ABSTRACT
The anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effect of equine placental extract (ePE) on epidermal keratinocytes was examined. ePE reduced mRNA levels of TNF-α (Tumor Necrosis Factor-α) and IL-6 (Interleukin-6) among the inflammatory cytokines released by epidermal keratinocytes after ultraviolet light (UVB: 290-320 nm) exposure. ePE also activated Nrf2, a transcription factor known to be activated by oxidative stress to promote the expression of antioxidant enzymes and suppress inflammation, and it increased the mRNA level of the antioxidant enzyme HO-1 (Heme Oxygenase-1). These results suggest that ePE suppresses UV-induced inflammation of epidermal keratinocytes via activation of Nrf2.
ABSTRACT
In the present study, we assessed the antiaging effect of equine placental extract (ePE) on dermal fibroblasts and found that it markedly suppressed the appearance of β-galactosidase-positive cells among the senescent cells induced by repeated hydrogen peroxide exposure or ultraviolet A irradiation. Moreover, the efficacy of ePE treatment was similar to that of an antioxidant, N-acetylcysteine. Thus, owing to its antioxidant effect, ePE can be used as an antiaging agent, particularly for the dermis.