The regulation of protein kinase casein kinase II by apigenin is involved in the inhibition of ultraviolet B-induced macrophage migration inhibitory factor-mediated hyperpigmentation.

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation elicits melanogenesis and pigmentation in the skin. Apigenin (4',5,7-trihydroxyflavone [AGN]) is a plant flavone contained in various herbs, fruits, and vegetables. We herein investigated antimelanogenic properties of AGN and the molecular mechanisms of the action of AGN. In UVB-treated mice, AGN inhibited cutaneous hyperpigmentation and macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) expression as a melanogenesis-related key factor. In mouse keratinocytes, AGN inhibited the expression of MIF and also the related factors (e.g., stem cell factor and proteinase-activated receptor 2) induced by MIF. In addition to ellagic acid as a casein kinase II (CK2) inhibitor, AGN suppressed CK2 enzymatic activity and UVB-induced CK2 expression and subsequent phosphorylation of IκB and MIF expression. These results suggest that AGN inhibits UVB-induced hyperpigmentation through the regulation of CK2-mediated MIF expression in keratinocytes.