Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (enalapril maleate) accelerates recovery of mouse skin from UVB-induced wrinkles

The Renin-Angiotensin System: The Challenge behind Autoimmune Dermatological Diseases

Autoimmune dermatological diseases (AIDD) encompass a diverse group of disorders characterized by aberrant immune responses targeting the skin and its associated structures. In recent years, emerging evidence suggests a potential involvement of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in the pathogenesis and progression of these conditions. RAS is a multicomponent cascade, primarily known for its role in regulating blood pressure and fluid balance. All of the RAS components play an important role in controlling inflammation and other immune responses. Angiotensin II, the main effector, acts on two essential receptors: Angiotensin Receptor 1 and 2 (AT1R and AT2R). A disturbance in the axis can lead to many pathological processes, including autoimmune (AI) diseases. AT1R activation triggers diverse signaling cascades involved in inflammation, fibrosis and tissue remodeling. Experimental studies have demonstrated the presence of AT1R in various cutaneous cells and immune cells, further emphasizing its potential contribution to the AI processes in the skin. Furthermore, recent investigations have highlighted the role of other RAS components, beyond angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and Ang II, that may contribute to the pathophysiology of AIDD. Alternative pathways involving ACE2, Ang receptors and Ang-(1-7) have been implicated in regulating immune responses and tissue homeostasis within the skin microenvironment. Understanding the intricate involvement of the RAS in AIDD may provide novel therapeutic opportunities. Targeting specific components of the RAS, such as angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), ACE inhibitors (ACEIs) or alternative RAS pathway modulators, could potentially ameliorate inflammatory responses, reduce tissue damage and lessen disease manifestations. Further research is warranted to outline the exact mechanisms underlying RAS-mediated immune dysregulation in AIDD. This abstract aims to provide a concise overview of the intricate interplay between the RAS and AIDD. Therefore, we elaborate a systematic review of the potential challenge of RAS in the AIDD, including psoriasis, systemic sclerosis, vitiligo, lupus erythematosus and many more.

Applications of Probiotic Constituents in Cosmetics

Over the past few decades, research on the benefits of beneficial microorganisms on skin health has expanded and attracted a lot of attention. Today, a wide range of probiotic products are becoming available. With their extensive component profiles and varied physiological effects, probiotics, as well as extracts of them, have a significant impact on cosmetics. However, the present boom in consumer interest in alternatives has broadened the probiotic industry's research and development frontiers. Considering the foregoing, it should come as no surprise that probiotics are highly valued for their proven anti-aging, skin whitening, anti-inflammatory, and photoprotective effects. This review aims to compile information on probiotics' properties, their extracts, and preparations used in cosmetics. It also further summarizes research and applications on probiotic fermentation to promote the use of probiotic fermentation products in cosmetics. Notably, this review also adds information on particular properties and mechanisms of action of probiotics, which fills a gap in the research and application of probiotics in skin treatment and care. Their antioxidant and anti-aging qualities have received particular consideration. This review provides a new basis for the broad application of probiotics in cosmetics.

Non-invasive evaluation of elasticity of skin with the processing of ultrasound images during ultraviolet radiation: An animal photoaging model

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to provide a non-invasive imaging method to evaluate the physical and mechanical parameters as a novelty method during skin photoaging.

METHODS

In order to evaluate the process of skin damage, 25 mice (C57BL6) were exposed to UVB radiation (0.03 mW/cm² ), 5 times a week for 5 weeks. The thickness of the epidermal and dermal layers was measured weekly from the ultrasound images (40 MHz). The elastic parameters of the skin were estimated from the processing of the sequential ultrasound images with the motion detection algorithm during the injury generation process.

RESULTS

The thickening, Young modulus, and shear modulus of the dermal and epidermal layers during the UVB damage process significantly increased during the 5-week study period (P < .05). In addition, the percentage of changes in the thickness of the epidermal layer (0.22 ± 0.01 mm in day 0 to 0.37 ± 0.02 mm in day 35) and dermal layer (0.57 ± 0.05 mm in day 0 to 0.90 ± 0.08 mm in day 35) increased by 68% and 57%, respectively. Furthermore, Young modulus (154.41 ± 8.8 kPa) was 11 times more than that of non-irradiated skin (14.90 ± 2.2 kPa) and the shear modulus (2.33 ± 0.04 kPa) was 2.2 times more than non-irradiated skin (1.06 ± 0.04 kPa).

CONCLUSION

With processing the sequential ultrasound images and extracting the thickening, the elasticity of the skin layers can detect skin lesions by UVB radiation.

Effect of renin-angiotensin system on senescence

The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) plays crucial roles in the control of blood pressure and sodium homeostasis. Moreover, RAS also acts as a key player in cell and organ senescence, mainly by activation of the classical axis of angiotensin (Ang) converting enzyme (ACE)/Ang II/Ang II type 1 receptor via overproduction of reactive oxygen species. Overactivation of the classical RAS axis induces organ dysfunction in the vasculature, brain, kidney and skeletal muscle, resulting in atherosclerosis, stroke, chronic kidney disease and sarcopenia. Moreover, RAS has been shown to regulate lifespan, using gene-modification models. Recently, mice lacking the Ang II type 1 receptor were shown to exhibit an increase in lifespan compared with control mice. Here, the effect of RAS on age-related tissue dysfunction in several organs is reviewed, including not only the classical axis but also protective functions of RAS such as the ACE2/Ang (1-7)/Mas axis. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; ••: ••-••.

Towards application of water extract from heat-killed Lactococcus lactis H61 as a cosmetic ingredient

We previously reported that oral administration of heat-killed Lactococcus lactis H61 improves certain human skin properties. For topical application of this strain, we reasoned that a bacterial cell extract obtained with an aqueous solvent could be readily formulated as a cosmetic ingredient. In the present study, we characterized the water extract from heat-killed H61. The extract had inhibitory activity for angiotensin-converting enzyme, which is known as suppression of inflammation of skin, and absorbed electromagnetic radiation in the UVB range. UVB-irradiated normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEKs) had lower viability than nonirradiated NHEKs. The NHEK survival rate was significantly higher in cells treated with the extract at 10 mg dried cells per ml prior to UVB exposure than in untreated cells or cells treated with lower extract concentrations. At this concentration, the extract also inhibited the production of interleukin-8 induced by UVB. The extract did not protect against hydrogen peroxide-induced cell damage. These data indicate that topical application of the H61 extract alleviates UVB damage and reduces inflammation in skin cells. The present study expands the potential application of strain H61 to its use as a cosmetic ingredient in addition to its use in the food industry. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: In our previous report, oral administration of heat-killed Lactococcus lactis H61 improved certain human skin properties. This study aimed exploring the potential topical use of this strain. The water extract derived from heat-killed cells with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitory activity, which is known as suppression of inflammation of skin, could protect normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEKs) from damage caused by UVB. Higher interleukin-8 production by UVB-exposed NHEKs than nontreated cells was suppressed by addition of the extract. The extract absorbed electromagnetic radiation in the UVB range. This extract could help in the maintenance of skin health by suppressing inflammation.

Balance and circumstance: The renin angiotensin system in wound healing and fibrosis

The tissue renin angiotensin system (tRAS) is a locally-acting master-modulator of tissue homeostasis and regeneration. Through these abilities, it is emerging as an attractive target for therapies aiming to restore tissue homeostasis in conditions associated with disturbed wound healing. The tRAS can be divided into two axes - one being pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic and one being anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic. However, the division of the axes is fuzzy and imperfect as the axes are codependent and the outcome of tRAS activation is determined by the context. Although the tRAS is a local system it shares its key enzymes, ligands and receptors with the systemic RAS and is consequently also targeted by repurposing of drugs developed against the systemic RAS to manage hypertension. With a focus on the skin we will here discuss the tRAS, its involvement in physiological and pathological wound healing, and the therapeutic aptitude of its targeting to treat chronic wounds and fibrosis.

Aliskiren: Preclinical evidence for the treatment of hyperproliferative skin disorders

Psoriasis is a complex inflammatory and hyperproliferative skin disease. The pathogenesis and mechanisms involved are not completely understood, which makes treatment a difficult issue. Angiotensin II, the most active peptide of the renin-angiotensin system, seems to be involved in processes related to psoriasis pathogenesis, such as inflammation and cell proliferation. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of renin inhibition on inflammation parameters and keratinocyte proliferation in a mouse model of chronic skin inflammation induced by croton oil. Aliskiren had anti-inflammatory effects by reducing levels of tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin -6, and by inhibiting myeloperoxidase activity. Aliskiren also showed antiproliferative activity by reducing epidermal hyperplasia and proliferating cell nuclear antigen levels. Aliskiren treatment did not induce alterations in the cardiovascular system, normal skin thickness, and organ weight. These results suggest that aliskiren could be a valuable tool to be incorporated in the treatment of hyperproliferative and inflammatory skin disorders such as psoriasis.

Recovery of extracellular matrix components by enalapril maleate during the repair process of ultraviolet B-induced wrinkles in mouse skin

The renin–angiotensin system is known to be involved in skin remodeling and inflammation. Previously, we reported that ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation enhanced angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) expression and angiotensin II levels in hairless mouse skin, and an ACE inhibitor, enalapril maleate (EM), accelerated repair of UVB-induced wrinkles. In this study, we analyzed gene expression profiles by DNA microarray and protein distribution patterns using an immunofluorescence method to clarify the process of EM-accelerated wrinkle repair in UVB-irradiated hairless mouse skin. In the microarray analysis, we detected EM-induced up-regulation of various extracellular matrix (ECM)-related genes in the UVB-irradiated skin. In the immunofluorescence, we confirmed that type I collagen α1 chain, fibrillin 1, elastin and dystroglycan 1 in the skin decreased after repeated UVB irradiation but staining for these proteins was improved by EM treatment. In addition, ADAMTS2 and MMP-14 also increased in the EM-treated skin. Although the relationship between these molecules and wrinkle formation is not clear yet, our present data suggest that the molecules are involved in the repair of UVB-induced wrinkles.

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Effects of an ACE inhibitor enalapril maleate (EM) on skin were examined.

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Extracellular matrix (ECM) expression decreased in UVB-irradiated mouse skin.

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EM up-regulated ECM gene expression in the UVB-irradiated skin.

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EM accelerated recovery of ECM protein localization in the UVB-irradiated skin.

Enalapril stimulates collagen biosynthesis through prolidase-dependent mechanism in cultured fibroblasts

The mechanism of a lower incidence of dermatological manifestations in patients treated with enalapril compared to patients treated with other ACE-inhibitors, e.g., captopril, is not known. The finding that prolidase plays an important role in collagen biosynthesis and that some angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors affect prolidase activity led us to evaluate its effect on collagen biosynthesis in cultured human skin fibroblasts. Since insulin-like growth factor (IGF-I) and transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) are the most potent stimulators of both collagen biosynthesis and prolidase activity, and prolidase is regulated by β₁ integrin signaling, the effect of enalapril and enalaprilat on IGF-IR, TGF-β1, and β₁ integrin receptor expressions was evaluated. Cells were treated with milimolar concentrations (0.3 and 0.5 mM) of enalapril and enalaprilat for 24 h. The activity of prolidase was determined by colorimetic assay. Collagen biosynthesis was evaluated by radiometric assay. Expression of signaling proteins was evaluated using Western blot. It was found that enalapril- and enalaprilat-dependent increase in prolidase activity and expression was accompanied by parallel increase in collagen biosynthesis. The exposure of the cells to 0.5 mM enalapril and enalaprilat contributed to increase in IGF-IR and α₂β₁ integrin receptor as well as TGF-β1 and NF-κB p65 expressions. Enalapril- and enalaprilat-dependent increase of collagen biosynthesis in fibroblasts results from increase of prolidase activity and expression, which may undergo through activation of α₂β₁ integrin and IGF-IR signaling as well as upregulation of TGF-β1 and NF-κB p65, the inhibitor of collagen gene expression.