Tectorigenin, a Flavonoid-Based Compound of Leopard Lily Rhizome, Attenuates UV-B-Induced Apoptosis and Collagen Degradation by Inhibiting Oxidative Stress in Human Keratinocytes

Use of Guazuma ulmifolia Lam. Stem Bark Extracts to Prevent High-Fat Diet Induced Metabolic Disorders in Mice

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of supplementation with ethanolic and aqueous extracts from the bark of the stem of Guazuma ulmifolia in mice submitted to a high-fat diet as well as to evaluate the chemical composition of these extracts. The chemical composition and antioxidant potential was evaluated in aqueous and ethanolic extracts of the stem bark. The in vivo test consisted of evaluating the effects of the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of the stem bark on C57BL/6 mice receiving a high-fat diet. The animals were evaluated for weight gain, feed consumption, visceral adiposity, serum, and inflammatory and hormonal parameters. The results of the chemical analyses corroborate those obtained by the literature, which reported gallocatechin, epigallocatechin and epigallocatechin gallate. Compared with the ethanolic extract, the aqueous extract showed greater antioxidant capacity. Both extracts resulted in lower feed consumption in the animals, but they did not influence weight gain or visceral adiposity and resulted in varied changes in the lipid profile. In addition, they did not influence glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity, or fasting blood glucose. Furthermore, the leptin levels increased, which may have contributed to satiety, but this was shown to have a negative impact on other inflammatory and hormonal parameters. Therefore, under the conditions of this study, the biologically active compounds present in the plant species Guazuma ulmifolia were not able to contribute to the treatment of metabolic changes related to the consumption of a high-fat diet.

Myconoside and Calceolarioside E Restrain UV-Induced Skin Photoaging by Activating NRF2-Mediated Defense Mechanisms

Chronic and excessive ultraviolet (UVA/UVB) irradiation exposure is known as a major contributor to premature skin aging, which leads to excessive reactive oxygen species generation, disturbed extracellular matrix homeostasis, DNA damage, and chronic inflammation. Sunscreen products are the major preventive option against UVR-induced photodamage, mostly counteracting the acute skin effects and only mildly counteracting accelerated aging. Therefore, novel anti-photoaging and photopreventive compounds are a subject of increased scientific interest. Our previous investigations revealed that the endemic plant Haberlea rhodopensis Friv. (HRE) activates the antioxidant defense through an NRF2-mediated mechanism in neutrophiles. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the photoprotective potential of HRE and two of its specialized compounds-the phenylethanoid glycosides myconoside (MYC) and calceolarioside E (CAL)-in UVA/UVB-stimulated human keratinocytes in an in vitro model of photoaging. The obtained data demonstrated that the application of HRE, MYC, and CAL significantly reduced intracellular ROS formation in UVR-exposed HaCaT cells. The NRF2/PGC-1α and TGF-1β/Smad/Wnt signaling pathways were pointed out as having a critical role in the observed CAL- and MYC-induced photoprotective effect. Collectively, CAL is worth further evaluation as a potent natural NRF2 activator and a promising photoprotective agent that leads to the prevention of UVA/UVB-induced premature skin aging.

The Promising Role of Polyphenols in Skin Disorders

The biochemical characteristics of polyphenols contribute to their numerous advantageous impacts on human health. The existing research suggests that plant phenolics, whether consumed orally or applied directly to the skin, can be beneficial in alleviating symptoms and avoiding the development of many skin disorders. Phenolic compounds, which are both harmless and naturally present, exhibit significant potential in terms of counteracting the effects of skin damage, aging, diseases, wounds, and burns. Moreover, polyphenols play a preventive role and possess the ability to delay the progression of several skin disorders, ranging from small and discomforting to severe and potentially life-threatening ones. This article provides a concise overview of recent research on the potential therapeutic application of polyphenols for skin conditions. It specifically highlights studies that have investigated clinical trials and the use of polyphenol-based nanoformulations for the treatment of different skin ailments.

Nutraceutical Potential of Grape (Vitis vinifera L.) Seed Oil in Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, Obesity and Metabolic Alterations

Vitis vinifera L. (grapevine) is a perennial plant of the Vitaceae family that is widely used to produce grapes and wines. Grape seed oil is rich in fatty acids such as linoleic acid (65-75%), vitamin E (50 mg), and phytosterols in addition to phenolic compounds, such as catechins (414 mg), epicatechins (130.4 mg), and gallic acid (77 µg), shows promise as a nutritional compound and is outstanding as a therapeutic substance with active properties for health, detected mainly by in vitro studies, as well as some in vivo studies. The benefits of consuming this oil include modulating the expression of antioxidant enzymes, anti-atherosclerotic and anti-inflammatory effects, and protection against oxidative cell damage and some types of cancer. However, experimental findings confirm that therapeutic functions remain scarce; thus, more studies are needed to determine the mechanisms of action involved in the indicated therapeutic qualities.

Extremophilic Solutions: The Role of Deinoxanthin in Counteracting UV-Induced Skin Harm

This research delved into the protective capacities of deinoxanthin, a carotenoid present in Deinococcus radiodurans, against UVA- and UVB-mediated skin damage using human fibroblast foreskin cells (HFF-1). Using the MTT assay, HFF-1 cells treated with 10 µM DNX displayed 20% and 31.7% higher viability than the positive (Vitamin C-treated) and negative (DNX-untreated) control groups, respectively, upon 100 mJ/cm2 UVB exposure. At 24 J/cm2 UVA, 20 µM DNX-treated cells showed 80.6% viability, exceeding the positive and negative control groups by 28.6% and 33.6%, respectively. Flow cytometry analysis revealed that cells treated with DNX and exposed to 24 J/cm2 UVA exhibited a 69.32% reduction in apoptotic processes compared to untreated cells. Similarly, when exposed to 100 mJ/cm2 UVB, DNX-treated cells demonstrated a 72.35% decrease in apoptotic processes relative to their untreated counterparts. DNX also displayed dose-dependent inhibition on tyrosinase activity. The study emphasized DNX's antioxidative capacity, evident in its modulation of superoxide dismutase activity and measurements of Malondialdehyde and intracellular reactive oxygen species levels. DNX-treated cells exhibited higher hydroxyproline levels, suggesting healthier collagen production. Additionally, the wound-healing assay method confirmed an accelerated healing rate in DNX-treated cells. Conclusively, DNX offers significant protection against UV-induced skin damage, emphasizing its potential for skincare and therapeutics.

The Effects of Flavonol and Flavone Glucuronides from Potentilla chinensis Leaves on TNF-α-Exposed Normal Human Dermal Fibroblasts

Skin aging is a complex biological process influenced by a variety of factors, including UV radiation. UV radiation accelerates collagen degradation via the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cytokines, including TNF-α. In a prior investigation, the inhibitory properties of flavonol and flavone glucuronides derived from Potentilla chinensis on TNF-α-induced ROS and MMP-1 production were explored. Consequently, we verified the skin-protective effects of these flavonol and flavone glucuronides, including potentilloside A, from P. chinensis, and conducted a structure-activity relationship analysis as part of our ongoing research. We investigated the protective effects of the extract and its 11 isolates on TNF-α-stimulated normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDFs). Ten flavonol and flavone glucuronides significantly inhibited ROS generation (except for 7) and suppressed MMP-1 secretion, except for 2. In contrast, six isolates (1, 5, 6, 11, 9, 10, and 11) showed a significant reverse effect on COLIA1 secretion. Comparing the three experimental results of each isolate, potentilloside A (1) showed the most potent skin cell-protective effect among the isolates. Evaluation of the signaling pathway of potentilloside A in TNF-α-stimulated NHDF revealed that potentilloside A inhibits the phosphorylation of ERK, JNK, and c-Jun. Taken together, these results suggest that compounds isolated from P. chinensis, especially potentilloside A, can be used to inhibit skin damage, including aging.

Rg3-loaded P407/CS/HA hydrogel inhibits UVB-induced oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis in HaCaT cells

UVB radiation can damage human skin, whereas Ginsenoside Rg3, the active ingredient in red ginseng that is processed from ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer), could inhibit UVB induced cell damage through anti-oxidation. Meanwhile, P407/CS/HA hydrogel has significant biomedical applications as carriers of drugs. However, the beneficial effects of Rg3-loaded hydrogel (Rg3-Gel) on human HaCaT keratinocytes induced by UVB have rarely been reported. In our study, Rg3 was loaded into hydrogel and the effect of Rg3-Gel against UVB‑induced Hacat cells damages was determined by measuring its ability to alleviate UVB‑induced elevation of oxidative stress, pro-inflammatory and apoptotic response. We found that the treatment with Rg3-Gel inhibited the generation of intracellular ROS and MDA and upregulated the expression of antioxidant enzymes SOD and GSH-Px which were inhibited by UVB exposure. Increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF‑α, COX‑2, iNOS and IL‑1β following UVB irradiation were suppressed by the introduction of Rg3-Gel. Additionally, the level of Bcl-2 was decreased and the expression of Bax and Caspase3 were enhanced by Rg3-Gel treatment. In conclusion, Rg3-Gel equipped with the synergistic effect of Rg3 and hydrogel has an effective inhibitory effect on UVB-induced oxidative stress, inflammatory and apoptosis.

Tectorigenin: A Review of Its Sources, Pharmacology, Toxicity, and Pharmacokinetics

Tectorigenin is a well-known natural flavonoid aglycone and an active component that exists in numerous plants. Growing evidence suggests that tectorigenin has multiple pharmacological effects, such as anticancer, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, antimicrobial, cardioprotective, and neuroprotective. These pharmacological properties provide the basis for the treatment of many kinds of illnesses, including several types of cancer, diabetes, hepatic fibrosis, osteoarthritis, Alzheimer's disease, etc. The purpose of this paper is to provide a comprehensive summary and review of the sources, extraction and synthesis, pharmacological effects, toxicity, pharmacokinetics, and delivery strategy aspects of tectorigenin. Tectorigenin may exert certain cytotoxicity, which is related to the administration time and concentration. Pharmacokinetic studies have demonstrated that the main metabolic pathways in rats for tectorigenin are glucuronidation, sulfation, demethylation and methoxylation, but that it exhibits poor bioavailability. From our perspective, further research on tectorigenin should cover: exploring the pharmacological targets and mechanisms of action; finding an appropriate concentration to balance pharmacological effects and toxicity; attempting diversified delivery strategies to improve the bioavailability; and structural modification to obtain tectorigenin derivatives with higher pharmacological activity.

The PI3K-Akt-mTOR and Associated Signaling Pathways as Molecular Drivers of Immune-Mediated Inflammatory Skin Diseases: Update on Therapeutic Strategy Using Natural and Synthetic Compounds

The dysregulated phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)-Akt-mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway has been implicated in various immune-mediated inflammatory and hyperproliferative dermatoses such as acne, atopic dermatitis, alopecia, psoriasis, wounds, and vitiligo, and is associated with poor treatment outcomes. Improved comprehension of the consequences of the dysregulated PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway in patients with inflammatory dermatoses has resulted in the development of novel therapeutic approaches. Nonetheless, more studies are necessary to validate the regulatory role of this pathway and to create more effective preventive and treatment methods for a wide range of inflammatory skin diseases. Several studies have revealed that certain natural products and synthetic compounds can obstruct the expression/activity of PI3K/Akt/mTOR, underscoring their potential in managing common and persistent skin inflammatory disorders. This review summarizes recent advances in understanding the role of the activated PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway and associated components in immune-mediated inflammatory dermatoses and discusses the potential of bioactive natural products, synthetic scaffolds, and biologic agents in their prevention and treatment. However, further research is necessary to validate the regulatory role of this pathway and develop more effective therapies for inflammatory skin disorders.

Succinoglycan riclin relieves UVB-induced skin injury with anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties

Excessive UVB exposure increases the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which causes oxidative damage and epidermal inflammation. Previous studies have identified that the succinoglycan riclin has potent anti-inflammatory properties. The current study aims to investigate whether riclin protects against UVB-induced photodamage. In vitro, riclin demonstrated excellent moisture-preserving properties, along with antioxidant potential by scavenging superoxide anions, hydroxyl and DPPH radicals. Riclin increased Col1α1 and Col3α1 expression in NIH3T3 cells, inhibited oxidation and melanin synthesis by B16F10 cells upon UVB irradiation. In vivo, topical application of riclin effectively attenuated UVB-induced skin damage in C57BL6 mice, which was characterized by erythema, epidermal hyperplasia, hydroxyproline loss and ROS production in skin tissue. Riclin suppressed skin inflammation by the elevation of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-β, and alleviated UVB-induced immune cell up-regulation. Moreover, treatment with a Dectin-1 inhibitor reversed the protective effect of riclin in THP-1 cells.

Oriental traditional herbal Medicine--Puerariae Flos: A systematic review

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Pueraria Flos (PF), a traditional herbal medicine, is botanically from the dried flowers of Pueraria lobate (Willd.) Ohwi. (Chinese: ) or Pueraria thomsonii Benth. (Chinese: ). It has a long history of thousands of years in China for awakening the spleen, clearing the lungs, relieving alcohol.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

This review aims to report the up-to-date research progress in ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology, metabolism and therapeutic application of PF, so as to provide a strong basis for future clinical treatment and scientific research.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Relevant information on PF was collected from scientific literature databases including PubMed, CNKI and other literature sources (Ph.D. and M.Sc. dissertations and Chinese herbal classic books) by using the keyword "Puerariae".

RESULTS

Briefly, phytochemical research report has isolated 39 flavonoids, 19 saponins and 25 volatile oils from PF. Flavonoids and saponins are the most important bioactive compounds, and most of the quality control studies focus on these two types of compounds. Modern pharmacological studies have revealed their significant biological activities in relieving alcoholism, hepatoprotective, anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidation, which provides theoretical support for the traditional use.

CONCLUSIONS

Comprehensive analysis showed that pharmacological activity of most purified compounds from PF had not been reported. Kakkalide, tectoridin and their deglycosylated metabolites (irisolidone and tectorigenin) has been focused on excessively due to their higher content and better activities. This leads to low development and resources waste. Interestingly, PF made a breakthrough in the field of food. Many kinds of fat-lowering foods such as PILLBOX Onaka have been popular in Japan market, which received extensive attention. Therefore, we suggest that future research can be paid attention on the development of the plant's function in the field of food and medicine, as well as the transformation from experimental to clinical.

Tectorigenin inhibits inflammation in keratinocytes by inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome regulated by the TLR4/NF-κB pathway

BACKGROUND

Psoriasis is a prevalent inflammatory skin disease characterized by excessive proliferation and abnormal differentiation of keratinocytes, and infiltration of inflammatory cells into the epidermis. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Tectorigenin is an active ingredient in traditional medicines and has anti-inflammatory activity. This research explored the effects of tectorigenin on the anti-inflammatory property, autophagy, and the underlying mechanisms in M5 ([IL-22, IL-17A, oncostatin M, IL-1α, and TNF-α])-stimulated HaCaT cells.

METHODS

The in vitro model of mixed M5 cytokines-stimulated HaCaT keratinocytes was established to investigate the phenotypic features in psoriasis. Cell viability was assessed by MTT (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay, cell proliferative rate by EdU (5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine) assay, and autophagy was detected by immunofluorescence staining. After M5 exposure, the proliferative rate, protein expression of autophagy, and signaling activities of NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome and toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) were measured. The latter were quantitated using quantitative PCR and western blot, respectively. The inflammatory response was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

RESULTS

Tectorigenin exerted a protective effect in ameliorating the hyperproliferation and inflammation of HaCaT keratinocytes induced by M5 cytokines. Furthermore, tectorigenin on keratinocytes seemed to inactivate NLRP3 inflammasome and inhibit cell proliferation and inflammation response via suppression of TLR4/NF-κB pathway.

CONCLUSION

This study proves that tectorigenin may be a potential therapeutic candidate for psoriasis treatment in future.

Astrocytes Reduce Store-Operated Ca2+ Entry in Microglia under the Conditions of an Inflammatory Stimulus and Muscarinic Receptor Blockade

Inflammation and loss of cholinergic transmission are involved in neurodegenerative diseases, but possible interactions between them within neurons, astrocytes, and microglia have not yet been investigated. We aimed to compare store-operated Ca²⁺ entry (SOCE) in neurons, astrocytes, and microglia following cholinergic dysfunction in combination with (or without) an inflammatory stimulus and to investigate the effects of linalyl acetate (LA) on this process. We used the SH-SY5Y, U373, and BV2 cell lines related to neurons, astrocytes, and microglia, respectively. Scopolamine or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was used to antagonize the muscarinic receptors or induce inflammatory responses, respectively. The concentration of intracellular Ca²⁺ was measured using Fura-2 AM. Treatment with scopolamine and LPS significantly increased SOCE in the neuron-like cells and microglia but not in the scopolamine-pretreated astrocytes. LA significantly reduced SOCE in the scopolamine-pretreated neuron-like cells and microglia exposed to LPS, which was partially inhibited by the Na⁺-K⁺ ATPase inhibitor ouabain and the Na⁺/Ca²⁺ exchanger (NCX) inhibitor Ni²⁺. Notably, SOCE was significantly reduced in the LPS plus scopolamine-pretreated cells mixed with astrocytes and microglia, with a two-fold increase in the applied number of astrocytes. LA may be useful in protecting neurons and microglia by reducing elevated SOCE that is induced by inflammatory responses and inhibiting the muscarinic receptors via Na⁺-K⁺ ATPase and the forward mode of NCX. Astrocytes may protect microglia by reducing increased SOCE under the conditions of inflammation and a muscarinic receptor blockade.

Differences in Antioxidant Potential of Allium cepa Husk of Red, Yellow, and White Varieties

The effective management of agro-industry organic waste for developing high-commercial-value products is a promising facet of the circular economy. Annually, more than 550,000 tons of waste that is potentially rich in biologically active substances is generated worldwide while processing onions (Allium cepa L.). The antioxidant potential of red, yellow, and white onion husks was studied using FRAP, ORAC, chemiluminescence, and UPLC-ESI-Q-TOF-MS analysis methods. The extraction of phenolic compounds from onion husks was more effective when using an aqueous solution of 70% ethanol as compared with water. Ethanolic extract from red onion husks exhibited the highest TAC_ORAC and TAC_FRAP values, averaging 2017.34 µmol-equiv. Trolox/g raw material and 2050.23 µmol-equiv. DQ/g raw material, respectively, while the white onion exhibited much lower levels of antioxidants. According to the chemiluminescence results, it was determined that the red and yellow onion husks contained antioxidants of three types of power, while white onion husks only contained medium and weak types. The highest content of flavonoids was found in red onion husks, averaging 1915.90 ± 9.92 µg-eq. DQ/g of raw material and 321.42 ± 2.61 µg-eq. DQ/g of raw material for ethanol and water, respectively, while yellow onion husks exhibited 544.06 ± 2.73 µg-eq. DQ/g of raw material and 89.41 ± 2.08 for ethanol and water, respectively. Quercetin and its glycosides were the most representative flavonoids, and a number of substances with different pharmacological and biological properties were also identified.

Long-chain fatty acid acylated derivatives of isoflavone glycosides from the rhizomes of Iris domestica

Six undescribed long-chain fatty acid esters of isoflavone glycosides were obtained from the rhizomes of Iris domestica (L.). Their structures were elucidated by comprehensive spectroscopic data, alkaline hydrolysis, and acid hydrolysis. This is the first report of the long-chain (C₁₄-C₁₈) fatty acid derivatives of isoflavone glycosides from natural products. Belamcandnoate B and D exhibited moderate cytotoxic activities against HCT-116, HepG2, and BGC823 cell lines with IC₅₀ values of 1.69-6.86 μM. Belamcandnoate B and E exhibited 72.27 and 58.98% inhibitory activities, respectively, against Fe²⁺/cysteine-induced liver microsomal lipid peroxidation at a concentration of 10 μM.

Bcl-2 Modulation in p53 Signaling Pathway by Flavonoids: A Potential Strategy towards the Treatment of Cancer

Cancer is a major cause of death, affecting human life in both developed and developing countries. Numerous antitumor agents exist but their toxicity and low efficacy limits their utility. Furthermore, the complex pathophysiological mechanisms of cancer, serious side effects and poor prognosis restrict the administration of available cancer therapies. Thus, developing novel therapeutic agents are required towards a simultaneous targeting of major dysregulated signaling mediators in cancer etiology, while possessing lower side effects. In this line, the plant kingdom is introduced as a rich source of active phytochemicals. The secondary metabolites produced by plants could potentially regulate several dysregulated pathways in cancer. Among the secondary metabolites, flavonoids are hopeful phytochemicals with established biological activities and minimal side effects. Flavonoids inhibit B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) via the p53 signaling pathway, which is a significant apoptotic target in many cancer types, hence suppressing a major dysregulated pathway in cancer. To date, there have been no studies reported which extensively highlight the role of flavonoids and especially the different classes of flavonoids in the modulation of Bcl-2 in the P53 signaling pathway. Herein, we discuss the modulation of Bcl-2 in the p53 signaling pathway by different classes of flavonoids and highlight different mechanisms through which this modulation can occur. This study will provide a rationale for the use of flavonoids against different cancers paving a new mechanistic-based approach to cancer therapy.

Disease-Dependent Antiapoptotic Effects of Cannabidiol for Keratinocytes Observed upon UV Irradiation

Although apoptosis of keratinocytes has been relatively well studied, there is a lack of information comparing potentially proapoptotic treatments for healthy and diseased skin cells. Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune-mediated skin disease manifested by patches of hyperproliferative keratinocytes that do not undergo apoptosis. UVB phototherapy is commonly used to treat psoriasis, although this has undesirable side effects, and is often combined with anti-inflammatory compounds. The aim of this study was to analyze if cannabidiol (CBD), a phytocannabinoid that has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, may modify the proapoptotic effects of UVB irradiation in vitro by influencing apoptotic signaling pathways in donor psoriatic and healthy human keratinocytes obtained from the skin of five volunteers in each group. While CBD alone did not have any major effects on keratinocytes, the UVB treatment activated the extrinsic apoptotic pathway, with enhanced caspase 8 expression in both healthy and psoriatic keratinocytes. However, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, characterized by increased expression of caspase 2, was observed in psoriatic cells after UVB irradiation. Furthermore, decreased p-AKT expression combined with increased 15-d-PGJ₂ level and p-p38 expression was observed in psoriatic keratinocytes, which may promote both apoptosis and necrosis. Application of CBD partially attenuated these effects of UVB irradiation both in healthy and psoriatic keratinocytes, reducing the levels of 15-d-PGJ₂, p-p38 and caspase 8 while increasing Bcl2 expression. However, CBD increased p-AKT only in UVB-treated healthy cells. Therefore, the reduction of apoptotic signaling pathways by CBD, observed mainly in healthy keratinocytes, suggests the need for further research into the possible beneficial effects of CBD.

Role of BCL-2 Family Proteins in Apoptosis and its Regulation by Nutrients

In the body, millions of cells die and proliferate each day to maintain normal function and cooperation of all tissues, organs, and systems. Thus, programmed cell death, or apoptosis, is critical to sustain growth, development, and body health. The vital role of B-cell leukemia/lymphoma-2 (BCL-2) family proteins in apoptosis has been identified. The BCL-2 family includes both pro- and antiapoptotic proteins, which are structurally and functionally related, containing up to four BCL-2 homology (BH) motifs (BH1-4). There are also some nutritional factors that regulate apoptosis via the BCL-2 family proteins. In this review, the BCL-2 family proteins and their apoptosis-inducing mechanism have been discussed, along with the nutrient factors that regulate apoptosis through the BCL-2 family proteins.

A resveratrol-loaded nanostructured lipid carrier hydrogel to enhance the anti-UV irradiation and anti-oxidant efficacy

Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) irradiation leads to the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and DNA damage in skin tissue, which can further result in skin cancers. Using sunscreens is one of the most popular and the most effective method to resist UV irradiation. Resveratrol (RES) shows high absorbance in UV region and significant anti-oxidant effects. However, RES is easily degraded by UV irradiation, resulting in the decrease of bioactivity and the limitation of its application in the pharmaceutical preparations of skin. In this paper, a nanostructured lipid carrier gel loaded with RES (RES-NLC-gel) was prepared to improve the stability of RES and the accumulation of RES in the epidermis. Moreover, RES-NLC-gel could scavenge free radical effectively and protect human keratinocyte from UV irradiation by inhibiting the generation of ROS, decreasing the protein expression of cleaved caspase-3 and Bax and increasing the protein expression of Bcl-2. When mice skin was pretreated with RES-NLC-gel, there were less erythema, wrinkles and scabs on mice skin. The epidermal thickness of mice skins obviously reduced in dose-dependent manner. The activities of catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in mice skin tissue significantly increased. Thus, RES-NLC-gel exhibited an obvious anti-UV irradiation and anti-oxidant activity in vivo. RES-NLC-gel displayed great application potential in protecting skin from UV irradiation.

Tectorigenin regulates migration, invasion, and apoptosis in dexamethasone-induced human airway epithelial cells through up-regulating miR-222-3p

Glucocorticoids (GCs) can effectively control airway inflammation, but can also cause airway epithelial injury. Tectorigenin, a type of isoflavone isolated from various medicinal plants, has hypolipidemic activity, hepatoprotective, and antioxidant effects. We aimed to investigate whether Tectorigenin can repair GCs-induced airway epithelial injury. Airway epithelial cell line (9HTE cells) were treated with dexamethasone (Dex), Tectorigenin, or further transfected, then cell viability, migration, and invasion were examined by Cell Counting Kit (CCK-8), wound healing, and Transwell assays. The expressions of potential miRNAs related to the effect of Tectorigenin were detected by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Expressions of poptosis-related proteins Bcl-2-associated protein-X (Bax), B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), Cleaved Caspase-3, and related to Mitorgen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway serine/threonine kinase (Raf1), extracellular signal-regulated kinase kinase 1/2 (MEK1/2), and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) were detected by Western blot. Dex inhibited the cell viability, migration and invasion by promoting Bax and Cleaved Caspase-3 expressions (p <.001) and by inhibiting the expressions of Bcl-2 and miR-222-3p (p <.001). Then, 10 μmol/L Tectorigenin itself did not affect cell viability but could inhibit the effect of Dex on cell viability, migration, and invasion. Tectorigenin up-regulated the expressions of miR-222-3p, Bcl-2, p-Raf1, p-MEK1/2, and p-ERK1/2 (p <.01), but down-regulated the expressions of Bax and Cleaved Caspase-3 (p <.05) in Dex-induced cells. MiR-222-3p inhibitor reversed the antagonistic effect of Tectorigenin on Dex. The study demonstrates that Tectorigenin inhibits apoptosis of Dex-induced 9HTE cells by up-regulating the expression of miR-222-3p, which involves with the MAPK pathway.

Tectorigenin protect HUVECs from H2O2-induced oxidative stress injury by regulating PI3K/Akt pathway

Oxidative stress injury (OSI) occurs in many cardiovascular diseases, and the OSI of endothelial cells is the main pathological basis of these diseases. Tectorigenin has an effect on oxidative stress in fibroblasts, keratinocytes, and neuroblastoma. This study attempted to reveal the effect of Tectorigenin on OSI in endothelial cells. An OSI cell model was firstly established by treating human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) with H₂O₂. The H₂O₂-induced HUVECs were further pre-treated with Tectorigenin or PI3K inhibitor. Then the viability and apoptosis of HUVECs were evaluated using MTT, Hochest 33258 staining and TUNEL staining. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage, enzyme activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and malondialdehyde (MDA) level were measured through colorimetric assays. The expressions of apoptosis-related factors and the activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway in HUVECs were detected by RT-qPCR or Western blot. Tectorigenin had no inhibiting effect on the viability of HUVECs at the concentrations of 0.1, 0.5, 0.5, 1, and 10 μmol/L. Tectorigenin reversed the H₂O₂ induced-destruction of HUVECs morphology. Tectorigenin increased the viability and decreased the apoptosis of H₂O₂-induced HUVECs. Tectorigenin increased Bcl-2 expression and the enzyme activities of SOD and GSH-Px, but decreased LDH leakage, MDA level, and the expressions of Bax and Cleaved Caspase-3 in H₂O₂-induced HUVECs. Furthermore, Tectorigenin increased the ratios of p-PI3K to PI3K and p-Akt to Akt in H₂O₂-induced HUVECs. PI3K inhibitor had an opposite effect of Tectorigenin on the OSI in H₂O₂-induced HUVECs and its effect was further reversed by Tectorigenin. Tectorigenin protected HUVECs against H₂O₂-induced OSI via PI3K/Akt pathway.

Melaleuca leucadendron (L.) L. flower extract exhibits antioxidant and photoprotective activities in human keratinocytes exposed to ultraviolet B radiation

Recently, there has been a demand for the replacement of chemical sunscreens with natural compounds that could prevent or restore UV-induced skin damage. Here, we investigated the photoprotective influence of the Melaleuca leucadendron ethanolic flower extract (EEMec) on factors involved in cellular and molecular UVB-induced oxidative stress in human skin keratinocytes (HaCaT). The phytochemical constituents, antioxidant potential by DPPH assay, content of total phenolic and flavonoid compounds in EEMec were evaluated. HaCaT cells were treated with EEMec followed by irradiation with UVB. CAT activity; GSH and ROS levels; and SOD1, GPx, CAT and COX-2 expression assays were employed to verify the oxidative stress, as well as EEMec effect on transmembrane transport, and pro-inflammatory and pro-apoptotic protein expression. EEMec reverted the viability loss of HaCaT cells after irradiation with UVB, exhibited significant antioxidant capacity and free radical scavenging activity in vitro, inhibited COX-2 expression and ensure protection of DNA-damage. EEMec shown a great photoprotective property to prevent keratinocytes damage induced by UV radiation and, thus a candidate potential to application as an adjuvant in sunscreen formulations as a strategy to reduce risk of sunburn and prevent skin diseases associated with UV-induced inflammation and cancer.

Diet and Skin Aging-From the Perspective of Food Nutrition

We regularly face primary challenges in deciding what to eat to maintain young and healthy skin, defining a healthy diet and the role of diet in aging. The topic that currently attracts maximum attention is ways to maintain healthy skin and delay skin aging. Skin is the primary barrier that protects the body from external aggressions. Skin aging is a complex biological process, categorized as chronological aging and photo-aging, and is affected by internal factors and external factors. With the rapid breakthrough of medicine in prolonging human life and the rapid deterioration of environmental conditions, it has become urgent to find safe and effective methods to treat skin aging. For diet, as the main way for the body to obtain energy and nutrients, people have gradually realized its importance to the skin. Therefore, in this review, we discuss the skin structure, aging manifestations, and possible mechanisms, summarize the research progress, challenges, possible directions of diet management, and effects of foodborne antioxidants on skin aging from the perspective of food and nutrition.