Effects of Glyceryl Glucoside on AQP3 Expression, Barrier Function and Hydration of Human Skin

Abstract

Background/Aim: Aquaporins (AQPs) present in the epidermis are essential hydration-regulating elements controlling cellular water and glycerol transport. In this study, the potential of glyceryl glucoside [GG; alpha-D-glucopyranosyl-alpha-(1->2)-glycerol], an enhanced glycerol derivative, to increase the expression of AQP3 in vitro and ex vivo was evaluated. Methods: In vitro studies with real-time RT-PCR and FACS measurements were performed to test the induction by GG (3% w/v) of AQP3 mRNA and protein in cultured human keratinocytes. GG-containing formulations were applied topically to volunteer subjects and suction blister biopsies were analyzed to assess whether GG (5%) could penetrate the epidermis of intact skin, and subsequently upregulate AQP3 mRNA expression and improve barrier function. Results: AQP3 mRNA and protein levels were significantly increased in cultured human keratinocytes. In the studies on volunteer subjects, GG significantly increased AQP3 mRNA levels in the skin and reduced transepidermal water loss compared with vehicle-controlled areas. Conclusion: GG promotes AQP3 mRNA and protein upregulation and improves skin barrier function, and may thus offer an effective treatment option for dehydrated skin.

Diagnosis and treatment of xerosis cutis – a position paper

“…Potential causes for this include: – Altered composition of the intercellular lipid bilayer, e.g., caused by external (Table ) or endogenous factors (Table ). – Abnormal keratinocyte differentiation or desmolysis, e.g., in psoriasis, ichthyosis and others. – Decreased content of moisturizing factors in the skin , e.g., caused by environmental factors (Table ), fluid deficiency or by decreased endogenous production (e.g., inherited filaggrin deficiency ) or poor distribution (e.g., aquaporin 3 deficiency ). …”

“…-Decreased content of moisturizing factors in the skin [23], e.g., caused by environmental factors (Table 1), fluid deficiency or by decreased endogenous production (e.g., inherited filaggrin deficiency [14,15]) or poor distribution (e.g., aquaporin 3 deficiency [13]).…”

Use of emollients in dry-skin conditions: consensus statement

“…Moreover, it was noted that emollient preparations are not all the same. Some emollient preparations, such as aqueous cream containing SLS, have a deleterious effects on the skin, whereas others comprise adjuvant ingredients with a positive effect on the skin barrier . Although there is a good theoretical rationale for the inclusion of adjuvant ingredients, including ceramides, fatty acids, urea and glycerol, there is a pressing need for robust evidence to show that the addition of these ingredients enhances efficacy …”

“…Some emollient preparations, such as aqueous cream containing SLS, have a deleterious effects on the skin, whereas others comprise adjuvant ingredients with a ª The Author(s) CED ª 2013 British Association of Dermatologists Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, 38, 231-238 positive effect on the skin barrier. 15,20,[31][32][33][34] Although there is a good theoretical rationale for the inclusion of adjuvant ingredients, including ceramides, fatty acids, urea and glycerol, there is a pressing need for robust evidence to show that the addition of these ingredients enhances efficacy. 15,31,33 There is some evidence that emollient preparations containing urea enhance efficacy, are steroid-sparing and delay the relapse of AE, compared with no treatment.…”

“…15,20,[31][32][33][34] Although there is a good theoretical rationale for the inclusion of adjuvant ingredients, including ceramides, fatty acids, urea and glycerol, there is a pressing need for robust evidence to show that the addition of these ingredients enhances efficacy. 15,31,33 There is some evidence that emollient preparations containing urea enhance efficacy, are steroid-sparing and delay the relapse of AE, compared with no treatment. 13,14 As the skin ages, the levels of NMF fall, and so the skin's ability to retain water decreases, providing a rationale for the use of emollients containing NMF ingredients, such as urea, to help replace this deficiency.…”