A prepared platelet‐rich plasma extract, namely Self‐Growth Colony, inhibits melanogenesis by down‐regulating microphthalmia‐associated transcription factor in skin melanocyte

Abstract

Background: During melanogenesis, melanocytes produce melanin through enzymatic reactions. Microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) is a major regulator in controlling the expressions of melanogenic enzymes tyrosinase (TYR), tyrosine-related protein-1 (TRP1), and dopachrome tautomerase (DCT). Self-Growth Colony (SGC) is prepared from human platelet-rich plasma (PRP) having an enrichment of growth factors, and which has claimed skin regeneration function. Aim:In this study, we aim to identify and investigate the novel role of SGC in skin melanogenesis.Methods: MTT assay was performed to determine the cytotoxicity of applied SGC.Melanin assay was adopted to quantify the intracellular melanin after SGC treatment. Promoter-driven luciferase assay, real-time PCR, and Western blotting were performed to determine the expressions of melanogenic enzymes and MITF in SGCtreated cultured Melan-A cells, being treated with or without UV induction. Ex vivo mouse skin was treated with SGC, and then was subjected to Western blotting and histochemical staining. Results:We identified that SGC inhibited melanogenesis in cultured melanocytes and ex vivo mouse skin. The phenomena were attributed to a reduction of MITF expression, which subsequently down-regulated the melanogenic enzymes, that is, TYR, TRP1, and DCT. Moreover, ERK signaling was activated in the SGC-inhibited melanogenesis. Conclusions:The findings suggest that SGC extracting from human blood can be a safe and potential agent in promoting skin whitening.

Scutellarin potentiates the skin regenerative function of self growth colony, an optimized platelet‐rich plasma extract, in cultured keratinocytes through VEGF receptor and MAPK signaling

“…Thus, SGC, an optimized extract from PRP with a better enrichment of growth factors, is expected to show better skin functions than that of PRP. 6,7 The extract of SGC contains large amount of growth factors, in particular VEGF: these growth factors should be responsible for skin regenerating property of SGC as described here. Having the presence of a natural additive, the function of SGC was significant increased.…”

“…The preparation of SGC was described, previously. 6,7 Briefly, human blood sample, obtained from Hong Kong Red Cross, was brought to centrifugation to obtain red blood cells and PRP fraction. The PRP fraction was collected.…”

“…3,5 Self-growth colony (SGC) is a modified proprietary platelet concentrate derived from human blood. 6,7 The preparation method of SGC has been optimized from conventional PRP preparation, in which high concentrations of various growth factors are being enriched. 7 Besides, the enrichment of growth factors within SGC has demonstrated robust skin regenerating and whitening functions, and thus is currently being applied as a dermatological treatment.…”

“…7 Besides, the enrichment of growth factors within SGC has demonstrated robust skin regenerating and whitening functions, and thus is currently being applied as a dermatological treatment. 6 The root of Scutellaria barbata D. Don is a common herbal drug in traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). From the perspective of TCM, the herb has claimed functions in anti-inflammation, anti-platelet, and vascular relaxation.…”

“…In view of the enriched growth factors, human PRP has been applied in medical treatment of dermatology, for example, treating hair loss, skin aging, acne scar, and sport injury management with recorded efficacy 3,5 . Self‐growth colony (SGC) is a modified proprietary platelet concentrate derived from human blood 6,7 . The preparation method of SGC has been optimized from conventional PRP preparation, in which high concentrations of various growth factors are being enriched 7 .…”