Combining topical dermal infused exosomes with injected calcium hydroxylapatite for enhanced tissue biostimulation.

BACKGROUND: Exosome research continues to flourish. Subsequent knowledge surrounding indications, dose-response, safety, efficacy, and the ability to combine exosome treatment as a "skin primer"-for biostimulation modalities such as calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA), platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and platelet-rich fibrin matrix (PRFM) is growing rapidly. The objective of this study was to develop safe, reproducible methods of improving topical exosome absorption to enhance the quality of skin either by themselves, or in combination with injectable CaHA. METHODS: Under IRB Approval (International Cell Surgical Society: ICSS-2022-007), 40 patients were enrolled in this study. Twenty patients underwent facial biostimulatory dermal infusion alone, to determine if this method allowed adequate exosome absorption. Five patients underwent facial biostimulatory infusion followed immediately by Dilute CaHA injection (1:1 dilution) to the face. Five patients underwent exosome biostimulatory dermal infusion followed immediately by hyperdilute CaHA (dilution 1:4) injection to the neck. Five patients underwent Facial Dilute CaHA injection (1:1 dilution) alone, without dermal infusion. Five patients underwent neck hyperdilute CaHA injection (1:4 dilution) alone, without dermal infusion. All patients had pretreatment Quantificare 3-D photo-documentation and skin analysis (Quantificare, France). In all patients, the skin was first cleansed with a gentle glycolic acid facial wash (Gregory MD). To induce a "homing inflammatory environment" for the exosomes, sea salt exfoliation was performed (SaltFacial®, SaltMed, Cardiff, CA). A nitric oxide-generating serum (N101 Pneuma Nitric Oxide, Austin, TX) was then applied to act as an enhanced vehicle for absorption. A 3 MHz ultrasound (SaltFacial®, SaltMed, Cardiff, CA) was then utilized to further deepen the absorption of the nitric oxide serum. A topical emulsion containing equal volumes (1.0 cc containing 1 million) of exosomes (Kimera Labs, Miramar, FL), 25 units of botulinum toxin (Xeomin, Merz Aesthetics, Raleigh, NC) and hyaluronic acid (Belatero, Merz Aesthetics, Raleigh, NC) was mixed via back-and-forth propulsion in a 3-cc syringe. When adequately mixed, the emulsion was then applied to the treatment areas. The cavitating ultrasound was then used to aid in the absorption of the emulsion. The patients were then treated with high-intensity LED therapy (SaltFacial®, SaltMed, Cardiff, CA), utilizing the collagen restoration preset program of combination red (660 nm) near-infrared (930 nm) wavelength for 20 min. Post-treatment Quantificare analysis was performed at 15 and 30 days after treatment. RESULTS: Without exception, all dermal infusion alone and CaHA injection alone patients showed an improvement in the tone, quality, and texture of their skin. Quantificare results showed consistent improvement in wrinkles, pores, skin evenness, improved vascularity, and a reduction in oiliness and unwanted pigment. When employed as a skin primer prior to injections (CaHA), enhanced and more rapid results were seen. CONCLUSIONS: Biostimulatory dermal infusion can be achieved utilizing topical placental mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes. These exosomes can be used alone, or mixed with ancillary ingredients such as botulinum toxin, hyaluronic acid dermal filler, and CaHA to customize and personalize treatments based upon individual patient needs. Topical absorption is enhanced with sea salt exfoliation, a topical nitric oxide-generating serum, and 3 MHz cavitating ultrasound. Post-absorption activity is enhanced with high-intensity LED treatment. The addition of CaHA injections after the topical exosome "priming of the skin" yielded enhanced skin quality faster than exosomes or CaHA alone.

Premna microphylla Turcz pectin protected UVB-induced skin aging in BALB/c-nu mice via Nrf2 pathway.

Excessive exposure to ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation is one of the major risk factors for skin photoaging. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effect of Premna microphylla Turcz pectin (PMTP) against UVB-induced skin aging in BALB/c-nu mice. PMTP was characteristic of a low methoxyl RG-I pectin with Mw was 26.60 kDa, mainly composed of galacturonic acid. PMTP-containing cream efficiently inhibited the water loss, epidermal hyperplasia, matrix metalloproteinases-1 (MMP-1), and collagen destruction in UVB-induced skin injury mice. Additionally, topical administration of PMTP-containing cream significantly increased protein levels of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1), macrophage-activating factor (Maf), and heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1), and the expression of antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px). In contrast, application of PMTP-containing cream on mice skin decreased the protein levels of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), inhibitor kappa B kinase ß (IKKß), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Taken togethmier, these findings suggest that PMTP might protect UVB-induced skin aging via activating Nrf2 pathway and suppressing NF-κB pathway.

Polymethoxyflavones from Kaempferia parviflora ameliorate skin aging in primary human dermal fibroblasts and ex vivo human skin.

Skin aging is accompanied by an increase in the number of senescent cells, resulting in various pathological outcomes. These include inflammation, impaired barrier function, and susceptibility to skin disorders such as cancer. Kaempferia parviflora (Thai black ginger), a medicinal plant native to Thailand, has been shown to counteract inflammation, cancer, and senescence. This study demonstrates that polymethoxyflavones (5,7-dimethoxyflavone, 5,7,4'-trimethoxyflavone, and 3,5,7,3',4'-pentamethoxyflavone) purified from K. parviflora rhizomes suppressed cellular senescence, reactive oxygen species, and the senescence-associated secretory phenotype in primary human dermal fibroblasts. In addition, they increased tropocollagen synthesis and alleviated free radical-induced cellular and mitochondrial damage. Moreover, the compounds mitigated chronological aging in a human ex vivo skin model by attenuating senescence and restoring expression of essential components of the extracellular matrix, including collagen type I, fibrillin-1, and hyaluronic acid. Finally, we report that polymethoxyflavones enhanced epidermal thickness and epidermal-dermal stability, while blocking age-related inflammation in skin explants. Our findings support the use of polymethoxyflavones from K. parviflora as natural anti-aging agents, highlighting their potential as active ingredients in cosmeceutical and nutraceutical products.

Oral intake of a new full-spectrum hyaluronan improves skin profilometry and ageing: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Skin aging is a physiological condition which leads to structural and functional changes in skin. Common signs of aging are the gradual decrease of hyaluronic acid (HA) in the skin and the appearance of wrinkles. Therefore, effective HA supplementation could counteract HA deficiency and improve skin parameters, providing a safe profile for use which is easily incorporated into daily routine. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate a food supplement containing a wide range of hyaluronans of different molecular weights (full-spectrum hyaluronan [FS-HA]) in order to ameliorate skin conditions in adult females. MATERIALS & METHODS: Sixty subjects showing mild-to-moderate skin aging signs were enrolled in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial to receive 200 mg/day of FS-HA (ExceptionHYAL® Star), or placebo, for 28 days. Dermatological parameters were evaluated at T0d and T28d. Product efficacy and tolerance were further evaluated using a self-assessment questionnaire. In addition, HA serum levels were weekly evaluated in a proportion of enrolled subjects. RESULTS: After only 28 days, subjects in the active arm showed a statistically significant improvement in all evaluated dermatological parameters related to skin aging. Skin became more hydrated (+10.6%) and protected from dehydration, with a decrease in both wrinkle depth (-18.8%) and volume (-17.6%) and increase in elasticity and firmness (+5.1%). Instrumental results were further confirmed by self-assessment questionnaire outcomes. CONCLUSION: Administration of a food supplement based on innovative hyaluronans from bio-fermentation, characterized by a wide range of molecular weights, resulted in a quick and significant amelioration of typical signs of skin aging.

Inhibition of melanogenesis by Aster yomena callus pellet extract in melanoma cells and patients with skin pigmentation.

Plant tissue culture holds immense potential for the production of secondary metabolites with various physiological functions. We recently established a plant tissue culture system capable of producing secondary metabolites from Aster yomena. This study aimed to uncover the mechanisms underlying the potential therapeutic effects of Aster yomena callus pellet extract (AYC-P-E) on photoaging-induced skin pigmentation. Excessive melanogenesis was induced in B16F10 melanoma cells using α-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH). The effects of AYC-P-E treatment on melanin biosynthesis inducers and melanin synthesis inhibition were assessed. Based on the results, a clinical study was conducted in subjects with skin pigmentation. AYC-P-E inhibited melanogenesis in α-MSH-treated B16F10 cells, accompanied by decreased mRNA and protein expression of melanin biosynthesis inducers, including cyclic AMP response element-binding protein (CREB), tyrosinase, microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF), tyrosinase related protein-1 (TRP-1), and TRP-2. This anti-melanogenic effect was mediated by mitogen-activated protein kinase (MEK)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and protein kinase B (AKT) phosphorylation. Treatment of subjects with skin pigmentation with AYC-P-E-containing cream formulations resulted in 3.33%, 7.06%, and 8.68% improvement in the melanin levels at 2, 4, and 8 weeks, respectively. Our findings suggest that AYC-P-E inhibits excessive melanogenesis by activating MEK/ERK and AKT signaling, potentiating its cosmetic applications in hyperpigmentation treatment.

Boosting the Photoaged Skin: The Potential Role of Dietary Components.

Skin photoaging is mainly induced by ultraviolet (UV) irradiation and its manifestations include dry skin, coarse wrinkle, irregular pigmentation, and loss of skin elasticity. Dietary supplementation of nutraceuticals with therapeutic and preventive effects against skin photoaging has recently received increasing attention. This article aims to review the research progress in the cellular and molecular mechanisms of UV-induced skin photoaging. Subsequently, the beneficial effects of dietary components on skin photoaging are discussed. The photoaging process and the underlying mechanisms are complex. Matrix metalloproteinases, transforming growth factors, skin adipose tissue, inflammation, oxidative stress, nuclear and mitochondrial DNA, telomeres, microRNA, advanced glycation end products, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, and transient receptor potential cation channel V are key regulators that drive the photoaging-associated changes in skin. Meanwhile, mounting evidence from animal models and clinical trials suggests that various food-derived components attenuate the development and symptoms of skin photoaging. The major mechanisms of these dietary components to alleviate skin photoaging include the maintenance of skin moisture and extracellular matrix content, regulation of specific signaling pathways involved in the synthesis and degradation of the extracellular matrix, and antioxidant capacity. Taken together, the ingestion of food-derived functional components could be an attractive strategy to prevent skin photoaging damage.

Polygoni Multiflori Radix Preparat Delays Skin Aging by Inducing Mitophagy.

BACKGROUND: As the skin is the largest organ of the human body, it is aging inevitably and produces cosmetic and psychological problems, and even disease. Therefore, the molecular mechanisms related to the prevention of skin aging need to be further explored. METHODS: Aging models were constructed by D-galactose. Mice were administrated with polygoni multiflori radix preparat (PMRP), PMRP and 3-methyladenine, or PMRP and rapamycin intragastrically. The apparent and viscera index of aged rats was measured. Then, the physicochemical property, antioxidant ability, histological structure, mitochondrial membrane potential, ATP and ROS levels, and mitophagy of aged skins were determined. Finally, the expression of PINK1, Parkin, P62, and LC3II/I; apoptosis-related proteins; and the percentage of apoptotic cells were measured. RESULTS: PMRP relieved skin aging with reducing of thymus index, improvement of pathological damage and histological structure, increase of the expression area of fibrous tissue, the ratio of type I to type III collagen, and antioxidant ability of aged skins. Importantly, PMRP also improved mitochondrial dysfunction with an increase in the content of mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP and a decrease of ROS levels. Moreover, mitophagy was enhanced with the treatment of PMRP when observed using electron microscopy, and the expression of PINK1, Parkin, and LC3I/II was increased with PMRP treatment but P62 expression was decreased. Meanwhile, PMRP alleviated apoptosis with a decrease of apoptotic cell and the expression of Cleaved-cas3, Bax, Cyt-c, AIF, and Smac as well as an increase of Bcl-2 expression. CONCLUSION: The results demonstrated that the polygoni multiflori radix preparata may delay skin aging by inducing mitophagy.

Rejuvenating the periorbital area using platelet-rich plasma: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Intradermal injection of autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a non-surgical cosmetic therapy to rejuvenate the periorbital area pathologies of wrinkles, periorbital hyperpigmentation (POH), and photoaging. The past decade has seen the adoption of this novel therapy around the world. This is the first systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating PRP treatment of periorbital pathologies. This is a PRISMA compliant review that includes a comprehensive search of the databases Cochrane Library, Ovid Medline, Ovid Embase, and clinicaltrials.gov. The search was performed in June 2019 to obtain all peer-reviewed articles published in English that describe the application of PRP to periorbital pathologies. A meta-analysis of patient satisfaction was performed for randomized controlled trials. Nineteen studies treating 455 patients (95% female, age range 28-60) were included. Studies were categorized based on reported outcomes: wrinkles (11 studies), POH (7 studies), and photoaging (6 studies). Patients were treated a mean of 3 times (range 1-8) in mean intervals of 23 days (range 14-56 days). Follow-up averaged 3 months (range 1-6 months). Meta-analysis of 3 randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) shows that patients treated with PRP have increased satisfaction above controls of saline, platelet-poor plasma, mesotherapy, and as an adjunct to laser therapy (overall effect p = 0.001, heterogeneity I2 = 64%). PRP treatment of periorbital area pathologies results in histologic improvements of photoaging, subjective satisfaction score increases, and blind evaluator assessments of rejuvenated skin appearance. Future studies are needed to address limitations of the current literature and should include long-term follow-up, delineation of the POH etiology that is treated, RCTs with low risk of bias, and be absent conflicts of interest or industry sponsors.Trial registration: Prospero Systematic Review Registration ID: CRD42019135968.

Platelet-Rich Plasma: Evolving Role in Plastic Surgery.

BACKGROUND: The use of platelet-rich plasma has emerged as one of the most desired nonsurgical treatments for facial rejuvenation and hair restoration. It has grown to encompass a wide variety of applications within the field of plastic surgery, including its use in combination with microneedling, laser, and fat-grafting procedures. METHODS: In this article, the authors aim to (1) describe the preparation process of platelet-rich plasma; (2) discuss the proposed science behind platelet-rich plasma with regard to its evolving role in hair restoration and facial rejuvenation; and (3) highlight the recent literature examining its widespread use. RESULTS: Based on the available literature, there is a therapeutic advantage to the use of platelet-rich plasma as a single treatment modality for alopecia and skin rejuvenation and in combination with laser skin treatment and fat grafting. There is, however, a considerable amount of variability in the processing, preparation, and treatment modalities. CONCLUSIONS: Despite a lack of standardized protocols for platelet-rich plasma preparation and a scarcity of large-scale studies with long-term follow-up, there is convincing evidence with objective measurement modalities that display positive outcomes after treatment for skin rejuvenation, hair regrowth, wound healing, and fat graft take.

Ingestion of collagen hydrolysates alleviates skin chronological aging in an aged mouse model by increasing collagen synthesis.

Although the use of collagen hydrolysates (CHs) as nutraceutical agents to protect skin against photoaging has been widely investigated, little is known about their effects on skin chronological aging and the underlying mechanism. Nutritional supplementation, such as collagen and related hydrolysates, might have beneficial effects on chronologically aged skin just as on photoaged skin. Hence, 13-month-old female Kunming mice ingested CHs for eight weeks to evaluate the effects of CHs on ameliorating skin chronological aging. CHs were enzymatically prepared using alcalase or collagenase, named ACH and CCH, respectively. The results showed that CHs or proline intake had no obvious effects on skin moisture and hyaluronic acid contents. However, ACHs significantly decreased skin laxity, increased collagen I content, normalized the ratio of collagen I/III and repaired dermal collagen fibers in a dose-dependent manner. At an identical dose, ACH showed an advantage over CCH or proline in significantly increasing collagen I content. Further study indicated that CHs mainly improved skin condition by activating the transforming growth factor ß (TGF-ß)/Smad signaling pathway to promote the synthesis of collagen I rather than inhibiting collagen I degradation by deregulating activator protein-1 (AP-1). The results indicated that CHs could benefit skin in both extrinsic and intrinsic aging as active dietary supplements.

Efficacy of microneedling versus fractional Er:YAG laser in facial rejuvenation.

BACKGROUND: Microneedling and fractional lasers have been used in facial rejuvenation with acceptable results and low adverse effects. AIMS: To compare the efficacy of microneedling with fractional Er:YAG in facial skin rejuvenation. PATIENTS/METHODS: This study was planned as a split-face clinical trial. Volunteers were randomly allocated to receive three monthly treatments on each side of the face, one with fractional Er:YAG laser and one with microneedling. The assessments included investigating clinical outcomes by two blinded dermatologists accompanied by measuring skin biophysical characteristics including cutaneous resonance running time (CRRT) and transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Moreover, possible adverse effects, downtime, and patients' satisfaction were recorded at baseline, 1 month after each treatment, and 3 months after the last treatment session. The protocol was approved by the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT20160820029436N3). RESULTS: Of the 32 selected volunteers, 24 subjects completed the study. The clinical assessment showed a significant improvement of the face appearance along with a significant reduction in dyschromia, and periorbital wrinkling (P-value < .05), with both procedures without any considerable difference between two methods. Moreover, the patients showed substantial satisfaction with both modalities with no statistically significant difference. Mean TEWL and CRRT values also decreased significantly in both groups with no considerable difference. The downtime was significantly shorter in the microneedling-treated side. There were no long-lasting or severe adverse effects after treatment with both methods. CONCLUSION: Microneedling and fractional Er:YAG laser have comparable efficacy in facial rejuvenation, but little downtime of the former makes it preferable for many patients.

The improvement on the skin surface by a new type of dermocosmetic loaded plant extract: A split face skin topographic study.

Various extrinsic and intrinsic origins slant skins and pledge evident vicissitudes of the skin surface. We explored the effects of dermocosmetic loaded medical Cannabis seed extract and evaluate the improvement on the skin surface in Asian and male volunteers in a split face topographic study. Dermocosmetic and base (without extract) fabricated were directed to apply by volunteers (Asian male) on their right and left cheek, respectively, in the split face skin topographic study up to three months. Efficacy of dermocosmetic versus base was assessed by non- invasive diagnostic technique focusing on skin texture parameters (energy, contrast and variance) and surface evaluation of the living skin (SELS), SEr (skin roughness), SEsc (skin scaliness), SEsm (skin smoothness), SEw (skin wrinkles). Unlike base, dermocosmetic showed significant effects on skin texture parameters (energy, variance and contrast) and SELS (SEr, SEsc, SEsm and SEw) parameters in Asian male volunteers when ANOVA applied. The level of significance was 5%. Dermocosmetic ultimately improved on skin surface and advocacies for anti-aging effects on skin appearance.

Pre-/postprocedure measures for laser/energy treatments: A survey.

BACKGROUND: Laser and energy-based devices may be used for many cutaneous indications, including facial resurfacing, improving skin conditions, and reducing signs of photoaging. Currently, no consensus papers or guidelines exist concerning peri-operative agents and specifically their use for laser skin resurfacing and their potential/possible role in prevention or treatment of side effects. AIM: To explore current practice using laser and energy devices, a survey was developed to identify the trends in pre- and postprocedural treatment measures. METHODS: The survey was sent out digitally to 300 randomly selected US dermatologist and plastic surgeon physicians practicing medical esthetics using laser and other energy devices treatment for facial rejuvenation. The survey gathered information on demographics, types of devices used in the clinic and pre-/postprocedural measures for facial laser, and other energy-based devices treatment. RESULTS: The survey was active from June 15, to July 15, 2018, and fifty-eight dermatologists and plastic surgeons completed the survey (19.3% response rate, 58/300). The results showed inconsistency in skin preparation strategies and postprocedure wound care. The majority of survey participants (55/58 [96%]) reported prophylactic oral antiviral use pre- and post-treatment; however, there was inconsistency about when to start and when to stop the use. A similar inconsistency existed in the recommended period of post-treatment sun protection before and after treatment. CONCLUSION: The results of the survey confirmed the lack of consistency in the types and duration of pre- and postprocedural measures-emphasizing the need for evidence-based recommendations to optimize outcomes, prevent infection, enhance comfort, and reduce downtime.

Efficacy of dermal redensification in chronoaged face: Quantitative volumetric assessment.

BACKGROUND: Mesotherapy for chronoaged skin shows heterogeneous results. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to assess the efficacy of dermal redensification on the face and neck. METHODS: Patients with mild-moderate-severe chronoaging of face and neck were included and, every 14 days, treated with four sessions of dermal redensification, consisting of 1 mL of hyaluronic acid (15 mg/mL) plus a dermo-restructuring complex. Skin improvements were analyzed at 8 weeks for amelioration by Wrinkle Severity Rating Scale and quantification of superficial wrinkles and texture by high-resolution 3D camera. All patients underwent a self-assessment questionnaire and Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale. RESULTS: Thirty-six patients were enrolled (median age 55 [42-67] years). Eight weeks after treatment all patients reported a significant improvement, being Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale ≥2 in 69% of the subjects. Patients' perception of improvement of their skin quality was highly satisfactory in all items explored on the self-assessment questionnaire relating to radiance, elasticity, texture, and smoothness. Subjects with fine and moderate/deep wrinkles had an improvement >25% and 50%, respectively. Quantification of wrinkles with filters for superficial plane (1 mm) showed a statistically significant median decrease, both in width (1.53 [1.41-1.72] mm vs 1.27 [1.12-1.34] P < 0.001) and depth (0.46 [0.27-0.61] vs 0.12 [0.6-0.18] P < 0.001). Indentation decreased by a median of 20%. CONCLUSIONS: The synergic effects of hyaluronic acid and dermo-restructuring complex show an objective amelioration of skin texture, wrinkles, and self-evaluation of skin appearance.

Retention Rates Among Patients Undergoing Multimodal Facial Rejuvenation Treatment Versus a Single Monotherapy in Cosmetic Dermatology Practices.

BACKGROUND: Facial aging is a multifactorial process. Accordingly, expert opinion has largely been unanimous in that multimodal treatment targeting various aspects of the aging face provides superior results. However, there is a lack of studies exploring patient response. OBJECTIVE: To compare patient retention between triple multimodal facial rejuvenation treatment (neuromodulator, filler, and energy-based therapy) and monotherapy (neuromodulator alone). METHODS: A retrospective, multicenter (the United States, Canada, and Germany) study was performed. Cases were retrieved from July 2015 to June 2016. The study compared patients who had undergone monotherapy (neuromodulator), combined multimodal treatment (neuromodulator, filler, and energy-based therapy on the same day), and sequential multimodal treatment (neuromodulator, filler, and energy-based therapy over a 1-year period). Retention rates were calculated. RESULTS: A total of 509 patients were included: monotherapy (300), sequential multimodal treatment (93), and combined multimodal treatment (116). Patient retention was significantly higher in the combined multimodal treatment group compared with the monotherapy and sequential multimodal treatment groups (p < .001). Subgroup analysis revealed similar trends at all sites. CONCLUSION: Based on retention rates, patients are more likely to return to the clinic when multiple treatment modalities are used during 1 encounter. These data further solidify the importance of multimodal therapy for both the provider and the patient.

Long-Term Intake of Glucoraphanin-Enriched Kale Suppresses Skin Aging via Activating Nrf2 and the TßRII/Smad Pathway in SAMP1 Mice.

Sulforaphane, a potent antioxidant compound, is unstable at ambient temperature, whereas its precursor glucoraphanin is stable and metabolized to sulforaphane. Thus, we hypothesized that glucoraphanin-rich diet could effectively induce antioxidant enzyme activities and investigated the protective effects of long-term intake of a glucoraphanin-enriched kale (GEK) diet on skin aging in senescence-accelerated mouse prone 1 (SAMP1) mice. The senescence grading score was significantly lower after treatment with GEK for 39 weeks than that of the control mice. GEK also suppressed the thinning of the dorsal skin layer. Moreover, the GEK treatment enhanced the collagen production and increased the nuclear translocation of Nrf2 and HO-1 expression level in the skin tissue. TßRII and Smad3 expressions were clearly higher in the GEK-treated group than in the control group. Thus, GEK suppressed senescence in SAMP1 mice by enhancing the antioxidant activity and collagen production via the TßRII/Smad3 pathway, suggesting its practical applications for protection against skin aging.

Protective effect of green tea catechin against urban fine dust particle-induced skin aging by regulation of NF-κB, AP-1, and MAPKs signaling pathways.

The increase in ambient fine dust particles (FDP) due to urbanization and industrialization has been identified as a major contributor to air pollution. It has become a serious issue that threatens human health because it causes respiratory diseases and skin aging. In the present study, the protective effect of the green tea catechin, (-)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), against FDP (ERM-CZ100)-stimulated skin aging in human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) was investigated. The results demonstrate that EGCG significantly and dose-dependently scavenged intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) in and increased the viability of FDP-stimulated HDFs. In addition, EGCG dose-dependently recovered collagen synthesis and inhibited intracellular elastase and collagenase activities. Moreover, EGCG decreased the expression of human matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) via regulation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), activator protein 1 (AP-1), and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) signaling pathways in FDP-stimulated HDFs. This study suggests that EGCG is a potential anti-aging candidate that can be used for FDP-induced skin aging as a therapeutic agent itself or as an ingredient in pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical products.

The comparison of skin rejuvenation effects of vitamin A, fractional laser, and their combination on rat.

BACKGROUND: Because of long-term exposure of skin, skin aging is an unavoidable natural law with age. Traditional Vitamin A and novel ablative fractional laser technique both have the effects of skin rejuvenation, and studies have demonstrated both of them have apparent clinical efficacy and histology-improving effects on photo-aging skin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 45 female healthy Wistar rats were selected and the depilation areas of every rat were divided into four regions: control region(Region A), Vitamin A acid region(Region B), combination treatment region(Region C), and fractional laser region(Region D). 0.025% Vitamin A acid cream was applied to Region B and C every day for 3 weeks; Region C and D were irradiated once with 10600nm CO2 fractional laser on the first day of the trail. The skin tissue was dissected and placed into liquid nitrogen according to the design. The real-time quantitative PCR and western blotting methods were taken to detect the expression changes of miR-29a, Akt, TGF-ß, and mRNA of type III pre-collagen. RESULTS: It can be seen from the results of the real-time quantitative PCR that the mRNA expression levels of type III pre-collagen, Akt, and TGF-ß in the treatment regions are up-regulated and the expression levels of miR-29a mRNA are down-regulated compared to the Region A. The hybridization tests showed that changes of the expression of type III pre-collagen, Akt gene, miR-29a gene, and TGF-ß gene across the experiment regions are all significantly different in the third week, and the expression levels of them all achieve the highest value in the third week, the expression level of miR-29a gene achieves the lowest value in the third week, which are consistent with the results of real-time quantitative PCR. CONCLUSION: It is indicated that the combination region of Vitamin A acid and fractional laser may lead to low expression of miR-29a, thus the inhibition of downstream Akt activation is loss, Akt activation is enhanced, enhancement of the expression of TGF-ß is induced, leading to proliferation of fibroblasts, and promotion of the collagen proteins' synthesis in skin. Therefore miR-29a/Akt/TGF-ß signal pathway may participate in the skin rejuvenation mechanism of action Vitamin A acid and fractional laser. This may provide a new treatment approach for skin rejuvenation.

Helianthus annuus L. flower prevents UVB-induced photodamage in human dermal fibroblasts by regulating the MAPK/AP-1, NFAT, and Nrf2 signaling pathways.

BACKGROUND: Excessive ultraviolet radiation usually causes skin photoaging, inflammation, and even photocarcinogenesis. UV radiation-generated reactive oxygen species (ROS) are a major contributing factor to photodamage. The flowers of Helianthus annuus L. have been reported to possess strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity. However, there are few reports on the use of H. annuus L. to relieve UVB-induced photoaging. PURPOSE: In this study, we evaluated the protective effect of a 50% ethanol extract of H. annuus L. flower (HAF) against UVB-induced photodamage using normal human dermal fibroblasts. METHODS: The secretion of ROS, interleukin-6 (IL-6), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), procollagen type I, and transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1) was measured with kits. The messenger RNA levels of COX-2, iNOS, and TGF-α were measured by RT-PCR. The AP-1, MAPK, NFAT, and Nrf2 pathways were investigated by Western blot analysis. RESULTS: HAF extract significantly blocked UVB-induced ROS and MMP (MMP-1 and MMP-3) production and procollagen type I reduction. Further study demonstrated that the photoaging inhibitory actions were related to promotion of Nrf2 nuclear translocation, upregulation of TGF-ß1 level, and downregulation of AP-1 and MAPK phosphorylation. Importantly, HAF effectively inhibited UVB-induced VEGF and inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6, COX-2, iNOS, and TNF-α secretion, which might be involved in the regulation of the NFAT signaling pathway. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that HAF is a useful botanical source protecting against UVB-mediated skin photodamage.