Betanin Attenuates Epigenetic Mechanisms and UV-Induced DNA Fragmentation in HaCaT Cells - Implications for Skin Cancer Chemoprevention

Sep 21, 2026

Dermal photoaging results from prolonged and excessive ultraviolet (UV) exposure, producing inflammation, tissue alterations, redness, swelling, and discomfort. Betanin, the main betacyanin from red beetroot (Beta vulgaris), has strong antioxidant activity, yet its molecular actions in HaCaT keratinocytes are not fully resolved. This study evaluates betanin activity in HaCaT cells and examines protective effects against UVB irradiation, including effects on epigenetic effectors from the DNMT and HDAC families, with findings suggesting gene downregulation patterns linked to potential protection from UV damage and the need for further investigation.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages15

Reading Time38 min

AccessFree to download

1. Introduction

Solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) and skin cancer risk

UVB-induced ROS, DNA damage, and oxidative stress

Beetroot, betanin, and chemopreventive rationale

nutrients Article Betanin Attenuates Epigenetic Mechanisms and UV-Induced DNA Fragmentation in HaCaT Cells: Implications for Skin Cancer Chemoprevention Afshin Zand 1, *, Sodbuyan Enkhbilguun 2, John M. Macharia 3, Krisztina Varajti 4, Istvan Szabó 1, Gellért Gerencsér 1, Boglárka Bernadett Tisza 3, Bence L. Raposa 2, Zoltán Gyöngyi 1 and Timea Varjas 1 Citation: Zand, A.; Enkhbilguun, S.; Macharia, J.M.; Varajti, K.; Szabó, I.; Gerencsér, G.; Tisza, B.B.; Raposa, B.L.; Gyöngyi, Z.; Varjas, T. Betanin Attenuates Epigenetic Mechanismsand UV-Induced DNA Fragmentation in HaCaT Cells: Implications for Skin Cancer Chemoprevention. Nutrients 2024, 16, 860. [https://doi.org/](https://doi.org/)[ ](https://doi.org/)[10.3390/nu16060860](10.3390/nu16060860) Academic Editor: Giuseppe Annunziata Received: 8 February 2024 Revised: 6 March 2024 Accepted: 14 March 2024 Published: 16 March 2024 Copyright: © 2024 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license ([https://](https://)[ ](https://)[creativecommons.org/licenses/by/](creativecommons.org/licenses/by/)[ ](creativecommons.org/licenses/by/)[4.0/](4.0/)) . 1 Department of Public Health Medicine, Medical School, University of Pecs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary; [bokor28@yahoo.co.uk](bokor28@yahoo.co.uk) (I.S.); [gellert.gerencser@gmail.com](gellert.gerencser@gmail.com) (G.G.); [zoltan.gyongyi@aok.pte.hu](zoltan.gyongyi@aok.pte.hu) (Z.G.); [timea.varjas@aok.pte.hu](timea.varjas@aok.pte.hu) (T.V.) 2 Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pecs, 7621 Pecs, Hungary; [enkhbilguunsod@gmail.com](enkhbilguunsod@gmail.com) (S.E.); [raposa.laszlo@pte.hu](raposa.laszlo@pte.hu) (B.L.R.) 3 Doctoral School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Science, University of Pecs, 7621 Pecs, Hungary; [johnmacharia@rocketmail.com](johnmacharia@rocketmail.com) (J.M.M.); [boglarka.tisza@etk.pte.hu](boglarka.tisza@etk.pte.hu) (B.B.T.) 4 Doctoral School of Clinical Medicine, Medical School, University of Pecs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary; [varajti.krisztina@gmail.com](varajti.krisztina@gmail.com) * Correspondence: [afshin.zand@aok.pte.hu](afshin.zand@aok.pte.hu); Tel.: +36-72501500 (ext. 38120) Abstract: Dermal photoaging refers to the skin’s response to prolonged and excessive ultraviolet (UV) exposure, resulting in inflammation, changes to the tissue, redness, swelling, and discomfort. Betanin is the primary betacyanin in red beetroot (Beta vulgaris) and has excellent antioxidant properties. Yet, the specific molecular mechanisms of betanin in HaCaT cells have not been fully clarified. The objective of this study was to investigate the activity of betanin and the underlying mechanisms in HaCaT cells; furthermore, in this study, we explored the protective effect of various concentrations of betanin against UVB irradiation on HaCaT cells. Additionally, we assessed its influence on the transcription of various epigenetic effectors, including members of the DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) and histone deacetylase (HDAC) families. Our findings demonstrate a notable downregulation of genes in HaCaT cells, exhibiting diverse patterns upon betanin intake. We considered the involvement of DNMT and HDAC genes in distinct stages of carcinogenesis and the limited exploration of the effects of daily exposure dosages. Our results indicate that betanin may protect the skin from damage caused by UV exposure. Further investigation is essential to explore these potential associations. Keywords: DNMT; HDAC; DNA fragmentation; betanin; beetroot; skin cancer; qRT–PCR; gene expression; ultraviolet exposure; comet assay; XTT assay 1. Introduction Solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) has a significant environmental influence on human skin. It causes various harmful effects, such as sunburn, redness, swelling, weakened immunity, and the development of skin cancers [1] . Studies tracking pop

FAQs

What is the main purpose of the study in HaCaT cells?

To investigate betanin activity and its underlying mechanisms in HaCaT cells, including protective effects against UVB irradiation.

Which epigenetic regulators were assessed after betanin treatment?

Transcriptional effects were evaluated for epigenetic effectors from the DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) and histone deacetylase (HDAC) families.

How does UVB exposure contribute to cellular damage relevant to skin cancer?

UVB triggers reactive oxygen species production, promotes DNA lesions that can lead to cell death or mutations, and contributes to oxidative stress that supports tumor development.

Sep 21, 2026

Upload by Lucas Martin