Anti-aging efficacy and clinical
benefits: To gain more detailed information about the cutaneous biological
potential of S. longicruris extract, gene
expression analyses using dedicated
cDNA were performed. Expression of
selected genes was assessed in young
(P8) and senescent (P14) fibroblasts.
The potential revitalization of senescent
gene expression of S. longicruris was
verified by incubating P14 in the presence of the algae extract.
The effect of cellular aging on the
gene expression level and the anti-aging
action of S. longicruris are reported
in Table 2, where studied genes are
grouped according to their cellular
functions. In Table 2, the expression
level for each gene was arbitrarily set to
a value of 1 in young fibroblasts (P8).
The effect of in vitro aging on gene
expression level is shown in P14. Any
reduction in gene expression is shown
with a down arrow (), and any increase
in gene expression is represented with
an up arrow ().
Figure 3. Clinical efficacy of S. longicruris on skin hydration level
S. longicruris. For example, the expression of α-actin in senescent cells was
reduced to 30% of the control value
(expression level in P8 cells). As a major
constituent of the cytoskeleton (internal
cell scaffolding), α-actin is actively
involved in cell shape, function, motility
and signaling. The addition of S. longicruris to senescent cells (P14) increased
the gene expression of α-actin by
3.1-fold. Therefore, it can be concluded
that the gene expression level of α-actin
in senescent fibroblasts was restored to
a level observed in young cells (P14 +
S. longicruris vs P8). In the case of
α-actin gene expression, S. longicruris
produced a complete rejuvenating
action.
In addition, the extracellular
matrix (ECM) restructuring action of
S. longicruris was supported by its effect
on the gene expression of collagens,
MMPs and plasminogen activator
inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), an endogenous
MMP inhibitor.
Collagen: A reduced expression of
specific subunits of collagen 3 and 4
was observed in senescent fibroblasts.
The addition of S. longicruris restored
Table 2. In vitro Effect of S. longicruris on Fibroblast Gene Expression
Gene expression level
P8 P14 P14+S. longicruris P14+S. longicruris vs. P8
Protein function(s)
Cytoskeleton
α-actin
1
0.3
3.1
1.0
Cytoplasmic β-actin
Extracellular Matrix
Collagen 3 alpha 1
Collagen 4 alpha 1
Collagen 4 alpha 2
MMP1
1
0.4
4.8
1.9
Fibroblast, contraction,
wound healing
Cell shape, motility, ECM interaction
1
1
1
1
0.6
0.9
1.3
3.1
2.1
2.0
3.3
0.8
1.2
1.8
4.3
2.3
MMP3
1
20.6
0.4
7.3
PAI-1
Syndecan-4
Tenascin
Integrin β1
1
1
1
1
0.9
1.2
0.6
0.5
2.7
1.7
2.7
2.9
2.3
2.0
1.7
1.4
Biglycan
Antioxidants
Catalase
1
0.6
1.5
0.9
Collagen fibers dermis, DEJ
Basement membrane, DEJ
Basement membrane, DEJ
Collagen degradation,
upregulated by UV
Collagen degradation,
upregulated by UV
MMP inhibitor
ECM interaction, cell migration
ECM, DEJ
Cell-cell interaction,
cell-ECM interaction
Collagen fiber organization
1
0.8
2.6
2.2
Glutathione reductase 1
0.4
8.4
3.2
Scavenges H2O2,
down-regulated by UV
Regenerates oxidized glutathione
212 | Cosmetics & Toiletries® magazine www.CosmeticsandToiletries.com
Vol. 126, No. 3/March 2011
