Protective effects of Cordyceps extract against UVB‑induced damage and prediction of application prospects in the topical administration: An experimental validation and network pharmacology study

Efficacy and mechanism of retinyl palmitate against UVB-induced skin photoaging

Retinyl palmitate (RP) is a vitamin A derivative that has been widely used in anti-aging and skin treatment. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of RP on UVB (Ultraviolet radiation B) induced photoaging and its potential mechanism. Immunofluorescence assay demonstrates that RP can reduce collagen degradation in skin cells by UVB radiation and reduce apoptosis of skin cells. Cell migration assay reveals that RP can increase cell migration rate, helping to repair skin damage and restore cell viability. Immunohistochemical assays indicate that RP can significantly reduce the expression of IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α induced by UVB radiation. Moreover, metabolomics and transcriptomics results suggest that RP regulates several metabolic pathways and gene expression, particularly in inflammatory signaling pathways, collagen synthesis and apoptosis, exhibiting significant regulatory effects. Furthermore, network pharmacological analysis predicts that RP may affect UVB-induced photoaging by regulating multiple key proteins and signaling pathways. Overall, this study demonstrates that RP has significant anti-photoaging ability, acting through several pathways including inhibition of inflammatory response, promotion of collagen synthesis and inhibition of apoptosis. These results provide a scientific basis for the application of RP in skin anti-photoaging and therapy, enabling the potential usage of RP to skin care products.

Anti-photoaging effect and mechanism of flexible liposomes co-loaded with apigenin and doxycycline

Prolonged exposure to UV light can lead to photo-ageing of the skin. Therefore, the development and application of anti-photoaging drugs is urgent. In this study, we co-loaded apigenin (Apn) and doxycycline (Doc), a broad-spectrum inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), into flexible liposomes to exert anti-photoaging effects by combating oxidative stress, anti-inflammation, reducing the activation of MMPs and preventing collagen loss. The results showed that we prepared a flexible liposome (A/D-FLip) containing Apn and Doc. Its appearance, particle size and Zeta potential were normal and it had good encapsulation efficiency, drug loading, in vitro release and transdermal efficiency. In cellular experiments, A/D-FLip could inhibit oxidative stress damage, reduce inflammatory factors and decrease the activation of MMPs in Human immortalized keratinocytes (HaCaT) cells; in animal experiments, A/D-FLip could inhibit skin damage and reduce skin collagen loss by decreasing the activation of MMPs, thus inhibiting skin photoaging in mice. In conclusion, A/D-FLip has good anti-photoaging effects and it has the potential to become an effective skin care product or drug against UV damage and skin photoaging in the future.

Skin Ageing: A Progressive, Multi-Factorial Condition Demanding an Integrated, Multilayer-Targeted Remedy

Of the human organs, skin is the most visible one that displays the manifestations of ageing. It has a very intricate microanatomical structure and performs several key physiological functions. The pathophysiology of cutaneous ageing is characterized by deterioration of structural stability and functional integrity, implying a continuous reduction in maximal function and reserve capacity, as a result of the accumulating damage due to both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Elimination of unfavorable expressions associated with facial and cutaneous ageing is the key patient demand in aesthetic dermatology. Even though the progress has been made in nonsurgical therapies like fillers and lasers, non-invasive interventions by using skin care products designed for rejuvenation at an early stage are the most popular and accessible solution among people. In this review, we have scrutinized the ageing-associated cutaneous changes at molecular, cellular and tissue levels. To optimize the ageing process towards a healthy skin, we propose an integrated, multilayer-targeted intervention, which involves both topical application of anti-ageing formulations from outside and oral supplementation from inside. Additionally, several promising naturally derived ingredients are reviewed from an anti-aging perspective. Most of them possess various bioactivities and may contribute to the development of the mentioned anti-ageing remedy.

A Novel multi-fruit acids formula design on molecular basis for skin brightening via a system biology approach

BACKGROUND

Fruit acids have long been recognized as highly effective actives with world-wide popularity, covering skin peeling, anti-acne, anti-wrinkle applications, and skin depigmentation.

AIMS

There are complicated interconnections between the fruit acid formula and skin pigmentation behaviors. However, the lack of systematic researches on multi-ingredient formula restricted our understanding on its mechanism. Therefore, it is of great necessity to study the interactions and cascades among components, potential gene targets, signaling pathways, and biological processes via a system biology approach.

METHODS

We used system biology, molecular fingerprint, and structural biology to calculate and collect target information of the functional formula. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis was further applied to study the biological processes and pathways of the formula, and a multi-level network model of "component - molecular target - signaling pathway - skin disease" was established. Besides, the zebrafish model was utilized to verify the formula.

RESULTS

We obtained 69 hub targets by constructing a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network based on the intersection between multi-fruit acids formula (mandelic acid, lactobionic acid, niacinamide, and hydroxytyrosol) and skin indications targets (whitening-sebum balance). In vitro zebrafish models, including pigmentation, antioxidant, and radiation protection models, showed that the current formula significantly alleviated pigmentation intensity and intracellular free radical content, thus proving the efficacy of skin brightening and UV irradiation protection.

CONCLUSIONS

This research uncovered the underlying mechanism of multi-fruit acids formula and predicted its function in skin brightening and UV irradiation prevention.

Self-Assembly of Cellulose Nanocrystals and Organic Colored Pigments as Reinforcement Matrix of Lipstick for Enhancing SPF

The vermilion of the human lip, covered by a skinny epithelium with little melanin, is quite susceptible to damage from ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure. However, commercial sunscreen filters and indelible dyes used in lipsticks can cause health hazards after percutaneous absorption or accidentally oral administration. Inspired by plant pigmentation as natural filters to protect themselves against overexposure to UV, safer bio-based sunscreens of cellulose enveloped with anthocyanin (AN) were developed using bionic design. Cellulose nanocrystals (CNC), derived from acid hydrolysis of cellulose, reinforced enhancement of UV absorption and shielding properties of AN. This innovation addresses the issue that naturally sourced UV filter application to sunscreen does not achieve a desired sun protection factor (SPF) value because of the low specific extinction value (E1,1). We also stated that the diverse formula of anthocyanin sunscreen lipsticks with CNC exhibited 10 times more SPF value than AN alone. Furthermore, they possess competitive benefits such as pleasing texture, superior adhesion, impermeable, nonphototoxicity, ease of application, and removal. This work provides a promising proof-of-concept for studying the features of natural sunscreens in the design of simple, safe, efficient, and green sunscreens.

Protective effect of oligosaccharides isolated from Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer against UVB-induced skin barrier damage in BALB/c hairless mice and human keratinocytes

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Skin barrier dysfunction can lead to water and electrolyte loss, triggering homeostatic imbalances that can trigger atopic dermatitis and anaphylaxis. Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb with known therapeutic benefits for the treatment of skin diseases, including photodamage repair effects and reduction of pigmentation. However, few reports exist that describe effectiveness of ginseng active components for repair of skin barrier damage.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ginseng oligosaccharide extract (GSO) was prepared from P. ginseng via water extraction followed by ethanol precipitation and resin and gel purification. GSO composition and structural characteristics were determined using LC-MS, HPLC, FT-IR, and NMR. To evaluate GSO as a skin barrier repair-promoting treatment, skin of UVB-irradiated BALB/c hairless mice was treated with or without GSO then skin samples were evaluated for epidermal thickness, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and stratum corneum water content. In addition, UVB-exposed skin samples and HaCaT cells were analyzed to assess GSO treatment effects on levels of epidermal cornified envelope (CE) protein and other skin barrier proteins, such as filaggrin (FLG), involucrin (IVL), and aquaporin-3 (AQP3). Meanwhile, GSO treatment was also evaluated for effects on UVB-irradiated hairless mouse skin and HaCaT cells based on levels of serine protease inhibitor Kazal type-5 (SPINK5), trypsin-like kallikrein-related peptidase 5 (KLK5), chymotrypsin-like KLK7, and desmoglein 1 (DSG1). These proteins are associated with UVB-induced skin barrier damage manifesting as dryness and desquamation.

RESULTS

GSO was shown to consist of oligosaccharides comprised of seven distinct types of monosaccharides with molecular weights of approximately 1 kDa that were covalently linked together via β-glycosidic bonds. In vivo, GSO applied to dorsal skin of BALB/c hairless mice attenuated UVB-induced epidermal thickening and moisture loss. Furthermore, GSO ameliorated UVB-induced reductions of levels of FLG, IVL, and AQP3 proteins. Additionally, GSO treatment led to increased DSG1 protein levels due to decreased expression of KLK7. In vitro, GSO treatment of UVB-irradiated HaCaT cells led to increases of FLG, IVL, and AQP3 mRNA levels and corresponding proteins, while mRNA levels of desquamation-related proteins SPINK5, KLK5, KLK7, and DSG1 and associated protein levels were restored to normal levels.

CONCLUSION

A P. ginseng oligosaccharide preparation repaired UVB-induced skin barrier damage by alleviating skin dryness and desquamation symptoms, highlighting its potential as a natural cosmetic additive that can promote skin barrier repair after UVB exposure.

Cordyceps sinensis aqueous extract regulates the adaptive immunity of mice subjected to 60 Co γ irradiation

Cordyceps sinensis (CS) is a traditional Chinese medicine that is known for treating various diseases, and particularly for exerting therapeutic effects in immune disorders. The adaptive immunoregulatory effects of CS aqueous extract (CSAE) on γ-irradiated mice have not been reported previously. The study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effects of CSAE in mice immunosuppressed by irradiation. We observed that CSAE administration significantly increased body weight and spleen index, as well as the number of white blood cells, lymphocytes, and platelets in peripheral blood, T and B lymphocytes in spleen tissue, and total serum immunoglobulins in irradiated mice, whereas total serum pro-inflammatory cytokine levels were decreased. Collectively, CSAE maintained the structural integrity of spleen tissue and repaired its damage in irradiated mice as shown by hematoxylin and eosin staining, and decreased the number of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling-positive splenocytes. Mechanistically, CSAE upregulated Bcl-2, and downregulated Bax and cleaved caspase-3 in spleen of irradiated mice. However, there were no significant differences in red blood cells and neutrophils in different groups. The results revealed that CSAE had protective effects against irradiation-induced immunosuppression, which was likely associated with an antiapoptotic effect and the regulation of adaptive immunity.