光甘草定包合物对中波紫外线诱导小鼠皮肤光损伤的保护作用

目的 以环糊精(cyclodextrin,CD)为载体制备光甘草定(glabridin,GL)包合物,探讨光甘草定环糊精包合物(GL/CD)对中波紫外线(middlewave ultraviolet radiation,UVB)诱导的小鼠皮肤光损伤的保护作用。方法 制备GL/CD,进行包封率和透射电子显微镜(transmission electron microscope,TEM)表征分析,通过UVB照射小鼠皮肤光损伤模型,在小鼠背部皮肤涂抹不同浓度的GL及GL/CD,通过测试经皮水分散失(trans-epidermal water loss,TEWL)、皮肤组织生化指标、免疫组化染色研究其对光损伤后皮肤屏障保护的效果。结果 GL/CD的包封率为84.21%±1.36%,平均粒径为(533.1±42.8) nm,Zeta电位为(-30.24±1.54) mV,表明包合物在水体系中分散为纳米颗粒且稳定性良好。TEM结果显示GL/CD分散在水体系后主要呈现为球形胶束状态。小鼠皮肤黑色素染色结果显示GL/CD对黑色素生成的抑制效果优于GL。TEWL测试结果显示GL/CD显著降低小鼠经皮失水率,且效果比GL好。苏木精-伊红染色结果显示GL经CD包合之后能显著增强其抗炎作用,降低UVB照射引起的表皮增厚和炎症浸润。酶联免疫吸附实验结果显示GL经CD包合之后能显著提升抗氧化酶包括超氧化物歧化酶和过氧化氢酶的生物合成,降低活性氧及促炎细胞因子包括白细胞介素1、白细胞介素6和肿瘤坏死因子α在体内的表达水平。结论 GL经过CD的包合,有效提升了其在UVB诱导的皮肤损伤方面的保护作用。     

Preventive effect of fermented Gelidium amansii and Cirsium japonicum extract mixture against UVB-induced skin photoaging in hairless mice

Chronic ultraviolet (UV) light causes skin photoaging, characterized by fine and coarse wrinkle formation and dryness. In this study, the effect of fermented Gelidium amansii and Cirsium japonicum extract mixture (FGCM) with lactic acid bacteria on UVB-induced photoaging was evaluated in human dermal fibroblasts and SKH-1 hairless mice. In vitro, FGCM increased type I procollagen levels and suppressed UVB-induced matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) expression more effectively than G. amansii and C. japonicum extract mixture (GCM). In vivo, oral administration of FGCM significantly inhibited UVB-induced the number and total depth of wrinkles in the dorsal skin of mice. FGCM suppressed UVB-induced epidermal thickening, and attenuated UVB-induced MMP-13 expression and MMP-2 and MMP-9 activities in dermal tissue. Furthermore, FGCM increased skin hydration and blocked transepidermal water loss in the dorsal skin of mice compared with the UVB-irradiated group. These data indicate that FGCM exerts potent anti-photoaging activities by improving wrinkle formation and dryness.     

Oral administration of fingerroot (Boesenbergia pandurata) extract reduces ultraviolet b-induced skin aging in hairless mice

Fingerroot [Boesenbergia pandurata (Roxb.) Schltr.], belonging to Zingiberaceae, is an edible tropical medicinal plant that has been traditionally used to treat various diseases. However, the effect of its oral intake on skin has not yet been reported. This study aimed to investigate anti-photoaging effects of the ethanol extract of fingerroot in a hairless mouse model. Compared with the untreated UVB control group, mice that received fingerroot extract (BPE) showed significantly reduced wrinkle formation, skin thickening, and transepidermal water loss in dorsal skin irradiated with UVB. Moreover, BPE significantly prevented UVB-induced matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-3 and -13 expressions and also MMP-2 and -9 activities. These results strongly suggest that oral administration of BPE confers in vivo anti-photoaging effects in hairless mice. Thus, fingerroot may have potential as an oral photoprotective agent to prevent skin photoaging following UV exposure.     

Whitening effects of 4-hydroxyphenethyl alcohol isolated from water boiled with Hizikia fusiformis

Isolation of phenolic compounds from water boiled with Hizikia fusiformis and purificartrion of the extracts from solvent fractions was achieved using column chromatography. The simple phenolic compound, 4-hydroxyphenethyl alcohol (4-HPEA) with an elemental composition C₈H₁₀O₂ was identified on the basis of spectroscopic data. The whitening effects of 4-HPEA, inhibitory activity against mushroom tyrosinase, and inhibitory activity against melanin production in B16 melanoma cells were evaluated using an in vitro assay system. The whitening effect of 4-HPEA was also measured using a colorimeter and visual assessment of UVB induced hyperpigmentation of brown guinea pig skin. Topical application of 4-HPEA promoted depigmentation of UVB-induced hyperpigmented spots. 4-HPEA has a potential for use as a safe and effective ingredient for whitening in cosmetic and medical applications.     

Effect of Protein Fermentation Products on Gut Health Assessed in an In Vitro Model of Human Colon (TIM-2)

Scope

Western type of diets are characterized by high animal protein intake and are associated with various chronic inflammatory diseases. With a higher protein consumption, excess undigested protein will reach the colon and be subsequently metabolized by gut microbiota. Depending on the type of protein, fermentation in the colon generates different metabolites with varying biological effects. This study aims to compare the impact of protein fermentation products from different sources on gut health.

Methods and results

Three high protein diets (vital wheat gluten [VWG], lentil, or casein) are submitted to the in vitro model of colon. Fermentation of excess lentil protein for 72 h results in highest production of short-chain fatty acids and lowest production of branched-chain fatty acids. Exposure of Caco-2 monolayers or Caco-2 monolayers co-cultured with THP-1 macrophages to luminal extracts of fermented lentil protein results in less cytotoxicity of Caco-2 monolayers and less damage to barrier integrity, when compared to VWG and casein. Lowest induction of interleukin-6 is observed in THP-1 macrophages after treatment with lentil luminal extracts, which is identified to be regulated by aryl hydrocarbon receptor signaling.

Conclusion

The findings indicate that protein sources affect the health effects of high protein diet in the gut.     

Photoprotective effects of sphingomyelin-containing milk phospholipids in ultraviolet B–irradiated hairless mice by suppressing nuclear factor-κB expression

Ceramide-containing phospholipids improve skin hydration and barrier function and are ideal for use in skin care products. In this study, we evaluated the photoprotective effect of milk phospholipids on the skin condition of UVB-irradiated hairless mice. Skin parameters were assessed following oral administration of milk phospholipids. The UVB irradiation induced photoaging in mice. The animals were divided into 5 groups: a control group (oral administration of saline with no UBV irradiation), UVB group (oral administration of saline with UVB irradiation), and 3 UVB irradiation groups receiving the milk phospholipids at 3 different concentrations of oral administration, 50 mg/kg (ML group), 100 mg/kg (MM group), and 150 mg/kg (MH group), for 8 wk. An increase in skin hydration and transepidermal water loss were improved in the 150 mg/kg of milk phospholipid–administered group. Hematoxylin and eosin staining revealed a decrease in epidermal thickness in the milk phospholipid–administered groups (50, 100, and 150 mg/kg of body weight). In particular, the 100 and 150 mg/kg groups showed significant changes in the area, length, and depth of the wrinkles compared with the UVB group. Moreover, the gene expression of matrix metalloproteins was attenuated, and that of proinflammatory cytokines, especially tumor necrosis factor-α, was significantly reduced in the milk phospholipid–administered groups than in the UVB group. The reduced ceramide and increased sphingosine-1-phosphate levels in the skin tissue due to UVB exposure were restored to levels similar to those of the control group following milk phospholipid administration. These results were confirmed to be due to the downregulation of protein expression of nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) and phosphorylated IκB-α (inhibitor of κB α). Collectively, oral administration of milk phospholipids improves skin health through a synergistic effect on photoprotective activity.     

The anti-photoaging and moisturizing effects of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Bouea macrophylla</Emphasis> extract in UVB-irradiated hairless mice

Ultraviolet (UV) light, a main cause of photoaging, leads to collapse of skin structure, resulting in wrinkle formation and dehydration. The present study assessed the anti-photoaging and moisturizing effects of Bouea macrophylla extract (BRE). UVB-irradiated hairless mice were orally administered with BME (300 mg/kg/day) for 8 weeks. BME ameliorated wrinkle formation, skin thickening, and inelasticity. BME upregulated COL1A1, COL3A1, COL4A1, and COL7A1 mRNA levels through activation of the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)/Smad pathway, thereby recovering the content of collagen reduced by UVB. Further, BME suppressed UVB-induced matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-3 and MMP-13 expression and inhibited MMP-2 and MMP-9 activity by mediating the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs)/activator protein-1 (AP-1). BME improved moisture content by stimulating the expression of cornified envelope proteins and filaggrin-processing enzymes. Overall, the results show that BME prevents photoaging and promotes moisturization in UVB-irradiated hairless mice, suggesting its potential as a nutraceutical candidate for anti-photoaging and moisturizing effects.     

Labisia pumila extract protects skin cells from photoaging caused by UVB irradiation

Labisia pumila (Myrsinaceae), known as “Kacip Fatimah,” has been used by many generations of Malay women to induce and facilitate child birth as well as a post partum medicine. However, its topical application on skin has not been reported yet. In this study, we have focused on the anti-photoaging effects of L. pumila. Extract of L. pumila was first analyzed for their antioxidant activities using DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) since UV irradiation is a primary cause of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in the skin. The 50% free radical scavenging activity (FSC₅₀) of L. pumila extract was determined to be 0.006%, which was equal to that produced by 156 μM ascorbic acid. TNF-α and cyclooxygenase (COX-2) play a primary role in the inflammation process upon UV irradiation and are known to be stimulated by UVB. Treatment with L. pumila extract markedly inhibited the TNF-α production and the expression of COX-2. Decreased collagen synthesis of human fibroblasts by UVB was restored back to normal level after treatment with L. pumila extract. On the other hand, the enhanced MMP-1 expression upon UVB irradiation was down regulated by L. pumila extract in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, treatment of normal keratinocytes with L. pumila extract attenuated UVB-induced MMP-9 expression. These results collectively suggest L. pumila extract has tremendous potential as an anti-photoaging cosmetic ingredient.     

Strawberry,loquat, mulberry,and bitter melon juices exhibit prophylactic effects on LPS-induced inflammation using murine peritoneal macrophages

We hypothesized the juices from strawberry, loquat, mulberry and bitter melon exhibit anti-inflammatory activities using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated murine peritoneal macrophage cultures. Selected juices were administered as a prophylactic, postmortem or concurrent event relative to LPS stimulation to clarify the effective mechanisms. Selected fruits and vegetable juices were administered to macrophage cultures for 24 h prior to LPS stimulation (model A). Selected samples were administered to cell cultures at 24 h following LPS treatment (model B). Selected fruits and vegetable juices and LPS were simultaneously co-cultured with macrophages for 24 h (model C). The LPS-induced secretions of pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 were determined. The results showed that strawberry, loquat, mulberry and bitter melon administration increased IL-10 production by LPS-stimulated peritoneal macrophages in dose-dependent manners in experimental model A. Simultaneously, loquat, mulberry, and bitter melon administrations significantly (P < 0.05) decreased the levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and/or TNF-α. Administration with loquat and bitter melon to experimental model C significantly increased IL-10 production. This study suggests that strawberry, loquat, mulberry, and bitter melon juices exhibit a prophylactic effect on LPS-induced inflammation of peritoneal macrophages via increasing anti-inflammatory cytokine and/or decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokines secretions.     

(+)-Catechin Attenuates Multiple Atherosclerosis-Associated Processes In Vitro,Modulates Disease-Associated Risk Factors in C57BL/6J Mice and Reduces Atherogenesis in LDL Receptor Deficient Mice by Inhibiting Inflammation and Increasing Markers of Plaque Stability

Scope

A prospective study of 34492 participants shows an inverse association between (+)-catechin intake and coronary heart disease. The effects of (+)-catechin on atherosclerosis and associated risk factors are poorly understood and are investigated.

Methods and results

(+)-Catechin attenuates reactive oxygen species production in human macrophages, endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells, chemokine-driven monocytic migration, and proliferation of human macrophages and their expression of several pro-atherogenic genes. (+)-Catechin also improves oxidized LDL-mediated mitochondrial membrane depolarization in endothelial cells and attenuates growth factor-induced smooth muscle cell migration. In C57BL/6J mice fed high fat diet (HFD) for 3 weeks, (+)-catechin attenuates plasma levels of triacylglycerol and interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-2, produces anti-atherogenic changes in liver gene expression, and reduces levels of white blood cells, myeloid-derived suppressor cells, Lin⁻ Sca⁺ c-Kit⁺ cells, and common lymphoid progenitor cells within the bone marrow. In LDL receptor deficient mice fed HFD for 12 weeks, (+)-catechin attenuates atherosclerotic plaque burden and inflammation with reduced macrophage content and increased markers of plaque stability; smooth muscle cell and collagen content.

Conclusion

This study provides novel, detailed insights into the cardio-protective actions of (+)-catechin together with underlying molecular mechanisms and supports further assessments of its beneficial effects in human trials.     

Dietary Supplementation with the Probiotic SF68 Reinforces Intestinal Epithelial Barrier in Obese Mice by Improving Butyrate Bioavailability

Scope

Modifications in intestinal microbiota and its metabolites, the short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) are main factors altering intestinal epithelial barrier integrity and eliciting the onset of a meta-inflammation observed in obesity. The present study is aimed at evaluating the efficacy of Enterococcus faecium (SF68) administration in counteracting the impairment of gut barrier and enteric inflammation in a model of diet-induced obesity, characterizing the molecular mechanisms underlying such beneficial effects.

Methods and Results

Male C57BL/6J mice, fed with standard diet (SD) or high-fat diet (HFD), are treated with SF68 (10⁸ CFU day⁻¹). After 8 weeks, plasma interleukin (IL)-1β and lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP) are measured, analysis of fecal microbiota composition and butyrate content as well as intestinal malondialdehyde, myeloperoxidase, mucins, tight junction protein, and butyrate transporter expression are investigated. After 8 weeks, SF68 administration counteracts the body weight gain in HFD mice, reducing plasma IL-1β and LBP. In parallel, SF68 treatment acts against the intestinal inflammation in HFD-fed animals and improves the intestinal barrier integrity and functionality in obese mice via the increase in tight junction protein and intestinal butyrate transporter (sodium-coupled monocarboxylate transporter 1 ) expression.

Conclusions

Supplementation with SF68 reduces intestinal inflammation and reinforces the enteric epithelial barrier in obese mice, improving the transport and utilization of butyrate.     

No. 3Vol. 42, No. 2, pp. 94–101, 2008Effect of Birch (Betula platyphylla Sukatchev var. japonica Hara) sap on cultured human epidermal keratinocyte differentiation

The beauty of ideal skin texture is closely associated with dermal moisture factors. The key factors of skin moisture are NMF (natural moisturizing factor) and skin normal barrier function. The former keeps dermal surface moisture, and the later protects from excess water loss. So we have searched for the ingredient that improves these factors. Birch sap has been widely used as an effective drink for anti-fatigue and anti-stress. However, the effect of birch sap on skin as a cosmetic agent has not been known entirely. In this study, we investigated the effects of birch ( Betula platyphylla Sukatchev var. japonica Hara) sap on human skin. Birch sap induced epidermal keratinocyte differentiation properties in vitro . We assessed two epidermal differentiation agents. Filaggrin is a precursor protein of NMF, and involucrin is one of the precursor proteins of the cornified cell envelope (CE), which is related to normal barrier function. We have evaluated the production of these proteins where birch sap was applied to human normal keratinocytes. Birch sap not only increased mRNA expression of filaggrin and involucrin, but also accelerated these proteins production. Otherwise, birch sap did not have any influence for IL-6 production, which is related to inflammatory and aberrant keratinocyte proliferation. The results of induced differentiation properties on birch sap-treated keratinocytes are very similar to the differentiation induced by calcium in vitro . This similarity suggested that birch sap has a differentiation inducible property on in vitro cultured keratinocytes. Our study suggested that birch sap is able to control both moisturizing- and barrier-related factor production. From these effects, birch sap provides appropriate epidermal functions and skin homeostasis, and revealed itself as a very useful ingredient in the cosmetic field.     

Effect of extract from laquer tree (Rhus verniciflua Stokes) on DNCB-induced atopic dermatitis in NC/Nga mouse

Laquer tree (Rhus verniciflua Stokes; Anacardiaceae, RVS) has been used in oriental medicines. This study examined whether the extract of RVS free of urushiol (detoxified RVS extract, DRE) exerting antiinflammation could alleviate the symptoms of atopic dermatitis (AD) induced with 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) in NC/Nga mice. DRE contained flavonoids like fustin (153 mg/g), fisetin (14.6 mg/g), sulfuretin (13.3 mg/g), and quercetin (0.95 mg/g). DRE (10 μg/mL) decreased the production of nitric oxide activated by lipopolysaccharide. Oral administration of DRE (200 mg/kg weight/day) decreased scratching frequencies, the epidermal thickness on dorsal skin, and the number of degranulated mast cell. DRE significantly lowered the levels of IgE in sera (p<0.01), which were elevated by DNCB. DNCB reciprocally raised IL-4 and lowered IFN-γ in media of spleenocyte. DRE reversely raised IFN-γ and lowered IL-4. Contrastively, dexamethasone suppressed the overall immune reactions. In conclusion, DRE inhibited Th2-mediated IgE overproduction through modulation of Th1/2 balance, which was in part attributed to anti-inflammatory activity.     

Daily Ingestion of Aloe Vera Gel Powder Containing Aloe Sterols Prevents Skin Photoaging in OVX Hairless Mice

Estrogen deficiencies associated with menopause accelerate spontaneous skin aging and stimulate the ultraviolet (UV) irradiation‐induced photoaging of skin. However, food compositions with the potential to ameliorate the UV irradiation‐induced acceleration of skin aging with menopause have not yet been investigated in detail. In the present study, we examined the ability of plant sterols derived from Aloe vera gel to prevent the UV irradiation‐induced acceleration of skin aging in ovariectomized mice. Skin transepidermal water loss (TEWL) was significantly higher in the ovariectomy group than in the sham operation group following UVB irradiation, whereas skin elasticity was significantly lower. Ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation induced greater reductions in skin hyaluronic acid levels and more severe collagen fiber damage in the derims in the ovariectomy group than in the sham group. The intake of AVGP significantly ameliorated this acceleration in skin aging by reducing the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and increasing that of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and hyaluronan synthase (HAS) in the skin. These results indicate that AVGP supplementation prevents skin damage induced by UVB irradiation and ovariectomy in part by inhibiting damage to the extracellular matrix.     

Olive-Derived Antioxidant Dietary Fiber Modulates Gut Microbiota Composition and Attenuates Atopic Dermatitis Like Inflammation in Mice

Scope

Epidemiological data suggest that altered gut microbiota contributes to the development of atopic dermatitis (AD). The effect of an olive-derived antioxidant dietary fiber (OADF) in relieving AD symptoms in a murine model of 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB)-induced AD is examined and the effect of OADF in modulating host gut microbiota is explored.

Methods and results

Mice are fed with either standard diet or standard diet + OADF for 3 weeks prior to induction of AD and maintained on the same diet throughout the DNFB application period. Dietary OADF causes significant improvement of AD-like symptoms with reduced serum levels of immunoglobulin (Ig)E, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, C-X-C motif ligand (CXCL)1, and increased serum levels of IL-10. OADF supplementation restore gut microbiota composition that are altered in AD mice. Specifically, OADF increases the proportion of intestinal bacteria (Ruminococcaceae UCG014, GCA900066575, UBA1819) associated with enhanced butyrate production, along with inhibiting Clostridiales vadin BB60 which are more prevalent in AD mice.

Conclusion

OADF modulates gut microbiota composition, improves cytokine profile and butyrate production influencing AD-associated immune response. Results highlight the importance of the gut-skin axis for the AD dietary therapeutic agents.     

A Porphyra columbina hydrolysate upregulates IL-10 production in rat macrophages and lymphocytes through an NF-κB,and p38 and JNK dependent mechanism

The marine environment represents a relatively untapped source of functional ingredients. Here we characterise a hydrolysate obtained from Phorphyra columbina (PcRH) and its effects on primary splenocytes, macrophages and T lymphocytes in vitro. Our product had a high degree of hydrolysis, due to the use of a mixture of endo-peptidase and exo-peptidase, and was enriched in Asp, Ala and Glu. PcRH had mitogenic effects on rat splenic lymphocytes. IL-10 secretion was enhanced by PcRH in splenocytes (235%), macrophages (150%) and in lymphocytes (472%), while the production of TNFα and other proinflammatory cytokines by macrophages was inhibited (15–75%), especially under lipopolysaccharide stimulation. The effect of the hydrolysate on IL-10 was evoked by JNK, p38 MAPK and NF-κB dependent pathways in T lymphocytes. We conclude that PcRH has immunomodulatory effects on macrophages and lymphocytes, activating NF-κB and MAPK dependent pathways, and predominantly inducing IL-10 production.     

In vitro and in vivo assessment of the effect of Laurus novocanariensis oil and essential oil in human skin

Laurus novocanariensis is an endemic plant from the Madeira Island forest that derives a fatty oil, with a strong spicy odour, from its berries that has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat skin ailments. This work aimed to investigate the effect of the application of both the oil and its essential oil on normal skin, to assess their safety and potential benefits. Diffusion studies with Franz cells using human epidermal membranes were conducted. The steady‐state fluxes of two model molecules through untreated skin were compared with those obtained after a 2‐h pre‐treatment with either the oil or the essential oil. Additionally, eleven volunteers participated in the in vivo study that was conducted on the forearm and involved daily application of the oil for 5 days. Measurements were performed every day in the treated site with bioengineering methods that measure erythema, irritation and loss of barrier function. Slightly higher steady‐state fluxes were observed for both the lipophilic and the hydrophilic molecule when the epidermal membranes were pre‐treated. Nevertheless, such differences had no statistical significance, which seems to confirm that neither the oil nor the essential oil impaired the epidermal barrier. Results collected with the Chromameter, the Laser Doppler Flowmeter and the visual scoring are in agreement with those established in the in vitro study. They indicate that the repeated application of the oil did not cause erythema, because the results observed in the first day of the study were maintained throughout the week. Application of the oil did not affect the skin barrier function, because the transepidermal water loss remained constant throughout the study. The stratum corneum hydration was slightly reduced on days 4 and 5. This work shows that both the oil and the essential oil were well tolerated by the skin and did not cause significant barrier impairment or irritation.     

Effect of oral administration of fucosterol from Hizikia fusiformis on DNCB-induced atopic dermatitis in NC/Nga mice

Fucosterol was extracted and purified from the brown algae Hizikia fusiformis. We assessed the anti-inflammatory effects of fucosterol on 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB)-induced atopic dermatitis (AD)-like lesions in NC/Nga mice. Fucosterol decreased the lipopolysaccharide-induced production of nitric oxide in mouse macrophage cells. Oral administration of fucosterol (200 mg/kg weight/day) decreased the frequency of scratching, epidermal thickness of the dorsal skin, and number of degranulated mast cells. In addition, fucosterol treatment decreased levels of DNCB-stimulated serum immunoglobulin E (IgE). Compared to the control concanavalin A, fucosterol inhibited levels of IL-4 and TNF-α and increased secretion of IFN-γ, in the media of cultured splenocytes. Taken together, our results suggest that fucosterol may attenuate AD-like lesions by exerting anti-inflammatory effects, including inhibition of IgE and inflammatory cytokines, which modulate the Th1/Th2 balance.