LAUSR

Abstract This study investigated the protective effect of mackerel-derived fermented fish oil (FFO) against UVB radiation-induced oxidative stress in human HaCaT keratinocytes and mouse skin tissue. FFO treatment scavenged UVB-induced intracellular reactive oxygen species and attenuated oxidative modifications including lipid peroxidation, protein carbonylation, and DNA damage. FFO treatment reduced UVB-induced apoptosis by reducing DNA fragmentation, caspase activation, and proapoptotic protein expression. UVB radiation activated phospho-extracellular signal-regulated kinase, phospho-c-Jun N-terminal kinase, and phospho-p38, whereas their specific inhibitors with FFO treatment abrogated the cell viability and apoptosis increased by UVB irradiation. FFO was more cytoprotective than docosahexaenoic acid, the main component of fish oil, against UVB exposure. Furthermore, the cytoprotective effect of FFO was evident in both UVB-exposed HaCaT cell and mouse models. Overall, these results demonstrate that FFO protects the skin against UVB-induced oxidative stress through antioxidant effects. FFO has the potential for development as a functional food against UVB-induced skin damage.