The Photoprotective Effect of S-Methylmethionine Sulfonium in Skin

The study investigated the photoprotective effects of S-Methylmethionine sulfonium (SMMS) on skin cells and hairless rats exposed to UVB radiation. In vitro, SMMS increased the viability of keratinocyte progenitor cells (KPCs) and human dermal fibroblasts (hDFs) by reducing UVB-induced apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and by modulating the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway. In vivo, topical application of SMMS on hairless albino rats significantly reduced UVB-induced skin erythema and depletion of epidermal Langerhans cells. These findings suggested that SMMS could serve as a potential photoprotective agent against UVB-induced skin damage.