In the shadow of the wrinkle: experimental models

Clinical evaluation of the safety and efficacy of a timosaponin A-III-based antiwrinkle agent against skin aging

BACKGROUND

Timosaponin A-III (TA-III) is known to exist in the medicinal herb of Anemarrhena asphodeloides as one of major chemical components.

AIMS

The photoprotective properties of TA-III on UVB-exposed HaCaT cells were evaluated on the antiwrinkle effects and skin safety in terms of clinical trial.

METHODS

The level of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMPs), and pro-inflammatory cytokines were measured in HaCaT cells following UVB irradiation. To evaluate the clinical safety of an agent containing 0.25% of TA-III for use on human skin. Female subjects (n = 21) between the ages of 43 and 55 who met the criteria for subject selection were selected. They were beginning to form or had already formed wrinkles.

RESULTS

UVB irradiation increased MMP-1 expression and pro-inflammatory cytokines. These increases were attenuated by TA-III pretreatment of UVB-exposed HaCaT cells. We found that the agent containing 0.25% of TA-III ameliorated skin wrinkling. A comparison between groups showed that wrinkle parameters were significantly reduced after 12 weeks of product use (P < 0.05). According to skin safety result, TA-III showed no dermatological toxicity was found in participants.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, TA-III could provide protection against photoaging and daily application of TA-III for 12 weeks significantly reduced signs of facial aging by limiting wrinkle formation.

Morphologic Changes in the Dermis After the Single Administration of Autologous Fibroblastic Cells: A Preliminary Study

BACKGROUND

Aging is a multifactorial process defined by an accumulation of damage in all tissues and organs, including the skin, throughout the lifespan of an individual. The reduction of both cellular and extracellular matrix components of the dermis during the aging process is followed by the alteration of the morphology of the skin tissue. This study was conducted to assess skin morphology in men before and 3 months after the intradermal injection of autologous fibroblastic cells.

METHODS

Tissue biopsies were surgically obtained before and 3 months after the treatment with autogenously harvested fibroblasts expanded in vitro, as well as after injection of phosphate-buffered saline. The thickness of collagen fiber bundles and number of fibroblasts in the dermis were analyzed in morphometric studies. The morphologic evaluation, using different methods of staining has been performed to analyze of extracellular matrix proteins, including collagen and reticular fibers, fibrillin-1-rich microfibrils, elastic fibers, and hyaluronic acid.

RESULTS

After administration of the cells, we found a noticeable increase in the number of fibroblasts within the dermis, a significant enlargement in diameter of the collagen fiber bundles, and an improvement in the density of reticular fibers, fibrillin-1-rich microfibrils, and elastic fibers compared with the initial, steady-state condition.

CONCLUSIONS

The administration of autogenous fibroblasts could be an effective and safe adjunctive therapy to conventional health care treatment to prevent and reduce the age-related accumulation of dermal tissue damage.

The dynamic anatomy and patterning of skin

The skin is often viewed as a static barrier that protects the body from the outside world. Emphasis on studying the skin's architecture and biomechanics in the context of restoring skin movement and function is often ignored. It is fundamentally important that if skin is to be modelled or developed, we do not only focus on the biology of skin but also aim to understand its mechanical properties and structure in living dynamic tissue. In this review, we describe the architecture of skin and patterning seen in skin as viewed from a surgical perspective and highlight aspects of the microanatomy that have never fully been realized and provide evidence or concepts that support the importance of studying living skin's dynamic behaviour. We highlight how the structure of the skin has evolved to allow the body dynamic form and function, and how injury, disease or ageing results in a dramatic changes to the microarchitecture and changes physical characteristics of skin. Therefore, appreciating the dynamic microanatomy of skin from the deep fascia through to the skin surface is vitally important from a dermatological and surgical perspective. This focus provides an alternative perspective and approach to addressing skin pathologies and skin ageing.

Polycomponent mesotherapy formulations for the treatment of skin aging and improvement of skin quality

Skin aging can largely be attributed to dermal fibroblast dysfunction and a decrease in their biosynthetic activity. Regardless of the underlying causes, aging fibroblasts begin to produce elements of the extracellular matrix in amounts that are insufficient to maintain the youthful appearance of skin. The goal of mesopreparations is primarily to slow down and correct changes in skin due to aging. The rationale for developing complex polycomponent mesopreparations is based on the principle that aging skin needs to be supplied with the various substrates that are key to the adequate functioning of the fibroblast. The quintessential example of a polycomponent formulation – NCTF^® (New Cellular Treatment Factor) – includes vitamins, minerals, amino acids, nucleotides, coenzymes and antioxidants, as well as hyaluronic acid, designed to help fibroblasts function more efficiently by providing a more optimal environment for biochemical processes and energy generation, as well as resisting the effects of oxidative stress. In vitro experiments suggest that there is a significant increase in the synthetic and prophylactic activity of fibroblasts with treated NCTF, and a significant increase in the ability of cells to resist oxidative stress. The current article looks at the rationale behind the development of polycomponent mesopreparations, using NCTF as an example.