The effect of dehydroglyasperin C on UVB–mediated MMPs expression in human HaCaT cells

Synthesis of Planar-Type ZnO Powder in Non-Nano Scale Dimension and Its Application in Ultraviolet Protection Cosmetics

ZnO is one of the most widely used inorganic sunscreens, owing to its fine particle size and UV light shielding capability. However, powders at nanosizes can be toxic and cause adverse effects. The development of non-nanosized particles has been slow. The present work investigated synthesis methods of non-nanosized ZnO particles for ultraviolet protection application. By altering the starting material, KOH concentration, and input speed, the ZnO particles can be obtained in different forms, including needle type, planar type, and vertical wall type. Cosmetic samples were made by mixing different ratios of synthesized powders. The physical properties and the UV blockage efficacy of different samples were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), particle size analyzer (PSA), and ultraviolet/visible (UV/Vis) spectrometer. The samples with 1:1 ratio of needle-type ZnO and vertical wall-type ZnO exhibited superior light blocking effect owing to improved dispersibility and prevention of particle agglomeration. The 1:1 mixed sample also complied with the European nanomaterials regulation due to the absence of nanosized particles. With superior UV protection in the UVA and UVB regions, the 1:1 mixed powder showed potential to be used as a main ingredient in UV protection cosmetics.

(-)-Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate Protects Human Skin Fibroblasts from Ultraviolet a Induced Photoaging

Background

Ultraviolet (UV) is a common stressor of skin and repeated UVA radiation contributes to photoaging. (-)-Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate (EGCG), as the major polyphenol that is found in green tea, and catechins and have shown considerable antioxidant capacity.

Purpose

Our study aims to explore the effects of EGCG on UVA-induced skin photoaging process and associated mechanisms.

Methods

In this study, human skin fibroblasts (HSFs) were treated with UVA and EGCG, and subsequent changes in cell morphology, telomeres, antioxidant capacity, cell cycle, and related genes were evaluated to examine the role and mechanisms of EGCG in delaying skin photoaging.

Results

HSF exposed to UVA underwent an increase in aging-related biomarkers and telomere shortening. Also, UVA radiation inhibited the secretion of transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-β1), induced cell cycle arrest, down-regulated antioxidant enzymes, and promoted the accumulation of oxidative product malondialdehyde (MDA) to cause further damage to cells. Increased expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1), p66 at mRNA levels were also observed after UVA irradiation. EGCG treatment effectively inhibited above damage processes caused by UVA radiation in HSF.

Conclusion

Our study indicated that the potential mechanism of EGCG retarding photoaging is closely related to its powerful antioxidant effects and the ability to regulate the expression of related genes, and the usage of EGCG will be a potential strategy in preventing skin photoaging induced by UVA radiation.

A Genome-Wide Association Study and Machine-Learning Algorithm Analysis on the Prediction of Facial Phenotypes by Genotypes in Korean Women

Purpose

Changes in facial appearance are affected by various intrinsic and extrinsic factors, which vary from person to person. Therefore, each person needs to determine their skin condition accurately to care for their skin accordingly. Recently, genetic identification by skin-related phenotypes has become possible using genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and machine-learning algorithms. However, because most GWAS have focused on populations with American or European skin pigmentation, large-scale GWAS are needed for Asian populations. This study aimed to evaluate the correlation of facial phenotypes with candidate single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to predict phenotype from genotype using machine learning.

Materials and Methods

A total of 749 Korean women aged 30-50 years were enrolled in this study and evaluated for five facial phenotypes (melanin, gloss, hydration, wrinkle, and elasticity). To find highly related SNPs with each phenotype, GWAS analysis was used. In addition, phenotype prediction was performed using three machine-learning algorithms (linear, ridge, and linear support vector regressions) using five-fold cross-validation.

Results

Using GWAS analysis, we found 46 novel highly associated SNPs (p < 1×10-05): 3, 20, 12, 6, and 5 SNPs for melanin, gloss, hydration, wrinkle, and elasticity, respectively. On comparing the performance of each model based on phenotypes using five-fold cross-validation, the ridge regression model showed the highest accuracy (r2 = 0.6422-0.7266) in all skin traits. Therefore, the optimal solution for personal skin diagnosis using GWAS was with the ridge regression model.

Conclusion

The proposed facial phenotype prediction model in this study provided the optimal solution for accurately predicting the skin condition of an individual by identifying genotype information of target characteristics and machine-learning methods. This model has potential utility for the development of customized cosmetics.

Resveratrol Treats UVB-Induced Photoaging by Anti-MMP Expression, through Anti-Inflammatory, Antioxidant, and Antiapoptotic Properties, and Treats Photoaging by Upregulating VEGF-B Expression

UVB exposure is one of the primary factors responsible for the development of photoaging, and the aim of this study was to investigate the mechanism involved in the photoprotective properties of resveratrol (RES) in UVB-induced photoaging. Photoaging models of Hacat cells and ICR mice were established by UVB irradiation. The effect of RES on cell viability was then assessed using the MTT assay. The effect of RES on reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was detected through a fluorescent probe assay. The effect of RES on oxidized glutathione (GSSH) content, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in photoaging Hacat cells, were measured separately, using kits. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure the effect of RES on IL-6 secretion. The effect of VEGF-B on RES photoprotection was examined through the RT-qPCR method, after silencing VEGF-B through siRNA transfection. For animal experiments, the relative water content of the skin of ICR mice was determined using the Corneometer CM825 skin moisture tester. Starting from the third week of the study, the back skin of photoaging ICR mice was photographed weekly using the TIVI700 camera, and the depth of skin wrinkles in photoaging ICR mice was also analyzed. The thickness of the epidermis in photoaging ICR mice was assessed by the hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining method. The content of collagen fibers in the skin dermis of photoaging ICR mice was measured by the Masson trichrome staining method. The content of collagen III in the dermis of the skin in photoaging ICR mice was measured through immunohistochemistry (IHC) techniques. The effect of RES on the mRNA expression levels of MMP-1, MMP-9, HO-1, GPX-4, IL-6, TNF-α, VEGF-B, caspase9, and caspase3 in photoaging Hacat cells, and that of MMP-3, Nrf2, HO-1, NQO1, SOD1, GPX-4, caspase9, caspase3, and IL-6 in the skin of photoaging ICR mice, was measured by RT-qPCR. The effects of RES on caspase3, Nrf2 (intranuclear), COX-2, P-ERK1/2, ERK1/2, P-P38MAPK, and P38MAPK in photoaging Hacat cells, and on MMP-9, caspase3, COX-2, P-JNK, P-ERK1/2, and P-P38MAPK protein expression in the skin of photoaging ICR mice, were assayed by the WB method. The results of this study, therefore, show that RES has a protective effect against UVB-induced photoaging in both Hacat cells and ICR mice. Its mechanism of action may include reducing the expression of MMPs and the secretion of collagen and inflammatory factors by inhibiting the ROS-mediated MAPK and COX-2 signaling pathways, balancing oxidative stress in the skin of Hacat cells and ICR mice by promoting the Nrf2 signaling pathway, inducing antiapoptotic effects by inhibiting caspase activation, and exerting antioxidant and antiapoptotic effects by targeting the VEGF-B, demonstrating its photoprotective effects against UVB irradiation-induced photoaging.

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra, G. uralensis, and G. inflata) and Their Constituents as Active Cosmeceutical Ingredients

The interest in plant extracts and natural compounds in cosmetic formulations is growing. Natural products may significantly improve cosmetics performance since they have both cosmetic and therapeutic-like properties, known as cosmeceutical effects. Glycyrrhiza genus, belonging to the Leguminosae family, comprises more than 30 species, widely distributed worldwide. The rhizomes and roots are the most important medicinal parts currently used in pharmaceutical industries and in the production of functional foods and food supplements. In the last few years, the interest in their potential activities in cosmetic formulations has greatly increased. Glycyrrhiza spp. extracts are widely implemented in cosmetic products for their good whitening effect. The biological effects of Glycyrrhiza extracts are especially ascribable to the occurrence of specialized metabolites belonging to the flavonoid class. This review focuses on the botany and the chemistry of the main investigated Glycyrrhiza spp. (G. glabra, G. uralensis, and G. inflata) along with their cosmeceutical activities categorized as skin anti-aging, photoprotective, hair care, and anti-acne. It has been highlighted how, along with Glycyrrhiza extracts, three main flavonoids namely licochalcone A, glabridin, and dehydroglyasperin C are the most investigated compounds. It is noteworthy that other molecules from licorice show potential cosmeceutical effects. These data suggest further investigations to clarify their potential value for cosmetic industries.

Ethnobotanical Survey on Skin Whitening Prescriptions of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Taiwan

The increasing interest and demand for skin whitening products globally, particularly in Asia, have necessitated rapid advances in research on skin whitening products used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Herein, we investigated 74 skin whitening prescriptions sold in TCM pharmacies in Taiwan. Commonly used medicinal materials were defined as those with a relative frequency of citation (RFC) > 0.2 and their characteristics were evaluated. Correlation analysis of commonly used medicinal materials was carried out to identify the core component of the medicinal materials. Of the purchased 74 skin whitening prescriptions, 36 were oral prescriptions, 37 were external prescriptions, and one prescription could be used as an oral or external prescription. After analysis, 90 traditional Chinese medicinal materials were obtained. The Apiaceae (10%; 13%) and Leguminosae (9%; 11%) were the main sources of oral and external medicinal materials, respectively. Oral skin whitening prescriptions were found to be mostly warm (46%) and sweet (53%), while external skin whitening prescriptions included cold (43%) and bitter (29%) medicinal materials. Additionally, mainly tonifying and replenishing effects of the materials were noted. Pharmacological analysis indicated that these medicinal materials may promote wound healing, treat inflammatory skin diseases, or anti-hyperpigmentation. According to the Spearman correlation analysis on interactions among medicinal materials with an RFC > 0.2 in the oral skin whitening prescriptions, Paeonia lactiflora Pall. (white) and Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz. showed the highest correlation (confidence score = 0.93), followed by Ziziphus jujuba Mill. (red) and Astragalus propinquus Schischkin (confidence score = 0.91). Seven medicinal materials in external skin whitening prescriptions with an RFC > 0.2, were classified as Taiwan qī bái sàn (an herbal preparation), including Angelica dahurica (Hoffm.) Benth. & Hook. f. ex Franch. & Sav., Wolfiporia extensa (Peck) Ginns, Bletilla striata (Thunb.) Rchb. f., Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz., Ampelopsis japonica (Thunb.) Makino, Paeonia lactiflora Pall. (white), and Bombyx mori Linnaeus. Skin whitening prescriptions included multiple traditional Chinese medicinal materials. Despite the long history of use, there is a lack of studies concerning skin whitening products, possibly due to the complex composition of traditional Chinese medicine. Further studies are required to assess the efficacy and safety of these traditional Chinese medicinal materials for inclusion in effective, safe, and functional pharmacological products.

Heat Treatment Improves UV Photoprotective Effects of Licorice in Human Dermal Fibroblasts

External stimulation of the skin by ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation induces oxidative stress or inflammation, causing skin aging and skin cancer. Glycyrrhiza uralensis (licorice) has been used as a medicinal plant for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antimicrobial, anticarcinogenic, and hepatoprotective properties. The present study analyzed the effects of thermal processing on the bioactivities of licorice. Heat-treated licorice (HL) extracts had better antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities than non-treated licorice (NL) extract. HL extracts also had higher total phenol contents than NL extract. In particular, contents of isoliquiritigenin, an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory substance of licorice, increased in proportion to the skin-protection effects of HL extracts. Heat treatment increased the contents of phenolic compounds such as isoliquiritigenin in licorice extract, which improved the UV photoprotective effect of licorice in human dermal fibroblasts.

Effects of phenylethanol glycosides from Orobanche cernua Loefling on UVB-Induced skin photodamage: a comparative study

Previous study has found that Orobanche cernua Loefling(OC) and its main ingredient, acteoside, possess excellently anti-photo-aging effect. In addition to acteoside, crenatoside, isoacteoside and 2'-acetylacteoside were also identified as the main phenylethanol glycosides (PhGs) in OC. To screen optimum effective substance and further clarify the photoprotective ingredients of OC, the effects of four major PhGs in OC were compared using UVB-irradiated HaCaT cells. Results indicated that acteoside, isoacteoside and 2'-acetylacteoside effectively decreased UVB-induced MMP-1 expression and stimulated type I procollagen synthesis through inhibition of MAPK/AP-1 and activation of TGF-β/Smad pathway. Moreover, acteoside and 2'-acetylacteoside significantly reduced UVB-induced ROS and TARC secretion, which is involved in the inhibition of NF-κβ/Iκβα and stimulation of Nrf2 antioxidant defense system. However, crenatoside did not show any effect on the regulation of signal cascades mentioned above. Together, our results suggested that 2'-acetylacteoside and isoacteoside also served as efficient agents against UV radiation-induced skin damage. Among them, acteoside and 2'-acetylacteoside showed a higher efficiency than that of isoacteoside, which possessed great potential in treating skin photo-damage.

Honey Extracts Exhibit Cytoprotective Properties against UVB-Induced Photodamage in Human Experimental Skin Models

In the present study, we aimed to examine the antioxidant, antiaging and photoprotective properties of Greek honey samples of various botanical and geographical origin. Ethyl-acetate extracts were used and the and the total phenolic/flavonoid content and antioxidant capacity were evaluated. Honey extracts were then studied for their cytoprotective properties against UVB-induced photodamage using human immortalized keratinocytes (HaCaT) and/or reconstituted human skin tissue models. Specifically, the cytotoxicity, oxidative status, DNA damage and gene expression levels of specific matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) were examined. Overall, the treatment of HaCaT cells with honey extracts resulted in lower levels of DNA strand breaks and attenuated the decrease in cell viability following UVB exposure. Additionally, honey extracts significantly decreased the total protein carbonyl content of the irradiated cells, however, they had no significant effect on their total antioxidant status. Finally, the extracts alleviated the UVB-induced up-regulation of MMPs-3, -7 and -9 in a model of reconstituted skin tissue. In conclusion, honey extracts exhibited significant photoprotective and antiaging properties under UVB exposure conditions and thus could be further exploited as promising agents for developing novel and naturally-based, antiaging cosmeceutical products.

Anti-Photoaging Effect of Plant Extract Fermented with Lactobacillus buchneri on CCD-986sk Fibroblasts and HaCaT Keratinocytes

Ultraviolet (UV) exposure triggers the abnormal production of reactive oxygen (ROS) species and the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) that are responsible for photoaging. Probiotics are widely used in healthcare and for immune enhancement. One probiotic, Lactobacillus buchneri is found in Kimchi. This study was aimed at assessing the anti-photoaging effect of plant extracts fermented with L. buchneri (PELB) to develop functional cosmetics. We investigated the anti-photoaging effect of PELB in a UVB-induced photoaging in vitro model and selected effective extracts using the elastase inhibition assay, ELISA for Type I procollagen and collagenase-1, and quantitative real time PCR. Normal human dermal fibroblasts and epidermal keratinocytes were pre-treated with PELB and exposed to UVB. We found that PELB decreased elastase activity and increased type I collagen expression in a UVB-induced photoaging in vitro model. In addition, PELB greatly reduced collagenase activity and MMP mRNA levels in a UVB-induced photoaging in vitro model. Furthermore, PELB promoted the expression of moisture factor and anti-oxidant enzymes in a UVB-induced photoaging in vitro model. These results indicated that the PELB could be potential candidates for the protective effects against UVB-induced photoaging. Overall, these results suggest that PELB might be useful natural components of cosmetic products.

Antiphotoaging effect of boiled abalone residual peptide ATPGDEG on UVB-induced keratinocyte HaCaT cells

Introduction

A previous study has shown that Ala-Thr-Pro-Gly-Asp-Glu-Gly (ATPGDEG) peptide identified from boiled abalone by-products has high antioxidant activities and antihypertensive effect.

Objective

In this study, we further investigated its antiphotoaging activities by ultraviolet B (UVB)-induced HaCaT cells.

Result

UVB irradiation significantly increased the content of intercellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the production of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in HaCaT cells and decreased its content of collagen. First, the generation of intercellular ROS was reduced by abalone peptide in UVB-induced HaCaT cells. And activities of MMP-1 and MMP-9 were reduced by abalone peptide in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, western blot analysis demonstrated that abalone peptide downregulated the expression of p38, c-Jun N-terminal kinases, and extracellular signal-regulated kinases via mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and NF-κB signaling to protect type I pro collagen and DNA damage. Molecular docking simulation confirms that abalone peptide inhibited activities of MMP-1 and MMP-9 by docking their active site, among them N-terminal Ala, C-terminal Gly, and Pro at the third position of N-terminal made a great contribution.

Conclusion and recommendation

Abalone peptide could protect type I procollagen synthesis in UVB-irradiated HaCaT cells, and it is a potential peptide for the treatment of skin photoaging in the future.

Antioxidant cinnamaldehyde attenuates UVB-induced photoaging

BACKGROUND

Ultraviolet (UV) irradiation disrupts skin through several deleterious actions, such as induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS), DNA damage, and collagen degradation. Cinnamaldehyde (CIN) is a major constituent of the cinnamon and it possesses potent antioxidative activity; however, it is unclear whether CIN is capable of inhibiting the adverse effects of UVB.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate protective effects of CIN against UVB-induced photodamage.

METHODS

HaCaT keratinocytes were pretreated with CIN, irradiated with UVB, and assessed for the ROS production by flow cytometry and for the DNA damage by ELISA. As in vivo mouse model, Hos:HR-1 hairless mice were treated with ointments containing DMSO or CIN and irradiated multiple times with UVB. After 10 weeks of irradiation, wrinkle formation, epidermal thickness, infiltrating cell number, malondialdehyde amount, collagen amount, MAP kinase signaling, and related gene expressions (Hmox1, Col1a1, Mmp1a, and Mmp13) were analyzed.

RESULTS

CIN significantly reduced the ROS production and accelerated the repair of DNA damage pyrimidine(6-4)pyrimidone photoproducts in UVB-irradiated human keratinocytes in vitro. In the mouse model, topical application of CIN significantly inhibited wrinkle formation, epidermal hyperplasia, and dermal inflammatory cell infiltration. The antioxidative process was significantly promoted in the CIN-applied site, as evidenced by upregulation of the antioxidative enzyme Hmox1 as well as the reduced accumulation of malondialdehyde. In addition, topical application of CIN normalized the UVB-induced collagen/Col1a1 downregulation and the UVB-induced Mmp13 upregulation, implying the prevention of UVB-induced collagen degradation.

CONCLUSIONS

CIN and CIN-containing herbal agents may exert potent protective effects against UVB exposure on skin.

A Peptide YGDEY from Tilapia Gelatin Hydrolysates Inhibits UVB-mediated Skin Photoaging by Regulating MMP-1 and MMP-9 Expression in HaCaT Cells

In this study, we investigated the protective effects of a peptide (YGDEY, Tyr-Gly-Asp-Glu-Tyr) isolated from tilapia skin gelatin hydrolysates (TGHs), against UVB-induced photoaging in human keratinocytes (HaCaT) cells. Results showed that YGDEY significantly decreased levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), increased antioxidant factors (Superoxide Dismutase, SOD and Glutathione, GSH) expression and maintained balance between GSH and GSSG in HaCaT cells. Comet assay shows that YGDEY can protect DNA from oxidative damage. Furthermore, it significantly inhibited MMP-1 (collagenase) and MMP-9 (gelatinase) expression and increased Type I procollagen production. In addition, the molecular docking study showed that YGDEY may form active sites with MMP-1 and MMP-9. Moreover, Western blot analysis was utilized to measure the protein levels of UVB-induced mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathways. Therefore, these results suggested that YGDEY has a therapeutic effectiveness in prevention of UVB-induced cellular damage, and it is a candidate worthy of being developed as a potential natural antioxidant and food additive.

Cosmeceutical activities of ethanol extract and its ethyl acetate fraction from coffee silverskin

Background

Coffee silverskin is a thin film that covers the raw coffee bean. In general, coffee silverskin, which detaches during the coffee roasting process, is disposed as firelighters or dispatched to landfills and can cause serious environmental pollution. The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of using coffee silverskin as a functional material in cosmetics by evaluating its bioactive ingredients, antioxidative activity, cytoprotective effect, matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1)-inhibiting effect, and anti-melanogenesis effect.

Results

To this end, a 50% ethanol (EtOH) extract and its ethyl acetate (EtOAc) fraction were prepared from coffee silverskin; caffeine was found to be the major compound in the extract. Both the 50% EtOH extract and its EtOAc fraction exhibited antioxidant activities. However, the EtOAc fraction showed a greater radical-scavenging activity and reducing power than that shown by the 50% EtOH extract. Furthermore, the EtOAc fraction increased cell viability in a UVB-irradiated human keratinocyte injury model and significantly suppressed UVB-induced MMP-1 expression and α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH)-stimulated melanin production in HaCaT keratinocytes and B16F1 melanocytes, respectively. Interestingly, caffeine, the major component of the EtOAc fraction, did not show an inhibitory effect. Thus, the antioxidant capacity of the coffee silverskin extract may be attributable to some compounds that exhibit a high antioxidant capacity even at low concentrations or the total antioxidant capacity of various constituent phenolic compounds.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that coffee silverskin has the potential for application as a natural functional material in multifunctional cosmetics.

Effect of Fermented Fish Oil on Fine Particulate Matter-Induced Skin Aging

Skin is exposed to various harmful environmental factors such as air pollution, which includes different types of particulate matter (PM). Atmospheric PM has harmful effects on humans through increasing the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which have been reported to promote skin aging via the induction of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which in turn can cause the degradation of collagen. In this study, we investigated the effect of fermented fish oil (FFO) derived from mackerel on fine PM (particles with a diameter < 2.5 µm: PM_2.5)-induced skin aging in human keratinocytes. We found that FFO inhibited the PM_2.5-induced generation of intracellular ROS and MMPs, including MMP-1, MMP-2, and MMP-9. In addition, FFO significantly abrogated the elevation of intracellular Ca²⁺ levels in PM_2.5-treated cells and was also found to block the PM_2.5-induced mitogen-activated protein kinase/activator protein 1 (MAPK/AP-1) pathway. In conclusion, FFO has an anti-aging effect on PM_2.5-induced aging in human keratinocytes.

Antimelanogenic and Antimigration Properties of the Ethyl Acetate Fraction of Calendula officinalis Flowers on Melanoma Cells

Calendula officinalis L., commonly known as marigold, is not only cultivated for ornamental purposes but is also used as a traditional medicinal herb. Its flowers have been used to treat various skin diseases, including rashes, burns, cuts and bruises, since ancient times. However, to our knowledge, the impact of C. officinalis L. on melanoma and its mechanism have not been clarified. The aim of this work was to investigate the chemical characterization and antimelanogenic and antimigration activities of the ethyl acetate fraction of C. officinalis flowers (EFC), as well as elucidate the potential mechanism. The obtained results showed that EFC markedly decreased α-MSH-induced melanin production and the cell migration ability of melanoma cells in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, EFC significantly inhibited the activity and expression of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2) via suppressing the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. Taken together, the present study demonstrated that C. officinalis flowers can be used as a natural source of antimelanogenisis and antimigration regent to treatment or prevent skin diseases.

Inhibitory Effect of Lupeol on MMPs Expression using Aged Fibroblast through Repeated UVA Irradiation

In this study, the aged dermal fibroblast model was constructed by repeated irradiation with UV light and the effect of lupeol, a triterpenoid, on anti-aging was confirmed. SA-β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) stained aged cells increased by about 40% and expression of p-p53, p21, p16 and MMPs (MMP-1, -2, -3) increased in aged fibroblast. As an efficacy result, the treatment of lupeol on aged fibroblast induced by UVA repeated irradiation showed a dose-dependent reduction of SA-β-gal stained aged cells, the expression of p-p53, p21, p16 and inhibition of MMPs. Interestingly, lupeol increased dephosphorylation of p-ERK in repeated UV irradiated conditions. Additionally, lupeol compensated MMPs expression when p-ERK phosphorylation was inhibited by p-ERK inhibitor PD98059. Thus, these results showed that lupeol has a possible effect on MMPs expression using inhibition of the p-ERK pathway. Taken together, we confirmed that lupeol inhibits senescence through inhibiting MMP-1, -2, -3 as well as p-p53, p21 and p16 expression and SA-β-gal activity in repeated UVA-irradiated senescent FB models, therefore suggesting that lupeol may be useful as an anti-aging agent.

Identification of β-Sitosterol as in Vitro Anti-Inflammatory Constituent in Moringa oleifera

β-Sitosterol is a well known phytosterol in plants, but owing to its poor solubility in typical media, determining its cellular mechanisms has been proven to be difficult. In this study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory activity of β-sitosterol (BSS) isolated from Moringa oleifera in two cell lines. Over a dose range of 7.5 to 30 μM, BSS dispersed well in the medium as nanoparticles with diameters of 50 ± 5 nm and suppressed the secretion of inflammatory factors from keratinocytes and macrophages induced by PGN, TNF-α, or LPS, such as TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and ROS, separately. In addition, BSS significantly reduced the expression of NLRP3, a key component of NLRP3 inflammasomes, and inhibited the activation of caspase-1. There was partial inhibition of NF-κB in macrophages. This is the first study to report an increase in the solubility of nearly water-insoluble phytosterols via the formation of nanoparticles and to delineate the formulation's capacity to inhibit the signal transduction pathways of inflammation in macrophages.

Suppression of Ultraviolet B-mediated Matrix Metalloproteinase Generation by Sorbus commixta Twig Extract in Human Dermal Fibroblasts

Sorbus commixta is a traditional oriental medicinal plant that grows in East Asian countries such as Korea, Japan and China. The twig of S. commixta has been considered valuable for centuries to treat diseases including asthma, cough and other bronchial disorders. However, the effect of S. commixta twig extract on human skin has not been investigated well. The present study aimed at assessing the antiphotoaging effect of S. commixta twig ethanol extract (STE) on ultraviolet B (UVB)-induced matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) levels and its underlying mechanism in human dermal fibroblasts. In this study, we found that STE (12.5-50 μg mL^-1 ) treatment significantly inhibited UVB-induced MMP-1, MMP-2 and MMP-3 expression, concomitant with a downregulation of intracellular ROS generation. These effects might be associated with a STE-induced inhibition of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. Furthermore, STE also downregulated UVB-induced c-Fos expression in a concentration-dependent manner, but had no inhibitory effect on c-Jun phosphorylation. Taken together, these results indicate that STE may be an antiphotoaging agent and that its effect may occur via its inhibition of MMPs expression and MAPK pathway activation.