Bay 11-7082, an NF-κB Inhibitor, Prevents Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation Through Inhibition of Inflammation and Melanogenesis

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is a very common disorder of cutaneous hyperpigmentation, which poses a persistent management challenge in the fields of dermatology and esthetics. This study was designed to explore the anti-melanogenic and anti-inflammatory effects of Bay 11-7082, an NF-κB inhibitor, using small-molecule screening, to determine its potential application for PIH prevention. The molecular mechanisms were investigated in vitro and ex vivo in epidermis-humanized mice using melanin content, RT-PCR, and immunoblotting. Bay 11-7082 suppressed proinflammatory cytokines and ameliorated 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB)-induced contact dermatitis on day 15. The suppression of melanin synthesis by Bay 11-7082 was attributed to the reduction of MITF, which was induced by extracellular signal-regulated kinase activation. Bay 11-7082 reduced epidermal melanin accumulation in UVB-stimulated ex vivo human epidermis as well as in the ear and tail skin of K14-stem cell factor (SCF) transgenic mice. Topical administration of Bay 11-7082 improved PIH on day 35 in the post-DNFB dorsal skin of K14-SCF transgenic mice. In conclusion, Bay 11-7082 can be considered a promising candidate for the development of a preventive topical agent for PIH.