Anti-acne vulgaris effects of chlorogenic acid by anti-inflammatory activity and lipogenesis inhibition

Honey Phytochemicals: Bioactive Agents With Therapeutic Potential for Dermatological Disorders

Honey has been reported to have a range of biological activities including antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, and wound healing effects. Indeed, medical-grade honey is currently used in hospitals for the clinical management of wound infections. Honey is also of scientific interest for its therapeutic effects on other dermatological disorders such as atopic dermatitis, rosacea, and skin cancer. Recent studies have uncovered that honey contains a range of phytochemicals including flavonoids, dicarboxylic acids, coumarins, and phenolic acids. In this review, PubMed was used to search the scientific literature on the biological properties of honey phytochemicals in relation to dermatological disorders and to evaluate their potential as bioactive agents, drugs, or cosmeceuticals for the treatment of skin disease. The review revealed that phytochemicals found in honey have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antiaging, antioxidant, anticancer, depigmenting, photoprotective, wound healing, and skin barrier enhancing properties. Although further high-quality studies are required to establish clinical efficacy, these findings suggest that honey phytochemicals may have the potential to be used as bioactive agents for the management of a range of dermatological disorders including wounds, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, vitiligo, rosacea, and skin cancer.

Unveiling the potential applications of buds of Lonicera japonica Thunb. var. chinensis (Wats.) Bak based on in vitro biological activities, bio-active components, and potential applications coupled to targeted metabolomics

Introduction

The buds of Lonicera japonica Thunb. var. chinensis (Wats.) Bak, commonly named red honeysuckle, have attracted attention because of their bright colors. However, owing to the lack of systematic studies, the potential applications of red honeysuckle are not clear, and its development and utilization have not been well known.

Methods

In this study, compared with the buds of L. japonica Thunb. (honeysuckle), the potential applications of red honeysuckle were explored based on biological activities, bio-active components, and sensory flavor combined with widely targeted metabolomics.

Results

As a result, in vitro tests showed that it had a stronger antioxidant and a stronger inhibitory effect on the growth of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. There was no cytotoxicity on LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells in its aqueous extract using the CCK-8 method. Moreover, it also had a stronger effect on inhibiting the expression of inflammatory factors such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β). The content of its bio-active components chlorogenic acid and cynaroside was significantly higher (p ≤ 0.001) than that of green honeysuckle. Widely targeted metabolomics analysis revealed that 4 volatile metabolites, such as (E)-4-hexene-1-ol and pyrazole, and 21 non-volatile metabolites, such as macranthoside B and oleanolic acid-3-O-glc(1-2)-(ara)-28-O-glucoside ester, were specific in red honeysuckle. Interestingly, 14 specific terpenoid metabolites were triterpenoid saponins, indicating a stronger biological activity in red honeysuckle. The sensory flavor analysis showed that the red honeysuckle had a stronger herbal and lighter floral flavor.

Discussion

In conclusion, red honeysuckle had great development value with potential applications in medicines, foods, beverages, pigment additives, and health products.

Synergistic delivery of hADSC-Exos and antioxidants has inhibitory effects on UVB-induced skin photoaging

Ultraviolet B (UVB) light exposure accelerates skin photoaging. Human adipose-derived stem cell exosomes (hADSC-Exos) and some antioxidants may have anti-photoaging effects. However, it is unknown whether the combination of hADSC-Exos and antioxidants plays a synergistic role in anti-photoaging. In cellular and 3D skin models, we showed that vitamin E (VE) and hADSC-Exos were optimal anti-photoaging combinations. In vivo, VE and hADSC-Exos increased skin tightening and elasticity in UVB-induced photoaging mice Combined treatment with VE and hADSC-Exos inhibited SIRT1/NF-κB pathway. These findings contribute to the understanding of hADSC-Exos in conjunction with other antioxidants, thereby providing valuable insights for the future pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.

Identification of Novel Protein Biomarkers and Drug Targets for Acne Vulgaris by Integrating Human Plasma Proteome with Genome-Wide Association Data

Background

Despite the availability of numerous therapies, the treatment of acne vulgaris remains challenging. Novel drug targets for acne vulgaris are still needed.

Methods

We conducted a Mendelian randomization analysis to explore possible drug targets for acne vulgaris. We utilized summary statistics obtained from the dataset of acne vulgaris, including 399,413 individuals of European ancestry. We gathered genetic instruments for 566 plasma proteins from genome-wide association studies. In order to strengthen the findings from Mendelian randomization, various methods were employed, including bidirectional Mendelian randomization analysis, Bayesian co-localization, phenotype scanning, and single-cell analysis. These methods facilitated the identification of reverse causality, the search for reported variant-trait associations, and the determination of the cell types that is the primary source of protein. Furthermore, using the plasma proteins in the deCODE cohort, we conducted a replication of the Mendelian randomization analysis as an external validation.

Results

At the significance level of Bonferroni (P < 8.83×10-5), a protein-acne pair was discovered through Mendelian randomization analysis. In plasma, increasing TIMP4 (OR = 1.15; 95% CI, 1.09-1.21; P = 1.01×10-7) increased the risk of acne vulgaris. The absence of reverse causality was observed in the TIMP4 protein. According to Bayesian co-localization analysis, TIMP4 shared the same variant with acne vulgaris (PPH4 = 0.93). TIMP4 was replicated in deCODE cohort (OR = 1.17; 95% CI, 1.10-1.24; P = 1.48×10-7). Single-cell analysis revealed that TIMP4 was predominantly detected in myeloid cells in blood, and was detected in almost all cell types in skin tissue.

Conclusion

The integrative analysis revealed that the level of plasma TIMP4 has a direct influence on the risk of developing acne vulgaris. This implies that TIMP4 protein could serve as a potential target for the development of drugs aimed at treating acne vulgaris.

Phenolic acids from medicinal and edible homologous plants: a potential anti-inflammatory agent for inflammatory diseases

Inflammation has been shown to trigger a wide range of chronic diseases, particularly inflammatory diseases. As a result, the focus of research has been on anti-inflammatory drugs and foods. In recent years, the field of medicinal and edible homology (MEH) has developed rapidly in both medical and food sciences, with 95% of MEH being associated with plants. Phenolic acids are a crucial group of natural bioactive substances found in medicinal and edible homologous plants (MEHPs). Their anti-inflammatory activity is significant as they play a vital role in treating several inflammatory diseases. These compounds possess enormous potential for developing anti-inflammatory drugs and functional foods. However, their development is far from satisfactory due to their diverse structure and intricate anti-inflammatory mechanisms. In this review, we summarize the various types, structures, and distribution of MEHP phenolic acids that have been identified as of 2023. We also analyze their anti-inflammatory activity and molecular mechanisms in inflammatory diseases through NF-κB, MAPK, NLRP3, Nrf2, TLRs, and IL-17 pathways. Additionally, we investigate their impact on regulating the composition of the gut microbiota and immune responses. This analysis lays the groundwork for further exploration of the anti-inflammatory structure-activity relationship of MEHP phenolic acids, aiming to inspire structural optimization and deepen our understanding of their mechanism, and provides valuable insights for future research and development in this field.

Unveiling the mechanism of photothermal therapy in acne man-agement: targeting sebaceous gland ferroptosis via umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell membrane-encapsulated Au-Ag-PDA

Background

Branched gold and silver nanoparticles coated with polydopamine (Au-Ag-PDA) demonstrate high photothermal conversion efficiency. Utilizing umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell membranes (MSCM) as an effective drug delivery system, our preliminary studies investigated the suppression of sebum secretion in sebaceous glands using MSCM-coated Au-Ag-PDA nano-particles (Au-Ag-PDA@MSCM) combined with 808 nm laser irradiation, showing potential for dermatological applications in acne treatment.

Methods

This study employs proteomic analysis, complemented by subsequent techniques such as Western blotting (WB), small interfering RNA (siRNA), and transmission electron microscopy, to further investigate the differential mechanisms by which Au-Ag-PDA and Au-Ag-PDA@MSCM-mediated photothermal therapy (PTT) suppress sebum secretion.

Results

Our proteomic analysis indicated mitochondrial respiratory chain damage in sebaceous gland tissues post-PTT, with further validation revealing ferroptosis in sebaceous cells and tissues. Acyl-CoA Synthetase Long-Chain Family Member 4 (Acsl4) has been identified as a critical target, with Au-Ag-PDA@MSCM demonstrating enhanced ferroptotic effects.

Conclusion

These findings significantly advance our understanding of how PTT mediated by Au-Ag-PDA@MSCM nanoparticles reduces sebum secretion and underscore the pivotal role of MSCM in inducing ferroptosis in sebaceous glands, thus providing a robust theoretical foundation for employing PTT via specific molecular pathways in acne treatment.

Osteogenic mechanism of chlorogenic acid and its application in clinical practice

Natural polyphenols may have a role in counteracting oxidative stress, which is associated with aging and several bone-related diseases. Chlorogenic acid (CGA) is a naturally occurring polyphenolic compound formed by the esterification of caffeic and quininic acids with osteogenic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. This review discusses the potential of CGA to enhance osteogenesis by increasing the osteogenic capacity of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), osteoblast survival, proliferation, differentiation, and mineralization, as well as its ability to attenuate osteoclastogenesis by enhancing osteoclast apoptosis and impeding osteoclast regeneration. CGA can be involved in bone remodeling by acting directly on pro-osteoclasts/osteoblasts or indirectly on osteoclasts by activating the nuclear factor kB (RANK)/RANK ligand (RANKL)/acting osteoprotegerin (OPG) system. Finally, we provide perspectives for using CGA to treat bone diseases.

Chlorogenic Acid: A Systematic Review on the Biological Functions, Mechanistic Actions, and Therapeutic Potentials

Chlorogenic acid (CGA) is a type of polyphenol compound found in rich concentrations in many plants such as green coffee beans. As an active natural substance, CGA exerts diverse therapeutic effects in response to a variety of pathological challenges, particularly conditions associated with chronic metabolic diseases and age-related disorders. It shows multidimensional functions, including neuroprotection for neurodegenerative disorders and diabetic peripheral neuropathy, anti-inflammation, anti-oxidation, anti-pathogens, mitigation of cardiovascular disorders, skin diseases, diabetes mellitus, liver and kidney injuries, and anti-tumor activities. Mechanistically, its integrative functions act through the modulation of anti-inflammation/oxidation and metabolic homeostasis. It can thwart inflammatory constituents at multiple levels such as curtailing NF-kB pathways to neutralize primitive inflammatory factors, hindering inflammatory propagation, and alleviating inflammation-related tissue injury. It concurrently raises pivotal antioxidants by activating the Nrf2 pathway, thus scavenging excessive cellular free radicals. It elevates AMPK pathways for the maintenance and restoration of metabolic homeostasis of glucose and lipids. Additionally, CGA shows functions of neuromodulation by targeting neuroreceptors and ion channels. In this review, we systematically recapitulate CGA's pharmacological activities, medicinal properties, and mechanistic actions as a potential therapeutic agent. Further studies for defining its specific targeting molecules, improving its bioavailability, and validating its clinical efficacy are required to corroborate the therapeutic effects of CGA.

Resolving acne with optimized adapalene microspongeal gel, in vivo and clinical evaluations

In our pursuit of enhancing acne treatment while minimizing side effects, we developed tailored Adapalene microsponges (MS) optimized using a Box-Behnken design 33. The independent variables, Eudragit RS100 percentage in the polymer mixture, organic phase volume, and drug to polymer percentage, were explored. The optimized formulation exhibited remarkable characteristics, with a 98.3% ± 1.6 production yield, 97.3% ± 1.64 entrapment efficiency, and a particle size of 31.8 ± 1.1 µm. Notably, it achieved a 24 h cumulative drug release of 75.1% ± 1.4. To delve deeper into its efficacy, we evaluated the optimized microspongeal-gel in vitro, in vivo, and clinically. It demonstrated impressive retention in the pilosebaceous unit, a target for acne treatment. Comparative studies between our optimized Adapalene microspongeal gel and marketed Adapalene revealed superior performance. In vivo studies on Propionibacterium acnes-infected mice ears showed a remarkable 97% reduction in ear thickness, accompanied by a significant decrease in inflammatory signs and NF-κB levels, as confirmed by histopathological and histochemical examination. Moreover, in preliminary clinical evaluation, it demonstrated outstanding effectiveness in reducing comedonal lesions while causing fewer irritations. This not only indicates its potential for clinical application but also underscores its ability to enhance patient satisfaction, paving the way for future commercialization.

Tackling acne vulgaris by fabrication of tazarotene-loaded essential oil-based microemulsion: In vitro and in vivo evaluation

This study aimed to formulate and optimize an anti-acne drug namely tazarotene (TZR) in essential oil-based microemulsion (ME) using either Jasmine oil (Jas) or Jojoba oil (Joj). TZR-MEs were prepared using two experimental designs (Simplex Lattice Design®) and characterized for droplet size, polydispersity index, and viscosity. Further in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo investigations were performed for the selected formulations. Results revealed that TZR-selected MEs exhibited suitable droplet size, homogenous dispersions, and acceptable viscosity, in addition to spherical-shaped particles in morphology. The ex vivo skin deposition study showed a significant TZR accumulation in all skin layers for the Jas-selected ME over the Joj one. Further, TZR didn't show any antimicrobial activity against P. acnes, however, it was boosted when it was incorporated into the selected MEs. The in vivo study results of the infected mice ears induced by P. acnes revealed that our selected MEs successfully reached a high level of ear thickness reduction of 67.1% and 47.4% for Jas and Joj selected MEs, respectively, versus only 4% for the market product. Finally, the findings confirmed the ability to use essential oil-based ME, particularly with Jas, as a promising carrier for topical TZR delivery in the treatment of acne vulgaris.

A novel deformable liposomal hydrogel loaded with a SREBP-1-inhibiting polypeptide for reducing sebum synthesis in golden hamster model

Excessive sebum is the major factor involved in the pathophysiology of seborrheic diseases. Chemical medicines can result in mild to severe side effects. Polypeptides with much less side effects make them ideal for reducing sebum synthesis. Sterol regulatory element-binding proteins-1 (SREBP-1) is necessary for the biosynthesis of sterols. A SREBP-1-inhibiting polypeptide (SREi), which competitively inhibits the ubiquitination of Insig-1 so as to suppress the activation of SREBP-1 was selected as an active ingredient and formulated into skin topical preparations. The SREi anionic deformable liposomes contained sodium deoxycholate (SDCh) at the concentration of 4.4 mg/mL (SREi-ADL3) and SREi-ADL3 in 0.3% (w/v) carbomer hydrogel (SREi-ADL3-GEL) were prepared and characterized. The SREi-ADL3 presented a high entrapment efficiency of 92.62 ± 6.32%, a particle size of 99.54 ± 7.56 nm and a surface charge of -19.18 ± 0.45 mV. SREi-ADL3-GEL exhibited a sustained release behavior, a higher stability, a much more cellular uptake ability and transdermal absorption. In vivo golden hamster model confirmed that SREi-ADL3-GEL presented the strongest inhibitory effect on sebaceous gland growth and sebum synthesis by down-regulating the mRNA and protein expression of SREBP-1, fatty acid synthase (FAS) and acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase 1 (ACC1). As confirmed by histological analysis, only a small amount of sebaceous gland lobes with the lightest staining intensity and the smallest dyeing area could be observed in the SREi-ADL3-GEL group. Taken together, SREi-ADL3-GEL displayed potential applications in sebum excessive production related diseases.

Recent patent applications for coffee and coffee by-products as active ingredients in cosmetics

OBJECTIVE

Coffee is one of the most consumed beverages worldwide, and its production and consumption generate large amounts of by-products annually. Coffee by-products and coffee beans are rich in bioactive compounds of great commercial value, including potential applications as active ingredients in skin care products and cosmetic formulations. In addition, there has been growing interest in the use of natural ingredients for cosmetic purposes. Considering the importance of coffee in the world economy, its chemical constituents with potential for cosmetic and dermatological application, and the importance of patents for innovation and technological development, the present study aimed to review recent patents involving coffee and coffee by-product use in cosmetics.

METHODS

This review was carried out using Espacenet. The following inclusion criteria were established: patents that included the terms "coffee" and "skin" in the title, abstract and claims and belonged to the classification A61Q, which is related to the "specific use of cosmetics or similar toilet preparations" considering the International Patent Classification (IPC) or Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC).

RESULTS

Considering the 52 patents analysed, the bean was the main way to obtain extracts (39), followed by green beans (7), silverskin (3), peel and pulp (1), pulp (1) and beans and leaves (1). The formulations are mainly intended for use in nonspecific areas of skin (29), eye areas (12), scalp hair (9) and lip skin (2) with claims of anti-ageing, moisturizers, sun protection, hair growth, anti-dandruff, etc. CONCLUSION: Coffee and its residues have high amounts of phenolic compounds, caffeine, fatty acids and other substances known to have important biological properties for the skin. Coffee and its by-products are promising ingredients to be incorporated into topical formulations, ensuring skin health benefits and reducing the environmental impact.

Chlorogenic Acids and Caffeine from Coffee By-Products: A Review on Skincare Applications

Upcycling is a modern trend in the cosmetic sector, focusing on by-products reuse and waste reduction. Consumers are more aware of the origin of cosmetic products and their environmental impact, promoting the upcycling phenomenon. Converting these raw materials into products of higher quality or value contributes to the final product’s sustainability. In fact, several agri-food by-products that are typically discarded have generated great interest, due to their value-added compounds with high functionality and/or bioactivity. Coffee is well known as a cosmetic ingredient, particularly due to the presence of phenolic compounds, such as chlorogenic acids, and caffeine. Caffeine is widely used in cosmetic formulations due to its photoprotector and anti-aging properties, as well as lipolytic action in cellulitis, and hair regrowth. Chlorogenic acids are powerful antioxidants and exhibit anti-aging and photoprotector abilities. Coffee by-products, such as coffee beans, possess these bioactive compounds and other chemical characteristics that can provide functional properties in cosmetic formulations. Coffee silverskin and spent coffee grounds are high-volume by-products of the coffee industry. Their use has been explored in different cosmetic formulations demonstrating safety, stability, acceptability as well as skin improvement, thus supporting their valorization as natural and sustainable new ingredients in skincare products.

Microwave-assisted and chemically tailored chlorogenic acid-functionalized silver nanoparticles of Citrus sinensis in gel matrix aiding QbD design for the treatment of acne

BACKGROUND

Numerous studies have shown that various products of Citrus sinensis, for example, crude extracts, essential oil, and purified components, possess anti-acne properties. However, the development of chlorogenic acid-functionalized silver nanoparticles of C. sinensis in gel matrix aiding QbD design has not been evaluated for acne treatment.

AIM

In this study, we have developed chlorogenic acid-functionalized silver nanoparticles of C. sinensis in a gel matrix employing a QbD approach for acne treatment.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

Citrus sinensis extract-loaded silver nanoparticles were functionalized with chlorogenic acid, which acted as a bio-reducing agent and further improved anti-acne properties. The developed formulation was optimized via Box-Behnken Design. The formulation morphology was evaluated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The release profile of C. sinensis extract formulation was assessed by an in vitro release study and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Moreover, the characterization study of the gel was performed that included an evaluation of the extrudability and spreadability of the developed gel. Furthermore, the anti-oxidant efficacy of AgN-CA formulation was validated using the DPPH test.

RESULTS

The results showed a particle size of 71.78 nm, a polydispersity index of 0.297, a zeta potential of -36.12 mV, and an entrapment efficiency of 79.42% ± 6.79%. The results also indicated a uniform particle size. The release profile of C. sinensis extract revealed that 73.95% of the drug was released, whereas CLSM pictures of mice skin evidently demonstrated that the rhodamine B-treated AgN-CA gel penetrated much more extensively in comparison to the control. Furthermore, the anti-oxidant efficacy of AgN-CA formulation was validated using the DPPH test. Moreover, the characterization study of the developed gel, including its extrudability and spreadability, was found to be 16.02 ± 3.21 g and 30.73 ± 5.94 g cm/s, respectively. Also, texture analysis findings revealed that AgN-CA gel had firmness, consistency, cohesiveness, and viscosity index of 159.69 g, 634.95 g s, -116.33 g, and -501.80 g s, respectively, indicating that the AgN-CA gel was stable.

CONCLUSION

The current study showed that AgN-CA is an effective drug carrier system for the topical administration of C. sinensis extract for the treatment of acne.

Extract of Wheatgrass and Aronia Mixture Ameliorates Atopic Dermatitis-Related Symptoms by Suppressing Inflammatory Response and Oxidative Stress In Vitro and In Vivo

Atopic dermatitis is regulated by the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines via the nuclear factor kappa B or mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathways, as well as, the release of oxidative stress-related factors via the NF-E2 p45-related factor 2 signaling pathway. Both wheatgrass (Triticum aestivum L., TA) and aronia (Aronia melanocarpa, AR) are known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, however, the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of TA and AR (TAAR) mixture extract have not been elucidated in an atopic dermatitis model. In this study, we assessed the inhibitory effects and underlying molecular mechanism of TAAR extract against lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation and tumor necrosis factor-α/interferon-γ-induced inflammation and oxidative stress in vitro. We also investigated the alleviating effect of TAAR extract on DNCB-induced atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions in mice in vivo. We found that TAAR extract treatment inhibited inflammatory mediators in both RAW 264.7 cells and HaCaT cells, and increased the expression of oxidative stress defense enzymes in HaCaT cells. Furthermore, treatment of the DNCB-induced mouse model with TAAR extract ameliorated the overall symptoms of atopic dermatitis. Therefore, TAAR extract as a novel natural therapeutic agent may be used for the treatment of atopic dermatitis.

Anti-Aging, Anti-Acne, and Cytotoxic Activities of Houttuynia cordata Extracts and Phytochemicals Analysis by LC-MS/MS

Although many biological properties of Houttuynia cordata have been found, its anti-aging and anti-acne effects have not yet been investigated. This study was aimed to evaluate the in vitro anti-aging and anti-acne activities of H. cordata extracts and their cytotoxic activities and phytochemicals analyzed with liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Dried aerial parts of H. cordata were given different extractions. The aqueous and ethanolic extracts obtained were named HCA and HCE, respectively, and used to screen total phenolic and flavonoid contents. In vitro anti-aging, skin-related antimicrobial, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), in vitro cytotoxic, and LC-MS/MS analyses were performed. The total phenolic contents of the HCA and HCE were 5.11 ± 0.25 and 27.02 ± 1.07 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g dry extract while their total flavonoid contents were 104.94 ± 5.16 and 571.86 ± 2.86 mg quercetin equivalent (QE)/g dry extract, respectively. The HCA and HCE inhibited the activities of collagenase (28.33–46.00%), elastase (30.00–34.33%), and hyaluronidase (93.87–98.72%). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of the HCA against Cutibacterium acnes DMST14916 were 5.77 and 5.77 mg/mL while those of the HCE were 2.47 and 2.47 mg/mL, respectively. Cell collapses of C. acnes after treatment with the extracts were observed with SEM. The HCE was not toxic to macrophages, keratinocytes, and fibroblasts up to 400 mg/mL. The HCA showed toxicity against macrophages at 62.5 mg/mL and both skin cells at 250 mg/mL. The main phytochemicals in the extracts were identified with LC-MS/MS. Phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and flavonoid derivatives in H. cordata extracts could be major phytochemicals to possess a broad spectrum of biological activities including antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-aging activities. The findings from this study showed that the HCE has potential anti-aging and anti-acne properties while having non-cytotoxic activities on the immune and skin cells. These results indicate that the extract is probably advantageous in the development of skincare cosmeceutics and beauty treatments.

Chlorogenic acid improves food allergy through the AMPK/ACC/CPT-1 pathway

Chlorogenic acid (CGA) is a polyphenol prevalent in daily food and plants. Food allergy (FA) can lead to metabolic disorders of the immune system. The objective of this study was to investigate CGA therapeutic effect on FA and regulatory mechanism through shrimp food allergy in mice models. Here, 24 female BALB/C mice were randomly allocated into the (I) Control group, (II) Food allergy group, (III) Chlorogenic acid low (50 mg/kg), and (IV) high group (200 mg/kg). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay revealed that CGA decreased levels of IgE and IgG induced by food allergy significantly. Real-time PCR demonstrated that high-dose chlorogenic acid significantly reduced Acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) mRNA expression and increased Carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1 (CPT-1) mRNA expression. Western blot indicated that CGA promoted a noticeable increase at the levels of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and ACC phosphorylation, resulting in a significant activation in AMPK and inhibition in ACC, and increased CPT-1 expression. Consequently, CGA improves FA by the regulation of the AMPK/ACC/CPT-1 signaling pathway in the spleen. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Chlorogenic acid is a water-soluble polyphenolic substance that is widely distributed in natural plants that show a variety of pharmacological effects. At present, CGA has been developed as a weigh-reducing tonic in western countries. As one of the most widely found and most easily obtained phenolic acids from food, the diverse physiological effects of CGA (such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, metabolic regulation, intestinal microbial regulation, etc.) imply its potential for application in functional foods, food additives, and clinical medicine. However, the basic molecular mechanisms of its effects have not been elucidated. In this study, CGA reduced allergy in a mouse model, likely by interacting with the AMPK/ACC/CPT-1 pathway.

Fractionation and Extraction Optimization of Potentially Valuable Compounds and Their Profiling in Six Varieties of Two Nicotiana Species

There is an increasingly urgent call to shift industrial processes from fossil fuel feedstock to sustainable bio-based resources. This change becomes of high importance considering new budget requirements for a carbon-neutral economy. Such a transformation can be driven by traditionally used plants that are able to produce large amounts of valuable biologically relevant secondary metabolites. Tobacco plants can play a leading role in providing value-added products in remote areas of the world. In this study, we propose a non-exhaustive list of compounds with potential economic interest that can be sourced from the tobacco plant. In order to optimize extraction methodologies, we first analyzed their physico-chemical properties using rapid solubility tests and high-resolution microfractionation techniques. Next, to identify an optimal extraction for a selected list of compounds, we compared 13 different extraction method-solvent combinations. We proceeded with profiling some of these compounds in a total of six varieties from Nicotiana tabacum and Nicotiana rustica species, identifying the optimal variety for each. The estimated expected yields for each of these compounds demonstrate that tobacco plants can be a superior source of valuable compounds with diverse applications beyond nicotine. Among the most interesting results, we found high variability of anatabine content between species and varieties, ranging from 287 to 1699 µg/g. In addition, we found that CGA (1305 µg/g) and rutin (7910 µg/g) content are orders of magnitude lower in the Burley variety as compared to all others.

Surfactin-oleogel with therapeutic potential for inflammatory acne vulgaris induced by Propionibacterium acnes

Accumulating evidence suggested that suppression of Propionibacterium acnes-induced inflammation was a promising strategy to alleviate acne vulgaris. This study evaluated the alleviating effect of surfactin-oleogel on P. acnes-induced inflammatory acne vulgaris in mice. Epidermis morphology and histopathological examination showed that surfactin-oleogel effectively ameliorated the P. acnes-induced epidermis swelling and erythema. Surfactin-oleogel reduced the epidermis thickness to 48.52% compared to the model control group. The colony of P. acnes in the epidermis was decreased by 1 log CFU/mL after receiving surfactin-oleogel treatment. Furthermore, surfactin-oleogel attenuated oxidative stress in the epidermis by increasing the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase. In addition, the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase, nitric oxide, cyclooxygenase-2, pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g. tumour necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β), and nuclear factor kappa-B in the epidermis were reduced after treating with surfactin-oleogel. Moreover, total cholesterol and free fatty acids were decreased, whereas the treatment of surfactin-oleogel increased triglycerides and linoleic acid content. Besides, immunohistochemical assay and real-time PCR analysis indicated that surfactin-oleogel blocked the TLR2-mediated NF-κB signalling pathways in the epidermis. Consequently, our results demonstrated that surfactin-oleogel had antibacterial and anti-inflammation activities to treat P. acnes-induced inflammatory acne vulgaris.Key points• Surfactin-oleogel effectively relieves inflammation and oxidative stress caused by P. acnes.• Surfactin-oleogel effectively reduced the P. acnes colony.• Surfactin-oleogel relieves P. acnes-induced inflammation by inactivated the TLR-mediated NF-κB.

Impact of chlorogenic acid on modulation of significant genes in dermal fibroblasts and epidermal keratinocytes

Chlorogenic acid is one of the most abundant polyphenols found in human diet. It is well-documented that chlorogenic acid has a significant impact on human cells, especially in the regulation of inflammation and metabolic processes. However, its role in regulating skin functions, especially with respect to the dermal collagen network or epidermal skin barrier, has not yet been elucidated. Here, we report that chlorogenic acid treatment can induce production of procollagen type I in human dermal fibroblast, Hs68 cell lines. Moreover, this treatment can stimulate upregulation of skin barrier genes, including the ones encoding filaggrin (FLG), involucrin (IVL), and envoplakin (EVPL), in epidermal keratinocytes. Chlorogenic acid also triggered a multifaceted response in the cytokine profile of keratinocytes. Therefore, we suggest that chlorogenic acid can be used to restore the impaired dermal matrix network as well as the epidermal skin barrier.