly, Nrf2 silencing increases cell apoptosis and reverse the protective effect of 18β-GA on radiation-induced skin injury. Furthermore, 18β-GA preserves skin tissue structure after irradiation, inhibits inflammatory cell infiltration, and alleviates radiation dermatitis. In conclusion, our results suggest that 18β-GA reduces intracellular ROS production and apoptosis by activating the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway, leading to amelioration of radiation dermatitis.