Ultraviolet radiation and skin aging: roles of reactive oxygen species, inflammation and protease activation, and strategies for prevention of inflammation-induced matrix degradation - a review

Fish Collagen Peptide (NaticolⓇ) Protects the Skin from Dryness, Wrinkle Formation, and Melanogenesis Both In Vitro and In Vivo

Consistent ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation exposure results in dry skin, wrinkles, and melanogenesis. In this study, we investigated whether fish collagen peptide (Naticol^Ⓡ) could inhibit photoaging and oxidative stress in skin exposed to UVB using cell and animal models. We measured the skin hydration, histological observations, antioxidant activities, moisturizing-related factors, collagen synthesis-related factors, and melanogenesis-related factors in skin cells and animal skin using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, real-time polymerase chain reaction, and Western blot assay. Naticol^Ⓡ collagen improved skin moisturization via hyaluronic acid and ceramide synthesis-related factors in HaCaT cells and SHK-I hairless mice that were exposed to UVB. In addition, Naticol^Ⓡ collagen inhibited wrinkle formation in Hs27 cells and SHK-I hairless mice exposed to UVB and restrained melanogenesis in 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine-induced B16F10 cells and UVB-irradiated SHK-I hairless mice. On the basis of these findings, we propose that ingestion of Naticol ^Ⓡ collagen might be valuable for preventing skin photoaging.

Dieckol Isolated from Eisenia bicyclis Ameliorates Wrinkling and Improves Skin Hydration via MAPK/AP-1 and TGF-β/Smad Signaling Pathways in UVB-Irradiated Hairless Mice

Repetitive exposure to ultraviolet B (UVB) is one of the main causes of skin photoaging. We previously reported that dieckol isolated from Eisenia bicyclis extract has potential anti-photoaging effects in UVB-irradiated Hs68 cells. Here, we aimed to evaluate the anti-photoaging activity of dieckol in a UVB-irradiated hairless mouse model. In this study, hairless mice were exposed to UVB for eight weeks. At the same time, dieckol at two doses (5 or 10 mg/kg) was administered orally three times a week. We found that dieckol suppressed UVB-induced collagen degradation and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs)-1, -3, and -9 expression by regulating transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β)/Smad2/3 and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs)/activator protein-1 (AP-1) signaling. In addition, dieckol rescued the production of hyaluronic acid (HA) and effectively restored the mRNA expression of hyaluronan synthase (HAS)-1/-2 and hyaluronidase (HYAL)-1/-2 in UVB-irradiated hairless mice. We observed a significant reduction in transepidermal water loss (TEWL), epidermal/dermal thickness, and wrinkle formation in hairless mice administered dieckol. Based on these results, we suggest that dieckol, due to its anti-photoaging role, may be used as a nutricosmetic ingredient for improving skin health.

Fabrication and evaluation of herbal beads to slow cell ageing

Several therapies and cosmetics are available commercially to prevent or delay cell ageing, which manifests as premature cell death and skin dullness. Use of herbal products such as Aloe vera, curcumin, vitamin C-enriched natural antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory biomolecules are potential ways to prevent or delay ageing. Eggshell membrane (ESM) is also a rich source of collagen; glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) also play an essential role in healing and preventing ageing. It is important to use an extended therapeutic process to prolong the effectiveness of these products, despite the fact that they all have significant anti-ageing properties and the ability to regenerate healthy cells. Encapsulated herbal components are therefore designed to overcome the challenge of ensuring continued treatment over time to prolong the effects of a bioactive component after in situ administration. To study their synergistic effects on a cellular level, alginate, Aloe vera, and orange peel extract were encapsulated in bio-polymeric foaming beads and modified with eggshell membrane protein (ESMP) at various concentrations (1 gm, 2 gm, and 5 gm): (A-Av-OP, A-Av-OP-ESMP1, ESMP2, and ESMP3). Analysis of the structural and functional properties of foaming beads showed interconnected 3D porous structure, a surface-functionalized group for entrapment of ESMP, and a significant reduction in pore size (51-35 m) and porosity (80%-60%). By performing DPPH assays, HRBC stabilization assays, and antibacterial tests, the beads were assessed as a natural anti-ageing product with sustained release of molecules effective against inflammatory response, oxidative stress, and microbial contamination. MTT assays were conducted using in vitro cell cultures to demonstrate cytocompatibility (in mouse 3T3 fibroblast cells) and cytotoxicity (in human carcinoma HeLa cells). Our study demonstrates that bio-polymeric ESMP beads up to 2 g (A-Av-OP-ESMP2) are practical and feasible natural remedies for suspending defective cell pathways, preventing cell ageing, and promoting healthy cell growth, resulting in a viable and practical natural remedy or therapeutic system.

Preparation of CPD Photolyase Nanoliposomes Derived from Antarctic Microalgae and Their Effect on UVB-Induced Skin Damage in Mice

UVB radiation is known to trigger the block of DNA replication and transcription by forming cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer (CPD), which results in severe skin damage. CPD photolyase, a kind of DNA repair enzyme, can efficiently repair CPDs that are absent in humans and mice. Although exogenous CPD photolyases have beneficial effects on skin diseases, the mechanisms of CPD photolyases on the skin remain unknown. Here, this study prepared CPD photolyase nanoliposomes (CPDNL) from Antarctic Chlamydomonas sp. ICE-L, which thrives in harsh, high-UVB conditions, and evaluated their protective mechanisms against UVB-induced damage in mice. CPDNL were optimized using response surface methodology, characterized by a mean particle size of 105.5 nm, with an encapsulation efficiency of 63.3%. Topical application of CPDNL prevented UVB-induced erythema, epidermal thickness, and wrinkles in mice. CPDNL mitigated UVB-induced DNA damage by significantly decreasing the CPD concentration. CPDNL exhibited antioxidant properties as they reduced the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde. Through activation of the NF-κB pathway, CPDNL reduced the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines including IL-6, TNF-α, and COX-2. Furthermore, CPDNL suppressed the MAPK signaling activation by downregulating the mRNA and protein expression of ERK, JNK, and p38 as well as AP-1. The MMP-1 and MMP-2 expressions were also remarkably decreased, which inhibited the collagen degradation. Therefore, we concluded that CPDNL exerted DNA repair, antioxidant, anti-inflammation, and anti-wrinkle properties as well as collagen protection via regulation of the NF-κB/MAPK/MMP signaling pathways in UVB-induced mice, demonstrating that Antarctic CPD photolyases have the potential for skincare products against UVB and photoaging.

Purification and Identification of Peptides from Oyster (Crassostrea hongkongensis) Protein Enzymatic Hydrolysates and Their Anti-Skin Photoaging Effects on UVB-Irradiated HaCaT Cells

This study aimed to purify and identify antiphotoaging peptides from oyster (Crassostrea hongkongensis) protein enzymatic hydrolysates (OPEH) and to investigate the possible mechanism underlying its antiphotoaging effect. Multiple methods (Ultrafiltration, G25 Chromatography, RP-HPLC, and LC/MS/MS) had been used for this purpose, and eventually, two peptides, including WNLNP and RKNEVLGK, were identified. Particularly, WNLNP exerted remarkable antiphotoaging effect on the UVB-irradiated HaCaT photoaged cell model in a dose-dependent manner. WNLNP exerted its protective effect mainly through inhibiting ROS production, decreasing MMP-1 expression, but increasing extracellular pro-collagen I content. Furthermore, WNLNP downregulated p38, JNK, ERK, and p65 phosphorylation in the MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway and attenuated bax over-expressions but reversed bcl-2 reduction in UVB- irradiated HaCaT cells. The molecular docking analysis showed that WNLNP forms five and seven hydrogen bonds with NF-κB (p65) and MMP-1, respectively. This study suggested that a pentapeptide WNLNP isolated from OPEH had great potential to prevent and regulate skin photoaging.

Enhancement of human bladder carcinoma cell chemosensitivity to Mitomycin C through quasi-monochromatic blue light (λ = 453 ± 10 nm)

Human urothelial bladder carcinoma (uBC) is the second most tumor entity of the urogenital tract. As far as possible, therapy for non-muscle invasive uBC takes place as resection of the tumor tissue, followed by intravesical chemotherapy or immunotherapy. Because of the high recurrence rate of uBC, there is a need for improved efficiency in the treatment. In the present in vitro study we have evaluated a new approach to enhance the cytotoxic efficiency of Mitomycin C (MMC), which is commonly used for intravesical treatment of uBC on the relevant urothelial cancer cell line RT112. For that we used quasi-monochromatic blue light (453 ± 10 nm) at its non-toxic dose of 110 J/cm2 as an additive stimulus to enhance the therapeutic efficiency of MMC (10 μg/ml). We found, that blue light exposure of RT112 cells led to a very strong increase in intracellular production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and to a significant reduction (p < 0.05) of all function parameters of mitochondrial respiration, including basal activity and ATP production. Although not being toxic when used as a single impact, together with MMC blue light strongly enhanced the therapeutic efficiency of MMC in the form of significantly enhanced cytotoxicity via apoptosis and secondary necrosis. Our results clearly show that blue light, most likely due to its ability to increase intracellular ROS production and reduce mitochondrial respiration, increased the cytotoxic efficiency of MMC and therefore might represent an effective, low-side-effect, and success-enhancing therapy option in the local treatment of bladder cancer.

Enzyme-Treated Caviar Prevents UVB Irradiation-Induced Skin Photoaging

For this research article, we investigated the protective effects of enzyme-treated caviar powder extract (CV) in ultraviolet B (UVB)-irradiated hairless mice and keratinocytes by confirming moisturizing-related factors and elasticity-related factors. UVB irradiation induced wrinkle formation, dehydration, oxidative stress, and inflammation in the dorsal skin of mice; however, these were suppressed in the CV-supplemented groups in UVB-irradiated hairless mice. Furthermore, in UVB-irradiated keratinocytes, CV treatment increased the antioxidant enzyme activities and the levels of sphingomyelin and hyaluronic acid and decreased the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and the expression of IkB-α and p65 phosphorylation. These findings indicate that CV can directly protect keratinocytes against UVB irradiation-induced oxidative stress and inflammation. Therefore, we suggest that CV can protect against UVB-induced skin photoaging. Therefore, we suggest that caviar is effective for skin health by preventing UVB-induced skin photoaging.

Antiskin Aging Effects of Indole Alkaloid N-Glycoside from Ginkgo Fruit (Ginkgo biloba fruit) on TNF-α-Exposed Human Dermal Fibroblasts

Human skin aging has internal and external factors, both of which are characterized by TNF-α overproduction. Therefore, we aimed to identify a natural product that suppresses the damage that occurs in cutaneous dermal fibroblasts exposed to TNF-α. The protective effects of the indole alkaloid N-glycoside, ginkgoside B dimethyl ester (GBDE), isolated from ginkgo fruit (Ginkgo biloba fruit) were evaluated in TNF-α stimulated human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs). GBDE inhibited TNF-α-induced MMP-1 expression to 2.2 ± 0.1-fold (p < 0.01) and reversed the decrease in collagen levels to 0.4 ± 0.00-fold (p < 0.01) at 50 μM. The effect of GBDE was due to the suppression of the phospolylaton of MAPKs (ERK, 0.47 ± 0.05; JNK, 1.21 ± 0.07; p38, 0.77 ± 0.07-folds, p < 0.001) and Akt (0.14 ± 0.03-fold, p < 0.001) compared to the TNF-α group. GBDE also reduced the expression of COX-2 to 2.06 ± 0.12-fold (p < 0.001) and increased the expression of HO-1 to 10.64 ± 0.2-fold (p < 0.001). In addition, GBDE inhibited the expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-8, 2.2 ± 0.0; IL-1β, 1.6 ± 0.0; IL-6, 2.0 ± 0.10-folds, p < 0.05). These results provide experimental evidence that GBDE can protect against skin damage, including aging.

The landscape of photoaging: From bench to bedside in a bibliometric analysis

Background

Bibliometric software exists as a platform providing multiple algorithms to process the data to suffice diverse goals. Interpretation of the result must be based on insight into the meaning of the original data and the algorithm used. Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms represent the macro-level meaning of topics, keywords that commonly reflect the micro-level aspects.

Objective

This study attempts to investigate the landscape of photoaging in the recent two decades by using bibliometric analysis.

Methods

Published studies of photoaging were obtained from PubMed and Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) from 2000 to 2020. Basic bibliometric information was generated by WoSCC. Major MeSH terms were performed in cluster analysis and displayed as a hierarchical form to induce knowledge structure, detection algorithm on keywords was presented as a timeline form to obtain hotspots, and institutional clusters were labeled with keywords to achieve institutional characteristics.

Results

A total of 2,727 and 2,705 studies were identified in PubMed and WoSCC, respectively. The number of photoaging-related studies at 3-year intervals grew steadily. The studies were performed in about 80 countries/regions. The highly frequent major MeSH terms were distributed in seven clusters, reflecting the etiology, pathophysiology, treatment, and prevention of photoaging. The hotspots changed as time went on, and the hotspots in recent 5 years were mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-like 2 (Nrf2), and antioxidant activity. The highly productive institutions labeling in the top four clusters were Seoul National University, University of Michigan, China Medical University, and Harvard University, with corresponding keywords of UVB, retinoic acid, Nrf2, and rejuvenation.

Conclusions

This study built a knowledge structure of pathophysiology, treatment and prevention of photoaging, and identified recent hotspots of MAPK, Nrf2, and antioxidant activity. We provide a landscape of photoaging, from the bench (pathophysiology) to bedside (treatment, prevention), and pave the way for future research.

Protective Effects of Orange Sweet Pepper Juices Prepared by High-Speed Blender and Low-Speed Masticating Juicer against UVB-induced Skin Damage in SKH-1 Hairless Mice

Sweet pepper fruits (Capsicum annuum L.) contain various nutrients and phytochemicals that enhance human health and prevent the pathogenesis of certain diseases. Here, we report that oral administration of orange sweet pepper juices prepared by a high-speed blender and low-speed masticating juicer reduces UVB-induced skin damage in SKH-1 hairless mice. Sweet pepper juices reduced UVB-induced skin photoaging by the regulation of genes involved in dermal matrix production and maintenance such as collagen type I α 1 and matrix metalloproteinase-2, 3, 9. Administration of sweet pepper juices also restored total collagen levels in UVB-exposed mice. In addition, sweet pepper juices downregulated the expression of pro-inflammatory proteins such as cyclooxygenase-2, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-17, and IL-23, which was likely via inhibiting the NF-κB pathway. Moreover, primary antioxidant enzymes in the skin were enhanced by oral supplementation of sweet pepper juices, as evidenced by increased expression of catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase-2. Immunohistochemical staining showed that sweet pepper juices reduced UVB-induced DNA damage by preventing 8-OHdG formation. These results suggest that sweet pepper juices may offer a protective effect against photoaging by inhibiting the breakdown of dermal matrix, inflammatory response, and DNA damage as well as enhancing antioxidant defense, which leads to an overall reduction in skin damage.

Glucocerebroside-Containing Milk Concentrated Powder Suppresses Oxidative Stress and Photoaging in the Skin of Hairless Mice

This study investigated the protective effects of glucocerebroside-containing buttermilk concentrated powder (GCBM) on oxidative stress and photoaging in ultraviolet B (UVB)-irradiated hairless mice. We measured antioxidant enzyme activities, collagen synthesis-related pathways, and moisturizing-related factors in the dorsal skin of mice. We observed that dietary supplementation with GCBM increased antioxidant enzyme activity and decreased pro-inflammatory cytokine expression in the UVB-irradiated dorsal skin. Furthermore, dietary supplementation with GCBM inhibited wrinkle formation by suppressing the JNK/c-FOS/c-Jun/MMP pathway and stimulating the TGF-βRI/Smad3/procollagen type I pathway. Dietary supplementation with GCBM also increased skin moisturization by stimulating hyaluronic acid and ceramide synthesis in the dorsal skin. Therefore, buttermilk powder supplementation helps prevent photoaging and can be used as an effective component in developing anti-photoaging products.

Free radical biology in neurological manifestations: mechanisms to therapeutics interventions

Recent advancements and growing attention about free radicals (ROS) and redox signaling enable the scientific fraternity to consider their involvement in the pathophysiology of inflammatory diseases, metabolic disorders, and neurological defects. Free radicals increase the concentration of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species in the biological system through different endogenous sources and thus increased the overall oxidative stress. An increase in oxidative stress causes cell death through different signaling mechanisms such as mitochondrial impairment, cell-cycle arrest, DNA damage response, inflammation, negative regulation of protein, and lipid peroxidation. Thus, an appropriate balance between free radicals and antioxidants becomes crucial to maintain physiological function. Since the 1brain requires high oxygen for its functioning, it is highly vulnerable to free radical generation and enhanced ROS in the brain adversely affects axonal regeneration and synaptic plasticity, which results in neuronal cell death. In addition, increased ROS in the brain alters various signaling pathways such as apoptosis, autophagy, inflammation and microglial activation, DNA damage response, and cell-cycle arrest, leading to memory and learning defects. Mounting evidence suggests the potential involvement of micro-RNAs, circular-RNAs, natural and dietary compounds, synthetic inhibitors, and heat-shock proteins as therapeutic agents to combat neurological diseases. Herein, we explain the mechanism of free radical generation and its role in mitochondrial, protein, and lipid peroxidation biology. Further, we discuss the negative role of free radicals in synaptic plasticity and axonal regeneration through the modulation of various signaling molecules and also in the involvement of free radicals in various neurological diseases and their potential therapeutic approaches. The primary cause of free radical generation is drug overdosing, industrial air pollution, toxic heavy metals, ionizing radiation, smoking, alcohol, pesticides, and ultraviolet radiation. Excessive generation of free radicals inside the cell R1Q1 increases reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, which causes oxidative damage. An increase in oxidative damage alters different cellular pathways and processes such as mitochondrial impairment, DNA damage response, cell cycle arrest, and inflammatory response, leading to pathogenesis and progression of neurodegenerative disease other neurological defects.

Potential anti-ageing effects of probiotic-derived conditioned media on human skin cells

In this study, the protective functions of bacteria-free conditioned media from Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus species against ultraviolet radiation-induced skin ageing and associated cellular damage were investigated. The effects of ultraviolet radiation-induced reactive oxygen species production were suppressed by all conditioned media; particularly, the loss of cell viability and downregulation of collagen gene expression were significantly reversed by the conditioned media from B. longum and B. lactis. Further exa mination of potential anti-pigmentation effects revealed that the B. lactis-derived conditioned media significantly inhibited tyrosinase activity and alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone-induced melanin production in human epidermal melanocytes. Further, the conditioned media suppressed the phosphorylation of extracellular signal- related kinase, which functions as an upstream regulator of melanogenesis. Therefore, B. lactis-derived conditioned media can potentially protect against cellular damage involved in skin-ageing processes.

Biologically Active Preparations from the Leaves of Wild Plant Species of the Genus Rubus

The plants of the genus Rubus (R.) are applied as antiseptic agents in the treatment of skin diseases. Despite the great interest in plants of this genus, there are few reports on the antioxidant and biological activities of preparations obtained from the leaves of these plants. Therefore, we decided to evaluate the antioxidant activity of preparations from leaves of wild plant species of the genus Rubus using the frequently applied DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP methods, as well as to determine the total polyphenol content using the Folin−Ciocalteau method and perform qualitative evaluation by gas chromatography−mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The bactericidal and fungicidal activities of the obtained preparations were evaluated by applying laboratory tests: using the disc and the well methods based on the standards EN 13697:2019, EN 13697:2015, and EN 1500:2013. Microbiological tests of the plant preparations against bacteria, fungi, and yeasts isolated from the environment and against reference strains were performed. Moreover, antimicrobial testing of antibiotics against the tested strains was performed for comparison. The n-octanol/water partition coefficient of the obtained preparations was determined by the shake-flask method to determine their lipophilicity. According to the results, a high content of polyphenols and other antioxidant and biologically active compounds can be thought of as the parameter responsible for the effective activity of plant preparations obtained from wild plant species of the genus Rubus. The methods for determining bactericidal and fungicidal activity clearly demonstrates that preparations with reduced ethanol content exhibit bactericidal and fungicidal activity on surfaces. Testing of hand disinfection by means of rubbing with the preparations confirmed their antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli K12 NCTC 10538. The obtained results show that the tested preparations exhibit on average two times lower activity against the reference bacterial strains than comparable antibiotics. The preparations obtained from the leaves of R. idaeus L. and R. fruticosus L. could complement classical antibiotics. While environmental bacteria showed a similar response to the preparations and antibiotics, their sensitivity was about one-third less than that of the reference strains. Our studies have shown that the obtained preparations are highly hydrophilic (logP < 0). Thus, these preparations can only be used in lipid bilayers in the aqueous core of liposomes, not in the lipid envelope.

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.

Altered Innate Immunity and Damaged Epithelial Integrity in Vaginal Microbial Dysbiosis

The role of neutrophils relative to vaginal dysbiosis is unclear. We hypothesize that bacterial vaginosis (BV)-associated bacteria may induce the activation and accumulation of mucosal neutrophils within the female reproductive tract (FRT), resulting in epithelial barrier damage. We collected endocervical cytobrushes from women with and without BV and assessed bacteria community type and frequency/functional phenotypes of neutrophils. We performed in vitro whole blood co-cultures with BV-associated bacteria and healthy vaginal commensals and assessed their impact on epithelial integrity using transepithelial electrical resistance. We demonstrated increased neutrophil frequency (p < 0.0001), activation (p < 0.0001), and prolonged lifespan (p < 0.0001) in the cytobrushes from women with non-Lactobacillus dominant (nLD) communities. Our in vitro co-cultures confirmed these results and identified significant barrier damage in the presence of neutrophils and G. vaginalis. Here, we demonstrate that BV-associated bacteria induce neutrophil activation and increase lifespan, potentially causing accumulation in the FRT and epithelial barrier damage.

Corylin from Psoralea fructus (Psoralea corylifolia L.) protects against UV-induced skin aging by activating Nrf2 defense mechanisms

Oxidative stress damage can lead to premature skin aging or age-related skin disorders. Therefore, strategies to improve oxidative stress-induced aging are needed to protect the skin and to treat skin diseases. This study aimed to determine whether the flavonoid corylin derived from Psoralea corylifolia can prevent UV-induced skin aging and if so, to explore the potential molecular mechanisms. We found that corylin potently blocked UV-induced skin photoaging in mice by reducing oxidative stress and increasing the nuclear expression of nuclear factor-erythroid factor 2-related factor 2 Nrf2. We also found that corylin stimulated Nrf2 translocation into the nucleus and increased the delivery of its target antioxidant genes together with Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) to dissociate Nrf2. These findings indicate that corylin could prevent skin aging by inhibiting oxidative stress via Keap1-Nrf2 in mouse cells. Thus, Nrf2 activation might be a therapeutic target for preventing skin aging or skin diseases caused by aging. Our findings also provided evidence that warrants the further investigation of plant ingredients to facilitate the discovery of novel therapies targeting skin aging.

From Biomass-Derived p-Hydroxycinnamic Acids to Novel Sustainable and Non-Toxic Phenolics-Based UV-Filters: A Multidisciplinary Journey

Although organic UV-filters are extensively used in cosmetics to protect consumers from the deleterious effects of solar UV radiation-exposure, they suffer from some major drawbacks such as their fossil origin and their toxicity to both humans and the environment. Thus, finding sustainable and non-toxic UV-filters is becoming a topic of great interest for the cosmetic industry. A few years ago, sinapoyl malate was shown to be a powerful naturally occurring UV-filter. Building on these findings, we decided to design and optimize an entire value chain that goes from biomass to innovative biobased and non-toxic lignin-derived UV-filters. This multidisciplinary approach relies on: 1) The production of phenolic synthons using either metabolite extraction from biomass or their bioproduction through synthetic biology/fermentation/in stream product recovery; 2) their functionalization using green chemistry to access sinapoyl malate and analogues; 3) the study of their UV-filtering activity, their photostability, their biological properties; and 4) their photodynamics. This mini-review aims at demonstrating that combining biotechnology, green chemistry, downstream process and photochemistry is a powerful approach to transform biomass and, in particular lignins, into high value-added innovative UV-filters.

Antioxidative Role of Hygrophila erecta (Brum. F.) Hochr. on UV-Induced Photoaging of Dermal Fibroblasts and Melanoma Cells

Antioxidants are an important strategy for treating photoaging because excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced during UV irradiation. The therapeutic effects of methanol extracts of Hygrophila erecta (Brum. F.) Hochr. (MEH) against UV-induced photoaging were examined by monitoring the changes in the antioxidant defense system, apoptosis, extracellular matrix (ECM) modulation, inflammatory response, and melanin synthesis in normal human dermal fibroblast (NHDF) cells and melanoma B16F1 cells. Four bioactive compounds, including 4-methoxycinnamic acid, 4-methoxybenzoic acid, methyl linoleate, and asterriquinone C-1, were detected in MEH, while the DPPH free radical scavenging activity was IC₅₀ = 7.6769 µg/mL. UV-induced an increase in the intracellular ROS generation, NO concentration, SOD activity and expression, and Nrf2 expression were prevented with the MEH treatment. Significant decreases in the number of apoptotic cells, the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2, and cleaved Cas-3/Cas-3 were observed in MEH-treated NHDF cells. The MEH treatment induced the significant prevention of ECM disruption and suppressed the COX-2-induced iNOS mediated pathway, expression of inflammatory cytokines, and inflammasome activation. Finally, the expression of the melanin synthesis-involved genes and tyrosinase activity decreased significantly in the α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH)-stimulated B16F1 cells after the MEH treatment. MEH may have an antioxidative role against UV-induced photoaging by suppressing ROS-induced cellular damage.

Specialized Pro-Resolving Mediators Derived from N-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids: Role in Metabolic Syndrome and Related Complications

Significance: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) prevalence continues to grow and represents a serious public health issue worldwide. This multifactorial condition carries the risk of hastening the development of type 2 diabetes (T2D), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Another troubling aspect of MetS is the requirement of poly-pharmacological therapy not devoid of side effects. Therefore, there is an urgent need for prospecting alternative nutraceuticals as effective therapeutic agents for MetS. Recent Advances: Currently, there is an increased interest in understanding the regulation of metabolic derangements by specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators (SPMs), especially those derived from the long chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Critical Issues: The SPMs are recognized as efficient modulators that are capable of inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, blocking neutrophil activation/recruitment, and inducing non-phlogistic (anti-inflammatory) activation of macrophage engulfment and removal of apoptotic inflammatory cells and debris. The aim of the present review is precisely to first underline key concepts relative to SPM functions before focusing on their status and actions on MetS components (e.g., obesity, glucose dysmetabolism, hyperlipidemia, hypertension) and complications such as T2D, NAFLD, and CVD. Future Directions: Valuable data from preclinical and clinical investigations have emphasized the SPM functions and influence on oxidative stress- and inflammation-related MetS. Despite these promising findings obtained without compromising host defense, additional efforts are needed to evaluate their potential therapeutic applications and further develop practical tools to monitor their bioavailability to cope with cardiometabolic disorders. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 37, 54-83.

How Microbiomes Affect Skin Aging: The Updated Evidence and Current Perspectives

The skin has a multifactorial aging process, caused by both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. A major theory of aging involves cellular senescence or apoptosis resulting from oxidative damage as the skin’s antioxidant system tends to weaken with age. The human microbiota is a complex ecosystem that is made up of microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, and viruses). Both gut and skin microbiota have essential roles in the protection against invading pathogens, mediating inflammatory conditions, and the modulation of the immune system which is involved in both innate and adaptive immune responses. However, the human microbiome could be changed during the life stage and affected by various perturbations. An alteration of the intestinal bacteria results in “microbial dysbiosis” which is associated with the influence of various diseases, including aging. The skin interactome is a novel integration of the “genome-microbiome-exposome” that plays a significant role in skin aging and skin health. Mitigating the negative impacts of factors influencing the skin interactome should be the future strategy to protect, prevent, and delay skin aging along with preserving healthy skin conditions. This review summarizes the current evidence on how human microbiomes affect skin aging and demonstrates the possible interventions, relating to human microbiomes, to modulate skin health and aging. Probiotics-based products are currently available mainly for the add-on treatment of many dermatologic conditions. However, at this point, there are limited clinical studies on skin anti-aging purposes and more are required as this evolving concept is on the rise and might provide an insight into future therapeutic options.

Eriodictyol Attenuates H2O2-Induced Oxidative Damage in Human Dermal Fibroblasts through Enhanced Capacity of Antioxidant Machinery

Oxidative stress in dermal fibroblasts is strongly correlated with the aging process of the skin. The application of natural compounds that can increase the ability of dermal fibroblasts to counteract oxidative stress is a promising approach to promote skin health and beauty. Eriodictyol is a flavonoid that exerts several pharmacological actions through its antioxidant properties. However, its protective effects on dermal fibroblasts have not yet been investigated. In this study, we investigated whether eriodictyol protects human dermal fibroblasts (BJ fibroblasts) from the harmful effects of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). Eriodictyol pretreatment significantly prevented necrotic cell death caused by H₂O₂ exposure. In addition, the level of 2′,7′-dichloro-dihydro-fluorescein oxidation was decreased, and that of glutathione was maintained, indicating that the beneficial effects of eriodictyol against H₂O₂ were closely associated with oxidative-stress attenuation. Eriodictyol mediates its antioxidant effects on dermal fibroblasts against H₂O₂ through (i) the direct neutralization of reactive oxygen species; (ii) the enhancement of the activities of H₂O₂-detoxifying enzymes, including catalase and glutathione peroxidase; and (iii) the induction of the expressions of catalase and glutathione peroxidase 1 via the activation of the Nrf2 signaling system. These results support the potential application of eriodictyol as an ingredient in skincare products for cosmeceutical and pharmaceutical purposes.

Genome-Wide RNA Sequencing Analysis in Human Dermal Fibroblasts Exposed to Low-Dose Ultraviolet A Radiation

Ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation can pass through the epidermis and reach the dermal skin layer, contributing to photoaging, DNA damage, and photocarcinogenesis in dermal fibroblasts. High-dose UVA exposure induces erythema, whereas low-dose, long-term UVA exposure causes skin damage and cell senescence. Biomarkers for evaluating damage caused by low-dose UVA in fibroblasts are lacking, making it difficult to develop therapeutic agents for skin aging and aging-associated diseases. We performed RNA-sequencing to investigate gene and pathway alterations in low-dose UVA-irradiated human skin-derived NB1RGB primary fibroblasts. Differentially expressed genes were identified and subjected to Gene Ontology and reactome pathway analysis, which revealed enrichment in genes in the senescence-associated secretory phenotype, apoptosis, respiratory electron transport, and transcriptional regulation by tumor suppressor p53 pathways. Insulin-like growth factor binding protein 7 (IGFBP7) showed the lowest p-value in RNA-sequencing analysis and was associated with the senescence-associated secretory phenotype. Protein–protein interaction analysis revealed that Fos proto-oncogene had a high-confidence network with IGFBP7 as transcription factor of the IGFBP7 gene among SASP hit genes, which were validated using RT-qPCR. Because of their high sensitivity to low-dose UVA radiation, Fos and IGFBP7 show potential as biomarkers for evaluating the effect of low-dose UVA radiation on dermal fibroblasts.

Potential cosmeceutical lamellar liquid crystals containing black longan (Dimocarpus longan Lour.) seed extract for MMP-1 and hyaluronidase inhibition

The aims of this study were to evaluate the biological activities of black Dimocarpus longan Lour. seed extracts and develop a lamellar liquid crystal (LLC). Different solvents, including petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, and 95% v/v ethanol, were used in the maceration of black D. longan seeds. The inhibitory activities on matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) and hyaluronidase were evaluated. The irritating potency of D. longan seed extracts was determined using the hen's egg chorioallantoic membrane test. The extract with the strongest anti-ageing activities and no irritant impact was examined for its chemical contents using high-performance liquid chromatography and incorporated into the LLC. Various factors affecting the LLC formulations, including surfactant types and amounts, thickening agent types and amounts, and various oil types, were investigated. The results demonstrated that the ethyl acetate extract (EtOAc) was the most potent inhibitor of MMP-1 (IC₅₀ = 21.7 ± 5.4 µg/mL) and hyaluronidase (oleanolic acid equivalent = 0.44 ± 0.03 g per g extract). Interestingly, its MMP-1 inhibition was equivalent to that of oleanolic acid, corilagin, and gallic acid. Furthermore, its hyaluronidase inhibition was equivalent to that of gallic acid and ellagic acid. Gallic acid, which was the most abundant compound (15.6% ± 0.06% w/w) was suggested as the compound responsible for the biological activities of EtOAc extract. Considering its potential anti-skin ageing properties with no irritation of EtOAc extract, it was incorporated into the most suitable LLC, which was composed of 5% w/w Lexfeel® D5 oil, 0.5% w/w Carbopol® U21, 2% w/w Liquid Crystal Cream Maker, and 92.5% w/w DI water. The LLC containing EtOAc extract presented birefringence under a polarizing light microscope, indicating its crystallinity. The formulation had good stability after heating-cooling cycles in terms of external appearance, crystallinity, viscosity, and pH (5.5). As a result, it is recommended as a potential cosmeceutical formulation for anti-skin wrinkling. It is proposed that more research be conducted on the safety and efficacy of the treatment on human volunteers.

The Prospects of Swietenia macrophylla King in Skin Care

The importance of cosmetics in our lives is immeasurable. Covering items from daily personal hygienic products to skincare, it has become essential to consumers that the items that they use are safe and effective. Since natural products are from natural sources, and therefore considered “natural” and “green” in the public’s eyes, the rise in demand for such products is not surprising. Even so, factoring in the need to remain on trend and innovative, cosmetic companies are on a constant search for new ingredients and inventive new formulations. Based on numerous literature, the seed of Swietenia macrophylla has been shown to possess several potential “cosmetic-worthy” bioproperties, such as skin whitening, photoprotective, antioxidant, antimicrobial, etc. These properties are vital in the cosmetic business, as they ultimately contribute to the “ageless” beauty that many consumers yearn for. Therefore, with further refinement and research, these active phytocompounds may be a great contribution to the cosmetic field in the near future.

The Potential Anti-Photoaging Effect of Photodynamic Therapy Using Chlorin e6-Curcumin Conjugate in UVB-Irradiated Fibroblasts and Hairless Mice

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been used to treat cancers and non-malignant skin diseases. In this study, a chlorin e6–curcumin conjugate (Ce6-PEG-Cur), a combination of chlorin e6 (Ce6) and curcumin via a PEG linker, was used as a photosensitizer. The in vitro and in vivo effects of PDT using Ce6-PEG-Cur were analyzed in UVB-irradiated fibroblasts and hairless mice. The UVB-induced expression of MMPs was reduced in Hs68 fibroblast cells, and procollagen type Ⅰ expression was enhanced by Ce6-PEG-Cur-mediated PDT on a Western blotting gel. Moreover, UVB-induced collagen levels were restored upon application of Ce6-PEG-Cur-mediated PDT. Ce6-PEG-Cur-mediated PDT inhibited the expression of phosphorylated p38 in the MAPK signaling pathway, and it reduced the expression of phosphorylated NF-κB. In animal models, Ce6-PEG-Cur-mediated PDT inhibited the expression of MMPs, whereas procollagen type Ⅰ levels were enhanced in the dorsal skin of UVB-irradiated mice. Moreover, UVB-induced dorsal roughness was significantly reduced following Ce6-PEG-Cur-mediated PDT treatment. H&E staining and Masson’s trichrome staining showed that the thickness of the epidermal region was reduced, and the density of collagen fibers increased. Taken together, Ce6-PEG-Cur-mediated PDT might delay and improve skin photoaging by ultraviolet light, suggesting its potential for use as a more effective photo-aging treatment.

Anti-Inflammatory and Pro-Regenerative Effects of Hyaluronan-Chitlac Mixture in Human Dermal Fibroblasts: A Skin Ageing Perspective

Inflammation and the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) play an important role in the structural and functional modifications leading to skin ageing. The reduction of inflammation, cellular oxidation and dermal extracellular matrix (ECM) alterations may prevent the ageing process. The aim of this study is to investigate the expression of pro-inflammatory markers and ECM molecules in human dermal fibroblasts derived from young and middle-aged women and the effects of lactose-modified chitosan (Chitlac®, CTL), alone or in combination with mid-MW hyaluronan (HA), using an in vitro model of inflammation. To assess the response of macrophage-induced inflamed dermal fibroblasts to HA and CTL, changes in cell viability, pro-inflammatory mediators, MMPs and ECM molecules expression and intracellular ROS generation are analysed at gene and protein levels. The expression of pro-inflammatory markers, galectins, MMP-3 and ECM molecules is age-related. CTL, HA and their combination counteracted the oxidative damage, stimulating the expression of ECM molecules, and, when added to inflamed cells, restored the baseline levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, GAL-1, GAL-3 and MMP-3. In conclusion, HA and CTL mixture attenuated the macrophage-induced inflammation, inhibited the MMP-3 expression, exhibited the anti-oxidative effects and exerted a pro-regenerative effect on ECM.

Age-Defying and Photoprotective Potential of Geranium/Calendula Essential Oil Encapsulated Vesicular Cream on Biochemical Parameters against UVB Radiation Induced Skin Aging in Rat

UVB irradiation promotes the production of reactive oxygen species, which can lead to an increase in oxidative stress in the cell and the generation of toxic components, resulting in photoaging. Essential oils (EOs) are well-known in the cosmetics sector for their beneficial effects, as they have a wide range of biological activities. Considering this fact, the current study investigates the photoprotective potential of geranium essential oil (GEO)/calendula essential oil (CEO) encapsulated vesicular cream on the biochemical parameters of the skin of albino rats exposed to UVB radiation. After 30 days of treatment with cream formulations and UVB irradiation, the skin tissue was assayed for several biochemical parameters and histopathology analysis. The results of biochemical study revealed that, in comparison to non-vesicular creams, vesicular cream formulations were able to protect the endogenous skin natural antioxidant system by maintaining superoxide dismutase, catalase, total protein, ascorbic acid, and hydroxyproline levels and by decreasing malondialdehyde levels in the skin after UVB exposure. Changes in various cellular structures along with the change in the epidermis and dermis of the skin after UVB exposure in the treated group were observed by a histopathology of skin tissue and compared to the non-treated group, which revealed the skin damaging effect of UVB radiation and the protective effect of vesicular creams. The results suggest that the GEO/CEO-encapsulated vesicular creams have the potential to protect the skin against harmful UVB radiation by maintaining the natural antioxidant defence mechanism of the skin. In conclusion, this research presents novel herbal cosmetic formulations with improved antioxidant capacity and photoprotective potential that may help to slow down the skin aging process.

Anti-Melanogenic and Antioxidant Effects of Cell-Free Supernatant from Lactobacillus gasseri BNR17

In recent years, there has been considerable interest in the use of cell-free supernatant of probiotics culture for nutritional and functional applications. In this study, we investigated the effect of the cell-free supernatant from Lactobacillus gasseri BNR17 (CFS) on anti-melanogenesis and reducing oxidative stress in B16-F10 murine melanoma cells and HaCaT human keratinocytes. Treatment with CFS significantly inhibited the production of extracellular and intracellular melanin without cytotoxicity during melanogenesis induced by the α-MSH in B16-F10 cells. The CFS dramatically reduced tyrosinase activity and the melanogenesis-related gene expression. Further, it showed antioxidative effects in a dose-dependent manner in DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate) assays and significantly increased the mRNA levels of HO-1 and CAT in HaCaT cells. Furthermore, the CFS increased HO-1 and anti-oxidative-related gene expression during H2O2-induced oxidative stress in HaCaT cells. Together, this study suggests that the CFS reduces hyperpigmentation and inhibits oxidative stress, and thus can be used as a potential skincare product in the future.

Attenuation of intrinsic aging of the skin via elimination of senescent dermal fibroblasts with senolytic drugs

BACKGROUND

Skin aging is caused by numerous factors that result in structural and functional changes in cutaneous components. Research has shown that senescent cells are known to accumulate in skin aging, however, the role of senescent cells in skin aging has not been defined.

OBJECTIVES

To elucidate the role of senescent cell in skin aging, we evaluated the effect of known senolytic drugs on senescent dermal fibroblasts.

METHODS

Primary human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) were induced to senescence by long-term passaging, UV irradiation, and H2O2 treatment. Cell viability was measured after treatment of ABT-263 and ABT-737 on HDFs. Young and aged hairless mice were intradermally injected with drugs or vehicle on the dorsal skin for 10 days. Skin specimens were obtained and reverse-transcription quantitative PCR, western blotting, and histological analysis were performed.

RESULTS

We found that ABT-263 and ABT-737 induced selective clearance of senescent dermal fibroblasts, regardless of the method of senescence induction. Aged mouse skin treated with ABT-263 or ABT-737 showed increased collagen density, epidermal thickness, and proliferation of keratinocytes, as well as decreased senescence-associated secretory phenotypes, such as MMP-1 and IL-6.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, our results indicate that selective clearance of senescent skin cells can attenuate and improve skin aging phenotypes and that senolytic drugs may be of potential use as new therapeutic agents for treating aging of the skin.

Chemical Composition and Effect against Skin Alterations of Bioactive Extracts Obtained by the Hydrodistillation of Eucalyptus globulus Leaves

Eucalyptus globulus is planted extensively for pulp, paper and wood production. Although bioactive compounds obtained from its biomass are used as cosmetics ingredients, the skin effects were not yet fully explored. In order to fill this gap, this work aimed to study the protective effect against skin damage provided by the essential oil (EO) obtained from the hydrodistillation of Eucalyptus globulus leaves, and by an extract obtained from the hydrodistillation residual water (HRW). The major compound identified in the EO was 1,8-Cineole, and the phenolic acids in the HRW included gallic acid as the main phenolic constituent. Moreover, non-toxic EO and HRW concentrations were shown to have anti-aging skin effects in vitro, decreasing age-related senescence markers, namely β-galactosidase and matrix metalloproteinases activation, as well as collagen type 1 upregulation. In addition, EO and HRW were found to exhibit depigmenting effects by inhibiting tyrosinase and melanin production, along with potent anti-inflammatory properties. Furthermore, the absence of skin irritation and sensitization in cells exposed to EO and HRW revealed the safety of both extracts for topical use. Taken together, these results highlight the beneficial effects of extracts obtained from Eucalyptus globulus biomass for skin aesthetic and health purposes, which should be explored deeply for the prediction of future pharmaceutical and dermocosmetics industrial applications.

A Naked Eye-Invisible Ratiometric Fluorescent Microneedle Tattoo for Real-Time Monitoring of Inflammatory Skin Conditions

The field of portable healthcare monitoring devices has an urgent need for the development of real-time, noninvasive sensing and detection methods for various physiological analytes. Currently, transdermal sensing techniques are severely limited in scope (i.e., measurement of heart rate or sweat composition), or else tend to be invasive, often needing to be performed in a clinical setting. This study proposes a minimally invasive alternative strategy, consisting of using dissolving polymeric microneedles to deliver naked eye-invisible functional fluorescent ratiometric microneedle tattoos directly to the skin for real-time monitoring and quantification of physiological and pathological parameters. Reactive oxygen species are overexpressed in the skin in association with various pathological conditions. Here, one demonstrates for the first time the microneedle-based delivery to the skin of active fluorescent sensors in the form of an invisible, ratiometric microneedle tattoo capable of sensing reactive oxygen species in a reconstructed human-based skin disease model, as well as an in vivo model of UV-induced dermal inflammation. One also elaborates a universal ratiometric quantification concept coupled with a custom-built, multiwavelength portable fluorescence detection system. Fully realized, this approach presents an opportunity for the minimally invasive monitoring of a broad range of physiological parameters through the skin.

Facile Solvent-Free Preparation of Antioxidant Idebenone-Loaded Nanoparticles for Efficient Wound Healing

The excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) causes harmful effects, including biomolecular damage and inflammation. ROS due to ultraviolet rays, blue light, and fine dust harm the skin, causing urban-related aging. Therefore, a strong antioxidant that relieves oxidative stress in the skin and removes ROS is required. Idebenone (IB) is a powerful antioxidant but is poorly soluble and thus has low solubility in water, resulting in low bioavailability. In this study, IB-loaded nanoparticles (IB@NPs) were synthesized by loading IB without an organic solvent into nanoparticles that can provide high loading efficiency and stability for solubilization. Indeed, the synthesized IB@NPs exhibited long-term stability through dynamic light scattering, methylene blue staining, and redispersion assays, and IB@NPs prepared with a 5 wt% IB loading content were found to be optimal. The antioxidant activity of IB@NPs evaluated using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay was significantly higher than that of unloaded IB. In addition, IB@NPs showed excellent biocompatibility, inhibited oxidative damage to mouse NIH-3T3 fibroblasts, and reduced intracellular ROS generation according to an in vitro DPPH antioxidant assay. Most notably, IB@NPs significantly promoted wound healing in vitro, as demonstrated by scratch assays. Therefore, as carriers with excellent stability, IB@NPs have potential cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications.

Ellagic Acid: A Review on Its Natural Sources, Chemical Stability, and Therapeutic Potential

Ellagic acid (EA) is a bioactive polyphenolic compound naturally occurring as secondary metabolite in many plant taxa. EA content is considerable in pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) and in wood and bark of some tree species. Structurally, EA is a dilactone of hexahydroxydiphenic acid (HHDP), a dimeric gallic acid derivative, produced mainly by hydrolysis of ellagitannins, a widely distributed group of secondary metabolites. EA is attracting attention due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic, and antiproliferative properties. EA displayed pharmacological effects in various in vitro and in vivo model systems. Furthermore, EA has also been well documented for its antiallergic, antiatherosclerotic, cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, nephroprotective, and neuroprotective properties. This review reports on the health-promoting effects of EA, along with possible mechanisms of its action in maintaining the health status, by summarizing the literature related to the therapeutic potential of this polyphenolic in the treatment of several human diseases.

Improvement of Damage in Human Dermal Fibroblasts by 3,5,7-Trimethoxyflavone from Black Ginger (Kaempferia parviflora)

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are generated during intrinsic (chronological aging) and extrinsic (photoaging) skin aging. Therefore, antioxidants that inhibit ROS production may be involved in delaying skin aging. In this study, we investigated the potential effects of compounds isolated from black ginger, Kaempferia parviflora, a traditional medicinal plant, on normal human dermal fibroblasts in the context of inflammation and oxidative stress. The isolated compounds were structurally characterized as 5-hydroxy-7-methoxyflavone (1), 3,7-dimethoxy-5-hydroxyflavone (2), 5-hydroxy-3,7,3,4-tetramethoxyflavone (3), 7,4-dimethylapigenin (4), 3,7,4-trimethylkaempferol (5), and 3,5,7-trimethoxyflavone (6), using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC/MS) analyses. These flavonoids were first evaluated for their ability to suppress extracellular matrix degradation in normal human dermal fibroblasts. Of these, 3,5,7-trimethoxyflavone (6) significantly inhibited the tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α-induced high expression and secretion of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 by cells. We further found that 3,5,7-trimethoxyflavone suppressed the excessive increase in ROS, mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), Akt, and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)and increased heme oxygenase (HO)-1 expression. The expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and IL-8, was also suppressed by 3,5,7-trimethoxyflavone (6). Taken together, our results indicate that 3,5,7-trimethoxyflavone (6) isolated from K. parviflora is a potential candidate for ameliorating skin damage.

The Evolution of Pharmacological Activities Bouea macrophylla Griffith In Vivo and In Vitro Study: A Review

Bouea macrophylla Griffith (B. macrophylla) is one of the many herbal plants found in Asia, and its fruit is plum mango. This plant is rich in secondary metabolites, including flavonoids, tannins, polyphenolic compounds, and many others. Due to its bioactive components, plum mango has powerful antioxidants that have therapeutic benefits for many common ailments, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer. This review describes the evolution of plum mango’s phytochemical properties and pharmacological activities including in vitro and in vivo studies. The pharmacological activities of B. macrophylla Griffith reviewed in this article are antioxidant, anticancer, antihyperglycemic, antimicrobial, and antiphotoaging. Each of these pharmacological activities described and studied the possible cellular and molecular mechanisms of action. Interestingly, plum mango seeds show good pharmacological activity where the seed is the part of the plant that is a waste product. This can be an advantage because of its economic value as a herbal medicine. Overall, the findings described in this review aim to allow this plant to be explored and utilized more widely, especially as a new drug discovery.

Application of 233 nm far-UVC LEDs for eradication of MRSA and MSSA and risk assessment on skin models

A newly developed UVC LED source with an emission wavelength of 233 nm was proved on bactericidal efficacy and skin tolerability. The bactericidal efficacy was qualitatively analysed using blood agar test. Subsequently, quantitative analyses were performed on germ carrier tests using the MRSA strain DSM11822, the MSSA strain DSM799, S. epidermidis DSM1798 with various soil loads. Additionally, the compatibility of the germicidal radiation doses on excised human skin and reconstructed human epidermis was proved. Cell viability, DNA damage and production of radicals were assessed in comparison to typical UVC radiation from discharge lamps (222 nm, 254 nm) and UVB (280–380 nm) radiation for clinical assessment. At a dose of 40 mJ/cm², the 233 nm light source reduced the viable microorganisms by a log₁₀ reduction (LR) of 5 log₁₀ levels if no soil load was present. Mucin and protein containing soil loads diminished the effect to an LR of 1.5–3.3. A salt solution representing artificial sweat (pH 8.4) had only minor effects on the reduction. The viability of the skin models was not reduced and the DNA damage was far below the damage evoked by 0.1 UVB minimal erythema dose, which can be regarded as safe. Furthermore, the induced damage vanished after 24 h. Irradiation on four consecutive days also did not evoke DNA damage. The radical formation was far lower than 20 min outdoor visible light would cause, which is classified as low radical load and can be compensated by the antioxidant defence system.

Dual Skin-Whitening and Anti-wrinkle Function of Low-Molecular-Weight Fish Collagen

In this study, we investigated the protective effects of low-molecular-weight fish collagen from tilapia against melanogenesis in melanocytes, ultraviolet B (UVB)-irradiated Hs27 skin fibroblasts, and hairless mice. We observed collagen production-related pathways in UVB-irradiated Hs27 skin fibroblasts and hairless mice, and the melanogenesis-related pathways in melanocyte and UVB-irradiated hairless mice. The collagen production-related pathways were activated in the UVB-irradiated Hs27 skin fibroblasts and hairless mice. In addition, UVB exposure stimulated the melanogenesis-related pathways in melanocytes and hairless mice. However, treatment with low-molecular-weight fish collagen significantly increased the messenger RNA expressions of collagen production-related factors and significantly decreased the production of cytokines. Furthermore, treatment with low-molecular-weight fish collagen suppressed melanogenesis by inhibiting glutathione synthesis and downregulating melanocyte-inducing transcription factor expression through the suppression of cyclic AMP/protein kinase A/cAMP-responsive binding protein signaling and nitric oxide production. Low-molecular-weight fish collagen exerts protective effects against UVB-induced photoaging, through anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-melanogenesis activities and could be used for developing effective natural anti-photoaging products.

UV Protection in the Cornea: Failure and Rescue

Simple Summary

The sun is a deadly laser, and its damaging rays harm exposed tissues such as our skin and eyes. The skin’s protection and repair mechanisms are well understood and utilized in therapeutic approaches while the eye lacks such complete understanding of its defenses and therefore often lacks therapeutic support in most cases. The aim here was to document the similarities and differences between the two tissues as well as understand where current research stands on ocular, particularly corneal, ultraviolet protection. The objective is to identify what mechanisms may be best suited for future investigation and valuable therapeutic approaches.

Abstract

Ultraviolet (UV) irradiation induces DNA lesions in all directly exposed tissues. In the human body, two tissues are chronically exposed to UV: the skin and the cornea. The most frequent UV-induced DNA lesions are cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs) that can lead to apoptosis or induce tumorigenesis. Lacking the protective pigmentation of the skin, the transparent cornea is particularly dependent on nucleotide excision repair (NER) to remove UV-induced DNA lesions. The DNA damage response also triggers intracellular autophagy mechanisms to remove damaged material in the cornea; these mechanisms are poorly understood despite their noted involvement in UV-related diseases. Therapeutic solutions involving xenogenic DNA-repair enzymes such as T4 endonuclease V or photolyases exist and are widely distributed for dermatological use. The corneal field lacks a similar set of tools to address DNA-lesions in photovulnerable patients, such as those with genetic disorders or recently transplanted tissue.

Protective Effect of the Pearl extract from Pinctada fucata martensii Dunker on UV-induced Photoaging in Mice

Although the effect of pearl powder has been recognized for more than a thousand years from healthcare to beauty care, there has yet to be an in-depth understanding of its anti-photoaging effect. In the present study, the protective effect of pearl extract (PE) on UV-induced photoaging in mice was evaluated. First, the amino acid analysis of PE was carried out. Then, different dosages of pearl extract gel (PEG) were applied topically  on the shaved dorsal skins regions of mice before UV irradiation. Skin physiological and histological analysis, antioxidant enzymes and inflammatory factor test were used to evaluate the anti-photoaging effect of PEG. The results showed that PEG contained 14 amino acids, and could inhibit UV-irritated skin wrinkles, laxity, thickness, and dryness. Moreover, PEG upregulated the activities of CAT, GSH-Px, SOD and decreased MDA level, and suppressed the production of IL-1𝛽, IL-6, PGE 2 , TNF-𝛼, and COX-2 in UV-irradiated mice. The therapeutic effect in high dose PEG group was superior to those of positive control (Vitamin E). This study demonstrated the underlying mechanisms of PEG against UV-irritated photoaging. And PEG possesses a potential use in photoprotective medicines and cosmetics.

A Frog Peptide Ameliorates Skin Photoaging Through Scavenging Reactive Oxygen Species

Although many bioactive peptides have been identified from the frog skins, their protective effects and the molecular mechanisms against skin photodamage are still poorly understood. In this study, a novel 20-residue peptide (antioxidin-NV, GWANTLKNVAGGLCKMTGAA) was characterized from the skin of plateau frog Nanorana ventripunctata. Antioxidin-NV obviously decreased skin erythema, thickness and wrinkle formation induced by Ultraviolet (UV) B exposure in hairless mice. In UVB-irradiated keratinocytes (HaCaT cells) and hairless mice, it effectively inhibited DNA damage through reducing p-Histone H2A.X (γH2AX) expression, alleviated cell apoptosis by decreasing the expression of apoptosis-specific protein (cleaved caspase 3), and reduced interleukin-6 (IL-6) production via blocking UVB-activated Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/p38/JNK/NF-κB signaling. In UVB-irradiated human skin fibroblasts (HSF cells) and hairless mice, it effectively restored HSF cells survival rate, and rescued α-SMA accumulation and collagen (especially type I collagen) production by restoring transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)/Smad2 signaling. We found that antioxidin-NV directly and rapidly scavenged intracellular and mitochondrial ROS in HaCaT cells upon UVB irradiation, and quickly eliminated the artificial free radicals, 2, 2′-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS⁺). Taken together, antioxidin-NV directly and rapidly scavenged excessive ROS upon UVB irradiation, subsequently alleviated UVB-induced DNA damage, cell apoptosis, and inflammatory response, thus protecting against UVB-induced skin photoaging. These properties makes antioxidin-NV an excellent candidate for the development of novel anti-photoaging agent.

Polyphenol derived bioactive carbon quantum dots incorporated multifunctional hydrogel as oxidative stress attenuator for antiaging and in vivo wound-healing applications

Upregulation of certain enzymes, such as collagenase, tyrosinase, and elastase, is triggered by several extrinsic environmental factors, such as temperature, UV radiation, humidity, and stress, and leads to elasticity loss...

Anti-Inflammatory, Antioxidant, Moisturizing, and Antimelanogenesis Effects of Quercetin 3-O-β-D-Glucuronide in Human Keratinocytes and Melanoma Cells via Activation of NF-κB and AP-1 Pathways

Quercetin 3-O-β-D-glucuronide (Q-3-G), the glucuronide conjugate of quercetin, has been reported as having anti-inflammatory properties in the lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophages, as well as anticancer and antioxidant properties. Unlike quercetin, which has been extensively described to possess a wide range of pharmacological activities including skin protective effects, the pharmacological benefits and mechanisms Q-3-G in the skin remained to be elucidated. This study focused on characterizing the skin protective properties, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, of Q-3-G against UVB-induced or H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress, the hydration effects, and antimelanogenesis activities using human keratinocytes (HaCaT) and melanoma (B16F10) cells. Q-3-G down-regulated the expression of the pro-inflammatory gene and cytokine such as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in H₂O₂ or UVB-irradiated HaCaT cells. We also showed that Q-3-G exhibits an antioxidant effect using free radical scavenging assays, flow cytometry, and an increased expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2- related factor 2 (Nrf2). Q-3-G reduced melanin production in α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH)-induced B16F10 cells. The hydration effects and mechanisms of Q-3-G were examined by evaluating the moisturizing factor-related genes, such as transglutaminase-1 (TGM-1), filaggrin (FLG), and hyaluronic acid synthase (HAS)-1. In addition, Q-3-G increased the phosphorylation of c-Jun, Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) kinase 4 (MKK4), and TAK1, involved in the MAPKs/AP-1 pathway, and the phosphorylation of IκBα, IκB kinase (IKK)-α, Akt, and Src, involved in the NF-κB pathway. Taken together, we have demonstrated that Q-3-G exerts anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, moisturizing, and antimelanogenesis properties in human keratinocytes and melanoma cells through NF-κB and AP-1 pathways.

Topical Administration of 15-Deoxy-Δ 12,14-Prostaglandin J2 Using a Nonionic Cream: Effect on UVB-Induced Skin Oxidative, Inflammatory, and Histopathological Modifications in Mice

UVB radiation is certainly one of the most important environmental threats to which we are subjected to. This fact highlights the crucial protective role of the skin. However, the skin itself may not be capable of protecting against UVB depending on irradiation intensity and time of exposition. Sun blockers are used to protect our skin, but they fail to fully protect it against oxidative and inflammatory injuries initiated by UVB. To solve this issue, topical administration of active molecules is an option. 15-Deoxy-Δ^12,14-prostaglandin J₂ (15d-PGJ₂) is an arachidonic acid-derived lipid with proresolution and anti-inflammatory actions. However, as far as we are aware, there is no evidence of its therapeutic use in a topical formulation to treat the deleterious events initiated by UVB, which was the aim of the present study. We used a nonionic cream to vehiculate 15d-PGJ₂ (30, 90, and 300 ng/mouse) (TFcPGJ₂) in the skin of hairless mice. UVB increased skin edema, myeloperoxidase activity, metalloproteinase-9 activity, lipid peroxidation, superoxide anion production, gp91^phox and COX-2 mRNA expression, cytokine production, sunburn and mast cells, thickening of the epidermis, and collagen degradation. UVB also diminished skin ability to reduce iron and scavenge free radicals, reduced glutathione (GSH), sulfhydryl proteins, and catalase activity. TFcPGJ₂ inhibited all these pathological alterations in the skin caused by UVB. No activity was observed with the unloaded topical formulation. The protective outcome of TFcPGJ₂ indicates it is a promising therapeutic approach against cutaneous inflammatory and oxidative pathological alterations.

Photoprotective Effect of Artemisia sieversiana Ehrhart Essential Oil Against UVB-induced Photoaging in Mice

Photoaging refers to the extrinsic aging resulting from ultraviolet (UV) irradiation, which impacts skin appearance and is accompanied by the risk of skin carcinoma. Developing natural products as photoprotective agents is of great interest in cosmetic industry nowadays. The present study aimed at investigating the possible use of Artemisia sieversiana Ehrhart essential oil (AEO) for the prevention of photoaging induced by UVB. AEO was characterized by chamazulene, which accounted for 38.92% among total 51 identified compounds. In in vitro assays, AEO was found to be a moderate antioxidant and good UVB filter with photostability. A UVB-induced photoaging mice model was established with three AEO formulations (0.1%, 0.5% and 1.5%, w/w) topically applied prior to UVB irradiation. The activities of catalase, particularly superoxide dismutase of skin increased, while malondialdehyde content decreased in AEO groups as compared with model controls. The production of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-1 and MMP-3) and depletion of hydroxyproline in skin were inhibited by AEO in a dose-dependent manner. Histological evaluation indicated that AEO decreased epidermal thickness, inflammatory cell infiltration, collagen degradation and elastin aberrance. These findings indicated that AEO could be a promising sunscreen agent in protecting the skin against photoaging.