An upcycled fraction of Melaleuca alternifolia essential oil regenerates the skin through the skin melatonin pathway and improves sleep quality

BACKGROUND

Sleep is one of the most important factors affecting overall health. During the night, the skin repairs damage caused by daily stresses. Melatonin plays a key role in this process. Toxins are removed, and cellular repair and growth hormone production are increased. Inter alia, this also decreases signs of intrinsic aging.

AIMS

The current study was intended to demonstrate the impact of a unique fraction of Melaleuca alternifolia (FMA) essential oil, on sleep and skin quality.

METHODS

The effect of FMA was investigated in vitro on skin cells, evaluating its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and in an ex-vivo study on human skin biopsies treated with FMA following stress induction. In addition, two clinical studies were performed on volunteers with life-style-related sleep complaints. In one study, sleep was measured using a noncontact monitoring device (SleepScore Labs, Max). A second study was conducted to assess skin anti-aging effects.

RESULTS

In vitro application of FMA reduced IL-8 and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in skin cells. This was confirmed ex vivo through a decrease in inflammatory markers and an increase in antioxidant enzymes after stress induction. Interestingly, FMA also upregulated melatonin-associated genes. Real-world sleep tracking revealed that FMA significantly improved sleep quality, relative to unscented control. In vivo applications also showed a reduction in signs of aging.

CONCLUSION

These results provide initial data to suggest that this unique FMA delivers skin anti-aging benefits via a two-pronged mode of action, improving sleep quality, and reducing skin inflammatory and oxidative stress.

Microneedling versus microcoring: A review of percutaneous collagen induction for the face and neck

BACKGROUND

Microneedling (MN) and microcoring (MCT) are both methods used for percutaneous collagen induction. This minimally invasive technique involves creating controlled damage in cutaneous tissue to induce neocollagenesis and neoelastogenesis. MN utilizes solid microneedles and is commonly combined with radiofrequency (RF) to add thermal energy, while MCT involves hollow microneedles capable of removing excess tissue without inducing scar formation.

AIMS

The purpose of this review was to summarize recent literature for MN and MCT, with the goal of assisting clinical decision making regarding the use of these technologies.

METHODS

PubMed search was conducted for relevant articles published within the last 10 years. Scoping literature review was then performed with pertinent findings reported.

RESULTS

Existing literature investigating MCT is sparse. Limited data on in vivo, human effects of this technology exist. Two out of 14 studies in this review pertained to MCT.

CONCLUSION

Additional high-powered clinical studies are needed to guide future cosmetic treatments with MN and MCT.

Anti-aging effect of peptides on Caenorhabditis elegans: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Recently, peptides have been studied in Caenorhabditis elegans for anti-aging research. Due to the lack of sufficient evidence, we conducted this meta-analysis focusing on the anti-aging effect of peptides in C. elegans to provide more convincing evidence.

RESULTS

A literature search in PubMed, SCOUPUS, and Web of Science databases yielded 2879 articles. After removing duplicates and based on inclusion criteria and STAIR checklist quality assessment, nine articles were selected. Data extraction and analysis showed that, compared to the control group without peptide intervention, peptide supplementation significantly reduced nematode mortality risk [hazard ratio = 0.54, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.47, 0.62; P < 0.05], significantly increased the pharyngeal pumping rate [standardized mean difference (SMD) = 1.64, 95% CI = 0.87, 2.41; P < 0.05], bending frequency (SMD = 1.67, 95% CI = 1.16, 2.18; P < 0.05), and significantly decreased the accumulation of lipofuscin levels within nematodes (SMD = -4.48, 95% CI = -6.85, -2.12; P < 0.05). Additionally, subgroup analysis showed that doses ranging from 0.1 to 1 mg/mL (HR = 0.50, 95% CI = 0.38, 0.65; P < 0.05) displayed better anti-aging effects compared to other dose ranges.

CONCLUSION

The findings suggest that peptides can significantly extend the lifespan of C. elegans under normal circumstances and improve three indicators of healthy life. More importantly, subgroup analysis revealed that a dosage of 0.1-1 mg/mL demonstrated superior anti-aging effects. This meta-analysis provides more convincing evidence that peptides can play an anti-aging role in C. elegans. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Soluble klotho induces the heat shock factor 1 through EGR1 expression

Klotho is an antiaging protein that has multiple functions. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether soluble klotho plays a role in cellular stress response pathways. We found that klotho deficiency (kl-/-) largely decreased HSF1 levels and impaired heat shock protein expression. Interestingly, recombinant soluble klotho-induced HSF1 and HSPs such as HSP90, HSP70, and HSP27 in kl-/- mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs). Soluble Klotho treatment also induced cell proliferation and HSF1 promoter activity in MEF kl-/- cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, using point mutagenesis, we identified regulatory/binding sites of transcription factors EGR1 regulated by soluble klotho in the HSF1 promoter. Taken together, our findings unravel the molecular basis of klotho and provide molecular evidence supporting a direct interaction between soluble klotho and HSF1-mediated stress response pathway.

Potential Function of 3,5-Dihydroxy-4-Methoxybenzyl Alcohol from Pacific Oyster (Crassostrea gigas) in Brain of Old Mice

SCOPE

3,5-Dihydroxy-4-methoxybenzyl alcohol (DHMBA) is found in oyster extracts in recent years and is reported to have antioxidant activity. Although it has been reported to be protective in various models of oxidative stress, the therapeutic effect of DHMBA on neurological damage caused by aging remains to be demonstrated.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The present study investigates the potential functions of DHMBA in brain of old C57BL/6J mice and aging cell model. Administration of DHMBA improves working memory, reduces anxiety behavior, decreases the expression levels of cell cycle proteins, cycin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1(P21) and peptidase inhibitor 16(P16)  and inhibits neuronal loss in old mice. The data obtained from the aging cell model are consistent with those from the old mice. The interaction between DHMBA and Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) is predicted by molecular docking assay, and then it is verified by co-immunopricipitation (CoIP) that factor red lineage 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-Keap1 protein-protein interaction is inhibited by DHMBA. Protein levels of Nrf2 and its target genes, such as glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4) and heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1), are detected in old mice and aging cell model.

CONCLUSION

This study provides new evidence that explores the antioxidant mechanism of DHMBA and implies a potential role of DHMBA on antiaging in brain.

Anti-aging and rejuvenating effects and mechanism of Dead Sea water in skin

OBJECTIVE

External environmental stressors and internal factors have a significant impact on the skin, causing inflammation, aging, reduced immunity and other adverse responses. Dead Sea Water (DSW) is well known for its dermatological benefits and has been widely used in dermatological therapy and skin care for conditions such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis and photoaging. However, the anti-aging and rejuvenating effects of DSW and the related biological pathways involved, which have attracted increasing attention, are not fully understood. The aim of this study is to investigate the anti-aging and rejuvenating effects of DSW and to explore the related potential biological mechanisms of DSW under different environmental conditions.

METHODS

The effects of DSW were investigated using in vitro human dermal cells and reconstructed skin models. Extracellular matrix (ECM) components and the morphological changes at the dermal-epidermal junction (DEJ) in a 3D human skin model were evaluated after DSW treatment. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis of human dermal fibroblast models after DSW treatment was performed to explore the potential mechanisms of action of DSW under normal and UV stress conditions.

RESULTS

The novel findings in this work present the biological functions of DSW, including procollagen-1 and elastin secretion, hemidesmosome increase and the epidermal basal cell regeneration. In addition, GO, KEGG and Reactome analyses reveal the activation of pathways related to ion transmembrane transporter activity, ECM component biosynthesis, senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), DNA repair and autophagy, which are associated with the anti-aging activities of DSW.

CONCLUSION

Our work provides new perspectives for understanding the anti-aging and rejuvenating effects and mechanisms of DSW. The new findings also provide a theoretical basis for the further development of age-related strategies.

Pharmacological potentials of lycopene against aging and aging-related disorders: A review

Aging and aging-related chronic disorders are one of the principal causes of death worldwide. The prevalence of these disorders is increasing gradually and globally. Considering this unwavering acceleration of the global burden, seeking alternatives to traditional medication to prevent the risk of aging disorders is needed. Among them, lycopene, a carotenoid, is abundant in many fruits and vegetables, including tomatoes, grapefruits, and watermelons, and it has a unique chemical structure to be a potent antioxidant compound. This nutraceutical also possesses several anti-aging actions, including combating aging biomarkers and ameliorating several chronic disorders. However, no systematic evaluation has yet been carried out that can comprehensively elucidate the effectiveness of lycopene in halting the course of aging and the emergence of chronic diseases linked to aging. This review, therefore, incorporates previous pre-clinical, clinical, and epidemiological studies on lycopene to understand its potency in treating aging disorders and its role as a mimic of caloric restriction. Lycopene-rich foods are found to prevent or attenuate aging disorders in various research. Based on the evidence, this review suggests the clinical application of lycopene to improve human health and alleviate the prevalence of aging and aging disorders.

Antioxidant activity and total phenolic compounds of Commiphora gileadensis extracts obtained by ultrasonic-assisted extraction, with monitoring antiaging and cytotoxicity activities

Commiphora gileadensis (C. gileadensis) has been identified and linked with various health benefits and pharmaceutical potential for its phytochemical activities and chemical constituents. This study aimed to evaluate ultrasonic-assisted extraction (USE) technique for total phenols content from C. gileadensis leaf compared to the hydrodistillation extraction (HDE). Our results showed that the USE operating conditions were identified as: MeOH·H2O solvent-to-fresh sample ratio of 80:20 (v/v); ultrasonic power/frequency at 150 W/20 kHz; and a temperature of 40 ± 1°C; subjected to acoustic waves intermittently for a calculated time (5 min) during the total programmed time of 12 min. The USE exhibited (118.71 ± 0.009 mg GAE/g DM) more amounts of all phenols than HDE (101.47 ± 0.005 mg GAE/g DM), and antioxidant (77.78 ± 0.73%, 75.27 ± 0.59% scavenging inhibition of DPPH), respectively. Anti-aging and Cytotoxicity activities were investigated. The results of biological evaluations showed that the crude extracts of C. gileadensis significantly extended the replicative lifespan of K6001 yeast. In addition, in vitro cytotoxicity against the HepG2 cell line showed significant anticancer activity, and approximately 100 μg/mL is required to decrease viability compared with that of the control. This study is proven for a larger scale to extract and isolate compounds of C. gileadensis for potential utilization in the pharmaceutical industry. In conclusion, advanced methods afford an extract with high activity in the biological properties of the extract.

Oligosaccharide attenuates aging-related liver dysfunction by activating Nrf2 antioxidant signaling

Chitosan oligosaccharide (COS) is the depolymerized product of chitosan possessing various biological activities and protective effects against inflammation and oxidative injury. The aim of the present study was to investigate the antioxidant effects of COS supplements on aging-related liver dysfunction. We found that COS treatment significantly attenuated elevated liver function biomarkers and oxidative stress biomarkers and decreased antioxidative enzyme activities in liver tissues in D-galactose (D-gal)-treated mice. Furthermore, COS treatment significantly upregulated the expression of Nrf2 and its downstream target genes HO-1, NQO1, and CAT. Moreover, in vitro experiments showed that COS treatment played a vital role in protecting H2O2-exposed L02 cells against oxidative stress by activating Nrf2 antioxidant signaling. These data indicate that COS could protect against D-gal-induced hepatic aging by activating Nrf2 antioxidant signaling, which may provide novel applications for the prevention and treatment of aging-related hepatic dysfunction.

Rehmannia glutinosa exhibits anti-aging effect through maintaining the quiescence and decreasing the senescence of hematopoietic stem cells

BACKGROUND

The time-related decline in regenerative capacity and organ homeostasis is a major feature of aging. Rehmannia glutinosa and Astragalus membranaceus have been used as traditional Chinese herbal medicines for enhanced immunity and prolonged life. However, the mechanism by which this herbal medicine slows aging is unknown. In this study, we investigated the mechanism of the herbal anti-aging effect.

METHODS

Mice were fed diets supplemented with R. glutinosa or A. membranaceus for 10 months; the control group was fed a standard diet. The phenotypes were evaluated using a grading score system and survival analysis. The percentages of the senescence phenotypes of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) were determined by fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis. The function and the mechanism of HSCs were analyzed by clonogenic assay and the real-time polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

The anti-aging effect of R. glutinosa is due to the enhanced function of HSCs. Mice fed with R. glutinosa displayed characteristics of a slowed aging process, including decreased senescence and increased rate of survival. Flow cytometry analysis showed decreased numbers of Lin-Sca1+c-kit- (LSK) cells, long-term HSCs (LT-HSCs) and short-term HSCs (ST-HSCs) in the R. glutinosa group. In vitro, clonogenic assays showed increased self-renewal ability of LT-HSCs from the R. glutinosa group as well as maintaining LSK quiescence through upregulated p18 expression. The R. glutinosa group also showed decreased reactive oxygen species levels and the percentage of β-gal+ cells through downregulation of the cellular senescence-associated protein p53 and p16.

CONCLUSION

Rehmannia glutinosa exerts anti-aging effects by maintaining the quiescence and decreasing the senescence of HSCs.