Qiying Zeng

Dr. Qiying Zeng

orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

1Year (2026-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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30 January 2026 in Antioxidants
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
QZQiying Zeng
Qiying Zeng
KYKaiye Yang
Kaiye Yang
HGHongtao Gu
Hongtao Gu
CDChangzhi Dong
Changzhi Dong
Wei ZHOUWei ZHOU
Wei ZHOU
ZDZhi-Yun Du
Zhi-Yun Du
Background: Hyperpigmentation disorders lack effective therapies due to efficacy and safety limitations. Spirulina-derived peptides (SPs) show promises as anti-melanogenic agents, but their mechanisms remain unclear. Methods: SPs (<1 kDa, 3–6 amino acids) were isolated and assessed for tyrosinase inhibition, antioxidant, and anti-glycation activities. In vitro effects were tested in B16F10 cells; transcriptomic profiling used RNA sequencing. In vivo efficacy was evaluated in UVB-induced hyperpigmentation mouse models. Results: SPs exhibited mixed-type kinetic inhibition of tyrosinase along with strong antioxidant and anti-glycation activities. In vitro, SP suppressed melanin synthesis by directly inhibiting tyrosinase, downregulating the cAMP/PKA/CREB cascade, and activating the PI3K/Akt/GSK-3β pathway, resulting in reduced MITF and tyrosinase expression. Transcriptomic analysis revealed broad regulation of melanogenesis and inflammatory pathways. In vivo, topical SP treatment significantly reduced UVB-induced hyperpigmentation and skin inflammation, correlating with decreased CREB phosphorylation and tyrosinase expression. Conclusions: SP acts as a dual anti-melanogenic/anti-inflammatory agent through enzyme inhibition and signaling modulation, offering a novel therapeutic strategy for inflammation-associated hyperpigmentation.