Influence of UVA radiation on the production of metabolites by the Antarctic fungus Aspergillus sydowii: evaluation of the photoprotective, phototoxic and antioxidant potential on in vitro models.

• Grant number: 22/15404-9
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: April 01, 2023
• End date: January 31, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Pharmacy - Pharmaceutical Technology
• Principal Investigator: Lorena Rigo Gaspar Cordeiro
• Grantee: Henrique Marana Mieli
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto (FCFRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation can lead to inflammatory processes, DNA damage, premature aging and skin carcinogenesis. The use of sunscreens avoid the deleterious effects of UV radiation, however, some conventional compounds with photoprotective activity suffer interactions, instability, which can lead to allergenic reactions in contact with radiation. Due to the high incidence of UV radiation, the production of photoprotective compounds can be a strategy for the microorganisms in the Antarctic continent survive. Environmental adversities, mainly related to sun exposure, increase the natural defense against UV rays through the production of secondary metabolites by Antarctic marine organisms, such as algae or by associated endophytic fungi. These compounds can absorb/reflect sunlight, in addition to acting as antioxidants or as photostabilizers for already known photounstable filters. Preliminary studies indicated that the crude extract of the endophytic fungus A. sydowii, isolated from the alga M. hariotti, has UV absorption and antioxidant potential. Furthermore, the objective of this project is to evaluate the photoprotective, photostabilizing and antioxidant potential of fractions of the fungus A. sydowii isolated or associated with the combination of photounstable sunscreens. In addition, the project seeks to understand the influence of UVA radiation on fungal cultivation, increasing the secondary metabolites of interest and analyzing the UV absorption profile, phototoxicity and antioxidant activity by inhibiting the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) UVA-induced intracellular.