Modulation of the UVA activation of haem oxygenase, collagenase and cyclooxygenase gene expression by epigallocatechin in human skin cells.

We have investigated the modifying effects of epigallocatechin, a major polyphenolic constituent of green tea, on ultraviolet-A-activated gene expression in human fibroblasts and keratinocytes using the stress responsive enzymes: haem oxygenase-1, interstitial collagenase and cyclooxygenase-2. Although epigallocatechin strongly reduced ultraviolet-A-induced haem oxygenase-1 activation in skin-derived 'fibroblasts, the same compound activated collagenase and cyclooxygenase expression. In a keratinocyte cell line, ultraviolet-A-mediated haem oxygenase-1 over-expression was low and epigallocatechin failed to modulate it further. In contrast to the results with fibroblasts, ultraviolet-A activation of cyclooxygenase in keratinocytes was reduced by epigallocatechin. The results indicate that the effect of this green tea polyphenol on cellular stress responses is complex and may involve direct effects on signal transduction as well as changes that may be associated with its antioxidant activity.