Introduction: Collagen is the primary structural protein fibroblasts produce in the skin’s extracellular matrix. Infiltration of neutrophils into the epidermis and dermis by exposure to UV causes collagen damage and contributes to photoaging. Methods: To study the combined effect of Lumenato and ceramide in preventing collagen-1 damage induced by phagocytes, we used co-cultures of normal human dermal fibroblasts (fibroblasts) and activated human neutrophils. The present study aimed to determine the protective effect of the combination of Lumenato and ceramide on fibroblast collagen-1 damage induced by neutrophils. Results: Lumenato (in the range of 6.5 - 208 μg/ml) or ceramide (in the range of 0.1 - 50 μM) inhibited the production of superoxides and MPO by TNFα-stimulated neutrophils, as well as the production of NO by LPS-stimulated macrophages in a dose-dependent manner. The combinations of Lumenato and ceramide, in low concentrations, caused synergistic prevention of fibroblasts’ collagen-1 damage induced by TNFα-activated neutrophils, detected by fluorescence immunostaining and WB analysis. MPO activity in the supernatants of the co-cultures was also synergistically inhibited. Adding Lumenato or ceramide singly or in combinations in these low concentrations to the fibroblast cultures did not affect the expression of collagen-1. The combinations of Lumenato or ceramide in these concentrations also caused a synergistic inhibition of NO production by activated macrophages. Conclusions: The results suggest that combining low concentrations of Lumenato and ceramide results in synergistic protection against fibroblasts’ collagen-1 damage induced by neutrophils, thus indicating their possible potential for enhanced skin health.
The skin’s primary function is to protect the body against a spectrum of environmental stressors, including mechanical insults, microorganisms, chemicals, and allergens. Located in the outermost layers, the primary structures and components responsible for the skin’s barrier function are susceptible to environmental variables, dermatological conditions, and the aging process. The ensuing alterations to structure, composition, and organizational attributes of the epidermal barrier can impact its integrity and functionality. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of a novel complex composed of a ceramide, energizing peptide, and Camu Camu extract (SUPCERATTM complex) on specific markers of epidermal barrier integrity, as well as epidermal and dermal function. All the experiments were conducted on fresh human abdominal skin explants. Intradermal production of hyaluronic acid, epidermal claudin-1, and ceramide synthase 3 expressions, as well as epidermal lipids content were assessed using specific fluorescent stainings on ex vivo skin after the application of the complex or placebo. Additionally, dermal elastase and collagenase activities were assessed using in tubo enzymatic assays. Lastly, the effect of a cosmetic cream containing SUPCERATTM complex was assessed using subjective Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS) in a small cohort of patients after 60 days of use. The application of the SUPCERATTM complex on ex vivo skin led to significant increase in dermal hyaluronic acid content and epidermal activity of claudin-1, ceramide synthase 3 and epidermal ceramide content. Furthermore, in tubo enzymatic assays demonstrated inhibition of both dermal elastase and collagenase activities. In addition, the patient-reported results indicated significant improvements in skin quality and appearance. .
OBJECTIVE:To explore the mechanism of the Chinese medicine Cigu Xiaozhi prescription(慈菇消脂方,CGXZ)in the treatment of the non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)by detoxification and phlegm-reducing,the effect of CGXZ prescription on ceramide-mediated lipid apoptosis in Hep G2 cells with NAFLD.METHODS:The experiment was randomly divided into 6groups:normal control group,model group,CGXZ prescription medicated serum high,medium,and low dose groups,and pioglitazone positive control group.Using 500μmol/L free fatty acid(FFA)mixture to induce Hep G2 cells to establish NAFLD cell model,respectively,with 2%,4%,and 6%concentration of CGXZ prescription medicated serum intervention for 24 h.The changes in organelles and lipid droplet accumulation were observed under the electron microscope.Furthermore,Td T-mediated d UTP Nick-End Labeling method was used to assay hepatocyte apoptosis;Biochemical determination of glutamic-pyruvic transaminase,glutamic oxalacetic transaminase,triglycerides,and FFA levels in Hep G2cells;the content of ceramide was determined by highperformance thin-layer chromatography.Finally,Western Blot and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(q RT-PCR)were used to determine the protein and gene expression levels,such as inducible nitric oxide synthase(i NOS),nuclear factorκB(NF-κB),B cell lymphoma 2(Bcl-2)and Bcl-2-associated X(Bax).RESULTS:Under the electron microscope,the cells in the model group showed moderate-to-severe steatosis,and apoptotic bodies could be seen.The model group had greater improvements in the apoptosis rate(P<0.01),and the levels of ceramide C2 and FFA in the cytoplasm(P<0.01)than the normal control group.The protein expressions of NF-κB,i NOS,and Bax were significantly up-regulated(P<0.05),while the Bcl-2 had no significant change(P>0.05).Compared with the model group,the levels of ceramide C2 and FFA(P<0.01),the protein expressions of NF-κB,i NOS,and Bax(P<0.05)in the CGXZ prescription treatment group and pioglitazone positive control group were signific
YANG ShaojunMA YanhuaBAI ZhouxiaYU YeFANG BuwuZHANG LiWANG Li