Effects of a Long-Term Dietary Xylitol Supplementation on Collagen Content and Fluorescence of the Skin in Aged Rats

Abstract

Background: Dietary xylitol has been shown to increase the amounts of newly synthesized collagen, and to decrease fluorescence of the collagenase-soluble fraction in the skin of both healthy and diabetic rats. As in diabetic rats, a decreased rate of collagen synthesis and increased collagen fluorescence has also been detected in the skin of aged rats. We hypothesize that dietary xylitol supplementation may protect against these changes during aging. Objective: The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether a long-term dietary supplementation can protect against the decrease in the amounts of newly synthesized collagen, and against the increase in fluorescence in the collagenase-soluble fraction in the skin of aged rats. Methods:Twenty-four male Sprague-Dawley rats were used in the study. After weaning, the rats were divided into 2 groups of 12 animals. The rats in the control group were fed a basal RM1 diet, while the rats in the experimental group were fed the same diet supplemented with 10% xylitol. After 20 months, the rats were killed and pieces of skin from their dorsal areas were excised. The thickness of the samples was measured with a micrometer screw gauge. The collagen contents of rat skin were measured as hydroxyproline, and glycosylation as fluorescent intensity of collagen. Statistical significances of the differences between the groups were determined using the unpaired t test. Results: No general side effects were detected in the rats during the experimental period. The skin of the xylitol-fed rats was a little thicker than that of the control rats. The hydroxyproline content of the acid-soluble fraction was significantly greater in the xylitol group as compared to the controls. However, there were no significant differences in the hydroxyproline content of the collagenase-soluble fraction between the groups. The fluorescence of the collagenase-soluble fraction was significantly smaller in the xylitol-fed aged rats than in the aged rats fed the basal diet. Conclusions: The results of this study indicate that xylitol caused an increase in the amount of newly synthesized collagen and a decrease in collagen fluorescence in the skin of aged rats.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis alters the metabolic aging profile in patient derived fibroblasts

“…A recent extensive review article summarizes the beneficial effect of xylitol on health by modulating immune function, intestine microbiota density, metabolic function and dental health amongst other benefits (Sal li et al., 2019 ). Moreover, supplementation of xylitol has been shown to increase collagen synthesis in the skin of aged healthy mice indicating a potential protective effect ( Mattila et al., 2005 ). At the metabolic level, xylitol is metabolised to xylulose-5-phosphate and activates the carbohydrate response element binding protein (ChREBP) via protein phosphatase 2A ( Kabashima et al., 2003 ; Kawaguchi et al., 2001 ).…”

Beyond the physico‐chemical barrier: Glycerol and xylitol markedly yet differentially alter gene expression profiles and modify signalling pathways in human epidermal keratinocytes

“…In contrast to glycerol, we possess much more limited data on the cutaneous effects of a closely related polyol, namely xylitol ((2R,3r,4S)‐pentane‐1,2,3,4,5‐pentol), an achiral sugar, which can also be synthesized in the human body, and is often used as a food additive. Xylitol was found to inhibit Staphylococcus aureus biofilm formation (characteristic for atopic dermatitis) and augment collagen formation . Moreover, in a human study, we have recently shown that xylitol (similar to glycerol) markedly suppressed sodium lauryl sulphate‐induced transepidermal water loss and exerted anti‐irritant actions .…”

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the role of sugar-free chewing gum on Streptococcus mutans

“…Xylitol studies in rats have shown to increase collagen production in the skin, increase bone volume and bone mineral content and improve digestive health. These findings all need further investigation and in particular, more studies in humans [36][37][38][39][40][41][42]. Xylitol also does not appear to affect blood glucose and insulin levels [43][44][45].…”