Caffeic acid stimulates growth and differentiation of human epidermal keratinocytes

Abstract

Caffeic acid (3, 4-dihydroxycinnamic acid) is a natural phenolic antioxidant and widely distributed in plants. It has been known as a protective agent against UV radiation-induced skin damage. In this study, we examined effects of caffeic acid on the cell proliferation and differentiation of normal human keratinocytes (NHEK) and normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDF). Caffeic acid at 0.5-5 μM significantly (p<0.05) increased the cell proliferation of NHEK compared to the control cultures. Caffeic acid had no stimulatory effect on the proliferation of NHDF. Additionally, caffeic acid at lower concentration (0.05 μM) markedly induced the mRNA expressions of keratin 10 and profilaggrin, differentiated markers of keratinocytes. Caffeic acid regulates normal cell proliferation and differentiation of epidermal keratinocytes, resulting that it may be expected to be a useful skin care agent.