Antimelanogenic activity of 3,4-dihydroxyacetophenone: inhibition of tyrosinase and MITF.

3,4-Dihydroxyacetophenone (3,4-DHAP) was evaluated for antimelanogenic activity. The tyrosinase inhibitory action by 3,4-DHAP using mushroom tyrosinase revealed a strong inhibitory effect. To further explore this matter, inhibition of tyrosinase and melanin content was measured in B16 melanoma cells (B16 cells). Further, tyrosinase and microphthalmia transcription factor (MITF) protein levels were determined by the Western blot method. Additionally, tyrosinase and MITF protein levels were reduced by 3,4-DHAP. Our data indicate that the antimelanogenic activity of 3,4-DHAP was probably due to its inhibition of tyrosinase activity and the suppression of tyrosinase and MITF protein levels.