• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
• /
• v.50 no.3
• /
• pp.344-348
• /
• 2018

We investigated the application of functional materials by examining a variety of physiological activities of Abelmoschus esculentus extract. A. esculentus extract had a low cytotoxicity against murine melanoma B16F10 cells. At concentrations showing little or no cytotoxicity, A. esculentus extract showed high a DPPH radical scavenging activity ($ID_{50}$, $5.24{\mu}g/mL$), inhibited tyrosinase activity ($ID_{50}$, $102.12{\mu}g/mL$), and decreased melanin content ($ID_{50}$, $17.85{\mu}g/mL$). The treatment of B16F10 cells with A. esculentus extract suppressed the protein expression of tyrosinase in a dose-dependent manner. These findings suggest that A. esculentus extract inhibits melanin synthesis in murine melanoma B16F10 cells by suppressing intracellular tyrosinase expression, as well as directly inhibits tyrosinase activity simultaneously. Additionally, A. esculentus extract promotes the expression of involucrin, which is related to skin barrier protection. These results indicate that A. esculentus extract is an appropriate material for improving skin barrier function.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
• /
• v.29 no.1
• /
• pp.21-29
• /
• 2019

The effects of Lavandula angustifolia extract fermented with Pediococcus pentosaceus DK1 on UVB-mediated MMP-1 expression and collagen decrease in human skin fibroblasts were determined, and the conversion of its components was also analyzed. Fermentation was performed at varying L. angustifolia extract and MRS medium concentrations, and optimal fermentation conditions were selected. L. angustifolia extracts showed decreased cytotoxicity after fermentation in the fibroblasts. UVB-irradiated fibroblasts treated with fermented L. angustifolia extract showed MMP-1 expression 8.2-14.0% lower than that in UVB-irradiated fibroblasts treated with non-fermented extract. This was observed even at fermented extract concentrations lower than those of non-fermented extracts. Fibroblasts treated with fermented L. angustifolia extract showed 20% less reduction in collagen production upon UVB irradiation than those treated with non-fermented extracts. UVB-irradiated fibroblasts treated with fermented L. angustifolia extracts showed 50% higher inhibition of ROS generation than those treated with non-fermented extract. Luteolin and apigenin glycosides of L. angustifolia were converted during fermentation, and identified using RP-HPLC and LC/ESI-MS. Therefore, the effects of L. angustifolia extract on MMP-1 expression and collagen decrease in UVB-irradiated human skin fibroblasts were increased through fermentation by P. pentosaceus.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
• /
• v.16 no.5
• /
• pp.577-588
• /
• 2022

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Poorly regulated inflammation is believed to be the most predominant factor that can result in a wide scope of diseases including atopic dermatitis (AD). Despite many studies on the effect of pear pomace in obesity-related disorders including dysregulated gut microbiota, the protective effect of pear pomace in AD is still unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of pear pomace ethanol extract (PPE) on AD by inhibiting inflammation. MATERIALS/METHODS: In the in vivo experiment, 2, 4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) was applied to NC/Nga mice to induce AD-like skin lesions. After the induction, PPE was administered daily by oral gavage for 4 weeks. The clinical severity score, serum IgE levels, spleen weight, histological changes in dorsal skin, and inflammation-related proteins were measured. In the cell study, RAW 264.7 cells were pretreated with PPE before stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Nitrite oxide (NO) production and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-𝛋B) protein expression were detected. RESULTS: Compared to the AD control (AD-C) group, IgE levels were dramatically decreased via PPE treatment. PPE significantly reduced scratching behavior, improved skin symptoms, and decreased ear thickness compared to the AD-C group. In addition, PPE inhibited the DNCB-induced expression of inducible nitrite oxide synthase (iNOS), the receptor for advanced glycation end products, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2, and NF-𝛋B. PPE inhibited the LPS-induced overproduction of NO and the enhanced expression of iNOS and cyclooxygenase-2. Moreover, the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and NF-𝛋B in RAW 264.7 cells was suppressed by PPE. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that PPE could be explored as a therapeutic agent to prevent AD.

• Proceedings of the SCSK Conference
• /
• 2003.09a
• /
• pp.578-589
• /
• 2003

The fuzzy rat that expresses hypersecretion of sebum and hyperplastic sebaceous glands is a genetic mutant for the study of many pharmacological aspects especially human acne. Through this model, we examined the effects of several phospholipids on the secretion of sebum after topical application. The phospholipid derivatives were phosphatidylcholine (PC), hydrogenated phosphatidylcholine (HPC), phosphati dylserine (PS) and hydrogenated phosphatidylserine(HPS). All agents were dissolved into the vehicle (1, 3-Butanediol, ethanol and water) at 0.5％ weight volume and applied on the dorsal area of the fuzzy rat. To observe histological changes, the skin biopsies were stained with Oil Red O and the size and morphology of sebaceous gland was observed under microscope. Topical treatment with PC and/or HPC showed a marked decrease in sebum excretion. Especially hydrogenated PC (HPC) appeared to have more predominant sebosuppressive function than any other treatment. The other agents such as PS and HPS showed a marginal effect on sebum secretion. With the sebosuppressive activity, HPC and PC seem to have a good potential application on acne treatment. In order to obtain more insights into possible mechanisms behind the above observations, effects of each phospholipid on the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) genes were investigated. Recently, it has been demonstrated that expression and activation of PPAR subtypes appear to modulate the accumulation of cytoplasmic fat droplets that characterizes the sebocyte differentiation(1). It was also previously suggested that PPAR${\gamma}$ antagonist would seem possible to interfere sebum production without side effects (2). In this study we examined the diverse effects of the tested phospholipids on the expression of several PPAR genes based on reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) from the topically treated skin of fuzzy rats. The results and possible implications are discussed.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
• /
• v.27 no.5
• /
• pp.437-448
• /
• 2023

Diabetic ulcer is usually seen in people with uncontrolled blood sugar. Reportedly, many factors such as impaired glucose metabolism, and macrovascular and microvascular diseases caused angiogenesis disorders and delayed the healing of diabetic ulcers, thus affecting the body's metabolism, nutrition, and immune function. This study aimed to explore the effect of paeonol on skin wound healing in diabetic rats and the related mechanism. A rat model of diabetic ulcer was established. High glucose-treated mouse skin fibroblasts were co-cultured with M1 or M2-polarized macrophages treated with or without paeonol. H&E and Masson staining were used to reveal inflammatory cell infiltration and collagen deposition, respectively. Immunohistochemistry visualized the expression of Ki67, CD31, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Western blot was used to detect interleukin (IL)-1β, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, IL-4, IL-10, CD31, VEGFA, and collagen I/III. The expression of iNOS and arginase 1 was revealed by immunofluorescence staining. Paeonol treatment augmented collagen deposition and the expression of Ki67, CD31, VEGF, and macrophage M2 polarization markers (IL-4 and IL-10) and reduced wound area, inflammatory cell infiltration, and macrophage M1 polarization markers (IL-1β and TNF-α) in the ulcerated area. In vitro, paeonol treatment promoted M2-polarization and repressed M1-polarization in macrophages, thereby improving the repair of cell damage induced by high glucose. Paeonol accelerates the healing of diabetic ulcers by promoting M2 macrophage polarization and inhibiting M1 macrophage polarization.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
• /
• v.17 no.5
• /
• pp.855-869
• /
• 2023

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic disease with an increasing incidence globally; therefore, there is a growing demand for natural compounds effective in treating dermatitis. In this study, the protective effects of Lycium barbarum leaves with and without chlorophyll (LLE and LLE[Ch-]) on AD were investigated in animal models of AD and HaCaT cells. Further, we investigated whether LLE and LLE(Ch-) show any differences in physiological activity. MATERIALS/METHODS: AD was induced by 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) for three weeks, while NC/Nga mice were fed LLE or LLE(Ch-) extracts for 7 weeks. Serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) and cytokine (tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-α, interleukin [IL]-6, and IL-4) concentrations and the degree of DNA fragmentation in lymphocytes were examined. A histopathological examination (haematoxylin & eosin staining and blue spots of toluidine) of the dorsal skin of mice was performed. To elucidate the mechanism of action, the expression of the thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC) and macrophage-derived chemokine (MDC) were measured in HaCaT cells. RESULTS: Serum IgE and cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6) levels as well as DNA fragmentation of lymphocytes were significantly decreased in AD-induced mice treated with LLE or LLE(Ch-) compared to those of the control group. The epidermal thickness of the dorsal skin and mast cell infiltration in the LLE group significantly reduced compared to that in the control group. The LLE extracts showed no cytotoxicity up to 1,000 ㎍/mL in HaCaT cells. LLE or LLE(Ch-)-treated group showed a reduction of TARC and MDC in TNF-α-and IFN-γ-stimulated HaCaT cells. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that LLE potentially improves inflammation by reducing the expression of chemokines that inhibit T helper 2 cell migration. LLE(Ch-) showed similar effects to LLE on blood levels of IgE, TNF-α and IL-6 and protein expression in HaCat cells, but the ultimate effect of skin improvement was not statistically significant. Therefore, both LLE and LLE(Ch-) can be used as functional materials to alleviate AD, but LLE(Ch-) appears to require more research to improve inflammation.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
• /
• v.32 no.4
• /
• pp.499-507
• /
• 2024

Specific sensitivity of the skin to ultraviolet B (UVB) rays is one of the mechanisms responsible for widespread skin damage. This study tested whether 1,3,5-trihydroxybenzene (THB), a compound abundant in marine products, might inhibit UVB radiationinduced NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4) in both human HaCaT keratinocytes and mouse dorsal skin and explore its cytoprotective mechanism. The mechanism of action was determined using western blotting, immunocytochemistry, NADP⁺/NADPH assay, reactive oxygen species (ROS) detection, and cell viability assay. THB attenuated UVB-induced NOX4 expression both in vitro and in vivo, and suppressed UVB-induced ROS generation via NADP⁺ production, resulting in increased cell viability with decreased apoptosis. THB also reduced the expression of UVB-induced phosphorylated AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and phosphorylated c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). THB suppressed UVB-induced NOX4 expression and ROS generation by inhibiting AMPK and JNK signaling pathways, thereby inhibiting cellular damage. These results showed that THB could be developed as a UV protectant.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
• /
• v.30 no.10
• /
• pp.1567-1573
• /
• 2020

Ultraviolet (UV) is one of the major factors harmful to skin health. Irradiation with ultraviolet accelerates the decline of skin function, causing the skin to have deep wrinkles, dryness, decreased procollagen production, and degradation of collagen. Novel materials are needed to prevent the aging of the skin by blocking the effects of UV. Safflower seed oil (Charthamus tinctorius L., SSO) contains significantly high levels of unsaturated fatty acids and phytochemicals. SSO has been traditionally used in China, Japan, and Korea to improve skin and hair. Our objective in this study was to determine the effect of SSO and its active compound acacetin on UVB-induced skin photoaging in HaCaT cells and human dermal fibroblasts (HDF). SSO inhibited UVB-induced matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) at both protein and mRNA levels in HaCaT cells and HDF. MMP-1 is known to play important roles in collagen degradation and wrinkle formation. Acacetin, a type of flavonoid, is present in SSO. Similar to SSO, acacetin also inhibited UVB-induced MMP-1 protein and mRNA levels in HaCaT cells and HDF. MMP-1 mRNA is primarily regulated by the mitogen-activated kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. Acacetin regulated the phosphorylation of JNK1/2 and c-jun, but did not inhibit the phosphorylation of ERK1/2, p38 and AKT. Taken together, these results indicate that SSO and its active compound acacetin can prevent UVB-induced MMP-1 expression, which leads to skin photoaging, and may therefore have therapeutic potential as an anti-wrinkle agent to improve skin health.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Applied Pharmacology
• /
• 2007.11a
• /
• pp.153-158
• /
• 2007

Background: Naturally occurring antioxidants were used to regulate the skin damage caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation because several antioxidants have demonstrated that they can inhibit wrinkle formation through prevention of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and/or increase of collagen synthesis. We examined the effect of oral administration of the antioxidant mixture ("L-Skin Care") on UVB-induced wrinkle formation. In addition, we investigated the possible molecular mechanisms of photoprotection against UVB through inhibition of collagen-degrading MMP activity or through enhancing of pro collagen synthesis in mouse dorsal skin. Methods: Female SKH-l hairless mice were orally administrated "L-Skin Care" (test group) or vehicle (control group) for 10 weeks with UVB irradiation by three times a week. The intensity of irradiation was gradually increased from 30 to $180mJ/cm^2$. Microtopographic and histological assessments of the dorsal skins were carried out at the end of 10 weeks to evaluate wrinkle formation. Western blot analysis and EMSA were also carried out to investigate the changes in the balance of collagen synthesis and collagen degradation. Results: Our "L-Skin Care" significantly reduced UVB-induced wrinkle formation, accompanied by significant reduction of epidermal thickness, and UVB-induced hyperplasia, acanthosis and hyperkeratosis. Oral administration of "L-Skin Care" significantly prevented UVB-induced expressions of MMPs, mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases and activation of activator protein (AP)-1 transcriptional factor in addition to enhanced type I procollagen and transforming growth factor-$\beta$ (TGF-$\beta$) expression. Conclusion: Oral administration of "L-Skin Care" significantly inhibited wrinkle formation caused by chronic UVB irradiation through significant inhibition of UVB-induced MMP activity accompanied with enhancement of collagen synthesis.

• Horticultural Science & Technology
• /
• v.32 no.1
• /
• pp.10-17
• /
• 2014

This study was conducted to elucidate the relationship between light and coloring and to obtain basic results for promoting redness expression in 'Kalle' (Pyrus communis L.) pear skin. It was investigated in location of anthocyanin layer by microscopic observation and differences in skin color expression of 'Kalle' bagged with paper bag which has different light transmittance rate and inside temperature. However, there was no anthocyanin layer in the brown skin and golden yellow color, anthocyanin layer was distributed in epidermins or hyperdermis of red skin pear and apple. Dark red colored 'Kalle' had more anthocyanin content, $29.8mg{\cdot}100g^{-1}$ FW than light red colored apple 'Hongro'. Light transmittance rate of physical characteristics used paper bags was the highest in white paper bag, 42.2% and it also had more light quantity, $8.9{\mu}mol$ than any other tested paper bags in specific wave length 650-655 nm. The maximum temperature of inner bag was higher about $3^{\circ}C$ in yellow paper bag. The red coloration and anthocyanin contents in no bagged fruits were higher than in any other bagged fruit. However, red color expression among the bagged fruits was higher in white paper bag than in double layered black paper bag and yellow paper bag. Also, chromaticity value seemd to be a good index to explain variation of fruit skin color, because anthocyanin content and chromaticity value were higher. Based on these results, it is desirable to cultivate 'Kalle' without bag for stable redness expression but bagging is essential for decreasing damage by insect in Korea. Further examination to find suitable time of removing paperbag for redness expression and decreasing insect damage. In addition, it is required to develop paperbag whose transmittance rate is high in specific light wavelength or temperature of inner bags is low. Additional key words: anthocyanin, bagging, chromaticity value, light transmittance, Pyrus communis L.