Potential role of mTORC1 and the PI3K-Akt pathway in anti-acne properties of licorice flavonoids

Abstract

We applied a label-free proteomic method to explore the mechanisms of Licorice flavonoid anti-acne effects in rat. Acne model was established in the back of rats as model group (MDL), then treated with licorice flavonoid (LCF), while none treated rats as control groups (CTR). In MDL, 314 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) and 27 significantly differentially expressed proteins (SDEPs) were identified compared to what was identified in CTR. While in LCF, 359 DEPs and 15 SDEPs were identified in comparison to MDL. Bioinformatics analysis showed that pathways related to metabolism, tight junction, PI3K-Akt signaling, focal adhesion, regulation of actin cytoskeleton, and leukocyte transendothelial migration were activated. The results of proteomics data were validated by qRT-PCR and western blot. Transdermal administration of LCF may exert anti-acne effects by inhibiting PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and mitochondrial activity. Hence, our results elucidated the underlying mechanisms of LCF anti-acne effect.

Keywords

• Licorice flavonoid
• Acne Vulgaris
• Label-free Proteomic
• PI3K-Akt
• mTORC1