Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light triggers the rapid generation and accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in skin cells, which increases oxidative stress damage and leads to photoaging. Nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) modulates the antioxidant defense of skin cells against environmental factors, especially ultraviolet radiation. Natural products that target Nrf2-regulated antioxidant reactions are promising candidates for anti-photoaging. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effect of Modified Qing’e Formula (MQEF) on UV-induced skin oxidative damage and its molecular mechanisms. In this study, the photoaging models of human keratinocytes (HaCaT) and ICR mice were established by UV irradiation. In vitro models showed that MQEF displayed potent antioxidant activity, significantly increased cell viability and reduced apoptosis and excess ROS levels. Meanwhile, the knockdown of Nrf2 reversed the antioxidant and anti-apoptotic effects of MQEF. In vivo experiments indicated that MQEF could protect the skin against UV-exposed injury which manifested by water loss, sensitivity, tanning, wrinkling, and breakage of collagen and elastic fibers. The application of MQEF effectively increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes and reduced the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) in mice. In addition, MQEF was able to activate Nrf2 nuclear translocation in mouse skin tissue. In summary, MQEF may attenuate UV-induced photoaging by upregulating Nrf2 expression and enhancing antioxidant damage capacity. MQEF may be a potential candidate to prevent UV-induced photoaging by restoring redox homeostasis.

Oxidative stress damage can lead to premature skin aging or age‐related skin disorders. Therefore, strategies to improve oxidative stress‐induced aging are needed to protect the skin and to treat skin diseases. This study aimed to determine whether the flavonoid corylin derived from Psoralea corylifolia can prevent UV‐induced skin aging and if so, to explore the potential molecular mechanisms. We found that corylin potently blocked UV‐induced skin photoaging in mice by reducing oxidative stress and increasing the nuclear expression of nuclear factor‐erythroid factor 2‐related factor 2 Nrf2. We also found that corylin stimulated Nrf2 translocation into the nucleus and increased the delivery of its target antioxidant genes together with Kelch‐like ECH‐associated protein 1 (Keap1) to dissociate Nrf2. These findings indicate that corylin could prevent skin aging by inhibiting oxidative stress via Keap1‐Nrf2 in mouse cells. Thus, Nrf2 activation might be a therapeutic target for preventing skin aging or skin diseases caused by aging. Our findings also provided evidence that warrants the further investigation of plant ingredients to facilitate the discovery of novel therapies targeting skin aging.

No abstract

No abstract

No abstract