ABSTRACT
Apigenin (4',5,7-trihydroxyflavone) is a flavone that has been reported to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-carcinogenic properties. In this study, we investigated the protective effects of apigenin on skin and found that, in experiments using cells, apigenin restored the viability of normal human dermal fibroblasts (nHDFs), which had been decreased by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation in the UVA range. Using a senescence-associated (SA)-ß-gal assay, we also demonstrate that apigenin protects against the UVA-induced senescence of nHDFs. Furthermore, we found that apigenin decreased the expression of the collagenase, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1, in UVA-irradiated nHDFs. UVA, which has been previously identified as a photoaging-inducing factor, has been shown to induce MMP-1 expression. The elevated expression of MMP-1 impairs the collagen matrix, leading to the loss of elasticity and skin dryness. Therefore, we examined the clinical efficacy of apigenin on aged skin, using an apigenincontaining cream for clinical application. Specifically, we measured dermal density, skin elasticity and the length of fine wrinkles in subjects treated with apigenin cream or the control cream without apigenin. Additionally, we investigated the effects of the apigenin-containing cream on skin texture, moisture and transepidermal water loss (TEWL). From these experiments, we found that the apigenincontaining cream increased dermal density and elasticity, and reduced fine wrinkle length. It also improved skin evenness, moisture content and TEWL. These results clearly demonstrate the biological effects of apigenin, demonstrating both its cellular and clinical efficacy, and suggest that this compound holds promise as an anti-aging cosmetic ingredient.
Subject(s)
Apigenin/pharmacology , Skin Aging/drug effects , Ultraviolet Rays , Adult , Apigenin/adverse effects , Biological Assay , Cell Death/drug effects , Cell Death/radiation effects , Cell Survival/drug effects , Cell Survival/radiation effects , Cellular Senescence/drug effects , Cellular Senescence/radiation effects , Dermis/pathology , Elasticity/drug effects , Female , Fibroblasts/drug effects , Fibroblasts/enzymology , Fibroblasts/pathology , Fibroblasts/radiation effects , Gene Expression Regulation, Enzymologic/drug effects , Humans , Matrix Metalloproteinase 1/genetics , Matrix Metalloproteinase 1/metabolism , Middle Aged , RNA, Messenger/genetics , RNA, Messenger/metabolism , Skin Aging/radiation effects , Skin Cream/pharmacology , Water Loss, Insensible/drug effectsABSTRACT
Rutin, a quercetin glycoside is a member of the bioflavonoid family which is known to possess antioxidant properties. In the present study, we aimed to confirm the antiaging effects of rutin on human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) and human skin. We examined the effects of rutin using a cell viability assay, senescence-associated-ß-galactosidase assay, reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and by measuring reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging activity in vitro. To examine the effects of rutin in vivo, rutincontaining cream was applied to human skin. A double-blind clinical study was conducted in 40 subjects aged between 30-50 years and divided into control and experimental groups. The test material was applied for 4 weeks. After 2 and 4 weeks, dermal density, skin elasticity, the length and area of crow's feet, and number of under-eye wrinkles following the application of either the control or the rutin-containing cream were analyzed. Rutin increased the mRNA expression of collagen, type I, alpha 1 (COL1A1) and decreased the mRNA expression of matrix metallopeptidase 1 (MMP1) in HDFs. We verified that ROS scavenging activity was stimulated by rutin in a dosedependent manner and we identified that rutin exerted protective effects under conditions of oxidative stress. Furthermore, rutin increased skin elasticity and decreased the length, area and number of wrinkles. The consequences of human aging are primarily visible on the skin, such as increased wrinkling, sagging and decreased elasticity. Overall, this study demonstrated the biological effects of rutin on ROS-induced skin aging.
Subject(s)
Rutin/pharmacology , Skin Aging/drug effects , Adult , Cell Death/drug effects , Cell Survival/drug effects , Cellular Senescence/drug effects , Collagen Type I/genetics , Collagen Type I/metabolism , Dermis/pathology , Elastic Modulus/drug effects , Elasticity , Female , Fibroblasts/drug effects , Fibroblasts/pathology , Humans , Hydrogen Peroxide/toxicity , Matrix Metalloproteinase 1/genetics , Matrix Metalloproteinase 1/metabolism , Middle Aged , RNA, Messenger/genetics , RNA, Messenger/metabolism , Skin Cream/pharmacologyABSTRACT
We describe a rare conjoined twinning at 9 weeks of gestation. We compared the results of two- and three-dimensional sonography with autopsy findings after the termination of pregnancy. These results showed a thoracoomphalopagus with a shared heart and visceral organs. Three-dimensional sonography showed anencephaly in one of the embryos. Early and accurate prenatal diagnosis of this type of conjoined twins using three-dimensional sonography is critical for both parental counseling and minimizing maternal morbidity.
