Effect of an Oral Nutrition Supplement Containing Collagen Peptides on Stratum Corneum Hydration and Skin Elasticity in Hospitalized Older Adults: A Multicenter Open-label Randomized Controlled Study

Evaluation test and analysis of a microneedle and iontophoresis based medical device "CELLADEEP Patch" in skin improvement on ex vivo human-derived skin tissue models

BACKGROUND

Microneedles are tiny needles, typically ranging from tens to hundreds of micrometers in length, used in various medical procedures and treatments. The tested medical device named "CELLADEEP Patch" a dissolvable microneedle therapy system (MTS), made of hyaluronic acid and collagen. And the iontophoresis technique is also applied in the system. The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the "CELLADEEP Patch" in skin improvement.

METHODS

Ex vivo human-derived skin tissue models were used in this study and they were divided into three different groups, namely, the Untreated Group, the Negative Control Group, and the Test Group respectively. The Untreated Group received no treatment measures, the Negative Control Group was exposed to ultraviolet B radiation (UVB) irradiation, and the Test Group was exposed to UVB irradiation and treated with "CELLADEEP Patch". Skin moisture content, transdermal water loss, and skin elasticity were evaluated by three clinical devices. Additionally, histological staining and related mRNA expression levels were also analyzed.

RESULTS

The results of skin moisture content, transdermal water loss, and skin elasticity evaluation consistently illustrated that the application of "CELLADEEP Patch" led to remarkable skin improvement. And the analysis of histological staining images also confirmed the effectiveness of the "CELLADEEP Patch", especially for increasing collagen density. Moreover, the upregulation of Collagen type 1 a (COL1A1) and hyaluronan synthase 3 mRNA expression and the decrease of Matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP-1) and Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) mRNA expression reflected its wrinkle improvement, moisturizing and anti-inflammation function.

CONCLUSION

"CELLADEPP Patch", the MTS combined with the iontophoresis technique, exhibits its effectiveness in moisturizing, skin elasticity improvement, and anti-inflammatory function when applied to ex vivo human-derived skin tissue models in experiments. The study has contributed to the understanding of the "CELLADEPP Patch" and laid the foundation for subsequent animal experiments and clinical trials.

A critical overview of challenging roles of medicinal plants in improvement of wound healing technology

PURPOSE

Chronic diseases often hinder the natural healing process, making wound infections a prevalent clinical concern. In severe cases, complications can arise, potentially leading to fatal outcomes. While allopathic treatments offer numerous options for wound repair and management, the enduring popularity of herbal medications may be attributed to their perceived minimal side effects. Hence, this review aims to investigate the potential of herbal remedies in efficiently treating wounds, presenting a promising alternative for consideration.

METHODS

A literature search was done including research, reviews, systematic literature review, meta-analysis, and clinical trials considered. Search engines such as Pubmed, Google Scholar, and Scopus were used while retrieving data. Keywords like Wound healing 'Wound healing and herbal combinations', 'Herbal wound dressing', Nanotechnology and Wound dressing were used.

RESULT

This review provides valuable insights into the role of natural products and technology-based formulations in the treatment of wound infections. It evaluates the use of herbal remedies as an effective approach. Various active principles from herbs, categorized as flavonoids, glycosides, saponins, and phenolic compounds, have shown effectiveness in promoting wound closure. A multitude of herbal remedies have demonstrated significant efficacy in wound management, offering an additional avenue for care. The review encompasses a total of 72 studies, involving 127 distinct herbs (excluding any common herbs shared between studies), primarily belonging to the families Asteraceae, Fabaceae, and Apiaceae. In research, rat models were predominantly utilized to assess wound healing activities. Furthermore, advancements in herbal-based formulations using nanotechnology-based wound dressing materials, such as nanofibers, nanoemulsions, nanofiber mats, polymeric fibers, and hydrogel-based microneedles, are underway. These innovations aim to enhance targeted drug delivery and expedite recovery. Several clinical-based experimental studies have already been documented, evaluating the efficacy of various natural products for wound care and management. This signifies a promising direction in the field of wound treatment.

CONCLUSION

In recent years, scientists have increasingly utilized evidence-based medicine and advanced scientific techniques to validate the efficacy of herbal medicines and delve into the underlying mechanisms of their actions. However, there remains a critical need for further research to thoroughly understand how isolated chemicals extracted from herbs contribute to the healing process of intricate wounds, which may have life-threatening consequences. This ongoing research endeavor holds great promise in not only advancing our understanding but also in the development of innovative formulations that expedite the recovery process.

Collagen peptides affect collagen synthesis and the expression of collagen, elastin, and versican genes in cultured human dermal fibroblasts

Background

Collagen is one of the major proteins of the skin and it is particularly important for its strength and resilience. Skin aging is a natural process that is characterized by the decrease and fragmentation of collagen in the dermis. Oral supplementation with collagen peptides has been clinically shown to have a positive effect on the skin condition. However, the mechanisms of aging-related changes synthesized by cells exposed to collagen are currently not well understood. Therefore, in this in vitro study, the mechanisms associated with collagen, elastin, and versican in human dermal fibroblasts were investigated after exposure to collagen peptides.

Methods

The effects of different concentrations of collagen peptides on cell viability and metabolism were analyzed. For gene expression analysis, human dermal fibroblasts were treated with collagen peptides. This was then followed by RNA extraction and DNA synthesis. Gene expressions of collagen type 1 (COL1A1), elastin (ELN), and versican (VCAN) were quantified by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). In addition, collagen levels were analyzed by confocal scanning laser microscopy using immunostaining.

Results

Collagen peptides tested in the study increased the expression of the relevant COL1A1, ELN, and VCAN genes in human dermal fibroblasts (p < 0.005). Furthermore, confocal microscopy showed increased collagen expression in the dermal fibroblast culture after treatment with the collagen peptides (p < 0.005).

Conclusion

These data provide cell-based evidence for the beneficial effects of exposure to collagen peptides on the skin's collagen content and on the molecules that provide firmness and elasticity. This may support the hypothesis that collagen peptides are important for maintaining extracellular matrix (ECM) structure and skin regeneration.

Exploring the Impact of Hydrolyzed Collagen Oral Supplementation on Skin Rejuvenation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

With increasing life expectancy, the quest for skin rejuvenation has gained prominence among individuals of diverse age groups. The popularity of nutricosmetics, notably dietary supplements, has garnered significant attention in recent years. Many scientific investigations have amassed compelling evidence highlighting the positive impact of hydrolyzed collagen supplementation in mitigating the visible signs of skin aging. This study aims to know the powerful effect of hydrolyzed collagen on the skin. This research method is to conduct a systematic review followed by a meta-analysis of the clinical trial focusing on randomized, double-blind, and controlled trials that examined the oral consumption of hydrolyzed collagen and reported outcomes related to skin aging, wrinkles, moisture levels, elasticity, and firmness. The selected articles from CENTRAL, PubMed, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect databases were published from 2017 to 2023. The subsequent meta-analysis, comprising 14 distinct studies and a collective cohort of 967 participants, revealed encouraging findings favoring hydrolyzed collagen supplementation. It consistently demonstrated substantial enhancements in skin moisture levels and elasticity compared to the placebo group, a trend robustly corroborated by subgroup analysis. These compelling findings underscore the effectiveness of a 12-week regimen of hydrolyzed collagen supplementation in revitalizing the skin by augmenting its hydration and elasticity.

Effects of Oral Collagen for Skin Anti-Aging: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

This paper presents a systematic review and meta-analysis of 26 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 1721 patients to assess the effects of hydrolyzed collagen (HC) supplementation on skin hydration and elasticity. The results showed that HC supplementation significantly improved skin hydration (test for overall effect: Z = 4.94, p < 0.00001) and elasticity (test for overall effect: Z = 4.49, p < 0.00001) compared to the placebo group. Subgroup analyses demonstrated that the effects of HC supplementation on skin hydration varied based on the source of collagen and the duration of supplementation. However, there were no significant differences in the effects of different sources (p = 0.21) of collagen or corresponding measurements (p = 0.06) on skin elasticity. The study also identified several biases in the included RCTs. Overall, the findings suggest that HC supplementation can have positive effects on skin health, but further large-scale randomized control trials are necessary to confirm these findings.

Physiological, Pathological, and Circadian Factors Impacting Skin Hydration

Thismanuscript focuses on the physiological, environmental, nutritional, circadian, and aging factors affecting skin tissue water and hydration parameters. The literature findings indicate a multiplicity of interacting processes among these parameters, ultimately impacting skin hydration in normal skin and playing a role in conditions such as atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. The maintenance of adequate skin hydration, aided by the proper functioning of the skin’s protective barrier, is facilitated by stratum corneum integrity with the presence of tight junctions and lipids such as ceramides, each of which is impacted by changes in most of the evaluated parameters. Abnormalities in aquaporin 3 (AQP3) expression and associated deficits in skin hydration appear to have a role in atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. AQP3 hydration-related aspects are influenced by circadian rhythms via modulations associated with CLOCK genes that alter AQP3 protein expression. Ultraviolet exposure, aging, and low temperatures are among those factors that affect skin ceramide composition, potentially leading to increased transepidermal water loss and negatively impacting skin hydration. Vitamin C, collagen, and probiotics may increase ceramide production and improve skin hydration. The extent to which each of the different evaluated factors affects skin hydration varies but is usually large enough to consider their potential effects when investigating skin in research and clinical settings.

Comparison of gelatin and low-molecular weight gelatin hydrolysate ingestion on hydroxyproline (Hyp), Pro-Hyp and Hyp-Gly concentrations in human blood

This study showed that gelatin ingestion significantly increased prolyl-hydroxyproline (Pro-Hyp) levels in plasma of 9 subjects, with maximum concentrations of 15.5 ± 3.0 nmol/mL 2 h post-ingestion. Hydroxyprolyl-glycine (Hyp-Gly) concentrations were significantly increased and reached a maximal level of 2.3 ± 0.5 nmol/mL 1 h post-ingestion of gelatin. A low molecular weight gelatin hydrolysate (LMW-GH) significantly enhanced concentrations of both peptides, while gelatin hydrolysate ingestion did not significantly enhance the maximum concentration and area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) of Hyp-Gly relative to gelatin. The absorption of free Hyp following gelatin ingestion (94.4 ± 16.4 nmol/mL) was significantly lower relative to GH (150.9 ± 15.3 nmol/mL) and LMW-GH (169.1 ± 32.5 nmol/mL). The present study is the first report demonstrating that Hyp-containing peptides are elevated to μM levels in human plasma after gelatin ingestion. These results suggested that gelatin is useful as a functional food as effectively as GH.

Nutrition and youthful skin

Nutrition and dietary supplements have been used to promote a youthful appearance for millennia. Despite high public demand for these products, evidence supporting their efficacy is limited and often inconsistent. We discuss the structural and functional changes that occur in the skin during the aging process. We also review evidence supporting the use of nutritional supplements commonly used to promote a youthful appearance, including essential fatty acids, coenzyme Q, collagen peptides, curcumin, polyphenols, flavonoids, probiotics, silymarin, and vitamins A, C, D, and E. We also consider the role of advanced glycosylated end products, antiinflammatory diets, and caloric restriction in delaying premature skin aging. Although evidence supporting the use of some dietary interventions is promising, further long-term studies in humans are required to fully understand their effects on the promotion of a youthful appearance.

Effects of hydrolyzed collagen supplementation on skin aging: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Skin aging has become a recurring concern even for younger people, mainly owing to increased life expectancy. In this context, the use of nutricosmetics as supplements has increased in recent years. Moreover, numerous scientific studies have shown the benefits of hydrolyzed collagen supplementation in improving the signs of skin aging. The objective of this study was to summarize the evidence on the effects of hydrolyzed collagen supplementation on human skin through a systematic review followed by a meta-analysis of clinical trials focusing on the process of skin aging. A literature search was conducted in the Medline, Embase, Cochrane, LILACS (Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature), and Journal of Negative Results in BioMedicine databases. Eligible studies were randomized, double-blind, and controlled trials that evaluated oral supplementation with hydrolyzed collagen as an intervention and reported at least one of the following outcomes: skin wrinkles, hydration, elasticity, and firmness. After retrieving articles from the databases, 19 studies were selected, with a total of 1,125 participants aged between 20 and 70 years (95% women). In the meta-analysis, a grouped analysis of studies showed favorable results of hydrolyzed collagen supplementation compared with placebo in terms of skin hydration, elasticity, and wrinkles. The findings of improved hydration and elasticity were also confirmed in the subgroup meta-analysis. Based on results, ingestion of hydrolyzed collagen for 90 days is effective in reducing skin aging, as it reduces wrinkles and improves skin elasticity and hydration.

Identification of a novel collagen-like peptide by high-throughput screening for effective wound-healing therapy

Tissue regeneration and wound healing are still serious clinical complications globally and lack satisfactory cures. Inspired by the impressive regeneration ability of the post-injury earthworms and their widely accepted medicinal properties, we screened and identified a novel collagen-like peptide from the amputated earthworms using high-throughput techniques, including transcriptomics, proteomics, and mass spectrum. The identified collagen-like peptide col4a1 was cloned and expressed to comprehensively investigate the wound healing effect and underlying mechanism. It exerted significant effects on wound healing both in vitro and in vivo, including enhanced viability, proliferation, migration of fibroblasts, granulation, and collagen deposition. Moreover, the col4a1 functioned via binding with integrin α₂β₁ and upregulating the RAS/MAPK signaling pathway. This work demonstrates that the novel collagen-like peptide col4a1 obtained from the amputated earthworms enables enhanced wound healing and provides new opportunities for wound care.