The effects of sun exposure on the skin and specifically those related to pigmentation disorders are well known. It has recently been shown that blue light leads to the induction of oxidative stress and long-lasting pigmentation. The protective effect of an aqueous extract of Polypodium leucotomos (Fernblock®) is known. Our aim was to investigate the action mechanism of Fernblock® against pigmentation induced by blue light from digital devices. Human fibroblasts (HDF) and murine melanocytes (B16-F10) were exposed to artificial blue light (a 400–500 nm LED lamp). Cell viability, mitochondrial morphology, and the expression of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) p38, known markers involved in the melanogenesis pathway, were evaluated. The activation of Opsin-3, a membrane protein sensitive to blue light that triggers the activation of the enzyme tyrosinase responsible for melanogenesis in melanocytes, was also analyzed. Our results demonstrated that pretreatment with Fernblock® prevents cell death, alteration of mitochondrial morphology, and phosphorylation of p38 in HDF exposed to blue light. In addition, Fernblock® significantly reduced the activation of Opsin-3 in melanocytes and the photo-oxidation of melanin, preventing its photodegradation. In sum, Fernblock® exerts beneficial effects against the detrimental impact of blue light from digital devices and could prevent early photoaging, while maintaining skin homeostasis.
Exposure to natural and artificial light and environmental pollutants are the main factors that challenge skin homeostasis, promoting aging or even different forms of skin cancer through a variety of mechanisms that include accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), engagement of DNA damage responses, and extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling upon release of metalloproteases (MMPs). Ultraviolet A radiation is the predominant component of sunlight causative of photoaging, while ultraviolet B light is considered a potentiator of photoaging. In addition, different chemicals contribute to skin aging upon penetration through skin barrier disruption or hair follicles, aryl hydrocarbon receptors (AhR) being a major effector mechanism through which toxicity is exerted. Deschampsia antarctica is a polyextremophile Gramineae capable of thriving under extreme environmental conditions. Its aqueous extract (EDA) exhibits anti- photoaging in human skin cells, such as inhibition of MMPs, directly associated with extrinsic aging. EDA prevents cellular damage, attenuating stress responses such as autophagy and reducing cellular death induced by UV. We demonstrate that EDA also protects from dioxin-induced nuclear translocation of AhR and increases the production of loricrin, a marker of homeostasis in differentiated keratinocytes. Thus, our observations suggest a potential use exploiting EDA’s protective properties in skin health supplements.
The impact of the interaction of all combined environmental agents to which an individual is exposed during his/her lifetime, as well as how his/her organism responds to these influences, defines health, aging, and disease. The systematic, integrative characterization of the different elements making up the “exposome” is thus necessary to identify and exploit the potential of compounds capable of conferring protection with minimal side effects. Extracts from the natural world, containing synergistic combinations of compounds with antioxidant and protective properties, have long been used in traditional medicine. Modern science has the opportunity to leverage these substances honed by evolution and use them safely and reliably, with a profound mechanistic knowledge and guaranteeing standardization and absence of toxicity. Here, we discuss our current knowledge regarding the potential of a soluble extract of the hair grass Deschampsia antarctica (as its standardized commercial preparation Edafence®) to counteract the skin exposome and its impact on skin aging and disease.
Introduction. The effects of sun exposure on the skin and specifically those related to pigmentation disorders are well known. It has recently been shown that blue light leads to the activation of metalloproteinases, the induction of oxidative stress, and long-lasting pigmentation. The protective effect of the aqueous extract of Polypodium leucotomos (FernblockÒ) is known. Objective. To investigate the action mechanism of FernblockÒ against pigmentation induced by blue light from digital devices. M&M. Human fibroblasts (HDF) and murine melanocytes (B16-F10) were exposed to artificial blue light (a 400-500 nm LED lamp). FernblockÒ was used as photoprotector. Cell viability, mitochondrial morphology and the expression of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) p38 as markers involved in the melanogenesis pathway, were evaluated. The activation of Opsin-3, a membrane protein sensitive to blue light that triggers the activation of the enzyme tyrosinase responsible for melanogenesis in melanocytes, was also analyzed. Results. The pretreatment with FernblockÒ prevents cell death, alteration of mitochondrial morphology and phosphorylation of p38 in HDF. In addition, FernblockÒ significantly reduces the activation of opsin 3 in melanocytes and the photo-oxidation of melanin, preventing its photodegradation. Conclusions. The photoprotective role of FernblockÒ could be due to a reduction of the activation of opsin 3 and the formation of the oxidized form of melanin, preventing hyperpigmentation and exerting beneficial effects against the detrimental impact of blue light from digital devices and preventing early photoaging.
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