Glycosaminoglycans: Sweet as Sugar Targets for Topical Skin Anti-Aging

Design and evaluation of a bilayered dermal/hypodermal 3D model using a biomimetic hydrogel formulation

Due to the limitations of the current skin wound treatments, it is highly valuable to have a wound healing formulation that mimics the extracellular matrix (ECM) and mechanical properties of natural skin tissue. Here, a novel biomimetic hydrogel formulation has been developed based on a mixture of Agarose-Collagen Type I (AC) combined with skin ECM-related components: Dermatan sulfate (DS), Hyaluronic acid (HA), and Elastin (EL) for its application in skin tissue engineering (TE). Different formulations were designed by combining AC hydrogels with DS, HA, and EL. Cell viability, hemocompatibility, physicochemical, mechanical, and wound healing properties were investigated. Finally, a bilayered hydrogel loaded with fibroblasts and mesenchymal stromal cells was developed using the Ag-Col I-DS-HA-EL (ACDHE) formulation. The ACDHE hydrogel displayed the best in vitro results and acceptable physicochemical properties. Also, it behaved mechanically close to human native skin and exhibited good cytocompatibility. Environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) analysis revealed a porous microstructure that allows the maintenance of cell growth and ECM-like structure production. These findings demonstrate the potential of the ACDHE hydrogel formulation for applications such as an injectable hydrogel or a bioink to create cell-laden structures for skin TE.

Extraction, Physicochemical Properties, and In Vitro Antioxidant Activities of Chondroitin Sulfate from Bovine Nose Cartilage

Beef is an important high-nutrition livestock product, and several byproducts, such as bovine cartilage, are produced during slaughter. To effectively utilize these agricultural and pastoral byproducts, combined (trypsin-papain) enzymolysis and cetylpyridine chloride purification methods were used to obtain chondroitin sulfate (CS) from the nasal cartilage of Shaanxi Yellow cattle. The effects of pH, temperature, and time on the CS yield during enzymatic hydrolysis were investigated, and the CS extraction process was optimized using response surface methodology. The best yield of CS was 21.62% under the optimum conditions of pH 6.51, temperature of 64.53°C, and enzymolysis time of 19.86 h. The molecular weight of CS from Shaanxi cattle nasal cartilage was 89.21 kDa, glucuronic acid content was 31.76 ± 0.72%, protein content was 1.12 ± 0.03%, and sulfate group content was 23.34 ± 0.08%. The nasal cartilage CS of the Yellow cattle showed strong DPPH•, •OH, and ABTS+• radical scavenging abilities and ferrous reduction ability in the experimental concentration range. This study could contribute to "turn waste into treasure" and improve the comprehensive utilization of regional characteristic biological resources.

Snail extract for skin: A review of uses, projections, and limitations

BACKGROUND

Snail mucin is becoming increasingly popular for its wide range of ingredients and potential benefits. Snail extract's widespread appearance in cosmetic formulations encourages an investigation into the medical and cosmetic benefits.

AIMS

This study aims to explore current literature on the variety of snail mucin applications. Specifically, we present a review of the uses, global market estimates and projects, and limitations to snail mucin.

METHODS

A literature search was conducted on PubMed reviewing snail mucin and their application in medical and dermatologic fields examining their uses. Economic reports were also investigated for Global Market estimates.

RESULTS

The therapeutic use of snail mucin in medical fields has been studied as antimicrobial agents, drug delivery vehicles, antitumor agents, wound healing agents, and biomaterial coatings among others. Additionally, the use in cosmetic fields includes antiaging, hydrating, anti-acne, scarring, and hyperpigmentation treatments. It is important to highlight that most studies conducted were preclinical or small clinical studies, stressing the need for additional large-scale clinical trials to support these claims. Investigations into the global market found estimates ranging from $457 million to $1.2 billion with upward projections in the upcoming decade. Limitations include ethical habitats for collection, allergy investigation, and missing clinical studies.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings presented here emphasize the expanding uses of snail mucin and its ingredients alongside a growing market cosmetic industry should consider. We also emphasize the need for appropriate clinical trials into the stated benefits of snail mucin to ensure consumer safety and ethical extraction of mucin.

Generalized reporter score-based enrichment analysis for omics data

Enrichment analysis contextualizes biological features in pathways to facilitate a systematic understanding of high-dimensional data and is widely used in biomedical research. The emerging reporter score-based analysis (RSA) method shows more promising sensitivity, as it relies on P-values instead of raw values of features. However, RSA cannot be directly applied to multi-group and longitudinal experimental designs and is often misused due to the lack of a proper tool. Here, we propose the Generalized Reporter Score-based Analysis (GRSA) method for multi-group and longitudinal omics data. A comparison with other popular enrichment analysis methods demonstrated that GRSA had increased sensitivity across multiple benchmark datasets. We applied GRSA to microbiome, transcriptome and metabolome data and discovered new biological insights in omics studies. Finally, we demonstrated the application of GRSA beyond functional enrichment using a taxonomy database. We implemented GRSA in an R package, ReporterScore, integrating with a powerful visualization module and updatable pathway databases, which is available on the Comprehensive R Archive Network (https://cran.r-project.org/web/packages/ReporterScore). We believe that the ReporterScore package will be a valuable asset for broad biomedical research fields.

Electric currents of 448 kHz upregulate anti-senescence pathways in human dermal fibroblasts

BACKGROUND

Currently, finding new therapeutic strategies that reduce skin aging is a challenge for dermatologists and aesthetic doctors. In recent years, physical therapies have been included in the options for antiaging treatments; however, the biological bases of such treatments have scarcely been studied. One of these physical therapies is capacitive-resistive electric transfer (CRET) therapy. Previous studies have shown that subthermal treatment with CRET promotes the proliferation and migration of various cell types involved in skin regeneration, such as human ADSC (stem cells), fibroblasts, or keratinocytes.

OBJECTIVE

This study investigates the effects of in vitro treatment with CRET-Std (standard, non-modulated signal) or CRET-Mod (modulated signal) on cell proliferation and migration, markers of aging, and extracellular matrix production.

METHODS

Three types of human dermal fibroblasts were used: neonatal fibroblasts (HFn), replicative senescent fibroblasts (HFs), and adult fibroblasts (HFa). The effects of electric stimulation on cell proliferation and migration were studied through XTT and wound closure assays, respectively. The expression of the aging marker β-galactosidase was assessed using a colorimetric assay, whereas immunoblot, immunofluorescence, and ELISAs were carried out to analyze the expression levels of migration, aging, and extracellular matrix proteins.

RESULTS

The treatment with CRET-Std increased HFn and HFa proliferation, as well as migration in the three types of fibroblasts studied compared to those of the controls. Conversely, CRET-Mod did not modify either of these two processes with respect to the controls. Additionally, CRET-Std also reduced the cellular senescence markers β-gal, vimentin, p53, and p21 in all three types of human skin fibroblasts. In addition, the application of CRET-Std also induced fibronectin production in HFn and was able to stimulate ECM neocollagenesis.

CONCLUSION

CRET treatment improves a number of functions related to migration and proliferation, and it reduces age-related cellular changes in human dermal fibroblasts. Therefore, the use of this CRET therapy to reduce the signs of dermal aging and to promote tissue regeneration could be of interest.

Skin microbial dysbiosis is a characteristic of systemic drug-related intertriginous and flexural exanthema-like lesions induced by EGFR inhibitor

Objectives

To investigate the characteristics of the skin microbiome in severe afatinib-induced skin toxicity.

Methods

Body site-matched skin surface samples were collected from the lesions on seven flexural sites of one lung cancer (Patient 1) with serious systemic drug-related intertriginous and flexural exanthema (SDRIFE)-like toxicity induced by EGFR-TKI and three healthy age/sex matched controls for whole metagenomics sequencing analysis. Lung cancer Patient 1 and Patient 2 were prescribed minocycline and followed up.

Results

In SDRIFE-like toxicities induced by afatinib, lesion microbiota richness (ACE and Chao1 index: p < 0.001) and diversity (Shannon's and Simpson's diversity indices: p < 0.01) were reduced. Similarly, the beta diversity analysis (R = 1, p = 0.002 for ANOSIM) showed that the apparent difference in the microbiota composition was statistically significant. The microbial taxa composition in the patient showed an increased abundance of pathogenic bacteria and a decreased abundance of commensal bacteria. LEfSe analysis identified strong bacterial pathogenicity in the patient, while healthy controls exhibited enrichment in several pathways that are beneficial for skin commensal bacteria and skin physiology, including key amino acid metabolism, energy/lipid/glycan biosynthesis/metabolism, and cofactors/vitamins biosynthesis. Ultimately, the patients experienced significant improvement with minocycline.

Conclusion

Microbial dysbiosis is a characteristic of severe SDRIFE-like toxicity induced by afatinib.

Recent Advances in Molecularly Imprinted Polymers and Their Disease-Related Applications

Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) and the imprinting technique provide polymeric material with recognition elements similar to natural antibodies. The template of choice (i.e., the antigen) can be almost any type of smaller or larger molecule, protein, or even tissue. There are various formats of MIPs developed for different medical purposes, such as targeting, imaging, assay diagnostics, and biomarker detection. Biologically applied MIPs are widely used and currently developed for medical applications, and targeting the antigen with MIPs can also help in personalized medicine. The synthetic recognition sites of the MIPs can be tailor-made to function as analytics, diagnostics, and drug delivery systems. This review will cover the promising clinical applications of different MIP systems recently developed for disease diagnosis and treatment.

Evaluation of adapted dermocosmetic regimens for perimenopausal and menopausal women using an artificial intelligence-based algorithm and quality of life questionnaires: An open observational study

BACKGROUND

The decline in estrogen levels from several years before (perimenopause) and during menopause has various negative effects, including skin specific issues, which often receive less attention than other menopausal symptoms despite having a significant negative effect on quality of life (QoL). The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of anti-aging dermocosmetic products designed for women during the perimenopause and menopause.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An open study of 101 perimenopausal women (no menstruation for 4-12 months or irregular menstruation for <5 years) and 101 menopausal women (no menstruation for >12 months), not taking hormone replacement therapy, was conducted. Adapted dermocosmetic regimens, specific to each group (day cream, night cream and serum), were applied for 56 days. Assessments included automatic artificial intelligence diagnostics of eight clinical facial signs, hydration and transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and a menopause skin QoL questionnaire.

RESULTS

Mean age was 50 ± 3.9 years (range 41-57) and 59 ± 3.8 years (range 50-66) for the perimenopause and menopause groups, respectively. Significant improvements in wrinkles and vascular signs, increases in hydration, decreases in TEWL, and a positive impact on QoL were observed after 56 days of application of the respective dermocosmetic regimens for both the perimenopause and menopause groups.

CONCLUSION

The anti-aging skin care products designed specifically for perimenopausal and menopausal women increased skin hydration and improved wrinkles with a positive impact on QoL.

Anti-Aging and Depigmentation Effect of a Hyaluronic Acid Mechanically Stabilized Complex on Human Skin Explants

Solar radiation and environmental pollutants are factors that cause changes in the skin that trigger skin aging. The objective of the study is to evaluate the rejuvenating effects of a complex formed by hyaluronic acid supplemented with vitamins, amino acids and oligopeptides in explants of human skin. For this, surplus skin samples have been obtained from donors that have been resected and cultivated on slides with membrane inserts. The complex was administered to some skin explants and the percentage of cells with low, medium and high levels of melanin was evaluated as an indicator of the degree of pigmentation. Other skin segments were irradiated with UVA/UVB, then the product was administered on several slides and the levels of collagen, elastin, sulfated GAG and MMP1 were evaluated. The results show that the administration of the complex significantly reduces the percentage of skin cells with a high melanin content by 16%, and that in skin irradiated with UVA/UVB, there is a decrease in the content of collagen, elastin and sulfate GAGs, and the complex reverses this reduction without changing MMP1 levels. This suggests that the compound has anti-aging and depigmentation effects on the skin, giving a skin rejuvenation appearance.

Skin aging from mechanisms to interventions: focusing on dermal aging

Skin aging is a multifaceted process that involves intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms that lead to various structural and physiological changes in the skin. Intrinsic aging is associated with programmed aging and cellular senescence, which are caused by endogenous oxidative stress and cellular damage. Extrinsic aging is the result of environmental factors, such as ultraviolet (UV) radiation and pollution, and leads to the production of reactive oxygen species, ultimately causing DNA damage and cellular dysfunction. In aged skin, senescent cells accumulate and contribute to the degradation of the extracellular matrix, which further contributes to the aging process. To combat the symptoms of aging, various topical agents and clinical procedures such as chemical peels, injectables, and energy-based devices have been developed. These procedures address different symptoms of aging, but to devise an effective anti-aging treatment protocol, it is essential to thoroughly understand the mechanisms of skin aging. This review provides an overview of the mechanisms of skin aging and their significance in the development of anti-aging treatments.

Marine Natural Products as Innovative Cosmetic Ingredients

Over the course of the last 20 years, numerous studies have identified the benefits of an array of marine natural ingredients for cosmetic purposes, as they present unique characteristics not found in terrestrial organisms. Consequently, several marine-based ingredients and bioactive compounds are under development, used or considered for skin care and cosmetics. Despite the multitude of cosmetics based on marine sources, only a small proportion of their full potential has been exploited. Many cosmetic industries have turned their attention to the sea to obtain innovative marine-derived compounds for cosmetics, but further research is needed to determine and elucidate the benefits. This review gathers information on the main biological targets for cosmetic ingredients, different classes of marine natural products of interest for cosmetic applications, and the organisms from which such products can be sourced. Although organisms from different phyla present different and varied bioactivities, the algae phylum seems to be the most promising for cosmetic applications, presenting compounds of many classes. In fact, some of these compounds present higher bioactivities than their commercialized counterparts, demonstrating the potential presented by marine-derived compounds for cosmetic applications (i.e., Mycosporine-like amino acids and terpenoids’ antioxidant activity). This review also summarizes the major challenges and opportunities faced by marine-derived cosmetic ingredients to successfully reach the market. As a future perspective, we consider that fruitful cooperation among academics and cosmetic industries could lead to a more sustainable market through responsible sourcing of ingredients, implementing ecological manufacturing processes, and experimenting with inventive recycling and reuse programs.

A Novel Hyaluronic Acid Matrix Ingredient with Regenerative, Anti-Aging and Antioxidant Capacity

Hyaluronic acid (HA) and proteoglycans (such as dermatan sulphate (DS) and chondroitin sulphate (CS)) are the main components of the extracellular matrix of the skin, along with collagen and elastin. These components decrease with age, which implies a loss of skin moisture causing wrinkles, sagging and aging. Currently, the external and internal administration of effective ingredients that can reach the epidermis and dermis is the main alternative for combating skin aging. The objective of this work was to extract, characterise and evaluate the potential of an HA matrix ingredient to support anti-aging. The HA matrix was isolated and purified from rooster comb and characterised physicochemically and molecularly. In addition, its regenerative, anti-aging and antioxidant potential and intestinal absorption were evaluated. The results show that the HA matrix is composed of 67% HA, with an average molecular weight of 1.3 MDa; 12% sulphated glycosaminoglycans, including DS and CS; 17% protein, including collagen (10.4%); and water. The in vitro evaluation of the HA matrix's biological activity showed regenerative properties in both fibroblasts and keratinocytes, as well as moisturising, anti-aging and antioxidant effects. Furthermore, the results suggest that the HA matrix could be absorbed in the intestine, implying a potential oral as well as topical use for skin care, either as an ingredient in a nutraceutical or a cosmetic product.

Therapeutic applications of electrospun nanofibers impregnated with various biological macromolecules for effective wound healing strategy - A review

A Non-healing infected wound is an ever-growing global epidemic, with increasing burden of mortality rates and management costs. The problems of chronic wound infections and their outcomes will continue as long as their underlying causes like diabetic wounds grow and spread. Commercial wound therapies employed have limited potential that inhibits pivotal functions and tissue re-epithelialization properties resulting in wound infections. Nanomaterial based drug delivery formulations involving biological macromolecules are developing areas of interest in wound healing applications which are utilized in the re-epithelialization of skin with cost-effective preparations. Research conducted on nanofibers has shown enhanced skin establishment with improved cell proliferation and growth and delivery of bioactive organic molecules at the wound site. However, drug targeted delivery with anti-scarring properties and tissue regeneration aspects have not been updated and discussed in the case of macromolecule impregnated nanofibrous mats. Hence, this review focuses on the brief concepts of wound healing and wound management, therapeutic commercialized wound dressings currently available in the field of wound care, effective electrospun nanofibers impregnated with different biological macromolecules and advancement of nanomaterials for tissue engineering have been discussed. These new findings will pave the way for producing anti-scarring high effective wound scaffolds for drug delivery.

Polymeric Gel Scaffolds and Biomimetic Environments for Wound Healing

Infected wounds that do not heal are a worldwide problem that is worsening, with more people dying and more money being spent on care. For any disease to be managed effectively, its root cause must be addressed. Effective wound care becomes a bigger problem when various traditional wound healing methods and products may not only fail to promote good healing. Still, it may also hinder the healing process, causing wounds to stay open longer. Progress in tissue regeneration has led to developing three-dimensional scaffolds (3D) or constructs that can be leveraged to facilitate cell growth and regeneration while preventing infection and accelerating wound healing. Tissue regeneration uses natural and fabricated biomaterials that encourage the growth of tissues or organs. Even though the clinical need is urgent, the demand for polymer-based therapeutic techniques for skin tissue abnormalities has grown quickly. Hydrogel scaffolds have become one of the most imperative 3D cross-linked scaffolds for tissue regeneration because they can hold water perfectly and are porous, biocompatible, biodegradable, and biomimetic. For damaged organs or tissues to heal well, the porosity topography of the natural extracellular matrix (ECM) should be imitated. This review details the scaffolds that heal wounds and helps skin tissue to develop. After a brief overview of the bioactive and drug-loaded polymeric hydrogels, the discussion moves on to how the scaffolds are made and what they are made of. It highlights the present uses of in vitro and in-vivo employed biomimetic scaffolds. The prospects of how well bioactiveloaded hydrogels heal wounds and how nanotechnology assists in healing and regeneration have been discussed.

Skin Ageing: A Progressive, Multi-Factorial Condition Demanding an Integrated, Multilayer-Targeted Remedy

Of the human organs, skin is the most visible one that displays the manifestations of ageing. It has a very intricate microanatomical structure and performs several key physiological functions. The pathophysiology of cutaneous ageing is characterized by deterioration of structural stability and functional integrity, implying a continuous reduction in maximal function and reserve capacity, as a result of the accumulating damage due to both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Elimination of unfavorable expressions associated with facial and cutaneous ageing is the key patient demand in aesthetic dermatology. Even though the progress has been made in nonsurgical therapies like fillers and lasers, non-invasive interventions by using skin care products designed for rejuvenation at an early stage are the most popular and accessible solution among people. In this review, we have scrutinized the ageing-associated cutaneous changes at molecular, cellular and tissue levels. To optimize the ageing process towards a healthy skin, we propose an integrated, multilayer-targeted intervention, which involves both topical application of anti-ageing formulations from outside and oral supplementation from inside. Additionally, several promising naturally derived ingredients are reviewed from an anti-aging perspective. Most of them possess various bioactivities and may contribute to the development of the mentioned anti-ageing remedy.

Overview on Adjunct Ingredients Used in Hydroxyapatite-Based Oral Care Products

Hydroxyapatite, Ca₅(PO₄)₃(OH), is a biomimetic active ingredient, which is used in commercial oral care products such as toothpastes and mouthwashes worldwide. Clinical studies (in vivo) as well as in situ and in vitro studies have shown the preventive effects of hydroxyapatite in various field of oral care. In some products, hydroxyapatite is combined with other active ingredients, to achieve an additional antibacterial effect or to promote gum health. This review analyzes the efficacy of six selected natural and nature-inspired ingredients that are commonly used together with hydroxyapatite. These additional actives are either antibacterial (lactoferrin, xylitol, and zinc) or promote gum health (allantoin, bisabolol, and hyaluronic acid). A systematic literature search was performed, and all studies found on each ingredient were analyzed. In summary, all analyzed ingredients mentioned in this review are well described in scientific studies on their beneficial effect for oral health and can be used to expand the preventive effect of hydroxyapatite in oral care products.

Glycoconjugates: Synthesis, Functional Studies, and Therapeutic Developments

Glycoconjugates are major constituents of mammalian cells that are formed via covalent conjugation of carbohydrates to other biomolecules like proteins and lipids and often expressed on the cell surfaces. Among the three major classes of glycoconjugates, proteoglycans and glycoproteins contain glycans linked to the protein backbone via amino acid residues such as Asn for N-linked glycans and Ser/Thr for O-linked glycans. In glycolipids, glycans are linked to a lipid component such as glycerol, polyisoprenyl pyrophosphate, fatty acid ester, or sphingolipid. Recently, glycoconjugates have become better structurally defined and biosynthetically understood, especially those associated with human diseases, and are accessible to new drug, diagnostic, and therapeutic developments. This review describes the status and new advances in the biological study and therapeutic applications of natural and synthetic glycoconjugates, including proteoglycans, glycoproteins, and glycolipids. The scope, limitations, and novel methodologies in the synthesis and clinical development of glycoconjugates including vaccines, glyco-remodeled antibodies, glycan-based adjuvants, glycan-specific receptor-mediated drug delivery platforms, etc., and their future prospectus are discussed.

Stiffness Variation of 3D Collagen Networks by Surface Functionalization of Network Fibrils with Sulfonated Polymers

Fibrillar collagen is the most prominent protein in the mammalian extracellular matrix. Therefore, it is also widely used for cell culture research and clinical therapy as a biomimetic 3D scaffold. Charged biopolymers, such as sulfated glycosaminoglycans, occur in vivo in close contact with collagen fibrils, affecting many functional properties such as mechanics and binding of growth factors. For in vitro application, the functions of sulfated biopolymer decorations of fibrillar collagen materials are hardly understood. Herein, we report new results on the stiffness dependence of 3D collagen I networks by surface functionalization of the network fibrils with synthetic sulfonated polymers, namely, poly(styrene sulfonate) (PSS) and poly(vinyl sulfonate) (PVS). A non-monotonic stiffness dependence on the amount of adsorbed polymer was found for both polymers. The stiffness dependence correlated to a transition from mono- to multilayer adsorption of sulfonated polymers on the fibrils, which was most prominent for PVS. PVS mono- and multilayers caused a network stiffness change by a factor of 0.3 and 2, respectively. A charge-dependent weakening of intrafibrillar salt bridges by the adsorbed sulfonated polymers leading to fibrillar softening is discussed as the mechanism for the stiffness decrease in the monolayer regime. In contrast, multilayer adsorption can be assumed to induce interfibrillar bridging and an increase in network stiffness. Our in vitro results have a strong implication on in vivo characteristics of fibrillar collagen I, as sulfated glycosaminoglycans frequently attach to collagen fibrils in various tissues, calling for an up to now overlooked impact on matrix and tendon mechanics.