Protective Activity and Underlying Mechanism of Ginseng Seeds against UVB-Induced Damage in Human Fibroblasts

Abstract

Ginseng seeds are rich in phytosterols, ginsenosides, and fatty acids, and can therefore be used in skincare to delay the aging process. Ginseng seed embryo (GSE) and ginseng seed coat (GSC) were separated from ginseng seeds (Panax ginseng Meyer). This study evaluated the protective activity and underlying mechanism of GSE and GSC on UVB irradiation-induced skin photoaging using Hs68 cells. Their bioactive compounds, including phytosterols, ginsenosides, tocopherols, tocotrienols, and fatty acids were determined by HPLC and GC. The levels of reactive oxygen species, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), and collagen levels were measured in human dermal fibroblast cell line, Hs68 cells. The antioxidant capacity and contents of total polyphenols and flavonoids were higher in GSC than those in GSE. Linoleic acid was the major fatty acid in both GSE and GSC. GSE and GSC treatment alleviated UVB-induced increase of reactive oxygen species (ROS), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1, and MMP-3, resulting in reduced collagen degradation. Increased UVB-mediated phosphorylation of mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) and activator protein-1 (AP-1) was inhibited by GSE and GSC treatment. Moreover, GSE and GSC effectively upregulated transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) 1 levels. It was found that ginseng seeds regulate the expression of TGF-β/Smad and MAPK/AP-1 pathways. Ginseng seeds contain various bioactive compounds and have protective activity against UVB-induced skin photoaging. Therefore, ginseng seeds have the potential for use in cosmeceutical preparations.

Anti-Aging Effect and Mechanism of Proanthocyanidins Extracted from Sea buckthorn on Hydrogen Peroxide-Induced Aging Human Skin Fibroblasts

“…The activated AP-1 acts as a nuclear transcription factor and binds to the promoter of MMPs to induce MMP gene transcription [ 35 ]. Heo and Lee et al [ 36 ] found that the treatment of Hs68 cells with ginseng seed extract attenuated the UV-induced MMP-1 and MMP-3 increments through the MAPK signaling pathway to decrease collagen degradation. Since the primary function of MMPs is to degrade ECM, Col I degradation is initiated by MMP-1 and continued by MMP-3 [ 6 ].…”

The Protective Effect of Carotenoids, Polyphenols, and Estradiol on Dermal Fibroblasts under Oxidative Stress

“…Thus, the larger amount of pro-collagen attained by phytonutrient and estradiol treatments, and the reduced level of MMP-1, can restore this balance and, thus, improve skin elasticity. Previous studies have shown that polyphenols reduce MMP expression, both in vivo [ 43 ] and in vitro [ 17 ]. A similar reduction in MMP expression was shown by carotenoids in dermal fibroblasts [ 44 ] and in human skin [ 45 , 46 ].…”

“…It was suggested that the protective effects of phytonutrients are mediated by the modulation of signaling pathways that are involved in the adverse effects of oxidative stress. This modulation includes reduction in the activities of the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) transcription system, activator protein 1 (AP-1), and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) [ 17 , 18 ], and improving the antioxidant defense mechanism [ 19 ]. Several studies, including our own, suggest that modulation of these signaling pathways by phytonutrients can lead to a reduction in inflammatory processes [ 20 , 21 , 22 ] and MMP expression [ 17 , 23 ], and increase collagen synthesis [ 17 ].…”

Low‐energy green light alleviates senescence‐like phenotypes in a cell model of photoaging

“…Autophagic death represents an important and dynamic cellular event in which unwanted and impaired organelles/proteins are degraded 3 . Dermal fibroblasts biosynthesize collagen and perform extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling 4 . The latter cells have critical functions in photoaging and anti‐aging, particularly in case of skin exposure to cumulative damage by ultraviolet exposure.…”

“…3 Dermal fibroblasts biosynthesize collagen and perform extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling. 4 The latter cells have critical functions in photoaging and anti-aging, particularly in case…”