ABSTRACT
ß-(1,3)-Polyglucuronic acid sodium salt produced by the regioselective oxidation of ß-(1,3)-glucan have been studied for its biological impact as putative slimming agent. This ß-(1,3)-polyglucuronic acid sodium salt was synthesized using the conventional 2,2,6,6,-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl radical (TEMPO)/NaBr/NaClO systems at pH 10 and 4°C. A transcriptomical study using DNA microarray analysis, demonstrated that this heparan like sodium salt locally induced an over-expression of the gene Angiopoietin-like 4 (ANGPTL4 or fasting induced adipose factor (FIAF)) leading to the increase in Adipokine ANGPTL4 synthesis and the inhibition of Lipoprotein Lipase (LPL). In vitro analysis using 3T3-L1 cells have clearly revealed that ß-(1,3)-polyglucuronic acid sodium salt could act in key steps of lipid metabolism by inhibiting the differentiation of pre-adipocytes to mature adipocytes.
ABSTRACT
Proopiomelanocortin is a precursor peptide that gives rise to several neuropeptides including adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) and ß-endorphin. POMC-derived peptides have been shown to be synthesized in human epidermis where they modulate numerous skin functions. Because we previously observed that melanocortin receptor-2 and µ-opioid receptor 1, the respective receptors for ACTH and ß-endorphin decreased with ageing in human epidermis, we have selected an active ingredient (INCI name: Achillea millefolium extract) able to upregulate receptor expressions. The aim of the present work was first to evaluate the effect of A. millefolium extract on the expression pattern of various epidermal differentiation markers ex vivo in normal human skin biopsies using quantitative image analysis and second to evaluate its capacity to rejuvenate the appearance of skin surface in vivo. Results show an improved expression profile of cytokeratin 10, transglutaminase-1 and filaggrin in cultured skin biopsies as well as an increased epidermal thickness. In vivo, a 2-month treatment with A. millefolium extract at 2% significantly improved the appearance of wrinkles and pores compared with placebo. Results were also directionally better than those of glycolic acid that was chosen as reference resurfacing molecule.
