Fluvastatin increases tyrosinase synthesis induced by UVB irradiation of B16F10 melanoma cells.

Statins are widely used to lower plasma concentrations of lipids, e. g. cholesterol. One of the main effects of statin treatment is inhibition of hydroxymethyl glutaryl-coenzyme A reductase. The role of fluvastatin, a frequently used statin, was examined in potential modulation of tyrosinase (key enzyme of melanogenesis) synthesis. Levels of tyrosinase mRNA induced by UVB irradiation of B16F10 melanoma cell line were measured by real time PCR. Fluvastatin increases tyrosinase mRNA production induced by UVB irradiation in B16F10 melanoma cell line. Fluvastatin treatment may potentially influence melanin synthesis and protection against UV irradiation.