Search Results (130)

Skin aging is commonly characterized by increased wrinkles, loss of elasticity, and hyperpigmentation, significantly affecting personal appearance and quality of life. Although botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) has been widely applied in cosmetic anti-wrinkle treatments, its intrinsic cytotoxicity limits broader clinical applications. In this study, we developed a novel exosome-based BTX-A composite delivery system designed to synergize the anti-aging properties of exosomes with the wrinkle-reducing effects of BTX-A while reducing toxicity. Human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells were genetically modified via lentiviral transduction to overexpress Synaptic Vesicle Glycoprotein 2C (SV2C), the receptor of BTX-A, thereby producing SV2C-enriched functionalized exosomes (EXO^SV2C). These exosomes (2.0 × 10⁷ particles/mL) were incubated with BTX-A (3 U/mL) to generate the EXO^SV2C-BTX-A complex. In vitro, EXO^SV2C-BTX-A significantly promoted the proliferation and migration of human dermal fibroblasts and effectively alleviated D-galactose (D-gal)-induced cellular senescence and collagen type I loss. These effects were superior to those observed with either BTX-A or exosomes alone. In vivo, intradermal injection of EXO^SV2C-BTX-A for 28 days markedly suppressed D-gal-induced skin aging in 8-week-old male KM mice, as evidenced by reduced malondialdehyde levels in dermal tissue, enhanced collagen type I expression, and preserved skin structure. Notably, the composite exhibited significantly lower toxicity compared to free BTX-A. Collectively, these findings highlight EXO^SV2C-BTX-A as a promising exosome-mediated BTX-A delivery platform with enhanced anti-aging efficacy and improved biocompatibility, offering a potential therapeutic strategy for skin rejuvenation. Full article

An investigation into the biological mechanisms initiated in wounded skin following the application of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and nanoparticles (NPs) (Ag, ZnO), either alone or combined, was performed in mice, with the aim of determining the optimal approach to accelerate the healing process. This combined treatment was hypothesized to be beneficial, as it is associated with the production of molecules supporting the healing process and antimicrobial activity. The samples were collected seven days after injury. When compared with untreated wounded animals (controls), the combined (MSCs+NPs) treatment induced the expression of Sprr2b, encoding small proline-rich protein 2B, which is involved in keratinocyte differentiation, the response to tissue injury, and inflammation. Pathways associated with keratinocyte differentiation were also affected. Ag NP treatment (alone or combined) modulated DNA methylation changes in genes involved in desmosome organization. The percentage of activated regulatory macrophages at the wound site was increased by MSC-alone and Ag-alone treatments, while the production of nitric oxide, an inflammatory marker, by stimulated macrophages was decreased by both MSC/Ag-alone and MSCs+Ag treatments. Ag induced the expression of Col1, encoding collagen-1, at the injury site. The results of the MSC and NP treatment of skin wounds (alone or combined) suggest an induction of processes accelerating the proliferative phase of healing. Thus, MSC-NP interactions are a key factor affecting global mRNA expression changes in the wound. Full article

Ultraviolet B (UVB), a component of solar ultraviolet light, is a major contributor to skin photodamage. UVB exposure primarily affects the epidermis, which leads to wrinkle formation, loss of skin elasticity, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Prolonged or intense UVB exposure can increase the risk of skin cancer. Collagen peptides are known as functional foods that improve skin dryness and wound healing. In this study, we aimed to investigate the protective and ameliorative effects of a low-molecular-weight collagen peptide (LMWCP) with a high absorption rate and photodamage. In vitro analysis using human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) demonstrated that LMWCP promoted skin protection by increasing procollagen type I production, enhancing cell proliferation and migration, and inhibiting MMP-1 activity. Furthermore, LMWCP intake was indicated by improved skin hydration, reduced trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL), and changes in the clinical parameters, including skin elasticity, erythema, and scaling scores in UVB-exposed hairless mice. In the UVB-damaged tissues, an increase in skin elasticity-related enzymes was observed along with a decrease in aging-related and pro-inflammatory gene expression. Histological analysis revealed an increase in collagen content and restoration of dermal thickness. These findings suggested that LMWCP has significant benefits in preventing and improving UVB-induced skin damage. Full article

Background/Objectives: Allergens can trigger severe immune responses in hypersensitive individuals, with mast cells releasing inflammatory mediators via IgE-FcɛRI signaling. Spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk) is a key regulator in this pathway, making it a promising therapeutic target. Natural modulators of Syk-mediated mast cell activation remain underexplored. This study investigated the anti-allergic effects of a 70% ethanol extract of Salvia miltiorrhiza (SME) using in vitro and in vivo models. Methods: SME was evaluated using IgE-sensitized RBL-2H3 cells, a passive cutaneous anaphylaxis model, and a DNCB-induced atopic dermatitis-like mouse model. Allergic responses were assessed via degranulation assays, histopathology, serum IgE levels, and the spleen index. Results: SME significantly inhibited mast cell degranulation by 44.4 ± 1.6% in RBL-2H3 cells at 100 µg/mL following 30 min of treatment compared to the untreated control. Western blot analysis demonstrated dose-dependent suppression of protein kinase B (PKB, also known as AKT), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), and spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk) phosphorylation, indicating inhibition of key allergic signaling pathways. In an IgE/Ag-induced passive cutaneous anaphylaxis model in ICR mice, SME (100 mg/kg, orally) significantly attenuated vascular permeability, as evidenced by a 20.6 ± 9.7% reduction in Evans blue extravasation relative to the Ag-treated group. In a 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (DNCB)-induced atopic dermatitis (AD)-like model, six treatments of SME significantly improved the skin condition, reduced spleen enlargement associated with allergic inflammation, and decreased serum IgE levels by 43.3 ± 11.2% compared to the DNCB group. Conclusions: These findings suggest that SME may help to alleviate allergic responses and AD by modulating key immune signaling pathways. Full article

Background: Diabetics accumulate Advanced Glycation End products (AGEs) such as Nε-(carboxymethyl)lysine (CML) in their skin, which can provoke changes in the skin’s biomechanical properties. The same changes are also observed during aging. Collagen is one of the first targets of glycation, and this leads to the disruption of the dermis, potentially contributing to the skin complications seen in diabetes, like impaired wound healing and the formation of chronic ulcers. We therefore investigated whether it was possible to detect differences in the biomechanical properties of the reticular dermis by comparing C57/BL6 control mice, type 1 and type 2 diabetic mice, and aged mice. Methods: To investigate this, we used an Atomic Force Microscope (a type of local probe microscope used to visualize the surface topography of a sample) to measure the elastic modulus of each skin sample. The elastic modulus is a parameter that describes a tissue’s resistance to elastic deformation when stress is applied. We also determined whether diabetes is associated with the accumulation of AGEs via Western blots. Results: We found that type 2 diabetic mice and aged mice had a stiffer reticular dermis than young control mice. No differences were found in type 1 diabetic mice. The results of the Western blot did not reveal any significant differences in the CML content in different types of mice, although a non-significant increase was found in type 2 diabetic and aged mice. We show that there is a significant positive correlation between the amount of CML in a mouse and the rigidity of its reticular dermis. Conclusions/interpretation: We have demonstrated that increased glycation in mouse skin is correlated with the biomechanical properties of that skin, which explains the wound healing defects diabetic patient’s experience. AFM is therefore a powerful technique that could be used to characterize the mechanical effects of treatments aimed at reducing the level of AGEs in the skin. Full article

Background: Clinical data indicate that at least half of patients with malignancies receive radiotherapy. While radiotherapy effectively kills tumor cells, it is also associated with significant ionizing radiation (IR) damage. Moreover, the increasing emissions of nuclear pollutants raise concerns about the potential exposure of more individuals to the risks associated with IR. The Chinese term for amniotic fluid (AF) is rooted in the Yin–Yang theory of traditional Chinese medicine, where it symbolizes the inception of human life. Chick early AF (ceAF), a natural product, has shown promise in the field of regenerative medicine. There have been no studies investigating the potential efficacy of ceAF in the treatment of IR-induced damage. This study aims to assess the therapeutic potential of ceAF in alleviating IR-induced damage and elucidate its potential molecular mechanism. Methods: In vivo experiments were conducted on 8-week-old male C57BL/6J mice to investigate the effects of ceAF in a radiation injury model induced by whole-body irradiation with X-rays (6 Gy) for 5 min. The ceAF was extracted from chicken embryos aged 7–9 days. Results: We found that the supplementation of ceAF reduces mortality induced by IR, improves exercise capacity in IR mice, and reverses IR-induced skin damage. IR leads to varying degrees of volume atrophy and weight loss in the major internal organs of mice. However, ceAF intervention effectively mitigates IR-induced organ damage, with a notable impact on the spleen. The supplementation of ceAF enhances spleen hematopoietic and immune functions by reducing oxidative stress, alleviating inflammatory responses, and preventing splenic DNA damage from IR exposure, ultimately leading to an overall improvement in health. Conclusions: ceAF effectively alleviates body damage induced by IR, and our findings provide new perspectives and therapeutic strategies for mitigating IR-induced damage. Full article

Sleep deprivation is a prevalent issue that disrupts the circadian rhythm of estrogen, particularly estradiol, thereby significantly affecting women’s skin health and appearance. These disruptions can impair skin barrier functionality and decrease dermal collagen synthesis. In this study, our results demonstrate that topical taurine supplementation promotes the expression of tight junction (TJ)-related proteins and enhances collagen production, effectively restoring skin homeostasis in sleep-deprived female mice. Mechanistically, taurine upregulates the expression of TMEM38B, a gene encoding the TRIC-B trimeric cation channel, resulting in increased intracellular calcium ion levels. This, in turn, promotes the upregulation of TJ-related proteins, such as ZO-1, occludin, and claudin-11 in epidermal cells, while also enhancing the expression of type III collagen in fibroblasts, thus restoring skin homeostasis. These findings suggest that taurine may serve as an alternative to estradiol, effectively improving skin homeostasis disrupted by sleep deprivation while mitigating the potential risks associated with exogenous estrogen supplementation. Collectively, these results provide preliminary insights into the protective mechanisms of taurine against sleep deprivation-induced skin impairments and establish a foundation for its potential application in treating skin conditions related to estrogen imbalances, such as skin aging in menopausal women. Full article

Radiofrequencies have shown efficacy in addressing skin aging. Despite their effectiveness, few studies have explored how radiofrequencies affect the skin transcriptome. This study utilized mouse models divided into two age groups (four-month-old and one-year-old mice) to assess the impact of a radiofrequency device on skin collagen and elastin. A combination of histological analysis, Western blot analysis, real-time PCR and transcriptome sequencing was employed. Histological analysis revealed significant increases in dermis thickness and collagen fiber volume following radiofrequency treatment in both age groups. Quantitative PCR and Western blot analysis indicated that the levels of collagen-related genes and proteins were higher in the four-month-old group. Transcriptome sequencing identified 465 and 1867 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the skin of the 4-month-old mice and 1-year-old mice, respectively. GO and KEGG analyses elucidated the molecular mechanisms, revealing that the interleukin-17 and tumor necrosis factor signaling pathways may play crucial roles in collagen regeneration induced by radiofrequencies. Additionally, decreased expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 and increased expression of the transcription factor Fos were identified as potential biomarkers of collagen regeneration. Immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry staining demonstrated that radiofrequencies activate fibroblasts and inhibit macrophage alternative activation in the skin. This study identifies key genes and biological pathways involved in radiofrequency treatment and provides a foundation for a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying collagen regeneration facilitated by radiofrequencies. Full article

Excessive exposure to ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation can lead to skin damage, such as erythema and swelling. Echinacoside is a key effective ingredient of medicinal plant Cistanche deserticola commonly used for therapies and treatments for anti-aging and irradiation-related skin diseases. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the action of echinacoside remains unclear. Here, we report that echinacoside ameliorates UVB-induced skin damage by directly acting on the Ca²⁺-permeable and thermosensitive transient receptor potential vanilloid 3 (TRPV3) channel. Topical application of echinacoside efficaciously suppresses skin lesions induced by UVB radiation in wild-type mice but has no additional benefit in Trpv3 knockout mice. In whole-cell patch clamp recordings, echinacoside selectively inhibits TRPV3 channel currents induced by 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate in a concentration-dependent manner with an IC₅₀ value of 21.94 ± 1.28 μM. The single-channel patch clamp results show that echinacoside significantly reduces the open probability and open frequency without significantly altering TRPV3 channel unitary conductance. Molecular docking and site-specific mutagenesis indicate that residue T636 on the p-loop and residue T665 on the S6 segment of TRPV3 are critical for echinacoside binding to TRPV3. Taken together, our findings provide a molecular basis for further studies as use of natural echinacoside in irradiation-related skin care therapy, thus establishing a significant role of the TRPV3 channel in acute skin injury. Full article

The skin, as the largest external organ, is exposed to many environmental factors, such as sunlight and pollution, as well as some synthetic ingredients in cosmetic products used in excess by most people of all ages throughout their lives. Under the influence of these factors and with age, the amount of the key building protein, collagen type I, decreases, which leads to a deterioration in the appearance and condition of the skin. Currently, when the average life expectancy increases, the esthetic aspect and maintaining healthy skin are particularly important. In the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries, attempts have long been made to prevent skin aging by the application of products containing natural compounds, mainly due to their high antioxidant activity. This review collects natural compounds, mainly polyphenols, with stimulating and protective effects on collagen type I in human skin fibroblasts, along with a description of the mechanisms of their action. Some of them have been tested on mice and rats, as well as in clinical trials, and in most cases, the results have been very promising. Nevertheless, there is still a need for an intensification of clinical studies in order to determine their appropriate dosage, safety, and effectiveness. Full article

As a polyphenolic plant flavone, luteolin (Lut) is widely found in many medicinal plants, flowers, and vegetables. Although Lut has been shown to have the effect of preventing and treating skin photoaging, its role in preventing photoaging specifically induced by ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation remains underreported. In vivo, BALB/c mice were used as models for skin photoaging models and treated with Lut. Additionally, NIH-3T3 fibroblasts were utilized in vitro to further investigate whether Lut exerts its anti-photoaging effects by enhancing fibroblast vitality and function. Several biochemical assays (CCK-8, catalase, superoxide dismutase, malondialdehyde, dichloro-dihydro-fluorescein diacetate, quantitative real-time-PCR, gene expression patterns) and histochemical (histological staining, immunofluorescent staining, SA-β-Gal experiments, western blotting analysis) were conducted. The findings demonstrate that the Lut pretreatment could enhance the vitality and function of fibroblasts in both in vitro and in vivo experiments and inhibit UVA-induced collagen degradation, thereby improving the skin’s resistance to photoaging. We confirmed that the Lut pretreatment inhibited the expression of UVA-induced senescent factors P21, P16, and pro-inflammatory senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) factors. Additionally, Lut exhibited potent antioxidant effects during UVA exposure. Bioinformatics and network pharmacology analyses revealed that Lut’s anti-photoaging effects may be mediated through the regulation of oxidative stress-related pathways and anti-aging genes. Upon utilizing inhibitors and agonists of oxidative stress, we further confirmed that Lut prevents UVA-induced fibroblast senescence by suppressing oxidative stress, and ultimately protects the skin from photoaging damage. These findings indicate that lutein mitigates photoaging caused by UVA-induced fibroblast senescence through the modulation of oxidative stress pathways. Full article

Bee venom (BV) and its main compound melittin (MLT) have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging activities; however, very little research has been conducted on their effects on skin aging. In this study, a mouse skin aging model induced by D-galactose was constructed via subcutaneous injection into the scruff of the neck, and different doses of BV and MLT were used as interventions. The anti-aging effects and mechanisms of BV and MLT were explored by detecting the skin morphology and structure, and anti-aging-related factors and performing non-targeted metabolomics of mice. BV and MLT improved dermal and epidermal thickness, boosted the collagen fiber content, increased hydroxyproline and hyaluronic acid levels, and enhanced transcript-level expression of IL-10, Col1a1, and Col3a1, while decreasing that of IL-1β. Metabolomic analysis showed that BV and MLT regulated the levels of some metabolites (compared to those in the skin aging control). BV effectively alleviated skin aging by regulating the pentose phosphate pathway, and pathways associated with carbon, galactose, and β-alanine metabolism, whereas MLT regulated pathways related to lipid metabolism, cholesterol metabolism, and atherosclerosis. This study highlights the potential applicability of BV and MLT in skin aging treatments and cosmetic products. Full article

Natural products and botanicals continue to play a very important role in the development of cosmetics worldwide. The chemical constituents of a fine active fraction of the whole plant extract of Cuphea hookeriana Walp., and the tyrosinase and matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) inhibitory and antioxidant activities of this fraction were investigated. The fine active fraction was mainly composed of seven natural compounds. The fine active fraction demonstrated substantial in vitro antioxidant potential using the ABTS assay (IC₅₀ 1.66 μg/mL). It inhibited the two target enzymes (tyrosinase and MMP-1) engaged in skin whitening and aging with comparable IC₅₀ values to the reference drugs. Acute toxicity experiments showed that mice gavage orally with the fine active fraction had no significant animal toxicity at a dose of 2000 mg/kg, and the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) in mice was greater than 2000 mg/kg. In a model where ultraviolet light promotes the increase in melanin secretion in guinea pig skin tissues, both α-arbutin and the fine active fraction can reduce melanogenesis, and the effect of the fine active fraction is better than that of α-arbutin. Full article

Skin aging is intrinsic and extrinsic. Intrinsic, or chronological, skin aging is an inevitable process of chronological and physiological alterations. The factors contributing to extrinsic skin aging involve sunlight, nutrients, and stress. Thus, extrinsic aging is thought to be superimposed over intrinsic aging and depends on the intensity and duration of environmental exposure and skin type (e.g., dry skin, oily skin, or eczema). The most significant extrinsic aging factor is UV radiation, which causes cellular senescence in a process known as photoaging. This study aimed to illuminate the mechanism whereby solubilized elastin peptide lotion (EL) from the bulbus arteriosus of yellowtail (Seriola quinqueradiata) prevents skin photoaging in hairless mice. EL reduced wrinkle formation, epidermal skin thickness, and Ki67 (cell growth marker) mRNA expression in skin tissues from ultraviolet B (UVB)-irradiated mice. EL treatment also reduced glyoxalase-1 (key enzyme of glucose metabolism) levels in skin tissue. Although no significant differences in collagen and elastin contents were found in dermal areas, matrix metalloproteinase-12 (wrinkle-related marker) expression was reduced following EL application. Furthermore, skin DPP-IV/CD26 (new senescence marker) levels decreased following EL treatment in photoaging model mice. These results suggest that EL moderates skin damage caused by UVB irradiation by regulating senescence-related molecule expression. Full article

Background: Photoaging, induced by chronic ultraviolet B (UVB) exposure, results in the degradation of extracellular matrix (ECM) components, leading to skin roughness, wrinkle formation, and reduced elasticity. Recent studies have explored probiotics as potential inhibitors of extrinsic aging, primarily through mechanisms that protect the skin barrier and reduce collagen breakdown. Methods: This study investigates the anti-photoaging effects of Limosilactobacillus fermentum MG5368 (L. fermentum MG5368) and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum MG989 (L. plantarum MG989) in UVB-exposed keratinocytes and an SKH-1 hairless mice model. Results: Both strains demonstrated significant efficacy in preserving collagen through the inhibition of activating protein-1 (AP-1) and reducing the expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 and MMP-3. Additionally, both strains restored COL1A1 protein expressions, thereby enhancing collagen synthesis and ECM stability. Enhanced skin elasticity was observed, attributed to restored levels of hyaluronic acid and hyaluronan synthase 2 (HAS2) protein expressions. Conclusions: These findings suggest that L. fermentum MG5368 and L. plantarum MG989 may serve as promising probiotic-based agents for anti-photoaging applications. Full article