The water extracts from the oil cakes of Prinsepia utilis repair the epidermal barrier via up-regulating Corneocyte Envelope-proteins, lipid synthases, and tight junction proteins.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Prinsepia utilis Royle, native to the Himalayan region, has a long history of use in traditional medicine for its heat-clearing, detoxification, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties. Oils extracted from P. utilis seeds are also used in cooking and cosmetics. With the increasing market demand, this extraction process generates substantial industrial biowastes. Recent studies have found many health benefits with using aqueous extracts of these biowastes, which are also rich in polysaccharides. However, there is limited research related to the reparative effects of the water extracts of P. utilis oil cakes (WEPUOC) on disruptions of the skin barrier function. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study aimed to evaluate the reparative efficacy of WEPUOC in both acute and chronic epidermal permeability barrier disruptions. Furthermore, the study sought to explore the underlying mechanisms involved in repairing the epidermal permeability barrier. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Mouse models with induced epidermal disruptions, employing tape-stripping (TS) and acetone wiping (AC) methods, were used. The subsequent application of WEPUOC (100 mg/mL) was evaluated through various assessments, with a focus on the upregulation of mRNA and protein expression of Corneocyte Envelope (CE) related proteins, lipid synthase-associated proteins, and tight junction proteins. RESULTS: The polysaccharide was the major phytochemicals of WEPUOC and its content was determined as 32.2% by the anthranone-sulfuric acid colorimetric method. WEPUOC significantly reduced transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and improved the damaged epidermal barrier in the model group. Mechanistically, these effects were associated with heightened expression levels of key proteins such as FLG (filaggrin), INV (involucrin), LOR (loricrin), SPT, FASN, HMGCR, Claudins-1, Claudins-5, and ZO-1. CONCLUSIONS: WEPUOC, obtained from the oil cakes of P. utilis, is rich in polysaccharides and exhibits pronounced efficacy in repairing disrupted epidermal barriers through increased expression of critical proteins involved in barrier integrity. Our findings underscore the potential of P. utilis wastes in developing natural cosmetic prototypes for the treatment of diseases characterized by damaged skin barriers, including atopic dermatitis and psoriasis.

Protective effect of taurine on UVB-induced skin aging in hairless mice.

Taurine, a sulfur-containing amino acid derivative, exists at a high concentration in the skin and is considered to play an important role in maintaining moisture homeostasis. This study investigated the effects of oral taurine supplementation on epidermal moisture content and wrinkle formation, as well as skin taurine content, using ultraviolet B (UVB)-irradiated hairless mice. Wrinkles were induced by exposing hairless mice to UVB radiation (70-100 mJ/cm2). Taurine was dissolved in drinking water at a concentration of 0.3 or 3% (w/v) and given to the mice ad libitum for 2-10 weeks. Taurine was then extracted from the dorsal skin, and the skin taurine content was determined using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The wrinkles were evaluated using a wrinkle score and the quantitative wrinkle area ratio. The exposure of the mice to UVB radiation for 4 weeks resulted in a decreased moisture content and increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL) in the skin, while taurine supplementation suppressed these changes. Oral supplementation with taurine for 8 weeks ameliorated the development of UVB-induced wrinkle formation. Furthermore, oral taurine supplementation for 4 weeks decreased pre-stablished wrinkles in a dose-dependent manner. Although the UVB radiation reduced the epidermal taurine content, oral taurine supplementation partly restored the taurine content in the epidermis. The present study showed that oral taurine supplementation is able to suppress UVB-induced wrinkle formation, which may be associated with the regulation of moisture content in the epidermis. The beneficial effects of taurine on skin aging may be attributed to its osmoregulatory role.

Histological Evidence of Wound Healing Improvement in Rats Treated with Oral Administration of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Vitis labrusca.

Plant extracts rich in phenolic compounds have been demonstrated to accelerate wound healing, but their use by oral route has been poorly studied. The leaves of Vitis labrusca are rich in phenolic acids and flavonoids. The goal of this study was to assess the healing properties of the oral administration of hydroalcoholic extract of V. labrusca leaves (HEVL) in a murine model. HEVL was obtained by Soxhlet and dynamic maceration, and their yield and phenolic acids and flavonoid contents were determined. For the wound healing assay, 8 mm wounds were performed on the back of 48 Wistar rats, assigned into four groups (n = 12): CTR (distilled water), HEVL100, HEVL200, and HEVL300 (HEVL at 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg, respectively). On days 7 and 14, wound closure rates were assessed, and the healing wounds were subjected to histological analysis. Soxhlet-obtained extract was selected for the wound healing assay because it provided a higher yield and phenolic acid and flavonoid contents. HEVL significantly reduced leukocytosis in the peripheral blood (p < 0.05), accelerated wound closure (p < 0.05), and improved collagenization (p < 0.05) on day 7, as well as enhanced the epidermal tissue thickness (p < 0.001) and elastic fiber deposition on day 14 (p < 0.01). Furthermore, HEVL promoted an increase in the histological grading of wound healing on both days 7 and 14 (p < 0.01). The doses of 200 and 300 mg/kg provided better results than 100 mg/Kg. Our data provide histological evidence that the oral administration of HEVL improves wound healing in rodents. Therefore, the extract can be a potential oral medicine for healing purposes.

Counteracting the Ramifications of UVB Irradiation and Photoaging with Swietenia macrophylla King Seed.

In this day and age, the expectation of cosmetic products to effectively slow down skin photoaging is constantly increasing. However, the detrimental effects of UVB on the skin are not easy to tackle as UVB dysregulates a wide range of molecular changes on the cellular level. In our research, irradiated keratinocyte cells not only experienced a compromise in their redox system, but processes from RNA translation to protein synthesis and folding were also affected. Aside from this, proteins involved in various other processes like DNA repair and maintenance, glycolysis, cell growth, proliferation, and migration were affected while the cells approached imminent cell death. Additionally, the collagen degradation pathway was also activated by UVB irradiation through the upregulation of inflammatory and collagen degrading markers. Nevertheless, with the treatment of Swietenia macrophylla (S. macrophylla) seed extract and fractions, the dysregulation of many genes and proteins by UVB was reversed. The reversal effects were particularly promising with the S. macrophylla hexane fraction (SMHF) and S. macrophylla ethyl acetate fraction (SMEAF). SMHF was able to oppose the detrimental effects of UVB in several different processes such as the redox system, DNA repair and maintenance, RNA transcription to translation, protein maintenance and synthesis, cell growth, migration and proliferation, and cell glycolysis, while SMEAF successfully suppressed markers related to skin inflammation, collagen degradation, and cell apoptosis. Thus, in summary, our research not only provided a deeper insight into the molecular changes within irradiated keratinocytes, but also serves as a model platform for future cosmetic research to build upon. Subsequently, both SMHF and SMEAF also displayed potential photoprotective properties that warrant further fractionation and in vivo clinical trials to investigate and obtain potential novel bioactive compounds against photoaging.

Effect of Cone of Pinus densiflora on DNCB-Induced Allergic Contact Dermatitis-Like Skin Lesion in Balb/c Mice.

Cone of Pinus densiflora (CP), or Korean red pinecone, is a cluster of Pinus densiflora fruit. CP has also been verified in several studies to have anti-oxidation, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and anti-melanogenic effects. However, anti-inflammatory effects have not yet been confirmed in the inflammatory responses of pinecones to allergic contact dermatitis. The purpose of this study is to prove the anti-inflammatory effect of CP on allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) in vitro and in vivo. CP inhibited the expression of TSLP, TARC, MCP-1, TNF-α, and IL-6 in TNF-α/IFN-γ-stimulated HaCaT cells and MCP-1, GM-CSF, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-8 in PMACI (phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate plus A23187)-stimulated HMC-1 cells. CP inhibited the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPKs), as well as the translocation of NF-κB on TNF-α/IFN-γ stimulated in HaCaT cells. In vivo, CP decreased major symptoms of ACD, levels of IL-6 in skin lesion, thickening of the epidermis and dermis, infiltration of eosinophils and mast cells, and the infiltration of CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells. This result suggests that CP represents a potential alternative medicine to ACD for diseases such as chronic skin inflammation.

Anti-inflammatory Effect of Red Macroalgae Bulung Sangu (Gracilaria sp.) Extract in UVB-Irradiated Mice.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Bulung Sangu, like many other macroalgae, is a source of beneficial phytochemical for health. This study was aimed to determine the anti-inflammatory effect of bulung sangu ethanol extract cream. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The compounds of bulung sangu ethanol extract were identified by using gas chromatography. The antioxidant activity of the extract was examined by the DPPH assay. The anti-inflammatory effect was analyzed in vivo against ultraviolet B (UVB) induction through variables of epidermal thickening and epidermal erosion scores. RESULTS: Our results showed that bulung sangu ethanol extract contained 18 compounds, in which, 11 compounds considered active as antioxidant and/or anti-inflammatory. Cream extract in both concentrations showed scavenging for more than 50%, with a concentration of 10% cream extract exhibited higher antioxidant activity compared to 5%. The in vivo assay showed a reduction of epidermal thickness and epidermal erosion in the application of both concentrations. The concentration of 10% cream extract showed higher reduction compared to 5% with results produced resembling normal. CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that bulung sangu displayed a potential source for being developed for the health and medicine aspect, especially for various activities supported by antioxidants and anti-inflammatory.

Effect of α-Lipoic Acid on the Development of Human Skin Equivalents Using a Pumpless Skin-on-a-Chip Model.

Owing to the prohibition of cosmetic animal testing, various attempts have recently been made using skin-on-a-chip (SOC) technology as a replacement for animal testing. Previously, we reported the development of a pumpless SOC capable of drug testing with a simple drive using the principle that the medium flows along the channel by gravity when the chip is tilted using a microfluidic channel. In this study, using pumpless SOC, instead of drug testing at the single-cell level, we evaluated the efficacy of α-lipoic acid (ALA), which is known as an anti-aging substance in skin equivalents, for skin tissue and epidermal structure formation. The expression of proteins and changes in genotyping were compared and evaluated. Hematoxylin and eosin staining for histological analysis showed a difference in the activity of fibroblasts in the dermis layer with respect to the presence or absence of ALA. We observed that the epidermis layer became increasingly prominent as the culture period was extended by treatment with 10 µM ALA. The expression of epidermal structural proteins of filaggrin, involucrin, keratin 10, and collagen IV increased because of the effect of ALA. Changes in the epidermis layer were noticeable after the ALA treatment. As a result of aging, damage to the skin-barrier function and structural integrity is reduced, indicating that ALA has an anti-aging effect. We performed a gene analysis of filaggrin, involucrin, keratin 10, integrin, and collagen I genes in ALA-treated human skin equivalents, which indicated an increase in filaggrin gene expression after ALA treatment. These results indicate that pumpless SOC can be used as an in vitro skin model similar to human skin, protein and gene expression can be analyzed, and it can be used for functional drug tests of cosmetic materials in the future. This technology is expected to contribute to the development of skin disease models.

Protective effects of a comprehensive topical antioxidant against ozone-induced damage in a reconstructed human skin model.

Tropospheric ozone (O3) is a source of oxidative stress. This study examined the ability of a topical antioxidant (WEL-DS) to inhibit O3-mediated damage in a human epidermal skin model. Four groups of tissues (N = 24) were compared: Group 1 (control) were untreated and unexposed; Group 2 were untreated and exposed to O3 (0.4 ppm, 4 h); Group 3 were pretreated with WEL-DS and unexposed; Group 4 were pretreated with WEL-DS and exposed to O3 (0.4 ppm, 4 h). Pretreated tissues were topically treated with 20 uL of WEL-DS and incubated for up to 20 h at 37 °C [humidified, 5% carbon dioxide (CO2)]. After 24 h, tissues were re-treated with WEL-DS and exposed to O3. Tissues were evaluated for Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) protein adducts, NF-κB p65 response and histology. In O3-exposed groups, WEL-DS significantly inhibited ROS formation vs. untreated tissues (p < 0.05). Pretreatment with WEL-DS inhibited H2O2 production vs. untreated tissues (p < 0.05), and decreased NF-κB p65 transcription factor signal. Oxidative stress induction in O3-exposed tissues was confirmed by increased levels of 4-HNE protein adducts (marker of lipid peroxidation); WEL-DS application reduced this effect. WEL-DS inhibited damage in tissues exposed to O3 with no significant changes in epidermal structure. A comprehensive topical antioxidant significantly diminished O3-induced oxidative damage in a human epidermal skin model.

Evaluating the effect of rice (Oryza sativa L.: SRNC05053-6-2) crude extract on psoriasis using in vitro and in vivo models.

Psoriasis is mainly caused because of inappropriate immune responses in the epidermis. Rice (Oryza sativa L.: SRNC05053-6-2) consists of anthocyanin, which exhibits strong antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties. This study aimed to evaluate the role of this black-coloured rice crude extract in alleviating the symptoms of psoriasis using human psoriatic artificial skin and an imiquimod-induced rat psoriasis model. Psoriasis-related genes, cytokines and chemokines were examined; in addition, the antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties and the immunohistopathological features of this condition were studied. The results showed that the rice extract reduced the severity of psoriasis by (1) decreasing the epidermal thickness, acanthosis, hyperkeratosis, epidermal inflammation and degree of apoptosis induction via caspase-3, (2) increasing the expression levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10 and TGF-ß), (3) reducing the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-8, IL-20, IL-22 and TNF-α), chemokines (CCL-20) and anti-microbial peptides (psoriasin and ß-defensin), (4) enhancing the antioxidative property (Nrf-2), (5) downregulating the levels of psoriasis-associated genes (psoriasin, ß-defensin, koebnerisin 15L and koebnerisin 15S) and (6) upregulating the levels of psoriasis-improving genes (caspase-14, involucrin and filaggrin). Thus, the extract appears to exert therapeutic effects on psoriasis through its antioxidative and immunomodulatory properties.

Epidermal Regeneration Induced by Comfrey Extract: A Study by Light and Electron Microscopy.

INTRODUCTION: An accelerated healing of superficial wounds was demonstrated in clinical trials with a topical comfrey preparation (Symphytum × uplandicum Nyman). The effect has previously not been examined in skin models. METHODS: An established in vitro model of epidermal cells with the typical strata was used for the observation of effects of applied substances on skin regeneration. Damage corresponding to a typical abrasion was created on day 1 by punching an opening into the epidermal fine structure down to the stratum basale. Samples were either untreated (controls) or exposed to comfrey cream on days 2, 3, 5, and 6. Tissue samples were taken for light and electron microscopy on days 1, 4, and 7. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Application of comfrey cream led to a quicker regeneration of skin cells and to an earlier differentiation of the cells towards a normal fine structure with a visible distinction of epidermal strata, keratin, and corneocyte formation within 4-7 days. The study covered the early days of skin regeneration and confirms the benefits observed in published clinical trials and non-interventional studies in patients with abrasions.

Testing the Effectiveness of Curcuma longa Leaf Extract on a Skin Equivalent Using a Pumpless Skin-on-a-Chip Model.

The in vitro tests in current research employ simple culture methods that fail to mimic the real human tissue. In this study, we report drug testing with a 'pumpless skin-on-a-chip' that mimics the structural and functional responses of human skin. This model is a skin equivalent constituting two layers of the skin, dermis and epidermis, developed using human primary fibroblasts and keratinocytes. Using the gravity flow device system, the medium was rotated at an angle of 15 degrees on both sides so as to circulate through the pumpless skin-on-a-chip microfluidic channel. This pumpless skin-on-a-chip is composed of upper and lower chips, and is manufactured using porous membranes so that medium can be diffused and supplied to the skin equivalent. Drug testing was performed using Curcuma longa leaf extract (CLLE), a natural product cosmetic ingredient, to evaluate the usefulness of the chip and the efficacy of the cosmetic ingredient. It was found that the skin barrier function of the skin epidermis layer is enhanced to exhibit antiaging effects. This result indicates that the pumpless skin-on-a-chip model can be potentially used not only in the cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries but also in clinical applications as an alternative to animal studies.

A physiologically active interpenetrating collagen network that supports growth and migration of epidermal keratinocytes: zinc-polyP nanoparticles integrated into compressed collagen.

The distinguished property of the physiological polymer, inorganic polyphosphate (polyP), is to act as a bio-intelligent material which releases stimulus-dependent metabolic energy to accelerate wound healing. This characteristic is based on the bio-imitating feature of polyP to be converted, upon exposure to peptide-containing body fluids, from stable amorphous nanoparticles to a physiologically active and energy-delivering coacervate phase. This property of polyP has been utilized to fabricate a wound mat consisting of compressed collagen supplemented with amorphous polyP particles, formed from the inorganic polyanion with an over-stoichiometric ratio of zinc ions. The proliferation and the migration of human skin keratinocytes in those matrices were investigated. If the cells were embedded into the mat they respond with a significantly higher motility when zinc-polyP particles are present. Interestingly, only keratinocytes that were grown in a polyP environment developed well-structured microvilli, reflecting an increased biological activity. The data show that Zn-polyP particles incorporated into wound mats are a potent cell growth and cell migration-stimulating inorganic bio-material.

Effect of an Oral Nutrition Supplement Containing Collagen Peptides on Stratum Corneum Hydration and Skin Elasticity in Hospitalized Older Adults: A Multicenter Open-label Randomized Controlled Study.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this randomized open-label study was to investigate the effect of an oral nutrition supplement containing collagen peptides on stratum corneum hydration and skin elasticity. METHODS: The study protocol was registered at the UMIN Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN 000027347). Once-a-day oral administration of a nutrition supplement containing collagen peptides (10.0 g) was instituted in 39 inpatients 65 years or older who were assigned to either the intervention or the control group using a block-randomization design. Stratum corneum hydration and skin elasticity were measured at baseline and at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks after the start of the intervention. RESULTS: Mean stratum corneum hydration was significantly increased from 43.7 at baseline to 51.7 at postintervention week 8 in the intervention group (P = .001). Differences in skin elasticity from baseline were significant at postintervention week 6 (P = .026) and week 8 (P = .049). CONCLUSIONS: Oral nutrition supplements containing collagen peptides may reduce skin vulnerability in older adults and thus prevent conditions such as skin tears.

Histomorphometric Analysis of Anti-Aging Properties on Rat Skin.

We present a histomorphometric analysis to enable quantitative measurement of anti-aging activity of topical substances in rat skin. In this method, the measured parameters were closely related to changes that occur on the skin caused by exposure to UV light. We used this protocol to determine the anti-aging activities of an ethanolic extract of Curcuma heyneana rhizome and retinoic acid by a measurement of the changes in epidermal thickness, the number of sunburned cells, the number of fibroblasts, and the space between collagen fibers.

Mechanism of danshensu-induced inhibition of abnormal epidermal proliferation in psoriasis.

Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory skin disease with high incidence and high rates of relapse, for which no satisfactory treatments are currently available. Yes-associated protein (YAP) is highly expressed in psoriasis and may regulate the proliferation and apoptosis of keratinocytes. Danshen is a traditional Chinese medicine, commonly used in the treatment of psoriasis. Danshensu is the most abundant water-soluble component of Danshen, but its therapeutic mechanism is still unclear. In this study, MTT was used to detect the effects of different danshensu concentrations (0.125, 0.25, 0.5 mmol/l) on the proliferation of an M5-based psoriasis cell model. The effects of danshensu on cell cycle and apoptosis were detected by flow cytometry. Cyclins and apoptosis-related proteins were evaluated by Western blot. Danshensu (20, 40, 80 mg/kg/day) was administered intraperitoneally to the imiquimod (IMQ) psoriasis mouse model. After 7 days, the expression of YAP in the lesions was detected by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. We found that danshensu reduced the expression of YAP in the M5 psoriasis cell model, inhibited cell proliferation, induced cell cycle arrest in G0/G1 phase, and promoted cell apoptosis. All these effects were partly reverted by YAP overexpression. The skin lesions of IMQ mice were thinned and the scales reduced after intragastric administration of danshensu, which also resulted in dose-dependent inhibition of YAP expression. We concluded that danshensu prevents abnormal epidermis proliferation in psoriasis possibly by modulating YAP expression. Our work can provide a theoretical basis for the clinical application of Danshen in the treatment of psoriasis.

Development of a new eczema-like reconstructed skin equivalent for testing child atopic dermatitis-relieving cosmetics.

OBJECTIVE: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is the most common chronic inflammatory skin disease, and it has serious effects on children's and families' quality of life. We aimed to screen and evaluate the efficacy of different formulas on relieving of atopic dermatitis clinical symptoms by developing an eczema-like reconstructed human skin equivalent in vitro. METHOD: Some research has reported that thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) may be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of AD. We developed an eczema-like in vitro skin equivalent by coculturing the cocktails polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid sodium salt (poly(I:C)) and lipopolysaccharides (LPS). The eczema-like skin equivalent was characterized by overexpression of TSLP and impaired skin barrier function. Three cosmetic formulas with the potential of anti-inflammation and skin barrier promotion were topically applied onto the eczema-like skin equivalent, mimicking in vivo application. The inhibitory effect on TSLP was examined by ELISA. Effects on tissue viability and skin barrier function were determined by 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) method. CONCLUSION: The results show that eczema-like skin equivalent induced by cocktails of poly(I:C) and LPS can mimic the skin characters of the atopic dermatitis. The cocktails can induce high TSLP expression, impaired cell viability, and skin barrier function. The cosmetic formulas with the potential of anti-inflammation and skin barrier promotion were evaluated to be helpful to decrease and relieve the impact of AD with the decreased TSLP and the higher tissue viability than the eczema-like skin equivalent without any cosmetic application. The eczema-like skin equivalent can be used to screen and evaluate formulas on AD relieving.

Evaluation of moisturizing and irritation potential of sacha inchi oil.

OBJECTIVE: The moisturizing and irritation effects of sacha inchi oil were evaluated. STUDY DESIGN: The moisturizing effect on the skin was clinically assessed using a regression study design. Sacha inchi oil or olive oil (benchmark) was applied on the left or right lower leg of the subjects for 14 days followed by application discontinuation for 2 days. The TEWL, skin moisture content and dryness appearance were observed. METHODS: The fatty acid composition and characteristics of cold-pressed sacha inchi seed oil were determined. Skin tissues cultured ex vivo were used to assess primary irritation induced by the oil by examining keratin 1 expression and TNF-α and IL-1α release from the oil-applied tissues. RESULTS: The sacha inchi oil contained 42.3% linolenic acid and 39.5% linoleic acid. This oil's saponification, iodine, acid and peroxide values were 168.58 ± 1.55 mg KOH/g, 203.00 ± 0.04 g I2 /100 g, 1.68 ± 0.03 mg KOH/g, and 1.95 ± 0.26 mEq peroxide/kg, respectively. Compared with nontreated skin tissues, induced secretion of TNF-α and IL-1α and disruption of keratin 1 integrity in the stratum corneum layer were not found in the sacha inchi oil-treated tissues. In a clinical study with 13 volunteers, the improvement in moisture content and skin dryness appearance at the sacha inchi oil-applied site was comparable with that observed at the olive oil-applied site. CONCLUSIONS: The sacha inchi oil was mild to the skin and benefited dry skin.

Recent advances in the anti-aging effects of phytoestrogens on collagen, water content, and oxidative stress.

Skin undergoes degenerative changes as it ages, which include the loss of elasticity, reductions in the epidermal thickness and collagen content, elastic fiber degeneration, and increased wrinkling and dryness. Skin aging can be significantly delayed by the administration of estrogen. Estrogen deficiency following menopause results in atrophic skin changes and the acceleration of skin aging. Estrogen administration has positive effects on human skin by delaying or preventing skin aging manifestations, but the use of estrogen replacement is a risk factor for breast and uterine cancer. Phytoestrogens are a large family of plant-derived molecules possessing various degrees of estrogen-like activity; they exhibit agonist or antagonist estrogenic properties depending on the tissue. These molecules could be ideal candidates to combat skin aging and other detrimental effects of hypoestrogenism. In this paper, we review the effects of phytoestrogens on human skin and the mechanisms by which phytoestrogens can alleviate the changes due to aging.

Enhanced Triacylglycerol Content and Gene Expression for Triacylglycerol Metabolism, Acyl-Ceramide Synthesis, and Corneocyte Lipid Formation in the Epidermis of Borage Oil Fed Guinea Pigs.

Triacylglycerol (TAG) metabolism is related to the acyl-ceramide (Cer) synthesis and corneocyte lipid envelope (CLE) formation involved in maintaining the epidermal barrier. Prompted by the recovery of a disrupted epidermal barrier with dietary borage oil (BO: 40.9% linoleic acid (LNA) and 24.0% γ-linolenic acid (GLA)) in essential fatty acid (EFA) deficiency, lipidomic and transcriptome analyses and subsequent quantitative RT-PCR were performed to determine the effects of borage oil (BO) on TAG content and species, and the gene expression related to overall lipid metabolism. Dietary BO for 2 weeks in EFA-deficient guinea pigs increased the total TAG content, including the TAG species esterified LNA, GLA, and their C20 metabolized fatty acids. Moreover, the expression levels of genes in the monoacylglycerol and glycerol-3-phosphate pathways, two major pathways of TAG synthesis, increased, along with those of TAG lipase, acyl-Cer synthesis, and CLE formation. Dietary BO enhanced TAG content, the gene expression of TAG metabolism, acyl-Cer synthesis, and CLE formation.

Protective effects of Oxya chinensis sinuosa Mishchenko against ultraviolet B-induced photodamage in hairless mice.

BACKGROUND: Edible insects, including Oxya chinensis sinuosa Mishchenko (Oc), which is consumed as food in Asia, are considered as a human food shortage alternative, and also as a preventive measure against environmental destruction. Ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation, which causes skin photodamage, is considered as an extrinsic skin aging factor. It reduces skin hydration, and increases wrinkle formation and reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inflammatory cytokine expression. Thus, the objective of this study was to investigate the anti-aging effects of an ethanol extract of Oc (Oc.Ex). METHODS: A UVB-irradiated hairless mouse model was used to examine relevant changes in skin hydration, wrinkle formation, and skin epidermal thickness. Also, antioxidant markers such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were analyzed, and Oc. Ex skin protective effects against UVB irradiation-induced photoaging were examined by determining the levels of skin hydration factors. RESULTS: Oc.Ex improved epidermal barrier dysfunctions such as increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and capacitance reduction in UVB-irradiated mice. It upregulated skin hydration-related markers, including hyaluronic acid (HA), transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß, and pro-collagen, in UVB-irradiated mice, compared with the vehicle control group. It also reduced UVB-induced wrinkle formation, collagen degradation, and epidermal thickness. Additionally, it remarkably suppressed the increased expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), and restored the activity of SOD and CAT in UVB-irradiated mice, compared with the vehicle control group. Furthermore, Oc. Ex treatment downregulated the production of inflammatory cytokines and phosphorylation of the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) signaling pathway activated by UVB irradiation. CONCLUSION: This study revealed that Oc. Ex reduced skin thickness and the degradation of collagen fibers by increasing hydration markers and collagen-regulating factors in the skin of UVB-irradiated mice. It also inhibited UVB-induced antioxidant enzyme activity and inflammatory cytokine expression via MAPK signaling downregulation, suggesting that it prevents UVB-induced skin damage and photoaging, and has potential for clinical development in skin disease treatment.