Phloridzin-induced melanogenesis is mediated by the cAMP signaling pathway

Melanogenesis is a physiological process that results in the synthesis of melanin pigments, which play a crucial protective role in protection against skin photocarcinogenesis. Phloridzin is a phloretin 2′-glucoside that is found in many parts of the apple tree that reportedly increases tyrosinase activity and melanin contents through inhibition of protein kinase C (PKC) activity in B16 melanoma cells. In this study, we attempted to accurately determine the effects and mechanisms of action of phloridzin on melanogenesis. Specifically, we observed that phloridzin-induced a dose-dependent increase in tyrosinase activity and melanin contents, and that these changes were accompanied by an increase in the levels of tyrosinase and the tyrosinase-related proteins, TRP-1 and TRP-2. Furthermore, the cAMP-dependent protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor H89 impaired the response of the tyrosinase activity and melanin synthesis to phloridzin. Additionally, phloridzin stimulated cAMP production and phosphorylation of the cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB). Taken together, the results of this study indicate that phloridzin increases tyrosinase gene expression through the cAMP signaling pathway, thereby leading to the stimulation of melanogenesis.