Epithelial-mesenchymal interaction mechanisms leading to the over-expression of neprilysin are involved in the UVB-induced formation of wrinkles in the skin

Taif Rose Oil Ameliorates UVB-Induced Oxidative Damage and Skin Photoaging in Rats via Modulation of MAPK and MMP Signaling Pathways

Short-wave UVB (ultraviolet B) causes rapid oxidative damage to the skin. Rose water is obtained mainly from the petals of Rosa damascena Mill. (Rosaceae) and used traditionally to hydrate dry skin and reduce signs of aging. This work aimed at evaluating the possible protective potential of the prepared eco-friendly Taif rose oil nanoemulsion (ROSE-NANO) against UVB-induced photoaging in adult male Wistar rats. Taif rose oil (ROSE) was obtained from R. damascene by classical steam distillation and formulated in emulgel (100 mg/g). In addition, the oil was formulated in ROSE-NANO-loaded emulgel (50 and 100 mg/g) to enhance the effect of ROSE. All prepared formulas were tested topically for their potential protective effect in UV-induced skin photoaging. The obtained results demonstrated that application of ROSE-NANO-loaded emulgel resulted in superior antiaging potency over ROSE emulgel based on histological studies as well as biochemical evaluations via amendment in CAT and SOD activities, decreasing the concentration of the inflammatory markers and preventing collagen fragmentation through reduction of MMP-9 content in fibroblasts. Moreover, a significant decrease in mRNA expression of NF-KB, JNK, ERK1/2, and p38 MAPK genes was observed. In conclusion, the current study provides scientific evidence for the traditional use of rose oil in skin aging. Moreover, the NANO formula showed promising efficacy as a skin photoprotector against UV-induced oxidative damage and skin aging.

Colonizing microbiota is associated with clinical outcomes in diabetic wound healing

With the development of society and the improvement of life quality, more than 500 million people are affected by diabetes. More than 10 % of people with diabetes will suffer from diabetic wounds, and 80 % of diabetic wounds will reoccur, so the development of new diabetic wound treatments is of great importance. The development of skin microbe research technology has gradually drawn people's attention to the complex relationship between microbes and diabetic wounds. Many studies have shown that skin microbes are associated with the outcome of diabetic wounds and can even be used as one of the indicators of wound prognosis. Skin microbes have also been found to have the potential to treat diabetic wounds. The wound colonization of different bacteria can exert opposing therapeutic effects. It is necessary to fully understand the skin microbes in diabetic wounds, which can provide valuable guidance for clinical diabetic wound treatment.

Real-time wrinkle evaluation method using Visual Illusion-based image feature enhancement System

BACKGROUND

Several advanced methods for evaluating wrinkles are currently available, however, with limitations in their application because wrinkle structures change in response to facial expressions and surrounding environments. A Visual Illusion-based image feature enhancement System (VIS) was used to develop a real-time evaluation method.

OBJECTIVES

This study expands the VIS application into the wrinkle evaluation method by adjusting VIS to evaluate facial wrinkles, evaluating the age-dependent wrinkles, and validating it for real-time wrinkle evaluation.

METHODS

Wrinkles in various Japanese men and women were evaluated using VIS and the current methods. Furthermore, the effectiveness of an eye cream containing niacinamide was evaluated before and after the 4-week treatment.

RESULTS

VIS qualitatively detects even fine wrinkles and numerically records them without any special instrument. Moreover, VIS can be applied to moving images, revealing the effectiveness of the antiwrinkle formulation qualitatively and quantitatively even when the subjects are smiling.

CONCLUSION

This paper presents an epoch-making wrinkle evaluation method that is qualitative and quantitative, with high sensitivity in real-time and relies solely on digital images without any difficulties. Therefore, these results imply that this method enables the wrinkle evaluation under real-life conditions.

Novel Siprulina platensis Bilosomes for Combating UVB Induced Skin Damage

The recent interest in bioactive compounds from natural sources has led to the evolution of the skin care industry. Efforts to develop biologically active ingredients from natural sources have resulted in the emergence of enhanced skin care products. Spirulina (SPR), a nutritionally enriched cyanobacteria-type microalga, is rich in nutrients and phytochemicals. SPR possesses antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory activities. Spirulina-loaded bilosomes (SPR-BS), a novel antiaging drug delivery system, were designed for the first time by incorporation in a lecithin−bile salt-integrated system for bypassing skin delivery obstacles. The optimized BS had good entrapment efficiency, small particle size, optimal zeta potential, and sustained drug release pattern. Blank and SPR-loaded BS formulations were safe, with a primary irritancy index of <2 based on the Draize test. In vivo tests were conducted, and photoprotective antiaging effects were evaluated visually and biochemically by analyzing antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-wrinkling markers following ultraviolet (UV) B irradiation. Results of biochemical marker analysis and histopathological examination confirmed the superior antiaging effect of SPR-BS compared with SPR. Thus, SPR-loaded BS is a promising nanoplatform for SPR delivery, can be used for treating UV-induced skin damage, and offers maximum therapeutic outcomes.

Rosmarinus officinalis L. hexane extract: phytochemical analysis, nanoencapsulation, and in silico, in vitro, and in vivo anti-photoaging potential evaluation

A shift towards natural anti-aging ingredients has spurred the research to valorize traditionally used plants. In this context, Rosmarinus officinalis L. was evaluated for its photoprotective, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-wrinkling properties. GC/MS and LC-ESI-HRMS based phytochemical profiling of rosemary leaves hexane extract resulted in the identification of 47 and 31 compounds, respectively and revealed rich content in triterpenoids, monoterpenoids and phenolic diterpenes. In vitro assays confirmed the antioxidant, anti-aging, and wound healing potential of rosemary extract along with a good safety profile, encouraging further development. A systematic molecular modelling study was conducted to elucidate the mechanistic background of rosemary anti-aging properties through the inhibitory effects of its major constituents against key anti-aging targets viz. elastase, collagenase, and hyaluronidase. Development of rosemary extract lipid nanocapsules-based mucoadhesive gels was performed to improve skin contact, permeation, and bioavailability prior to in vivo testing. The developed formulae demonstrated small particle size (56.55–66.13 nm), homogenous distribution (PDI of 0.207–0.249), and negatively charged Zeta potential (− 13.4 to − 15.6). In UVB-irradiated rat model, topical rosemary hexane extract-loaded lipid nanocapsules-based gel provided photoprotection, restored the antioxidant biochemical state, improved epidermal and dermal histological features, and decreased the level of inflammatory and wrinkling markers. The use of rosemary hexane extract in anti-aging and photoprotective cosmeceuticals represents a safe, efficient, and cost-effective approach.

The dark side of daylight: photoaging and the tumor microenvironment in melanoma progression

Continued thinning of the atmospheric ozone, which protects the earth from damaging ultraviolet radiation (UVR), will result in elevated levels of UVR reaching the earth's surface, leading to a drastic increase in the incidence of skin cancer. In addition to promoting carcinogenesis in skin cells, UVR is a potent extrinsic driver of age-related changes in the skin known as "photoaging." We are in the preliminary stages of understanding of the role of intrinsic aging in melanoma, and the tumor-permissive effects of photoaging on the skin microenvironment remain largely unexplored. In this Review, we provide an overview of the impact of UVR on the skin microenvironment, addressing changes that converge or diverge with those observed in intrinsic aging. Intrinsic and extrinsic aging promote phenotypic changes to skin cell populations that alter fundamental processes such as melanogenesis, extracellular matrix deposition, inflammation, and immune response. Given the relevance of these processes in cancer, we discuss how photoaging might render the skin microenvironment permissive to melanoma progression.

The Attenuated Secretion of Hyaluronan by UVA-Exposed Human Fibroblasts Is Associated with Up- and Downregulation of HYBID and HAS2 Expression via Activated and Inactivated Signaling of the p38/ATF2 and JAK2/STAT3 Cascades

Little is known about the effects on hyaluronan (HA) metabolism of UVA radiation. This study demonstrates that the secretion of HA by human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) is downregulated by UVA, accompanied by the down- and upregulation of mRNA and protein levels of the HA-synthesizing enzyme (HAS2) and the HA-degrading protein, HYaluronan Binding protein Involved in HA Depolymerization(HYBID), respectively. Signaling analysis revealed that the exposure distinctly elicits activation of the p38/MSK1/CREB/c-Fos/AP-1 axis, the JNK/c-Jun axis, and the p38/ATF-2 axis, but downregulates the phosphorylation of NF-kB and JAK/STAT3. A signal inhibition study demonstrated that the inhibition of p38 significantly abrogates the UVA-accentuated mRNA level of HYBID. Furthermore, the inhibition of STAT3 significantly downregulates the level of HAS2 mRNA in non-UVA exposed HDFs. Analysis using siRNAs demonstrated that transfection of ATF-2 siRNA but not c-Fos siRNA abrogates the increased protein level of HYBID in UVA-exposed HDFs. An inhibitor of protein tyrosine phosphatase but not of protein serine/threonine phosphatase restored the diminished phosphorylation level of STAT3 at Tyr 705, accompanied by a significant abolishing effect on the decreased mRNA expression level of HAS2. Silencing with a protein tyrosine phosphatase PTP-Meg2 siRNA revealed that it abrogates the decreased phosphorylation of STAT3 at Tyr 705 in UVA-exposed HDFs. These findings suggest that the UVA-induced decrease in HA secretion by HDFs is attributable to the down- and upregulation of HAS2 and HYBID expression, respectively, changes that are mainly ascribed to the inactivated signaling of the STAT3 axis due to the activated tyrosine protein phosphatase PTP-Meg2 and the activated signaling of the p38/ATF2 axis, respectively.

Oral administration of Jumihaidokuto inhibits UVB-induced skin damage and prostaglandin E2 production in HR-1 hairless mice

This study was conducted to investigate whether and how Jumihaidokuto (JHT), a traditional Chinese medicine, prevents UVB-induced skin damage in male HR-1 hairless mice. JHT has been traditionally prescribed for patients presenting skin disorders with redness and swelling, and, in Japan, it is approved for prescription to patients with acute and/or purulent skin disorders, hives, acute eczema, and athlete's foot. Considering the traditional use of JHT, we hypothesized that oral administration of JHT might emerge as an effective strategy to prevent UVB-induced skin damage, such as edema and erythema. Here, we pretreated mice with JHT (1000 mg/kg, p.o.) for 3 weeks and then administered a single dose of UVB irradiation (250 mJ/cm²) on the dorsal skin. UVB irradiation increased the erythema index and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and decreased the skin water content in the epidermis at 72 h post-irradiation. JHT treatment inhibited the increase of TEWL and the loss of water content in the epidermis, but not the elevation of the erythema index. Moreover, administration of JHT suppressed UVB-induced epidermal hyperplasia by blocking the proliferation of keratinocytes and also inhibited irradiation-triggered reduction of collagen fibers and infiltration of immune cells into the dermis. Lastly, administration of JHT suppressed UVB-induced production of proinflammatory mediators, such as prostaglandin E2 and interleukin-1β. These results suggest that JHT prevents UVB-induced skin damage and that the underlying mechanism involves the inhibition of proinflammatory mediators.

Mycosporine-like amino acids stimulate hyaluronan secretion by up-regulating hyaluronan synthase 2 via activation of the p38/MSK1/CREB/c-Fos/AP-1 axis

Hyaluronan (HA) is an extracellular matrix glycosaminoglycan that critically supports the physicochemical and mechanical properties of the skin. Here, we demonstrate that mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs), which typically function as UV-absorbing compounds, can stimulate HA secretion from normal human fibroblasts. MAA-stimulated HA secretion was associated with significantly increased and decreased levels of mRNAs encoding HA synthase 2 (HAS2) and the HA-binding protein involved in HA depolymerization (designated HYBID), respectively. Using immunoblotting, we found that MAAs at 10 and at 25 μg/ml stimulate the phosphorylation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) p38, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)/c-Jun, and mitogen- and stress-activated protein kinase 1 (MSK1) (at Thr-581, Ser-360, and Ser-376, respectively) and activation of cAMP-responsive element-binding protein (CREB) and activating transcription factor 2 (ATF2), but not phosphorylation of JUN N-terminal kinase (JNK) or NF-κB (at Ser-276 or Ser-536, respectively), and increased c-Fos protein levels. Moreover, a p38-specific inhibitor, but not inhibitors of MAPK/ERK kinase (MEK), JNK, or NF-κB, significantly abrogated the increased expression of HAS2 mRNA, accompanied by significantly decreased MAA-stimulated HA secretion. These results suggested that the p38-MSK1-CREB-c-Fos-transcription factor AP-1 (AP-1) or the p38-ATF2 signaling cascade is responsible for the MAA-induced stimulation of HAS2 gene expression. Of note, siRNA-mediated ATF2 silencing failed to abrogate MAA-stimulated HAS2 expression, and c-Fos silencing abolished the increased expression of HAS2 mRNA. Our findings suggest that MAAs stimulate HA secretion by up-regulating HAS2 mRNA levels through activation of an intracellular signaling cascade consisting of p38, MSK1, CREB, c-Fos, and AP-1.

Nonclinical and human pharmacology of the potent and selective topical retinoic acid receptor-γ agonist trifarotene

BACKGROUND

First- and third-generation retinoids are the main treatment for acne. Even though efficacious, they lack full selectivity for retinoic acid receptor (RAR) γ, expressed in the epidermis and infundibulum.

OBJECTIVES

To characterize the in vitro metabolism and the pharmacology of the novel retinoid trifarotene.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In vitro assays determined efficacy, potency and selectivity on RARs, as well as the activity on the expression of retinoid target genes in human keratinocytes and ex vivo cultured skin. In vivo studies investigated topical comedolytic, anti-inflammatory and depigmenting properties. The trifarotene-induced gene expression profile was investigated in nonlesional skin of patients with acne and compared with ex vivo and in vivo models. Finally, the metabolic stability in human keratinocytes and hepatic microsomes was established.

RESULTS

Trifarotene is a selective RARγ agonist with > 20-fold selectivity over RARα and RARβ. Trifarotene is active and stable in keratinocytes but rapidly metabolized by human hepatic microsomes, predicting improved safety. In vivo, trifarotene 0·01% applied topically is highly comedolytic and has anti-inflammatory and antipigmenting properties. Gene expression studies indicated potent activation of known retinoid-modulated processes (epidermal differentiation, proliferation, stress response, retinoic acid metabolism) and novel pathways (proteolysis, transport/skin hydration, cell adhesion) in ex vivo and in vivo models, as well as in human skin after 4 weeks of topical application of trifarotene 0·005% cream.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on its RARγ selectivity, rapid degradation in human hepatic microsomes and pharmacological properties including potent modulation of epidermal processes, topical treatment with trifarotene could result in good efficacy and may present a favourable safety profile in acne and ichthyotic disorders.

Signatures of photo-aging and intrinsic aging in skin were revealed by transcriptome network analysis

There are various factors that alter physiological characteristics in skin. Elucidating the underlying mechanism of transcriptional alterations by intrinsic and extrinsic factors may lead us to understand the aging process of skin. To identify the transcriptomic changes of the aging skin, we analyzed publicly available RNA sequencing data from Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) project. GTEx provided RNA sequencing data of suprapubic (n=228) and lower leg (n=349) skins, which are photo-protected and photo-damaged. Using differentially expressed gene analysis and weighted gene co-expression network analysis, we characterized transcriptomic changes due to UV exposure and aging. Genes involved in skin development such as epidermal differentiation complex component (SPRR and LCE families), vasculature development (TGFBR1, TGFBR2, TGFBR3, KDR, FGF2, and VEGFC), and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP2, MMP3, MMP8, MMP10, and MMP13) were up-regulated by UV exposure. Also, down-regulated lipid metabolism and mitochondrial biogenesis were observed in photo-damaged skin. Moreover, wound healing process was universally down-regulated in suprapubic and lower leg with aging and further down-regulation of lipid metabolism and up-regulation of vasculature development were found as photo-aging signatures. In this study, dynamic transcriptomic alterations were observed in aged skin. Hence, our findings may help to discover a potential therapeutic target for skin rejuvenation.

Dermal anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-aging effects of Compritol ATO-based Resveratrol colloidal carriers prepared using mixed surfactants

In this study, Compritol ATO-based Resveratrol colloidal carriers (CCCs) were prepared and subjected to characterization and evaluation. In most formulae, the use of a binary-mixture of surfactants improved the physicochemical properties. CCC6 (containing P407/P188 as bi-surfactants) attained the highest drug loading, release efficiency during 24 h and occlusive effect for 48 h; in addition, it showed a uniform particle size distribution within the desired range. In-vivo studies were done based on the analysis of anti-oxidant markers [catalase (CAT), reduced glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD)], anti-inflammatory markers [interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 8 (IL-8) and rat Nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB)] and anti-wrinkling markers [matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-1) and Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF)], after UVB-irradiation. Results were significantly different when comparing the positive control and the negative control groups (p < 0.05). Rats pre-treated with CCC6 showed a great amelioration, and the level of the biochemical markers was significantly different compared to those of the positive control group and those pre-treated with the drug suspension (p < 0.05). Also, the high skin protective effect of CCC6 was proved by visual and histopathological examination of the rats' skin. Therefore, the current study proves the beneficial effects of the designed dermal Resveratrol-loaded colloidal system.