Kojic acid induces oxidative stress and anti-inflammatory effects in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cells

• DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2023.107221
• Publication Date: 2023-07-13T14:32:41Z
• Authors: Kimera T. Suthiram; Terisha Ghazi; Naeem Sheik Abdul; Anil A. Chuturgoon
• Keywords: Kojic acid; Hepatic carcinoma

The cosmetic industry makes extensive use of kojic acid (KA); however, the toxicity KA in humans is not well known. By monitoring oxidative stress, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB) signalling human hepatoma (HepG2) cells after a 24 h exposure, this study aimed to identify KA. [4.22, 8.02 12.67 mM] was assessed using mitochondrial output, antioxidant responses, macromolecule damage, MAPK signalling, inflammation, cell death markers, spectrophotometry, luminometry, Western blot qPCR. Apoptosis confirmed by reduced viability increased caspases -9 (p < 0.0001), -8 = 0.0003), -3/7 0.0001) activities at 4.22 mM mM. LDH leakage present mM, providing significant evidence necrosis. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels significantly 0.0001). There an increase phosphorylated erythroid-2 factor-2 (p-Nrf2) whilst decreased p-Nrf2 observed. p38 expression 0.0011). findings point suppression NFκB inflammatory pathway This showed that initiated due stress suppressed inflammation. HepG2 minimal