Ultraviolet Light Induced Generation of Reactive Oxygen Species

Standardized Extract from Wastes of Edible Flowers and Snail Mucus Ameliorate Ultraviolet B-Induced Damage in Keratinocytes

Several studies have highlighted the ability of snail mucus in maintaining healthy skin conditions due to its emollient, regenerative, and protective properties. In particular, mucus derived from Helix aspersa muller has already been reported to have beneficial properties such as antimicrobial activity and wound repair capacity. In order to enhance the beneficial effects of snail mucus, a formulation enriched with antioxidant compounds derived from edible flower waste (Acmella oleracea L., Centaurea cyanus L., Tagetes erecta L., Calendula officinalis L., and Moringa oleifera Lam.) was obtained. UVB damage was used as a model to investigate in vitro the cytoprotective effects of snail mucus and edible flower extract. Results demonstrated that polyphenols from the flower waste extract boosted the antioxidant activity of snail mucus, providing cytoprotective effects in keratinocytes exposed to UVB radiation. Additionally, glutathione content, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and lipid peroxidation levels were reduced following the combined treatment with snail mucus and edible flower waste extract. We demonstrated that flower waste can be considered a valid candidate for cosmeceutical applications due to its potent antioxidant activity. Thus, a new formulation of snail mucus enriched in extracts of edible flower waste could be useful to design innovative and sustainable broadband natural UV-screen cosmeceutical products.

Photodistributed Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis: a systematic review and proposal for a new diagnostic classification

BACKGROUND

Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure is commonly reported as a risk factor for Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). However, minimal evaluation of photo-induced SJS/TEN has been conducted. Thus, this review identifies all cases of SJS/TEN that are linked to an acute exposure of UVR and outlines the unifying characteristics of these cases. Furthermore, the theoretical pathogenesis, differential diagnoses, and proposed diagnostic criteria are defined.

METHODS

PubMed, Google Scholar, and other databases and websites were searched from inception to September 2021 to identify studies that met inclusion criteria. The following keywords were utilized: "Stevens-Johnson syndrome" and "toxic epidermal necrolysis" with "ultraviolet," "photodistributed," "photo-induced," "photosensitivity," and "photo." One reviewer assessed study characteristics, with confirmation by a second. The risk of bias was assessed independently by another.

RESULTS

Thirteen patient cases were identified, all reporting ultraviolet radiation prior to rash onset and an underlying causal drug. Case classifications included 7/13 SJS and 6/13 TEN. All cases described the rash as photodistributed with UVR exposure prior to rash onset (delay of 1-3 days) and a causal drug. 10 cases provided evidence that the photodistributed rash lacked linear demarcation (as in a sunburn) with satellite target-like lesions. No cases described a flu-like prodrome.

DISCUSSION

Mucositis, palmar and plantar rash, a positive Nikolsky sign, and a prolonged disease course can help distinguish from photosensitive reactions, while a negative direct immunofluorescence test is important to distinguish from other photo-induced disorders.

CONCLUSION

Physicians should be aware that UVR may precipitate SJS/TEN in patients taking susceptible drugs. After a 24-h delay from UVR exposure, a non-distinct, photodistributed rash appears with no flu-like prodrome and progresses for at least 48 h to include vesiculobullous eruptions and mucous membrane involvement. Photodistributed SJS/TEN appears to be photo-drug-induced with a unique onset and rash presentation that should be recognized as a distinct diagnosis.

ErZhiFormula prevents UV-induced skin photoaging by Nrf2/HO-1/NQO1 signaling: An in vitro and in vivo studies

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

ErZhiFormula (EZF) is a classical traditional Chinese medicinal formulation. It can be used to treat liver and kidney yin deficiency, dizziness, lumbar debility, insomnia, nocturnal emission, lower extremity weakness, and other aging-related diseases. However, the protective effect of EZF in skin photoaging and its potential mechanism has not been clarified.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aims to explore the role of EZF in the skin photoaging mechanism induced by UV radiation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography (UPLC) was used to identify the fingerprint of EZF. The mice were irradiated with UVA and UVB to establish the photoaging model in vivo. Human immortalized keratinocytes (HaCaT) were irradiated with UVB to establish the photoaging model in vitro. The activity of cells was detected by CCK-8 and LDH kits, the level of reactive oxygen species was detected by DCF fluorescent probe, and the apoptosis was detected by PE annexin V and 7-Amino-Actinomycin (7-AAD) staining. Comet assay was used to detect cell DNA damage. The antioxidant enzyme levels in cell and mouse serum were detected by antioxidant kit, and Western blot was used to detect protein expression.

RESULTS

We found that EZF contain many active ingredients, including salidroside, specnuezhenide, isoquercitrin, etc. EZF can improve the photoaging of HaCaT cells and mouse skin caused by UV radiation. The results of animal experiments are consistent with those of cell experiments. Combined with Western blot analysis, we found that EZF finally played an anti-skin photoaging role by regulating the Nrf2/HO-1/NQO1 pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

EZF can protect skin from UV-induced photoaging by regulating the Nrf2/HO-1/NQO1 signal pathway. EZF may become a traditional Chinese medicine with the potential to prevent skin photoaging.

Mitochondrial ROS and base excision repair steps leading to DNA nick formation drive ultraviolet induced-NETosis

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) is essential for neutrophil extracellular trap formation (NETosis), and generated either by NADPH oxidases (e.g., during infections) or mitochondria (e.g., sterile injury) in neutrophils. We recently showed that ultraviolet (UV) radiation, a sterile injury-inducing agent, dose-dependently induced mitochondrial ROS generation, and increasing levels of ROS shifted the neutrophil death from apoptosis to NETosis. Nevertheless, how ROS executes UV-induced NETosis is unknown. In this study, we first confirmed that UV doses used in our experiments generated mitochondrial ROS, and the inhibition of mitochondrial ROS suppressed NETosis (Mitosox, SYTOX, immunocytochemistry, imaging). Next, we showed that UV irradiation extensively oxidized DNA, by confocal imaging of 8-oxyguanine (8-oxoG) in NETs. Immunofluorescence microscopy further showed that a DNA repair protein, proliferating cell nuclear antigen, was widely distributed throughout the DNA, indicating that the DNA repair machinery was active throughout the genome during UV-induced NETosis. Inhibition of specific steps of base excision repair (BER) pathway showed that steps leading up to DNA nick formation, but not the later steps, suppressed UV-induced NETosis. In summary, this study shows that (i) high levels of mitochondrial ROS produced following UV irradiation induces extensive oxidative DNA damage, and (ii) early steps of the BER pathway leading to DNA nicking results in chromatin decondensation and NETosis. Collectively, these findings reveal how ROS induces NOX-independent NETosis, and also a novel biological mechanism for UV irradiation- and -mitochondrial ROS-mediated NETosis.

Is there any association between the frequency of wet age-related macular degeneration recurrences and the seasons of the year?

PURPOSE

To investigate whether a seasonal distribution of the frequency of exudative age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD) recurrences exists.

METHODS

In total, 129 eyes with 171 recurrences in patients suffering from wet AMD were included in the study. All the patients had been treated with intravitreal anti-VEGF injections according to Pro Re Nata treatment regimen. Recurrence was defined as the re-detection of sub-retinal fluid, intraretinal fluid, and/or sub-macular hemorrhage in optical coherence tomography scans, after at least two consecutive monthly examinations with a "dry" macula. The year was divided in three 4-month periods (zone A: June-September, zone B: October-January, and zone C: February-May) based on the weather conditions prevailing in each period. Mean temperature and hours of sunlight exposure were the main weather markers recorded.

RESULTS

Eighty-two recurrences (48%) occurred during the period June-September, 50 (29.2%) during the period October-January, and 39 (22.8%) during the period February-May (Chi-square = 17.5, p < 0.001). Among the groups, neither patients' age (78 ± 8 years A, 76 ± 7 years B, and 79 ± 8 years C, p = 0.15) nor gender status (40% men A, 36% men B, and 51% men C, p = 0.35) differed significantly. Mean temperature was 27.6 ± 1.8 °C, 15.1 ± 4.6 °C, and 16.5 ± 4.4 °C in zones A, B, and C, respectively. Hours (h) of sunlight exposure (average hours/month) were 344 ± 34 h, 188 ± 42 h, and 223 ± 57 h in zones A, B, and C.

CONCLUSION

We demonstrated that the frequency of wet AMD recurrences is significantly elevated during the warmer months, possibly due to the higher levels of UV radiation and mean temperature. Further research is necessary to validate our findings.

Development and Characterization of Methyl-Anthranilate-Loaded Silver Nanoparticles: A Phytocosmetic Sunscreen Gel for UV Protection

Methyl anthranilate (MA) is a naturally derived compound commonly used in cosmetic products, such as skin care products, fine perfumes, etc. The goal of this research was to develop a UV-protective sunscreen gel using methyl-anthranilate-loaded silver nanoparticles (MA-AgNPs). The microwave approach was used to develop the MA-AgNPs, which were then optimized using Box-Behnken Design (BBD). Particle size (Y1) and absorbance (Y2) were chosen as the response variables, while AgNO₃ (X1), methyl anthranilate concentration (X2), and microwave power (X3) were chosen as the independent variables. Additionally, the prepared AgNPs were approximated for investigations on in vitro active ingredient release, dermatokinetics, and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). The study's findings showed that the optimal MA-loaded AgNPs formulation had a particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, and percentage entrapment efficiency (EE) of 200 nm, 0.296 mV, -25.34 mV, and 87.88%, respectively. The image from transmission electron microscopy (TEM) demonstrated the spherical shape of the nanoparticles. According to an in vitro investigation on active ingredient release, MA-AgNPs and MA suspension released the active ingredient at rates of 81.83% and 41.62%, respectively. The developed MA-AgNPs formulation was converted into a gel by using Carbopol 934 as a gelling agent. The spreadability and extrudability of MA-AgNPs gel were found to be 16.20 and 15.190, respectively, demonstrating that the gel may spread very easily across the skin's surface. The MA-AgNPs formulation demonstrated improved antioxidant activity in comparison to pure MA. The MA-AgNPs sunscreen gel formulation displayed non-Newtonian pseudoplastic behaviour, which is typical of skin-care products, and was found to be stable during the stability studies. The sun protection factor (SPF) value of MA-AgNPG was found to be 35.75. In contrast to the hydroalcoholic Rhodamine B solution (5.0 µm), the CLSM of rat skin treated with the Rhodamine B-loaded AgNPs formulation showed a deeper penetration of 35.0 µm, indicating the AgNPs formulation was able to pass the barrier and reach the skin's deeper layers for more efficient delivery of the active ingredient. This can help with skin conditions where deeper penetration is necessary for efficacy. Overall, the results indicated that the BBD-optimized MA-AgNPs provided some of the most important benefits over conventional MA formulations for the topical delivery of methyl anthranilate.

The Biochemistry and Effectiveness of Antioxidants in Food, Fruits, and Marine Algae

It is more effective to maintain good health than to regain it after losing it. This work focuses on the biochemical defense mechanisms against free radicals and their role in building and maintaining antioxidant shields, aiming to show how to balance, as much as possible, the situations in which we are exposed to free radicals. To achieve this aim, foods, fruits, and marine algae with a high antioxidant content should constitute the basis of nutritional elements, since natural products are known to have significantly greater assimilation efficiency. This review also gives the perspective in which the use of antioxidants can extend the life of food products, by protecting them from damage caused by oxidation as well as their use as food additives.

Novel roles for HMGA2 isoforms in regulating oxidative stress and sensitizing to RSL3-Induced ferroptosis in prostate cancer cells

Oxidative stress is increased in several cancers including prostate cancer, and is currently being exploited in cancer therapy to induce ferroptosis, a novel nonapoptotic form of cell death. High mobility group A2 (HMGA2), a non-histone protein up-regulated in several cancers, can be truncated due to chromosomal rearrangement or alternative splicing of HMGA2 gene. The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of wild-type vs. truncated HMGA2 in prostate cancer (PCa). We analyzed the expression of wild-type vs. truncated HMGA2 and showed that prostate cancer patient tissue and some cell lines expressed increasing amounts of both wild-type and truncated HMGA2 with increasing tumor grade, compared to normal epithelial cells. RNA-Seq analysis of LNCaP prostate cancer cells stably overexpressing wild-type HMGA2 (HMGA2-WT), truncated HMGA2 (HMGA2-TR) or empty vector (Neo) control revealed that HMGA2-TR cells exhibited higher oxidative stress compared to HMGA2-WT or Neo control cells, which was also confirmed by analysis of basal reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels using 2', 7'-dichlorofluorescin diacetate (DCFDA) dye, the ratio of reduced glutathione/oxidized glutathione (GSH/GSSG) and NADP/NADPH using metabolomics. This was associated with increased sensitivity to RAS-selective lethal 3 (RSL3)-induced ferroptosis that could be antagonized by ferrostatin-1. Additionally, proteomic and immunoprecipitation analyses showed that cytoplasmic HMGA2 protein interacted with Ras GTPase-activating protein-binding protein 1 (G3BP1), a cytoplasmic stress granule protein that responds to oxidative stress, and that G3BP1 transient knockdown increased sensitivity to ferroptosis even further. Endogenous knockdown of HMGA2 or G3BP1 in PC3 cells reduced proliferation which was reversed by ferrostatin-1. In conclusion, we show a novel role for HMGA2 in oxidative stress, particularly the truncated HMGA2, which may be a therapeutic target for ferroptosis-mediated prostate cancer therapy.

Exploring the mechanism of MP gel against skin photoaging based on network pharmacology, molecular docking, and experimental validation

OBJECTIVE

Long-term and high exposure to UV radiation can lead to the development of skin photoaging diseases. Therefore, there is an ongoing need for more natural and safe drugs to prevent or treat skin photoaging diseases.

METHODS

The Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform database were used to collect the active compounds and corresponding targets of Cnidii Fructus, Arnebiae Radix, Angelicae Sinensis Radix, Poria, and Borneolum. The GeneCards database and the NCBI Gene database were used to collect the targets of skin photoaging diseases. The STRING database was used to construct a protein-protein interaction network formed by the intersecting targets of drugs and diseases. The Metascape database was applied for Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis of the targets. Molecular docking between active compounds and targets was verified by Autodock. After that, the skin photoaging model of mice was established and treated with MP gel. The skin characterization on the back of mice was observed, and the ameliorative effect of MP gel on skin photoaging was evaluated by histological and epidermal thickness assays. The MDA content and SOD activity were measured. Caspase-3 expression in mouse skin tissues was detected by immunohistochemistry, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction assay, and Western blot.

RESULTS

The results of network pharmacology experiments showed that the natural drugs have multi-component, multi-target therapeutic disease characteristics. The results of animal studies showed that MP gel improved the health of photoaged skin, promoted skin structural integrity, had antioxidant properties and significantly inhibited caspase-3 expression.

CONCLUSION

The experimental validation of the results of the preliminary network pharmacology analysis was carried out in animal experiments, which confirmed part of the mechanism of action of MP gel in the prevention and treatment of skin photoaging.

Therapeutic and cosmeceutical role of glycosylated natural products in dermatology

Natural products (NPs) remain the primary source of pharmacologically active candidates for drug discovery. Since time immemorial, NPs have attracted considerable attention because of their beneficial skin effects. Moreover, there has been a great interest in using such products for the cosmetics industry in the past few decades, bridging the gap between modern and traditional medicine. Terpenoids, Steroids, and Flavonoids having glycosidic attachment have proven biological effects with a positive impact on human health. NPs derived glycosides are mainly found in fruits, vegetables, and plants, and most of them have a special reverence in traditional and modern medicine for disease prevention and treatment. A literature review was performed using scientific journals, Google scholar, Scifinder, PubMED, and Google patents. These scientific articles, documents, and patents establish the significance of glycosidic NPs in the areas of dermatology. Considering the human inclination to the usage of NPs rather than synthetic or inorganic drugs (especially in the area of skin care), in the present review we have discussed the worth of NP glycosides in beauty care and skin-related therapeutics and the mechanistic pathways involved.

Kinkéliba (Combretum micranthum) Leaf Extract Alleviates Skin Inflammation: In Vitro and In Vivo Study

Kinkéliba (Combretum micranthum, Seh-Haw in Wolof) is a popular bush tea in West African countries. Although the kinkéliba plant's leaves have been widely consumed for its nutritional and medicinal properties, its benefits on skin health potential have been practically untouched. In human epidermal primary keratinocytes, vitexin and isovitexin-rich kinkéliba extract treatment significantly (p < 0.001) enhanced up to 39.6% of the cell survival rate decreased by UV radiation irritation. The treatment of kinkéliba leaf extracts also reduced the production of UV-induced pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-8 by 57.6% and 42.5%, respectively (p < 0.001), which cause skin redness and skin barrier dysfunction, as well as wrinkles and collagen degradation. The anti-inflammation efficacy of kinkéliba leaf extracts might involve significant inhibition on the levels of cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) (-70.8%, p < 0.001) and nitrotyrosine (-56.9%, p < 0.05). Further topical applications of kinkéliba leaf extract gel were found to reduce sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)-induced skin inflammation: at D7, the skin trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) and skin redness (a* value) were both reduced by 59.81% (p < 0.001) and 22.4% (p < 0.001), compared with D0. In vitro and in vivo data support a new topical application of the kinkéliba leaf as an effective active ingredient for the treatment of skin inflammation, as well as subsequent barrier dysfunction and inflammaging.

Role of DAMPs and cell death in autoimmune diseases: the example of multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic neuroinflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS) of unknown etiology and still incompletely clarified pathogenesis. The disease is generally considered a disorder resulting from a complex interplay between environmental risk factors and predisposing causal genetic variants. To examine the etiopathogenesis of the disease, two complementary pre-clinical models are currently discussed: the "outside-in" model proposing a peripherally elicited inflammatory/autoimmune attack against degraded myelin as the cause of the disease, and the "inside-out" paradigm implying a primary cytodegenerative process of cells in the CNS that triggers secondary reactive inflammatory/autoimmune responses against myelin debris. In this review, the integrating pathogenetic role of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) in these two scenario models is examined by focusing on the origin and sources of these molecules, which are known to promote neuroinflammation and, via activation of pattern recognition receptor-bearing antigen-presenting cells, drive and shape autoimmune responses. In particular, environmental factors are discussed that are conceptually defined as agents which produce endogenous DAMPs via induction of regulated cell death (RCD) or act themselves as exogenous DAMPs. Indeed, in the field of autoimmune diseases, including multiple sclerosis, recent research has focused on environmental triggers that cause secondary events in terms of subroutines of RCD, which have been identified as prolific sources of DAMPs. Finally, a model of a DAMP-driven positive feed-forward loop of chronic inflammatory demyelinating processes is proposed, aimed at reconciling the competing "inside-out" and "outside-in" paradigms.

Pomegranate natural extract Pomanox® positively modulates skin health-related parameters in normal and UV-induced photoaging conditions in Hs68 human fibroblast cells

Skin photoaging is primarily caused by ultraviolet radiation and can lead to the degradation of skin extracellular matrix components, resulting in hyperpigmentation and skin elasticity loss. In this area, polyphenols have become of great interest because of their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiaging properties. Here, we evaluated the effects of the pomegranate natural extract Pomanox^® on skin health-related parameters in normal and UV-induced photoaging conditions in human fibroblast Hs68 cells. Moreover, the inhibitory effects of Pomanox^® on tyrosinase activity were assessed. In normal conditions, Pomanox^® significantly modulated collagen and hyaluronic acid metabolisms. In UV-exposed cells, both preventive and regenerative treatments with Pomanox^® positively modulated hyaluronic acid metabolism and decreased ROS levels. However, only the preventive treatment modulated collagen metabolism. Finally, Pomanox^® showed a marked inhibitory capacity of tyrosinase activity (IC50 = 394.7 μg/mL). The modulation of skin health-related parameters exhibited by Pomanox^® open a wide range of potential applications of this product.

The combined effect of titanium dioxide nanoparticles and cypermethrin on male reproductive toxicity in rats

Titanium nanoparticles and pyrethroid pesticides are now being widely used in industrial, agriculture, and biomedical applications. In recent years, their health safety profiles have aroused concerns among health scientists. This study mainly explored the combined effects of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2NPs) and cypermethrin (CYP) on reproductive toxicity in male rats by gavage for 90 days. Thirty-two male Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to four groups: the control group, the TiO2NPs group, the CYP group, and the combined titanium dioxide nanoparticles with cypermethrin (TiO2NPs + CYP) group. The results of biochemical analysis on testicular tissue homogenate showed that TiO2NPs and CYP mixtures decreased the activities of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and catalase (CAT) while increasing the activity of malondialdehyde (MDA) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Meanwhile, the results of two-way factorial analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed a significant effect on GSH-Px, CAT, LDH, testicular cell apoptosis, and sperm quality in rats after exposure. Furthermore, the combined exposure group exhibited apoptosis of testicular cells and DNA damage. The results indicated that exposure to a mixture of TiO2NPs and CYP had adverse effects on the reproductive status of male rats.

The Effect of Carnosine on UVA-Induced Changes in Intracellular Signaling of Human Skin Fibroblast Spheroids

Dermis fibroblasts are very sensitive to penetrating UVA radiation and induce photo-damage. To protect skin cells against this environmental damage, there is an urgent need for effective compounds, specifically targeting UVA-induced mitochondrial injury. This study aimed to analyze the effect of carnosine on the proteome of UVA-irradiated human skin fibroblast, cultured in a three-dimensional (3D) biological system recapitulating dermal compartment as a test system to investigate the altered cellular pathways after 48 h and 7 days of culture with or without carnosine treatment. The obtained results indicate that UVA dysregulates Oxidative Phosphorylation, the Fibrosis Signaling Pathway, Glycolysis I and Nrf2-mediated Oxidative Stress Response. Carnosine exercises provide a protective function against the harmful effects of UVA radiation by activating the Nrf2 pathway with the upregulations of some ROS-detoxifying enzymes such as the glutathione S-transferase (GST) protein family. Additionally, carnosine regulates the activation of the Epithelial Adherens Junction and Wound Healing Signaling Pathway by mediating the activation of structural proteins such as vinculin and zyxin as well as fibronectin 1 and collagen type XVIII alpha 1 chain against UVA-induced changes.

Adaptive Plasticity of Insect Eggs in Response to Environmental Challenges

Insect eggs are exposed to a plethora of abiotic and biotic threats. Their survival depends on both an innate developmental program and genetically determined protective traits provided by the parents. In addition, there is increasing evidence that (a) parents adjust the egg phenotype to the actual needs, (b) eggs themselves respond to environmental challenges, and (c) egg-associated microbes actively shape the egg phenotype. This review focuses on the phenotypic plasticity of insect eggs and their capability to adjust themselves to their environment. We outline the ways in which the interaction between egg and environment is two-way, with the environment shaping the egg phenotype but also with insect eggs affecting their environment. Specifically, insect eggs affect plant defenses, host biology (in the case of parasitoid eggs), and insect oviposition behavior. We aim to emphasize that the insect egg, although it is a sessile life stage, actively responds to and interacts with its environment.

Potential of the Ethyl Acetate Fraction of Padina boergesenii as a Natural UV Filter in Sunscreen Cream Formulation

Brown seaweeds, due to their wide range of bioactive compounds, have a high ability to inhibit free radicals and protect against ultraviolet rays. In the present study, the ethyl acetate fraction (EF) was isolated from the Padina boergesenii brown seaweed. Antioxidant activity (by the DPPH scavenging activity method) and cytotoxicity against UVB-induced cytotoxicity in HaCaT human keratinocytes were evaluated. Then, this fraction was used as a bio-filter in the formulation of sunscreen, and the physical properties and stability were investigated. The results showed that the EF could inhibit DPPH radical scavenging (54 ± 1%) and cell viability of HaCaT keratinocytes exposed to UVB irradiation (81.2 ± 0.1%). The results of the stability study of the cream formulated with EF showed that at temperatures 4 °C and 25 °C it has high stability; and at 40 °C on the 28th day, a slight decrease in its stability was observed. The pH and Sun Protection Factor of the cream formulated with EF were reported at 5.8 and 20.55, respectively. Also, the DPPH scavenging activity of the cream was not altered for 28 days of storage at temperatures of 4-40 °C. According to our results, it was proved that the sunscreen formulated with EF of P. boergesenii brown seaweed has promising properties and characteristics that can create a new opportunity for the development of cosmetics and skin care products.

Oxidative Stress and Immune Response in Melanoma: Ion Channels as Targets of Therapy

Oxidative stress and immune response play an important role in the development of several cancers, including melanoma. Ion channels are aberrantly expressed in tumour cells and regulate neoplastic transformation, malignant progression, and resistance to therapy. Ion channels are localized in the plasma membrane or other cellular membranes and are targets of oxidative stress, which is particularly elevated in melanoma. At the same time, ion channels are crucial for normal and cancer cell physiology and are subject to multiple layers of regulation, and therefore represent promising targets for therapeutic intervention. In this review, we analyzed the effects of oxidative stress on ion channels on a molecular and cellular level and in the context of melanoma progression and immune evasion. The possible role of ion channels as targets of alternative therapeutic strategies in melanoma was discussed.

NRF2 in dermo-cosmetic: From scientific knowledge to skin care products

The skin is the organ that is most susceptible to the impact of the exposome. Located at the interface with the external environment, it protects internal organs through the barrier function of the epidermis. It must adapt to the consequences of the harmful effects of solar radiation, the various chemical constituents of atmospheric pollution, and wounds associated with mechanical damage: oxidation, cytotoxicity, inflammation, and so forth. In this biological context, a capacity to adapt to the various stresses caused by the exposome is essential; otherwise, more or less serious conditions may develop accelerated aging, pigmentation disorders, atopy, psoriasis, and skin cancers. Nrf2-controlled pathways play a key role at this level. Nrf2 is a transcription factor that controls genes involved in oxidative stress protection and detoxification of chemicals. Its involvement in UV protection, reduction of inflammation in processes associated with healing, epidermal differentiation for barrier function, and hair regrowth, has been demonstrated. The modulation of Nrf2 in the skin may therefore constitute a skin protection or care strategy for certain dermatological stresses and disorders initiated or aggravated by the exposome. Nrf2 inducers can act through different modes of action. Keap1-dependent mechanisms include modification of the cysteine residues of Keap1 by (pro)electrophiles or prooxidants, and disruption of the Keap1-Nrf2 complex. Indirect mechanisms are suggested for numerous phytochemicals, acting on upstream pathways, or via hormesis. While developing novel and safe Nrf2 modulators for skin care may be challenging, new avenues can arise from natural compounds-based molecular modeling and emerging concepts such as epigenetic regulation.

UV-induced skin's green autofluorescence is a biomarker for both non-invasive evaluations of the dosages of UV exposures of the skin and non-invasive prediction of UV-induced skin damage

It is crucial to discover biomarkers for non-invasive evaluations of the dosages of UV exposures to a person during post-UV exposure period, and for non-invasive prediction of UV-induced skin damage. Our current study has obtained findings: UVB exposures produced dose-dependent increases in skin's green autofluorescence (AF) intensity of mice, which were significantly associated with the UVB dosages. The UVC-induced green AF increases were dose dependent, which were highly associated with the UVC dosages. Moreover, both previous reports and our current study have collectively shown significant association between UVB/UVC dosages and UVB/UVC-induced skin damage. Collectively, our study has indicated that the UVB/UVC-induced skin's AF are first biomarkers for both non-invasive evaluations of the dosages of UV exposures to a person during post-UV exposure period and non-invasive and label-free prediction of UVB/UVC-induced skin damage.

Pitavastatin Induces Apoptosis of Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells through Geranylgeranyl Pyrophosphate-Dependent c-Jun N-Terminal Kinase Activation

BACKGROUND

Pitavastatin is a cholesterol-lowering drug and is widely used clinically. In addition to this effect, pitavastatin has shown the potential to induce apoptosis in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) cells.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects and possible action mechanisms of pitavastatin.

METHODS

SCC cells (SCC12 and SCC13 cells) were treated with pitavastatin, and induction of apoptosis was confirmed by Western blot. To examine whether pitavastatin-induced apoptosis is related to a decrease in the amount of intermediate mediators in the cholesterol synthesis pathway, the changes in pitavastatin-induced apoptosis after supplementation with mevalonate, squalene, geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (GGPP) and dolichol were investigated.

RESULTS

Pitavastatin dose-dependently induced apoptosis of cutaneous SCC cells, but the viability of normal keratinocytes was not affected by pitavastatin at the same concentrations. In supplementation experiments, pitavastatin-induced apoptosis was inhibited by the addition of mevalonate or downstream metabolite GGPP. As a result of examining the effect on intracellular signaling, pitavastatin decreased Yes1 associated transcriptional regulator and Ras homolog family member A and increased Rac family small GTPase 1 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) activity. All these effects of pitavastatin on signaling molecules were restored when supplemented with either mevalonate or GGPP. Furthermore, pitavastatin-induced apoptosis of cutaneous SCC cells was inhibited by a JNK inhibitor.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that pitavastatin induces apoptosis of cutaneous SCC cells through GGPP-dependent JNK activation.

Characterization of the RACK1 gene of Aips cerana cerana and its role in adverse environmental stresses

Receptors for Activated C Kinase 1 (RACK1s) are a kind of multifunction scaffold protein that plays an important role in cell signal transductions and animal development. However, the function of RACK1 in the Chinese honeybee Apis cerana cerana is little known. Here, we isolated and identified a RACK1 gene from Apis cerana cerana, named AccRACK1. By bioinformatic analysis, we revealed a high nucleic acid homology between AccRACK1 and RACK1 of Apis cerana. RT-qPCR analyses demonstrated AccRACK1 was mostly expressed in 3rd instar larvae, darked-eyed pupae and adults (one and thirty days post-emergence), suggesting it might participate in the development of A. cerana cerana. Moreover, the expression of AccRACK1 was highest in the thorax, followed by the venom gland. Compared to the blank control group, AccRACK1 was induced by 24 and 44 °C, HgCl2 and pesticides (paraquat, pyridaben and methomyl) but inhibited by 14 °C, H2O2, UV light and cyhalothrin. Additionally, 0.05, 0.1, 1, 5 and 10 mg/ml PPN (juvenile hormone analogue pyriproxyfen) could promote the expression of AccRACK1, with 1 mg/ml showing the highest upregulation, suggesting it was regulated by hormones. Further study found that after knockdown of AccRACK1 by RNAi, the expression of the eukaryotic initiation factor 6 of A. cerana cerana (AcceIF6), an initiation factor regulating the initiation of translation, was inhibited, indicating AccRACK1 might affect cellular responses by translation. These findings, taken together, suggest AccRACK1 is involved in the development and responses to abiotic stresses of A. cerana cerana, and therefore, it may be of critical importance to the survival of A. cerana cerana.

Effect of a hyaluronic acid-based mesotherapeutic injectable on the gene expression of CLOCK and Klotho proteins, and environmentally induced oxidative stress in human skin cells

OBJECTIVE

Normal circadian rhythms are essential to the repair mechanisms of oxidative stress implicated in skin aging. Given reports that hyaluronic acid (HA) homeostasis exhibits a different profile in chronological skin aging, as compared to environmental or extrinsic aging, an improved understanding of the way HA interacts with its surroundings, and the impact of HA injectables in replacing lost HA and encouraging rejuvenation, is of key benefit to skin aging treatments. The objectives of these current studies were twofold. Firstly, to demonstrate the in vitro effects of two lightweight hyaluronic-based injectables on the expression of CLOCK protein in human skin fibroblasts, and their effects on Klotho protein expression as a marker for circadian rhythms in a combined human keratinocyte and Merkel cell model. Secondly, to ascertain whether these findings could be correlated with in vitro effects on various environmental oxidative stress aging markers (blue light, UVA/UVB, Urban Dust, and IR exposures).

METHODS

Oxidative stress studies were aimed to highlight possible protective effects through different challenge conditions in two models, ex vivo human skin explants and in vitro monolayer cultures of normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDF). The protective effects of the test products were evaluated against an increase of cyclobutene pyrimidine dimers (CPDs) abundance within epidermal section of ex vivo skin explants after UVA/UVB radiation; effects of blue light on gene expression from NHDFs fibroblasts; effects of pollutants (Urban dust, UbD) on gene expression in NHDFs fibroblasts; and an increase of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production by NHDFs fibroblasts after infrared-A radiation. Gene expression was assayed and analyzed utilizing microfluidic TaqMan qPCR arrays. CLOCK expression was measured in young and senescing NHDFs by immunostaining, and Klotho and melatonin expression by immunostaining in Merkel cell-enriched normal adult human epidermal cell cultures.

RESULTS

In an aging culture of mixed keratinocyte and Merkel skin cells, activation of Klotho expression was induced by the application of both HA test products. Moreover, the HA products increase Klotho protein expression in both Merkel cells and keratinocytes. The observed positive effect of the tested products on melatonin receptors 1A and 1B expression in aging Merkel cell culture and keratinocytes is also interesting. HA-Y (developed for patients 25+ years old) stimulated melatonin receptors type 1B expression in aging cell cultures more strongly than HA-S (developed for patients 35-65 years old). In age (stressed) cells, a lower expression of Klotho protein and melatonin receptors 1A and 1B is apparent. The addition of HA-Y and HA-S stimulates their expression thus providing a "protective" effect. The blue light irradiation at 40 J/cm² performed in NHDF fibroblast cultures led to a modification of the expression of several genes, all involved in mechanisms known to be modulated in case of solar radiation stress.

CONCLUSIONS

Although these are preliminary findings, they are the first we know of that demonstrate HA facial injectables having a benefit and possibilities beyond the "physical filling" of the skin. As regards the beneficial effects against blue light-induced oxidative stress, and a return to cellular homeostasis, there is a need to conduct further and more precise investigations into HA-S. Furthermore, the benefit of these HA injectables (Novacutan®) in the modulation of oxidative stressed circadian rhythms widens their potential benefit.

Skin Improvement with Antioxidant Effect of Yuja (Citrus junos) Peel Fractions: Wrinkles, Moisturizing, and Whitening

Yuja (Citrus junos) has been cultivated and used for food and medicinal purposes in China and Korea. Its antioxidant, anti-wrinkle, moisturizing, and whitening effects were evaluated in HaCaT, HDF, and B16F10 cells. UVB has been known to cause cellular stress and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Ambivalence of oxidative stress has been reported; however, excessive levels of ROS contribute to skin aging through the loss of elasticity and collagen fibers of connective tissue in the dermis. Skin aging is one of the biological processes that is affected by various factors, including UVB. Pro-Collagen I and hyaluronic acid contents were measured in UVB-irradiated HaCaT and HDF cells to evaluate the anti-wrinkle and moisturizing effects of Yuja-peel (YJP) fractions in -EA (ethyl acetate), -Hex (hexane), and -BuOH (butanol). The expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) involved in collagen degradation was confirmed to be inhibited by YJP fractions at both the protein and mRNA levels. Filaggrin and serine palmitoyltransferase (SPT), which are moisturizing factors, were induced by YJP fractions. B16F10 cells were treated with α-MSH to induce hyperpigmentation, and then the whitening efficacy of YJP fractions was verified by observing a decrease in melanin content. Overall, our results contribute to the development of various novel skin-improving cosmetics and pharmaceuticals with YJP fractions as active ingredients.

Microalgae growth rate multivariable mathematical model for biomass production

Background

The use of microalgae has been emerging as a potential technology to reduce greenhouse gases and bioremediate polluted water and produce high-value products as pigments, phytohormones, biofuels, and bioactive compounds. The improvement in biomass production is a priority to make the technology implementation profitable in every application mentioned before.

Methods

The present study was conducted to explore the use of microalgae from genus Chlorella and Tetradesmus for the generation of substances of interest with UV absorption capacity. A mathematical model was developed for both microalgae to characterize the production of microalgae biomass considering the effects of light intensity, temperature, and nutrient consumption. The model was programmed in MATLAB software, where the three parameters were incorporated into a single specific growth rate equation.

Results

It was found that the optimal environmental conditions for each genus (Chlorella T=36°C, and I<787 μmol/m²s; Tetradesmus T=23°C and I<150 μmol/m²s), as well as the optimal specific growth rate depending on the personalized values of the three parameters.

Conclussion

This work could be used in the production of microalgae biomass for the design and development of topical applications to replace commercial options based on compounds that compromise health and have a harmful impact on the environment.

Oxidative stress modulates expression of immune checkpoint genes via activation of AhR signaling

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are by-products of metabolism of oxygen and they play an important role in normal homeostasis and cell signaling, as well as in the initiation of diseases including cancer when their production is upregulated. Thus, it is imperative to understand the cellular and molecular basis by which ROS impact on various biological and pathological processes. In this report, we show that human keratinocyte cell line (HaCaT) treated with hydrogen peroxide displayed an increased activity of AhR, leading to enhanced expression of its downstream targets including cytochrome P450 genes. Intriguingly, preincubation of the complete culture medium with hydrogen peroxide accelerated AhR activation and its downstream signaling. Subsequent mass spectrometric analysis reveals that the oxidant elicits the production of oxindole, a tryptophan catabolic product. We further demonstrate that 2-oxindole (a major form of oxindole) is capable of activating AhR, strongly suggesting that ROS may exert a significant impact on AhR signaling. Consistent with this, we also observe that hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)], a heavy metal known to generate ROS in vivo, enhances AhR protein levels, as well as stimulates expression of CYP1A2 in an AhR-dependent manner. Significantly, we show that hydrogen peroxide and 2-oxindole induce expression of IDO1 and PD-L1, two immune checkpoint proteins. Given the role of IDO1 and PD-L1 in mediating T cell activity and/or differentiation, we postulate that ROS in the tumor microenvironment may play a crucial role in immune suppression via perturbing AhR signaling.

Photoprotective activities of Lignosus rhinocerus in UV-irradiated human keratinocytes

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Lignosus rhinocerus, also known as Tiger Milk Mushroom has been used traditionally to treat a variety of human conditions, including asthma, diabetes, respiratory disease, skin allergy, and food poisoning. The reported activities of Lignosus rhinocerus extracts include anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-asthmatic, anti-microbial, anti-cancer, neuroprotection, and immune modulation effects. However, its effect on human skin is not well documented, including human skin exposed to ultraviolet light (UV). Exposure to UV can trigger various cellular responses, including inflammation, oxidative stress, DNA damage, cell death, and cellular aging.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The study aims to investigate the effects of methanolic extract prepared from cultured Lignosus rhinocerus (herein referred to as TM02 and its methanol extract as TM02-ME) on UV-irradiated human keratinocytes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Powdered stock of TM02 was dissolved and sequentially extracted with different solvents to prepare the extracts and the methanol extract was subsequently characterized based on its bio-activities on HaCaT human keratinocytes. The keratinocytes were pre-treated with the methanol extract followed by UV-irradiation. Cellular responses of the HaCaT cells such as cell viability, DNA damage, as well as gene and protein expressions that were responsive to the treatments, were characterized by using bio-assays, including reverse-transcription based PCR, Western blot, cell viability, and mitochondrial Cytochrome C release assays.

RESULTS

TM02-ME protected HaCaT cells from UV-induced DNA damage and cell death in a dose-dependent manner. Pre-treatment of HaCaT cells with TM02-ME led to a 39% reduction of cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPD) and up-regulated the gene expression of REV1 and SPINK5 in UVB-irradiated HaCaT cells when compared to the control. In addition, TM-02-ME treated HaCaT cells increased the expression of BCL-XL and BCL-2 proteins which coincided with the down-regulation of mitochondrial Cyt. C release in the UV-B irradiated HaCaT cells. The results were further supported by data that showed the stable clones of HaCaT cells stably expressed BCL-XL were resistant to UVB-induced cell death.

CONCLUSIONS

^__The results showed that TM02-ME confers photoprotective activities to UVB-irradiated HaCaT cells, leading to a reduction in DNA damage and cell death as well as up-regulated the expression of REV1 and SPINK5 which are involved in DNA repair and skin barrier function, respectively. The up-regulation of pro-survival members of the BCL-2 family by TM02-ME confers protection against UVB-induced cell death.

Brown Macroalgae Sargassum cristaefolium Extract Inhibits Melanin Production and Cellular Oxygen Stress in B16F10 Melanoma Cells

The brown macroalgae Sargassum has been reported for its anti-UV and photoprotective potential for industrial applications. This study evaluated the melanin inhibition activity of Sargassum cristaefolium (SCE) ethanol extract. Melanogenesis inhibition by SCE was assessed in vitro with B16-F10 melanoma cell models and in silico against melanin regulatory proteins Tyrosinase (TYR) and Melanocortin 1 Receptor (MC1R). The regulatory properties evaluated were the melanin content, intracellular tyrosinase activity and cellular antioxidant activities. In addition, the bioactive compounds detected in SCE were subjected to molecular docking against TYR and MC1R. Based on the results, 150 µg/mL SCE effectively inhibited the production of melanin content and intracellular tyrosinase activity. Cellular tyrosinase activity was reduced by SCE-treated cells in a concentration-dependent manner. The results were comparable to the standard tyrosinase inhibitor kojic acid. In addition, SCE effectively decreased the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in B16-F10 cells. The antioxidant properties may also contribute to the inhibition of melanogenesis. In addition, LCMS UHPLC-HR-ESI-MS profiling detected 33 major compounds. The results based on in silico study revealed that the bioactive compound putative kaurenoic acid showed a strong binding affinity against TYR (-6.5 kcal/mol) and MC1R (-8.6 kcal/mol). However, further molecular analyses are needed to confirm the mechanism of SCE on melanin inhibition. Nevertheless, SCE is proposed as an anti-melanogenic and antioxidant agent, which could be further developed into cosmetic skin care products.

Nongenomic Activities of Vitamin D

Vitamin D shows a variety of pleiotropic activities which cannot be fully explained by the stimulation of classic pathway- and vitamin D receptor (VDR)-dependent transcriptional modulation. Thus, existence of rapid and nongenomic responses to vitamin D was suggested. An active form of vitamin D (calcitriol, 1,25(OH)₂D₃) is an essential regulator of calcium-phosphate homeostasis, and this process is tightly regulated by VDR genomic activity. However, it seems that early in evolution, the production of secosteroids (vitamin-D-like steroids) and their subsequent photodegradation served as a protective mechanism against ultraviolet radiation and oxidative stress. Consequently, direct cell-protective activities of vitamin D were proven. Furthermore, calcitriol triggers rapid calcium influx through epithelia and its uptake by a variety of cells. Subsequently, protein disulfide-isomerase A3 (PDIA3) was described as a membrane vitamin D receptor responsible for rapid nongenomic responses. Vitamin D was also found to stimulate a release of secondary massagers and modulate several intracellular processes-including cell cycle, proliferation, or immune responses-through wingless (WNT), sonic hedgehog (SSH), STAT1-3, or NF-kappaB pathways. Megalin and its coreceptor, cubilin, facilitate the import of vitamin D complex with vitamin-D-binding protein (DBP), and its involvement in rapid membrane responses was suggested. Vitamin D also directly and indirectly influences mitochondrial function, including fusion-fission, energy production, mitochondrial membrane potential, activity of ion channels, and apoptosis. Although mechanisms of the nongenomic responses to vitamin D are still not fully understood, in this review, their impact on physiology, pathology, and potential clinical applications will be discussed.

Rosa davurica inhibits skin photoaging via regulating MAPK/AP-1, NF-κB, and Nrf2/HO-1 signaling in UVB-irradiated HaCaTs

Rosa davurica is widely used to treat various kinds of diseases because of its high antioxidant, antiviral and anti-inflammatory activities. This use of plant-based materials as medicine is called phytomedicine and has been widely practiced since time immemorial. However, the pharmacological mechanism of R. davurica in skin photoaging is not yet fully understood. Therefore, this study was carried out to evaluate the recovery effects of R. davurica leaf extracts (RDE) in UVB-irradiated human skin keratinocytes (HaCaTs) and investigate whether RDE is a potential therapeutic agent against skin photoaging. The expression of aging-related markers including mitogen-activated protein kinases/activator protein 1 (MAPK/AP-1), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), and nuclear factor E2-related factor 2/heme oxygenase-1 (Nrf2/HO-1) was evaluated using Western blot analysis. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) was also used by FACS in HaCaTs. Findings indicated that RDE is efficient in scavenging free radicals and dose-dependently reducing ROS generation. Furthermore, RDE notably decreased UVB-induced matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) expression through inhibition of MAPK/AP-1 and NF-κB signaling pathways as well as induced blocking of extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation in UVB-irradiated HaCaTs. In addition, RDE improved Nrf2/HO-1 signaling that increases oxidative defense capacity and enhances transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) signaling activation to promote procollagen type I synthesis, relieving UVB-induced skin cell damage. In conclusion, the protective effects of RDE on skin cellular components suggest that it has a high biological potential for skin protection from UVB-induced skin photoaging and is a good candidate for drug and cosmetic application.

Streptomyces spp. Isolated from Rosa davurica Rhizome for Potential Cosmetic Application

Streptomyces species are widely studied and used in different fields, including antibiotics and pesticides, and are spread in several places as soil-derived microorganisms. However, research on anti-aging, including antioxidants obtained from Streptomyces, has not been performed as much. Skin aging due to bacterial infection, especially methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), is challenging to recover, so it is essential to prevent aging by preventing or inhibiting infection. Therefore, this study was conducted to isolate Streptomyces species from Rosa davurica rhizome soil and to determine the effect of the ethyl acetate extract of the isolated strain Streptomyces chattanoogensis THA-663 (THA-663S) on the inhibition of MRSA and UVB-irradiated human skin keratinocytes, to determine whether it could be a treatment for skin aging. The MRSA inhibition and antioxidant activities were evaluated using disc diffusion, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2’-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline)-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS), and a reactive oxygen species (ROS) assay. The expression of aging-related markers, including mitogen-activated protein kinases/activator protein 1 (MAPK)/AP-1) and transforming growth factor-β/suppressor of mothers against decapentaplegic (TGF-β/Smad) was assessed using Western blotting. The antibacterial effect on four MRSA strains, CCARM 0204, CCARM 0205, CCARM 3855, and CCARM 3089, showed that THA-663S could greatly inhibit MRSA growth. Moreover, the findings showed that THA-663S is efficient in scavenging free radicals and dose-dependently reducing ROS generation. Furthermore, THA-663S notably reduced UVB-induced matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) expression by inhibiting the MAPK/AP-1 signaling pathways and blocking extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation in UVB-irradiated HaCaT cells. Additionally, THA-663S improved and enhanced transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) signaling activation to promote procollagen type I synthesis, relieving UVB-induced skin cell damage. In conclusion, THA-663S has a high potential to protect skin cells from aging, and, simultaneously, it can prevent or treat aging caused by infection due to pathogen inhibition.

The potential impact of melanosomal pH and metabolism on melanoma

Melanin is synthesized in melanocytes and is transferred into keratinocytes to block the effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation and is important for preventing skin cancers including melanoma. However, it is known that after melanomagenesis and melanoma invasion or metastases, melanin synthesis still occurs. Since melanoma cells are no longer involved in the sun tanning process, it is unclear why melanocytes would maintain melanin synthesis after melanomagenesis has occurred. Aside from blocking UV-induced DNA mutation, melanin may provide other metabolic functions that could benefit melanoma. In addition, studies have suggested that there may be a selective advantage to melanin synthesis in melanoma; however, mechanisms regulating melanin synthesis outside the epidermis or hair follicle is unknown. We will discuss how melanosomal pH controls melanin synthesis in melanocytes and how melanosomal pH control of melanin synthesis might function in melanoma. We will also discuss potential reasons why melanin synthesis might be beneficial for melanoma cellular metabolism and provide a rationale for why melanin synthesis is not limited to benign melanocytes.

Stepping Further from Coupling Tools: Development of Functional Polymers via the Biginelli Reaction

Multicomponent reactions (MCRs) have been used to prepare polymers with appealing functions. The Biginelli reaction, one of the oldest and most famous MCRs, has sparked new scientific discoveries in polymer chemistry since 2013. Recent years have seen the Biginelli reaction stepping further from simple coupling tools; for example, the functions of the Biginelli product 3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-(thi)ones (DHPM(T)) have been gradually exploited to develop new functional polymers. In this mini-review, we mainly summarize the recent progress of using the Biginelli reaction to identify polymers for biomedical applications. These polymers have been documented as antioxidants, anticancer agents, and bio-imaging probes. Moreover, we also provide a brief introduction to some emerging applications of the Biginelli reaction in materials and polymer science. Finally, we present our perspectives for the further development of the Biginelli reaction in polymer chemistry.

Combined Treatment (Ultraviolet-C/Physapruin A) Enhances Antiproliferation and Oxidative-Stress-Associated Mechanism in Oral Cancer Cells

Physapruin A (PHA), a Physalis peruviana-derived withanolide, exhibits antiproliferation activity against oral and breast cancer cells. However, its potential antitumor effects in combined treatments remain unclear. This investigation focused on evaluating the impact of the combined treatment of ultraviolet-C with PHA (UVC/PHA) on the proliferation of oral cancer cells. The UVC-caused antiproliferation was enhanced by combination with PHA in oral cancer (Ca9-22 and CAL 27) but not normal cells (SG), as evidenced by ATP detection, compared with UVC or PHA alone. UVC/PHA showed a greater extent of subG1 increase, G2/M arrest, annexin-V-assessed apoptosis, caspase 3/7 activation, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the UVC or PHA treatment of oral cancer compared to normal cells. Moreover, the mitochondrial functions, such as mitochondrial superoxide bursts and mitochondrial membrane potential destruction, of oral cancer cells were also enhanced by UVC/PHA compared to UVC or PHA alone. These oxidative stresses triggered γH2AX and 8-hydroxyl-2'-deoxyguanosine-assessed DNA damage to a greater extent under UVC/PHA treatment than under UVC or PHA treatment alone. The ROS inhibitor N-acetylcysteine reversed all these UVC/PHA-promoted changes. In conclusion, UVC/PHA is a promising strategy for decreasing the proliferation of oral cancer cells but shows no inhibitory effect on normal cells.

Reactive Oxygen Species Enlightened Therapeutic Strategy for Oral and Maxillofacial Diseases-Art of Destruction and Reconstruction

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are byproducts of cell metabolism produced by living cells and signal mediators in biological processes. As unstable and highly reactive oxygen-derived molecules, excessive ROS production and defective oxidant clearance, or both, are associated with the pathogenesis of several conditions. Among them, ROS are widely involved in oral and maxillofacial diseases, such as periodontitis, as well as other infectious diseases or chronic inflammation, temporomandibular joint disorders, oral mucosal lesions, trigeminal neuralgia, muscle fatigue, and oral cancer. The purpose of this paper is to outline how ROS contribute to the pathophysiology of oral and maxillofacial regions, with an emphasis on oral infectious diseases represented by periodontitis and mucosal diseases represented by oral ulcers and how to effectively utilize and eliminate ROS in these pathological processes, as well as to review recent research on the potential targets and interventions of cutting-edge antioxidant materials. The PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase databases were searched using the MesH terms "oral and maxillofacial diseases", "reactive oxygen species", and "antioxidant materials". Irrelevant, obsolete, imprecise, and repetitive articles were excluded through screening of titles, abstracts, and eventually full content. The full-text data of the selected articles are, therefore, summarized using selection criteria. While there are various emerging biomaterials used as drugs themselves or delivery systems, more attention was paid to antioxidant drugs with broad application prospects and rigorous prophase animal experimental results.

Redox balance and autophagy regulation in cancer progression and their therapeutic perspective

Cellular ROS production participates in various cellular functions but its accumulation decides the cell fate. Malignant cells have higher levels of ROS and active antioxidant machinery, a characteristic hallmark of cancer with an outcome of activation of stress-induced pathways like autophagy. Autophagy is an intracellular catabolic process that produces alternative raw materials to meet the energy demand of cells and is influenced by the cellular redox state thus playing a definite role in cancer cell fate. Since damaged mitochondria are the main source of ROS in the cell, however, cancer cells remove them by upregulating the process of mitophagy which is known to play a decisive role in tumorigenesis and tumor progression. Chemotherapy exploits cell machinery which results in the accumulation of toxic levels of ROS in cells resulting in cell death by activating either of the pathways like apoptosis, necrosis, ferroptosis or autophagy in them. So understanding these redox and autophagy regulations offers a promising method to design and develop new cancer therapies that can be very effective and durable for years. This review will give a summary of the current therapeutic molecules targeting redox regulation and autophagy for the treatment of cancer. Further, it will highlight various challenges in developing anticancer agents due to autophagy and ROS regulation in the cell and insights into the development of future therapies.

Cryptotanshinone protects skin cells from ultraviolet radiation-induced photoaging via its antioxidant effect and by reducing mitochondrial dysfunction and inhibiting apoptosis

The integrity of skin tissue structure and function plays an important role in maintaining skin rejuvenation. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is the main environmental factor that causes skin aging through photodamage of the skin tissue. Cryptotanshinone (CTS), an active ingredient mianly derived from the Salvia plants of Lamiaceae, has many pharmacological effects, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-tumor effects. In this study, we showed that CTS could ameliorate the photodamage induced by UV radiation in epidermal keratinocytes (HaCaT) and dermal fibroblasts (HFF-1) when applied to the cells before exposure to the radiation, effectively delaying the aging of the cells. CTS exerted its antiaging effect by reducing the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the cells, attenuating DNA damage, activating the nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway, and reduced mitochondrial dysfunction as well as inhibiting apoptosis. Further, CTS could promote mitochondrial biosynthesis in skin cells by activating the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/sirtuin-1 (SIRT1)/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ co-activator-1α (PGC-1α) signaling pathway. These findings demonstrated the protective effects of CTS against UV radiation-induced skin photoaging and provided a theoretical and experimental basis for the application of CTS as an anti-photodamage and anti-aging agent for the skin.

Ellagic Acid Increases Stress Resistance via Insulin/IGF-1 Signaling Pathway in Caenorhabditis elegans

Ellagic acid is a natural polyphenol found in various fruits and vegetables. Numerous studies have shown that ellagic acid has beneficial effects on human health. In this study, we investigated the stress resistant action of ellagic acid in Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans). Notably, 50 μM ellagic acid prolonged the lifespan of C. elegans by 36.25%, 36.22%, 155.1%, and 79.07% under ultraviolet radiation stress, heat stress, oxidative stress, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection stress, respectively. Furthermore, the mechanism by which ellagic acid reduces the damage caused by ultraviolet radiation in C. elegans was explored. Ellagic acid could significantly induce the nucleus translocation of DAF-16 and, thereby, activate a series of target genes to resist ultraviolet radiation stress. Moreover, ellagic acid also significantly increased the expression of SOD-3 by 3.61 times and the activity of superoxide dismutase by 3.70 times to clean out harmful reactive oxygen species in C. elegans exposed to ultraviolet radiation stress. In both daf-16 mutant and daf-2; daf-16 double-mutant worms exposed to ultraviolet radiation, ellagic acid could no longer prolong their lifespan. These results indicate that ellagic acid plays an important role in resisting ultraviolet radiation stress in C. elegans, probably in an insulin/IGF-1 signaling pathway-dependent way.

Prinsepiae Nux Extract Activates NRF2 Activity and Protects UVB-Induced Damage in Keratinocyte

Ultraviolet B (UVB) is one of the most important environmental factors that cause extrinsic aging through increasing intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in the skin. Due to its protective roles against oxidative stress, nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor (NRF2) has been traditionally considered as a target for skin aging prevention. Here, we identified the extract of Prinsepiae Nux, a top-grade drug listed in Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing, as a potent NRF2 activator by high-throughput screening. A bioassay-guided fractionation experiment revealed that NRF2-activating components were concentrated in the 90% methanol (MP) fraction. MP fraction significantly increased the expression of NRF2 and HO-1 protein and upregulated HO-1 and NQO1 mRNA expression in HaCaT cells. Moreover, MP fraction pre-treatment dramatically reversed UVB-induced depletion of NRF2 and HO-1, accumulation of intracellular ROS, NF-κB activation, and the upregulation of pro-inflammatory genes. Finally, the qualitative analysis using UPLC-tandem mass spectroscopy revealed the most abundant ion peak in MP fraction was identified as α-linolenic acid, which was further proved to activate NRF2 signaling. Altogether, the molecular evidence suggested that MP fraction has the potential to be an excellent source for the discovery of natural medicine to treat/prevent UVB-induced skin damage.

Current concepts of photosensitivity in cutaneous lupus erythematosus

Cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) represents a complex autoimmune disease with a broad phenotypic spectrum ranging from acute to chronic destructive cutaneous lesions. Patients with CLE exhibit high photosensitivity and ultraviolet (UV) irradiation can lead to systemic flares in systemic lupus erythematosus. However, the exact mechanisms how UV irradiation enhances cutaneous inflammation in lupus are not fully understood. Recently, new molecular mechanisms of UV-driven immune responses in CLE were identified, offering potential therapeutic approaches. Especially the induction of type I interferons, central cytokines in lupus pathogenesis which are released by various skin cells, have become the focus of current research. In this review, we describe current pathogenic concepts of photosensitivity in lupus erythematosus, including UV-driven activation of intracellular nucleic acid sensors, cellular cytokine production and immune cell activation. Furthermore, we discuss activated pathways contributing to enhanced apoptosis as well as intracellular translocation of autoantigens thereby promoting CLE upon UV light exposure.

Molecular mechanisms of Marine-Derived Natural Compounds as photoprotective strategies

Excessive exposure of the skin to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) causes oxidative stress, inflammation, immunosuppression, apoptosis, and changes in the extracellular matrix, which lead to the development of photoaging and photodamage of skin. At the molecular level, these pathological changes are mainly caused by the activation of related protein kinases and downstream transcription pathways, the increase of matrix metalloproteinase, the formation of reactive oxygen species, and the combined action of cytokines and inflammatory mediators. At present, the photostability, toxicity, and damage to marine ecosystems of most sun protection products in the market have affected their efficacy and safety. Another way is to use natural products produced by various marine species. Marine organisms have evolved a variety of molecular strategies to protect themselves from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation, and their unique chemicals have attracted more and more attention in the research of photoprotection and photoaging resistance. This article provides an extensive description of the recent literature on the potential of Marine-Derived Natural Compounds (MDNCs) as photoprotective and photoprotective agents. It reviews the positive effects of MDNCs in counteracting UV-induced oxidative stress, inflammation, DNA damage, apoptosis, immunosuppression, and extracellular matrix degradation. Some MDNCs have the potential to develop feasible solutions for related phenomena, such as photoaging and photodamage caused by UVR.

Development of a Selective Assay of Tyrosine and Its Producing and Metabolizing Enzymes Utilizing Pulse-UV Irradiation-Induced Chemiluminescence

A new pulse UV irradiation-induced chemiluminescence (CL) determination method was developed for l-tyrosine using the luminol derivative L-012. The proposed method depends on the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) upon pulse UV irradiation of l-tyrosine; then, these ROS react with L-012 producing strong CL. The proposed method showed excellent sensitivity and ultraselectivity toward l-tyrosine. The mechanism of the developed CL method was studied using ROS scavengers, HPLC, and mass spectrometry. The method was linear for l-tyrosine in the range of 0.03-50 μM. Minor changes in the l-tyrosine structure, including hydroxylation, dehydroxylation, phosphorylation, or decarboxylation, were found to lead to a strong decrease in CL. Using the excellent selectivity of the proposed method for l-tyrosine, we have developed a CL assay for measuring alkaline phosphatase activity in the range of 0.02-15 U/L with the limit of detection (LOD) of 4 mU/L using the nonchemiluminescent O-phospho-l-tyrosine as a substrate. Furthermore, the CL reaction was applied for tyrosinase activity assay as this enzyme can convert l-tyrosine to the nonchemiluminescent l-dopa. The decrease in CL is correlated with the tyrosinase activity in the range of 0.025-0.75 U/mL with an LOD of 1.5 mU/mL. Moreover, the tyrosinase activity assay was successfully applied for the determination of IC₅₀ of the tyrosinase inhibitors kojic acid and benzoic acid. Therefore, our novel pulse UV irradiation CL method for the determination of l-tyrosine was not only suitable for the determination of this vital amino acid but also extended to the successful determination of its producing and metabolizing enzymes and their inhibitors.

The Effect of β-Carotene, Tocopherols and Ascorbic Acid as Anti-Oxidant Molecules on Human and Animal In Vitro/In Vivo Studies: A Review of Research Design and Analytical Techniques Used

Prolonged elevated oxidative stress (OS) possesses negative effect on cell structure and functioning, and is associated with the development of numerous disorders. Naturally occurred anti-oxidant compounds reduce the oxidative stress in living organisms. In this review, antioxidant properties of β-carotene, tocopherols and ascorbic acid are presented based on in vitro, in vivo and populational studies. Firstly, environmental factors contributing to the OS occurrence and intracellular sources of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) generation, as well as ROS-mediated cellular structure degradation, are introduced. Secondly, enzymatic and non-enzymatic mechanism of anti-oxidant defence against OS development, is presented. Furthermore, ROS-preventing mechanisms and effectiveness of β-carotene, tocopherols and ascorbic acid as anti-oxidants are summarized, based on studies where different ROS-generating (oxidizing) agents are used. Oxidative stress biomarkers, as indicators on OS level and prevention by anti-oxidant supplementation, are presented with a focus on the methods (spectrophotometric, fluorometric, chromatographic, immuno-enzymatic) of their detection. Finally, the application of Raman spectroscopy and imaging as a tool for monitoring the effect of anti-oxidant (β-carotene, ascorbic acid) on cell structure and metabolism, is proposed. Literature data gathered suggest that β-carotene, tocopherols and ascorbic acid possess potential to mitigate oxidative stress in various biological systems. Moreover, Raman spectroscopy and imaging can be a valuable technique to study the effect of oxidative stress and anti-oxidant molecules in cell studies.

Enhanced Anti-Melanogenic Effect of Adlay Bran Fermented with Lactobacillus brevis MJM60390

Fermentation is a traditional technique used to increase nutrients, flavonoids, vitamins, minerals, and the flavor of raw materials. In this study, adlay bran was fermented by Lactobacillus brevis MJM60390 (FAB), and the anti-melanogenic effect was investigated. The results demonstrated that FAB significantly suppressed melanin accumulation in mouse melanogenic B16F10 cells, and the activity was higher than non-fermented adlay bran (NFAB). The molecular mechanism study showed that FAB inhibited melanin synthesis by suppressing the gene expression of melanocortin 1 receptor (Mc1r), melanocyte-inducing transcription factor (Mitf), tyrosinase (Tyr), tyrosinase-related protein-1 (Trp-1), and tyrosinase-related protein-2 (Trp-2) genes. Western blotting analysis showed that FAB strongly decreased the expression of Tyr, Trp-1, and Trp-2 compared to NFAB. Furthermore, phenolic compounds such as gallic acid, p-coumaric acid, ferulic acid, and sinapic acid, which are known for their anti-melanogenic effects, were significantly increased in FAB compared with NFAB. These findings suggest that FAB holds great potential as an anti-melanogenic agent and can be used for the development of whitening cosmetics.

Umbilicaria esculenta Extract Exhibits Antiwrinkle Activity by Suppressing ErbB2 Phosphorylation

Umbilicaria esculenta (UE), an edible lichen, is widespread in northeast Asian countries, including China, Japan, and Korea. In the present study, we examined the antiwrinkle activity of UE. We observed that the UE extract (UEE) suppressed ultraviolet (UV)-induced matrix metalloprotein-1 (MMP-1) expression and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in a human keratinocyte cell line (HaCaT) and human skin tissue. In addition, UEE reversed the UV-induced decrease in collagen in the human skin tissue. Excessive and chronic UV exposure is a key factor underlying skin wrinkle formation via MMP-1 expression. As treatment with UEE disrupted the UV-activated mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway, we applied an antibody array to unveil the underlying mechanism of UEE. Interestingly, UEE treatment inhibited ErbB2 phosphorylation, but not epidermal growth factor receptor phosphorylation, a heterodimerization partner with ErbB2. Furthermore, UEE treatment enhanced UV-suppressed phosphatase activity via ROS suppression. Collectively, our findings indicate that UEE enhances ErbB2 dephosphorylation to suppress UV-induced MMP-1 expression.

Melatonin Prevents UVB-Induced Skin Photoaging by Inhibiting Oxidative Damage and MMP Expression through JNK/AP-1 Signaling Pathway in Human Dermal Fibroblasts

Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) irradiation causes damage to the skin and induces photoaging. UV irradiation stimulates production of reactive oxygen/nitrogen species, which results in activation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) in fibroblasts. MAPKs are responsible for activation of activator protein-1 (AP-1), which subsequently upregulates expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Melatonin is a potent free radical scavenger which is known to have photoprotective effects. The aim of this study is to investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms for the photoprotective effects of melatonin in UVB-irradiated primary human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) in terms of EGFR activation, oxidative/nitrosative damage, JNK/AP-1 activation, MMP activities, and the levels of tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) and type I procollagen (PIP-C). In this study, HDFs were pretreated with 1 μM of melatonin and then irradiated with 0.1 J/cm² of UVB. Changes in the molecules were analyzed at different time points. Melatonin inhibited UVB-induced oxidative/nitrosative stress damage by reducing malondialdehyde, the ratio of oxidized/reduced glutathione, and nitrotyrosine. Melatonin downregulated UV-induced activation of EGFR and the JNK/AP-1 signaling pathway. UVB-induced activities of MMP-1 and MMP-3 were decreased and levels of TIMP-1 and PIP-C were increased by melatonin. These findings suggest that melatonin can protect against the adverse effects of UVB radiation by inhibiting MMP-1 and MMP-3 activity and increasing TIMP-1 and PIP-C levels, probably through the suppression of oxidative/nitrosative damage, EGFR, and JNK/AP-1 activation in HDFs.

A tEMTing target? Clinical and experimental evidence for epithelial-mesenchymal transition in the progression of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (a scoping systematic review)

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is a disease with globally rising incidence and poor prognosis for patients with advanced or metastatic disease. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a driver of metastasis in many carcinomas, and cSCC is no exception. We aimed to provide a systematic overview of the clinical and experimental evidence for EMT in cSCC, with critical appraisal of type and quality of the methodology used. We then used this information as rationale for potential drug targets against advanced and metastatic cSCC. All primary literature encompassing clinical and cell-based or xenograft experimental studies reporting on the role of EMT markers or related signalling pathways in the progression of cSCC were considered. A screen of 3443 search results yielded 86 eligible studies comprising 44 experimental studies, 22 clinical studies, and 20 studies integrating both. From the clinical studies a timeline illustrating the alteration of EMT markers and related signalling was evident based on clinical progression of the disease. The experimental studies reveal connections of EMT with a multitude of factors such as genetic disorders, cancer-associated fibroblasts, and matrix remodelling via matrix metalloproteinases and urokinase plasminogen activator. Additionally, EMT was found to be closely tied to environmental factors as well as to stemness in cSCC via NFκB and β-catenin. We conclude that the canonical EGFR, canonical TGF-βR, PI3K/AKT and NFκB signalling are the four signalling pillars that induce EMT in cSCC and could be valuable therapeutic targets. Despite the complexity, EMT markers and pathways are desirable biomarkers and drug targets for the treatment of advanced or metastatic cSCC.

SUMO2-mediated SUMOylation of SH3GLB1 promotes ionizing radiation-induced hypertrophic cardiomyopathy through mitophagy activation

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HC) is characterized by the enlargement of individual cardiomyocytes, which is a typical pathophysiological process that occurs in various cardiovascular diseases. Ionizing radiation (IR) is an important independent risk factor for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, but the underlying molecular mechanism is still unclear. In the present study, we aimed to clarify the role of IR in promoting cardiac hypertrophy and investigate the mechanism by which the SUMO2-mediated SUMOylation of SH3GLB1 affects mitophagy in IR-induced cardiac hypertrophy. In vivo, IR promoted cardiac hypertrophy by activating mitophagy. In vitro, IR upregulated PINK1 and Parkin protein expression and damaged mitochondrial morphological structure. We further demonstrated that SH3GLB1 deficiency inhibited mitophagy activation and restored mitochondrial cristae, revealing a regulatory role of SH3GLB1 in cardiac hypertrophy. IR promoted interactions between SH3GLB1 and mitochondrial membrane proteins, such as MFN1/2, TOM20 and Drp1, further indicating that the mechanism by which SH3GLB1 functions in cardiac hypertrophy might involve mitophagy. A bioinformatics prediction found that SUMO2 could SUMOylate SH3GLB1 at position K82. Consistent with this finding, both co-IP assays and laser confocal microscopy showed that IR promoted the interaction and colocalization of SUMO2 and SH3GLB1. In summary, our study identifies IR as an important factor that promotes hypertrophic cardiomyopathy by accelerating the activation of mitophagy through the SUMO2-mediated SUMOylation of SH3GLB1; thus, IR exerts dual therapeutic effects in the treatment of thoracic tumours with long-term radiotherapy. Additionally, this study provides novel treatment strategies and targets for preventing the hypertrophic cardiomyopathy caused by thoracic tumour radiotherapy. Furthermore, SH3GLB1 may be a promising experimental target for the development of strategies for treating cardiovascular diseases caused by IR.

Transcriptional regulation of photoprotection in dark-to-light transition-More than just a matter of excess light energy

In nature, photosynthetic organisms are exposed to different light spectra and intensities depending on the time of day and atmospheric and environmental conditions. When photosynthetic cells absorb excess light, they induce nonphotochemical quenching to avoid photodamage and trigger expression of "photoprotective" genes. In this work, we used the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii to assess the impact of light intensity, light quality, photosynthetic electron transport, and carbon dioxide on induction of the photoprotective genes (LHCSR1, LHCSR3, and PSBS) during dark-to-light transitions. Induction (mRNA accumulation) occurred at very low light intensity and was independently modulated by blue and ultraviolet B radiation through specific photoreceptors; only LHCSR3 was strongly controlled by carbon dioxide levels through a putative enhancer function of CIA5, a transcription factor that controls genes of the carbon concentrating mechanism. We propose a model that integrates inputs of independent signaling pathways and how they may help the cells anticipate diel conditions and survive in a dynamic light environment.

Microalgae Bioactive Compounds to Topical Applications Products-A Review

Microalgae are complex photosynthetic organisms found in marine and freshwater environments that produce valuable metabolites. Microalgae-derived metabolites have gained remarkable attention in different industrial biotechnological processes and pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries due to their multiple properties, including antioxidant, anti-aging, anti-cancer, phycoimmunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities. These properties are recognized as promising components for state-of-the-art cosmetics and cosmeceutical formulations. Efforts are being made to develop natural, non-toxic, and environmentally friendly products that replace synthetic products. This review summarizes some potential cosmeceutical applications of microalgae-derived biomolecules, their mechanisms of action, and extraction methods.