Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Shungite against Ultraviolet B Irradiation-Induced Skin Damage in Hairless Mice

Preventive and Therapeutic Benefits of Natural Ingredients in Photo-Induced Epidermal Dysfunction

BACKGROUND

The skin, particularly the epidermis, is subjected to various external stresses, including ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. UV irradiation, mainly UVB at wavelength of 280-315 nm, can alter several epidermal functions, including cutaneous inflammation, epidermal hyperproliferation, DNA damage, disruption of epidermal permeability barrier and reduction in stratum corneum hydration levels. Because of the negative impacts of UVB irradiation on epidermal functions, great efforts have been made to develop regimens for the protection of alterations in epidermal function induced by UV irradiation.

SUMMARY

While sunscreen can provide physical barrier to UV light, some natural ingredients can also effectively protect the skin from UVB irradiation-induced damages. Studies have demonstrated that either topical or oral administrations of some natural ingredients attenuate UVB irradiation-induced alterations in the epidermal function. The underlying mechanisms by which natural ingredients improve epidermal functions are attributable to antioxidation, stimulation of keratinocyte differentiation, increases in the content of epidermal natural moisturizers and inhibition of inflammation.

KEY MESSAGE

Some natural ingredients exhibit protective and therapeutical benefits in photo-induced epidermal dysfunctions via divergent mechanisms.

Rapamycin protects mouse skin from ultraviolet B-induced photodamage by modulating Hspb2-mediated autophagy and apoptosis

BACKGROUND

Continuous exposure to UVB is the main extrinsic cause of skin photodamage, which is associated with oxidative stress, DNA damage, apoptosis and degradation of collagen. Rapamycin, a mechanistic target inhibitor of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1), has been shown to play a crucial role anti-tumor and aging retardation, but its mechanism of action in UVB-induced photodamage still remains unknown. In this study, we investigated the role of rapamycin and Hspb2 (also known as Hsp27) in UVB-induced photodamage in mice.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We constructed skin acute photodamage models on the ears of WT and Hspb2 KO mice, respectively, and administered rapamycin treatment. Histological results showed that knockout of the hspb2 exacerbated the skin damage, as evidenced by thickening of the epidermis, breakage and disruption of collagen fibers and reduction in their number, which is reversed by rapamycin treatment. In addition, hspb2 knockout promoted UVB-induced apoptosis and reduced autophagy levels, with a significant increase in p53 levels and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, a reduction in LC3II/I ratio and an increase in p62 levels in the KO mice compared to those in WT mice after the same dose of UVB irradiation. Rapamycin was also found to inhibit collagen degradation induced by hspb2 knockdown through activation of the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

Rapamycin can alleviate skin photodamage from Hspb2 knockout to some extent. It may be a potential therapeutic drug for skin photodamage. In this study, we investigated the role of rapamycin and Hspb2 in UVB-induced photodamage in mice. Histological results showed that knockout of the hspb2 exacerbated the skin damage, as evidenced by thickening of the epidermis, breakage and disruption of collagen fibers and reduction in their number, which is reversed by rapamycin treatment. In addition, hspb2 knockout promoted UVB-induced apoptosis and reduced autophagy levels. Rapamycin was also found to inhibit collagen degradation induced by hspb2 knockdown through activation of the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway. We conclude that rapamycin and Hspb2 exert a synergistic protective effect in skin photodamage.

Role of Dietary Inclusion of Phytobiotics and Mineral Adsorbent Combination on Dairy Cows' Milk Production, Nutrient Digestibility, Nitrogen Utilization, and Biochemical Parameters

Our research purpose was to study the effect of the inclusion of a combination of phytobiotics in the form of dry Fucus vesiculosus grits (FG) and a mineral adsorbent from the heat-treated mineral shungite (TMS) on milk productivity, nutrient digestibility, and biochemical parameters of the Suksun dairy cows. A total of 80 dry-hardy cows of the Suksun breed were divided into four groups (20 heads each), balanced primarily by breed, age, body weight, body condition score, and indicators of milk yield for the previous lactation. The selected cows were with an average live body weight of 512.0 ± 1.28 kg, BCS 3.0-3.5, and parities of 6250 kg milk. The control group (CON) were fed the basic ration only; the second (TMS), third (FG), and fourth (TMS + FG) groups were fed the basic ration provided by 50 g of the mineral adsorbent from heat-treated shungite, 100 g of Fucus grits (Fucus vesiculosus), 50 g of the mineral adsorbent from heat-treated shungite, and 100 g of dry grits from Fucus vesiculosus, respectively. The total protein content in milk was significantly higher in the group receiving Fucus vesiculosus by 0.05% and the group receiving a combination of mineral adsorbent and Fucus vesiculosus by 0.03%. The percentage of milk fat content recorded the highest significant value in (TMS) group when compared to the control and represented (4.37 vs. 3.95). The group of cows that received (TMS + FG) revealed a significant difference in the digestibility of both ether extract and crude fiber when compared to the control group and represented (54.74 vs. 51.71 and 60.68 vs. 55.15%), respectively. The cows supplemented with a mineral adsorbent or a combination of mineral adsorbent and Fucus vesiculosus revealed a significant difference in the digestibility of ether extract and crude fiber in the group receiving TMS + FG by 3.0% (p < 0.05) and 5.5% (p < 0.05), respectively. The intake of nitrogen with the diet increased in (FG) and (TMS + FG) groups by 11.3 g (p < 0.05) and 13.4 g (p < 0.05) of nitrogen. There was an increase (p < 0.05) in the concentration of rumen ammonia in the control group compared to the other groups. The glucose content of those cows that received FG and TMS + FG combination increased (p < 0.05) by 0.76 mmol/L and 0.90 mmol/l in relation to the control group. The globulin, albumin/globulin ratio, and the level of triglycerides revealed a significant difference between the different experimental groups. In brief, the inclusion of a combination of phytobiotics in the form of dry Fucus vesiculosus grits and a mineral adsorbent from the heat-treated mineral shungite in Suksun dairy cows' diets improved milk composition, digestibility of nutrients, utilization of nitrogen, and did not cause deleterious effects on blood biochemical indicators.

Nanoantioxidant Materials: Nanoengineering Inspired by Nature

Oxidants are very active compounds that can cause damage to biological systems under specific environmental conditions. One effective way to counterbalance these adverse effects is the use of anti-oxidants. At low concentrations, an antioxidant is defined as a compound that can delay, control, or prevent an oxidative process. Antioxidants exist in plants, soil, and minerals; therefore, nature is a rich source of natural antioxidants, such as tocopherols and polyphenols. In nature, antioxidants perform in tandem with their bio-environment, which may tune their activity and protect them from degradation. In vitro use of antioxidants, i.e., out of their biomatrix, may encounter several drawbacks, such as auto-oxidation and polymerization. Artificial nanoantioxidants can be developed via surface modification of a nanoparticle with an antioxidant that can be either natural or synthetic, directly mimicking a natural antioxidant system. In this direction, state-of-the-art nanotechnology has been extensively incorporated to overcome inherent drawbacks encountered in vitro use of antioxidants, i.e., out of their biomatrix, and facilitate the production and use of antioxidants on a larger scale. Biomimetic nanoengineering has been adopted to optimize bio-medical antioxidant systems to improve stability, control release, enhance targeted administration, and overcome toxicity and biocompatibility issues. Focusing on biotechnological sciences, this review highlights the importance of nanoengineering in developing effective antioxidant structures and comparing the effectiveness of different nanoengineering methods. Additionally, this study gathers and clarifies the different antioxidant mechanisms reported in the literature and provides a clear picture of the existing evaluation methods, which can provide vital insights into bio-medical applications.

Shungite (Mineralized Carbon) as a Promising Electrode Material for Electroanalysis

In this study, two different types of amorphous carbonaceous Precambrian rock, classified as noble elite shungite and black raw shungite, were tested as possible electrode materials of natural origin. Both types were machined into cylindrical shapes to form the corresponding solid electrodes and their physicochemical and electrochemical properties were compared with the standard glassy carbon electrode (GCE). The raw stones were first subjected to microscopic imaging by using scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, both of which indicated significant differences in their morphology and in the content of impurities. An electrode prototype manufactured from noble elite shungite (EShE) with a carbon content of about 94% (w/w) has offered a very satisfactory electrochemical performance with a nearly identical heterogeneous electron-transfer rate constant of 7.8 × 10-3 cm s-1 for ferro/ferricyanide redox couple, a slightly narrower potential range (~2.1 V) and a relatively low double-layer capacitance (of ca. 50 μF), resulting in low background currents comparable to those at the GCE. In contrast, the second electrode based on black raw shungite (BShE) with a carbon content of ca. 63% (w/w) exhibited markedly worse electrochemical properties and more than four times higher double-layer capacitance, both of which were probably due to the presence of poorly conductive impurities. The whole study has been completed with three different examples of electroanalytical applications, revealing that the first type, EShE, is a more suitable material for the preparation of electrodes and may represent a cheap alternative to commercially marketed products.

Skin Health Promoting Effects of Natural Polysaccharides and Their Potential Application in the Cosmetic Industry

Skincare is one of the most profitable product categories today. Consumers’ demand for skin-friendly products has stimulated the development of natural-ingredient-based cosmeceutical preparations over synthetic chemicals. Thus, natural polysaccharides have gained much attention since the promising potent efficacy in wound healing, moisturizing, antiaging, and whitening. The challenge is to raise awareness of polysaccharides with excellent bioactivities from natural sources and consequently incorporate them in novel and safer cosmetics. This review highlights the benefits of natural polysaccharides from plants, algae, and fungi on skin health, and points out some obstacles in the application of natural polysaccharides.

NRF2 in dermatological disorders: Pharmacological activation for protection against cutaneous photodamage and photodermatosis

The skin barrier and its endogenous protective mechanisms cope daily with exogenous stressors, of which ultraviolet radiation (UVR) poses an imminent danger. Although the skin is able to reduce the potential damage, there is a need for comprehensive strategies for protection. This is particularly important when developing pharmacological approaches to protect against photocarcinogenesis. Activation of NRF2 has the potential to provide comprehensive and long-lasting protection due to the upregulation of numerous cytoprotective downstream effector proteins that can counteract the damaging effects of UVR. This is also applicable to photodermatosis conditions that exacerbate the damage caused by UVR. This review describes the alterations caused by UVR in normal skin and photosensitive disorders, and provides evidence to support the development of NRF2 activators as pharmacological treatments. Key natural and synthetic activators with photoprotective properties are summarized. Lastly, the gap in knowledge in research associated with photodermatosis conditions is highlighted.

Fullerenol protects cornea from ultraviolet B exposure

The eyes are highly susceptible to the oxidative stress induced by ultraviolet B (UVB, wavelength between 280 ∼ 320 nm), which could cause severe damage to the cornea. Fullerenols are effective antioxidants to alleviate UVB-induced injury, while their application for the eyes is still rare. In present study, we investigated the protective performance and mechanism of fullerenols on cornea under UVB radiation in vivo and in vitro. The synthesized fullerenols exhibited broad-spectrum free radical scavenging properties (applicable to both reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS)) and photo-stability. When compared with another widely used antioxidant glutathione (GSH), the administration of fullerenols markedly decreased the injured area, corneal edema, cell death, and increased the cell proliferation in UVB-induced rat cornea. The effects of fullerenols were confirmed in UVB-exposed human corneal epithelial cells (hCECs), where elevated cell viability and proliferation, decreased oxidative free radical production, repaired mitochondrial dysfunction and DNA lesions were observed. RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) analysis demonstrated that fullerenol alleviated UVB-induced corneal injury through down-regulation of oxidative stress-related genes and up-regulation of proliferation-associated genes. Our results demonstrate the suitability of fullerenols as a potential exogenous treatment in ameliorating UVB-induced cornea damage.

Oral Supplementation with Z-Isomer-Rich Astaxanthin Inhibits Ultraviolet Light-Induced Skin Damage in Guinea Pigs

The effect of oral supplementation with astaxanthin of different Z-isomer ratios on ultraviolet (UV) light-induced skin damage in guinea pigs was investigated. Astaxanthin with a high Z-isomer content was prepared from the all-E-isomer via thermal isomerization. Intact (all-E)-astaxanthin and the prepared Z-isomer-rich astaxanthin were suspended in soybean oil and fed to guinea pigs for three weeks. The UV-light irradiation was applied to the dorsal skin on the seventh day after the start of the test diet supplementation, and skin parameters, such as elasticity, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and pigmentation (melanin and erythema values), were evaluated. The accumulation of astaxanthin in the dorsal skin was almost the same after consumption of the all-E-isomer-rich astaxanthin diet (E-AST-D; total Z-isomer ratio = 3.2%) and the Z-isomer-rich astaxanthin diet (Z-AST-D; total Z-isomer ratio = 84.4%); however, the total Z-isomer ratio of astaxanthin in the skin was higher in the case of the Z-AST-D supplementation. Both diets inhibited UV light-induced skin-damaging effects, such as the reduction in elasticity and the increase in TEWL level. Between E-AST-D and Z-AST-D, Z-AST-D showed better skin-protective ability against UV-light exposure than E-AST-D, which might be because of the greater UV-light-shielding ability of astaxanthin Z-isomers than the all-E-isomer. Furthermore, supplementation with Z-AST-D resulted in a greater reduction in skin pigmentation caused by astaxanthin accumulation compared to that of E-AST-D. This study indicates that dietary astaxanthin accumulates in the skin and appears to prevent UV light-induced skin damage, and the Z-isomers are more potent oral sunscreen agents than the all-E-isomer.

Hesperetin-Based Hydrogels Protect the Skin against UV Radiation-Induced Damage

UV radiation can cause damages, such as erythema, skin photoaging, and carcinogenesis. The adoption of protective measures against sun exposure is essential to prevent these damages, and the interest in using natural substances as an alternative for photoprotection is growing. Thus, hesperetin with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties is a promising substance to be used with photochemopreventive action and to protect the skin from damage induced by UV radiation. Therefore, the present study aimed to develop a topical formulation based on AAMVPC gel containing hesperetin and evaluate its photoprotective effect on the skin of rats exposed to UVA-UVB radiation. The animals were submitted to the irradiation protocol UVA-UVB, and at the end, erythema, lipid peroxidation, and activity of the antioxidant enzyme catalase and superoxide dismutase were evaluated. Additionally, it evaluated the activity of myeloperoxidase and histological changes. The formulation presented a rheological and spreadability profile suitable for cutaneous application. In vivo results demonstrated that the topical formulation of AAMVPC gel containing hesperetin at a concentration of 10% protected the skin from damage induced by UVA-UVB radiation, with the absence of erythema, lipid lipoperoxidation, and inflammation (low myeloperoxidase activity), and increased catalase and superoxide dismutase activities. The morphology and architecture of the dermo-epidermal tissue of these animals were like those observed under normal conditions (non-irradiated animals). Thus, the results showed that hesperetin was able to protect the animals' skin against UV radiation-induced skin damage and the protection mechanisms may be related to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of this natural product.

HSP27 Protects Skin From Ultraviolet B -Induced Photodamage by Regulating Autophagy and Reactive Oxygen Species Production

Ultraviolet (UV) irradiation has been well documented to be linked with almost all skin problems we know, and both dermis and epidermis may be affected to varying degrees by UV irradiation. Every time when exposed to sunlight without protection, our skin will step closer to photoaging, leading to irreversible consequences ultimately. Heat shock protein 27 (HSP27) is a vital protein involved in cell growth, autophagy, apoptosis, drug resistance, tumor genesis and metastasis. Evidence suggests that the organism is subjected to various internal and external environmental stresses (heat, oxidative stress, organic toxicants, etc.), and HSP27 with high expression has protective function. However, the expression of HSP27 in coping with UV irradiation have not been examined thoroughly. In this study, photodamage models were developed through different doses of UVB irradiation in human epidermal keratinocytes (HEKs) (30 mJ/cm²), human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) (150 mJ/cm²) and mouse skin (2,700 mJ/cm²). HSP27 knockdown decreased cell viability and increased the incidence of UVB-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. We got consistent results in vivo and vitro. Compared with that in the UVB group, the expression of LC3B was significantly lower, while the expression of p62 was significantly higher in the UVB + si-HSP27 group. It was also revealed that HSP27 knockdown reduced the expressions of some antioxidants, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), which accelerated UVB-induced ROS release. Moreover, histological results showed that epidermis was thickened and collagen fibers were disorganized in the UVB + si-HSP27 group. These findings have demonstrated that HSP27 might play a photoprotective role in the UVB-induced skin damage process by maintaining the normal autophagy and antioxidant level. It is implied that HSP27 could be a potential therapeutic target of photodamage. However, determination of the definitive mechanism requires further exploration.

Structural and Functional Changes and Possible Molecular Mechanisms in Aged Skin

Skin aging is a complex process influenced by intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Together, these factors affect the structure and function of the epidermis and dermis. Histologically, aging skin typically shows epidermal atrophy due to decreased cell numbers. The dermis of aged skin shows decreased numbers of mast cells and fibroblasts. Fibroblast senescence contributes to skin aging by secreting a senescence-associated secretory phenotype, which decreases proliferation by impairing the release of essential growth factors and enhancing degradation of the extracellular matrix through activation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Several molecular mechanisms affect skin aging including telomere shortening, oxidative stress and MMP, cytokines, autophagic control, microRNAs, and the microbiome. Accumulating evidence on the molecular mechanisms of skin aging has provided clinicians with a wide range of therapeutic targets for treating aging skin.

Carotenoids from Persimmon (Diospyros kaki Thunb.) Byproducts Exert Photoprotective, Antioxidative and Microbial Anti-Adhesive Effects on HaCaT

Persimmon (Diospyros kaki Thunb.) fruits are a remarkable source of carotenoids, which have shown protective effects against UV radiation in bacteria, fungi, algae, and plants. The aim of this study was to analyze the photoprotection provided by an acetone extract, rich in carotenoids and obtained from byproducts derived from the persimmon juice industry, against UV-induced cell death in the keratinocyte HaCaT cell line. For this purpose, the cytotoxicity and phototoxicity of carotenoid extract, as well as its intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging and anti-adhesive activities towards HaCaT cells, were evaluated. The in vitro permeation test provided information about the permeability of the carotenoid extract. Persimmon extracts, rich in carotenoids (PEC), were absorbed by HaCaT keratinocyte cells, which reduced the UV-induced intracellular ROS production in treated cells. Thus, PEC exerted a photoprotective and regenerative effect on UV-irradiated HaCaT cells, and this protection was UV dose-dependent. No cytotoxic effect was observed in HaCaT cultures at the concentration tested. PEC treatment also stimulated the adhesion capacity of skin microbiome to HaCaT cells, while exhibiting a significant anti-adhesive activity against all tested pathogens. In conclusion, PEC showed potential for use as a functional ingredient in skin-care products.

A Study of the Antioxidant, Cytotoxic Activity and Adsorption Properties of Karelian Shungite by Physicochemical Methods

This study reveals that fossil shungite samples exhibit antioxidant activity, can reduce oxidized components, and bind to free radicals. A sample of Sh20 (size fraction—20 μm) (1.30 mg equivalents of ascorbic acid/g of shungite; 3.46 mg equivalents of trolox/g of shungite; 0.99 mg equivalents of quercetin/g of shungite) had the maximal activity according to the amperometric method. The obtained data indicate that shungite has antioxidant properties, but these are approximately 1000 times less pronounced than those of quercetin. A ShT20 sample (size fraction—20 μm + heat treatment) was found to have the highest antioxidant activity against the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical and cytotoxicity. Further studies, including the optimization of the antioxidant extraction conditions of shungite, and the analysis of the qualitative and quantitative composition of the obtained extracts, are required for a more accurate interpretation of the results. Shungite can be applied as an alternative to activated carbon in water purification, due to its absorption, catalytic, antioxidant, regenerating, and antibacterial properties, as well as its high environmental safety and relatively low cost. It is possible to identify new structural forms of carbon within, and other valuable properties of, shungite substance, which will make it possible to create effective technologies for the practical use of shungite rocks, particularly in the production of fullerenes and other carbon nanoclusters.

The pleiotropic effects of Prunus avium L. extract against oxidative stress on human fibroblasts. An in vitro approach

There is a persistent interest in innovative and multifunctional ingredients in biology research. With regards to this, natural sources have an important role due to their multiple benefits. Thus, this study aims to present the pleiotropic activity of Prunus avium L. extract on human primary fibroblasts for proving its efficacy in dermis-related processes. We focused on the safety and efficacy assessments based on cytotoxicity and gene expression analysis under oxidative stress. Specifically, Prunus avium L. extract was proved non-cytotoxic in human fibroblasts. The gene expression analysis unveiled that this extract has in vitro protective properties on human dermal fibroblasts under oxidative stress related to antioxidant activity, anti-inflammatory response, cell proliferation and cell- aging. Our study demonstrated for the very first time that the Prunus avium L. extract is a multifunctional ingredient as it mediates several human dermis-related in vitro processes highlighting its potential to be used as an active ingredient in skin care products.

In vivo method to evaluate antioxidative activity using UVA-induced carbonylated protein on human skin

BACKGROUND

Skin is continuously exposed to oxidative stress caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced by the ultraviolet (UV) light, and it is important to evaluate the antioxidant activity. Carbonylated proteins (CPs) are candidate markers of oxidative modification as a result from the ROS. We aimed to develop the CP-based method to assess the efficacy of antioxidants in human skin.

METHODS

Ten healthy females were enrolled in the study to determine the UVA dosage for CP production, and another 10 females were included to evaluate the antioxidative activity. The stratum corneum was collected from test skin using D-Squame tape, and CPs from the SC were stained by fluorescence labeling and observed using a fluorescence microscope.

RESULTS

CP level significantly increased with UVA irradiation from 15J/cm² to 50J/cm² compared to the control (non-UVA) area. CP production significantly increased by 34.38% and 35.22% in UVA irradiation and squalene (vehicle) areas. 5% α-tocopherol and β-carotene significantly increased the CP production by 20.77% and 19.34% after 2 hours of 30J of UVA irradiation compared to control area. Inhibition rate of CPs in 5% α-tocopherol and 5% β-carotene showed 41.45% and 45.37% after 2 hours of UVA irradiation.

CONCLUSION

This study developed the simple, visual, and direct in vivo method to evaluate the antioxidative activity for products in human skin by measuring the CP level as an oxidative modification caused by UVA-induced ROS generation.

Effects of mineral complex material treatment on 2,4- dinitrochlorobenzene-induced atopic dermatitis like-skin lesions in mice model

Background

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic allergic inflammatory skin disease characterized by complex pathogenesis including skin barrier dysfunction, immune-redox disturbances, and pruritus. Prolonged topical treatment with medications such as corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors, and T-cell inhibitors may have some potential side-effects. To this end, many researchers have explored numerous alternative therapies using natural products and mineral compounds with antioxidant or immunomodulatory effects to minimize toxicity and adverse-effects. In the current study, we investigated the effects of mineral complex material (MCM) treatment on 2, 4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB)-induced AD-like skin lesions in SKH-1 hairless mice.

Methods

Animals were divided into four groups; normal control (NC), negative control treated with DNCB only (DNCB only), positive control treated with DNCB and tacrolimus ointment (PC) and experimental group treated with DNCB and MCM patch (MCM). Skin inflammation and lesion severity were investigated through analyses of skin parameters (barrier score and strength, moisture and trans-epidermal water loss level), histopathology, immunoglobulin E, and cytokines. In addition, reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitric oxide (NO), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase (CAT) levels were measured in both serum and skin lysate.

Results

Our results demonstrates that MCM patch improved the progression of AD-like skin lesions by significantly increasing skin barrier strength and decreasing trans-epidermal water loss. Additionally, dermal administration of MCM patch significantly reduced epidermal thickness, ROS, and NO levels in skin lysate. Furthermore, we found that MCM suppressed the levels of AD-involved (Th₁ and Th₂) cytokines such as IL-2, IFN-γ, and IL-4 in blood. In addition, the levels of other Th_1, and Th₂ and inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-12(p70) and IL-10 were found lowest in the MCM group than in the DNCB only and PC groups. Moreover, we found total serum IgE level significantly increased after DNCB treatment, but decreased in the PC and MCM groups.

Conclusion

Taken together, our findings suggest that MCM application may have beneficial effects either systemic or regional on DNCB-induced AD lesional skin via regulation of the skin barrier function and immune-redox response.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12906-021-03259-5.

Crop Enhancement of Cucumber Plants under Heat Stress by Shungite Carbon

Heat stress negatively impacts plant growth and yield. The effects of carbon materials on plants in response to abiotic stress and antioxidant activity are poorly understood. In this study, we propose a new method for improving heat tolerance in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) using a natural carbon material, shungite, which can be easily mixed into any soil. We analyzed the phenotype and physiological changes in cucumber plants maintained at 35 °C or 40 °C for 1 week. Our results show that shungite-treated cucumber plants had a healthier phenotype, exhibiting dark green leaves, compared to the plants in the control soil group. Furthermore, in the shungite-treated plants, the monodehydroascorbate content (a marker of oxidative damage) of the leaf was 34% lower than that in the control group. In addition, scavengers against reactive oxygen species, such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, and peroxidase were significantly upregulated. These results indicate that the successive pre-treatment of soil with a low-cost natural carbon material can improve the tolerance of cucumber plants to heat stress, as well as improve the corresponding antioxidant activity.

Effect of fullerene nanoemulsion on the repair of wrinkles induced by UVB radiation: A c57bl6 mice model

INTRODUCTION

The effect of fullerene nanoemulsion on skin wrinkle repair in an animal model was evaluated using ultrasonic images processing.

METHODS

Wrinkles were created in C57BL6 mice during 35 days of UVB radiation. Then, to investigate the therapeutic effect of fullerene nanoemulsions, mice were divided into three groups of control, UVB radiation, and treatment with fullerene nanoemulsion. Stable fullerene nanoemulsions were prepared using shear equalization. The therapeutic effect of fullerene nanoemulsion was investigated by extracting the skin thickness and mechanical parameters. Histology studies were performed to confirm the reliability of the treatment.

RESULTS

A significant decrease was observed in the thickness of the epidermis and dermis layers (43% and 36%), Young modulus (27%), and the shear modulus (20%) of the skin on day 28 of the fullerene nanoemulsion treatment. Skin stiffness obtained by tensiometry on day 28 of the treatment showed a 48% reduction in the treatment group compared with the control group. Histological results confirmed the effect of fullerene nanoemulsions on wrinkle repair.

CONCLUSION

The healing effect of fullerene nanoemulsion in wrinkle repair was confirmed. To study the skin repair, parameters including Young modulus, the shear modulus, and skin layer thickness can be calculated using ultrasonic images processing.

Biomarkers, oxidative stress and autophagy in skin aging

Aging is a major cause of many degenerative diseases. The most intuitive consequence of aging is mainly manifested on the skin, resulting in cumulative changes in skin structure, function and appearance, such as increased wrinkles, laxity, elastosis, telangiectasia, and aberrant pigmentation of the skin. Unlike other organs of the human body, skin is not only inevitably affected by the intrinsic aging process, but also affected by various extrinsic environmental factors to accelerate aging, especially ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Skin aging is a highly complex and not fully understood process, and the lack of universal biomarkers for the definitive detection and evaluation of aging is also a major research challenge. Oxidative stress induced by the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) can lead to lipid, protein, nucleic acid and organelle damage, thus leading to the occurrence of cellular senescence, which is one of the core mechanisms mediating skin aging. Autophagy can maintain cellular homeostasis when faced with different stress conditions and is one of the survival mechanisms of cell resistance to intrinsic and extrinsic stress. Autophagy and aging have many features in common and may be associated with skin aging mediated by different factors. Here, we summarize the changes and biomarkers of skin aging, and discuss the effects of oxidative stress and autophagy on skin aging.

Fatty acid transfer between serum albumins and shungite carbon nanoparticles and its effect on protein aggregation and association

The bioactivity of the natural ultrafine carbon form shungite nanocarbon (ShC) is of particular interest both for biomedical applications of such nanomaterials and their negative impact on the aquatic environmental. Here we studied the interaction of serum albumin (SA) with ShC nanoparticles in aqueous dispersion with respect to its structural-dynamic, thermodynamic, and hydrodynamic effects. Electron spin resonance (EPR) with a 5-DOXYL-stearic acid spin probe (5DSA) demonstrates that ShC can affect fatty acid (FA) binding by SA, protein conformation in the stearic FA spin probe binding region, and protein aggregation due to the partial transfer of FA to the ShC nanoparticles. The ratio of SA fractions changes in the presence of ShC in favor of the fraction that is less saturated with FA as shown by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The stability of interaction with ShC is significantly higher for aggregates of SA molecules that carry physiological amounts of FA, compared to aggregates of the FA-free protein, as studied by dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis. Generally, the mixed dispersion of SA and ShC nanoparticles is more homogeneous than the SA solution alone. This is manifested both in the size of the molecular associates and in the microenvironment of the protein-bound FA. The formation of the SA-ShC interface is likely to result in a greater uniformity of the FA binding sites and a decrease in protein fractions and "hot patches" on the protein surface responsible for the supramolecular heterogeneity of the protein in solution.

Fucoxanthin and Rosmarinic Acid Combination Has Anti-Inflammatory Effects through Regulation of NLRP3 Inflammasome in UVB-Exposed HaCaT Keratinocytes

Excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation is the main risk factor to develop skin pathologies or cancer because it encourages oxidative condition and skin inflammation. In this sense, strategies for its prevention are currently being evaluated. Natural products such as carotenoids or polyphenols, which are abundant in the marine environment, have been used in the prevention of oxidative stress due to their demonstrated antioxidant activities. Nevertheless, the anti-inflammatory activity and its implication in photo-prevention have not been extensively studied. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the combination of fucoxanthin (FX) and rosmarinic acid (RA) on cell viability, apoptosis induction, inflammasome regulation, and anti-oxidative response activation in UVB-irradiated HaCaT keratinocytes. We demonstrated for the first time that the combination of FX and RA (5 µM RA plus 5 μM FX, designated as M2) improved antioxidant and anti-inflammatory profiles in comparison to compounds assayed individually, by reducing UVB-induced apoptosis and the consequent ROS production. Furthermore, the M2 combination modulated the inflammatory response through down-regulation of inflammasome components such as NLRP3, ASC, and Caspase-1, and the interleukin (IL)-1β production. In addition, Nrf2 and HO-1 antioxidant genes expression increased in UVB-exposed HaCaT cells pre-treated with M2. These results suggest that this combination of natural products exerts photo-protective effects by down-regulating NRLP3-inflammasome and increasing Nrf2 signalling pathway.