Oral Supplementation with Cocoa Extract Reduces UVB-Induced Wrinkles in Hairless Mouse Skin

Abstract

Cacao beans contain various bioactive phytochemicals that could modify the pathogeneses of certain diseases. Here, we report that oral administration of cacao powder (CP) attenuates UVB-induced skin wrinkling by the regulation of genes involved in dermal matrix production and maintenance. Transcriptome analysis revealed that 788 genes are down- or upregulated in the CP supplemented group, compared with the UVB-irradiated mouse skin controls. Among the differentially expressed genes, cathepsin G and serpin B6c play important roles in UVB-induced skin wrinkle formation. Gene regulatory network analysis also identified several candidate regulators responsible for the protective effects of CP supplementation against UVB-induced skin damage. CP also elicited antiwrinkle effects via inhibition of UVB-induced matrix metalloproteinases-1 expression in both the human skin equivalent model and human dermal fibroblasts. Inhibition of UVB-induced activator protein-1 via CP supplementation is likely to affect the expression of matrix metalloproteinases-1. CP supplementation also downregulates the expression of cathepsin G in human dermal fibroblasts. 5-(3',4'-Dihydroxyphenyl)-γ-valerolactone, a major in vivo metabolite of CP, showed effects similar to CP supplementation. These results suggest that cacao extract may offer a protective effect against photoaging by inhibiting the breakdown of dermal matrix, which leads to an overall reduction in wrinkle formation.

Concise Synthesis of Catechin Metabolites 5-(3′,4′-Dihydroxyphenyl)-γ-valerolactones (DHPV) in Optically Pure Form and Their Stereochemical Effects on Skin Wrinkle-Reducing Activities

“…We obtained (R)-1 via the same procedure applied for the synthesis of (S)-4. We finally examined the stereochemical effects on the skin wrinkle-reducing activity of the DHPVs, which was previously reported by us [18]. The ROS in skin tissue is frequently increased by UV radiation, which consequently causes an increase in expression of MMP-1 and transcription activity of AP-1.…”

“…However, investigation on its biological effects were relatively rare, except for a few reports [13][14][15][16]. Despite the lack of studies on DHPVs' role in the biological system, several papers recently reported that DHPV exhibits a protective effect against UV-induced skin inflammation [17] or photoaging [18]. Particularly, Lee and Kim et al [18] recently reported that oral administration of DHPV reduced UV-induced skin-wrinkling via the regulation of genes involved in dermal matrix maintenance.…”

“…Despite the lack of studies on DHPVs' role in the biological system, several papers recently reported that DHPV exhibits a protective effect against UV-induced skin inflammation [17] or photoaging [18]. Particularly, Lee and Kim et al [18] recently reported that oral administration of DHPV reduced UV-induced skin-wrinkling via the regulation of genes involved in dermal matrix maintenance. These observations encouraged us to develop a novel protocol for the synthesis of DHPV to secure optically pure metabolites in sufficient quantities to utilize their potential as promising cosmeceutical ingredients.…”

Topical application of glycolic acid suppresses the UVB induced IL-6, IL-8, MCP-1 and COX-2 inflammation by modulating NF-κB signaling pathway in keratinocytes and mice skin

“…Repeated exposure to UV irradiation leads to ROS accumulation, photo-aging, and photocarcinogenesis [22]. Numerous studies reported that topical application of antioxidants engenders photo-protective effects and reduces UVB-induced inflammatory responses or ROS accumulation in hairless mouse skin [19,22,23]. ROS contributes to the induction of cellular senescence, as evidenced by premature ROS accumulation on treatment with antioxidants or inhibitors of cellular oxidant scavengers.…”

Association of Diet With Skin Histological Features in UV-B–Exposed Mice

“…The hairless mouse has been established as a suitable animal model of photoaging during the last few decades. [9][10][11] The present experiments were conducted to explore the histopathological response of the hairless mouse dorsal skin to UV-B exposure after dietary alteration through calorie restriction (Cr) and the administration of an obesity diet. Histological variables of the diet-altered, UV-B-exposed animals were compared with those of appropriate control groups with light microscopic morphometry and immunohistochemistry.…”