First skin‐physiological tests in weightlessness in the ISS space station

Abstract

Citation: IFSCC Magazine, 11 (2008) (3) [217][218][219][220][221][222][223] Epidermal differentiation is crucial to guarantee a physiological cornification process. The cornified envelope is the final skin barrier which protects against external aggressions such as UV light and reduces water loss. Skin ageing is associated with decreased functionality of this barrier and reduced epidermal differentiation. We present a new bioactive complex for the stimulation of protein synthesis associated with cornified envelope and markers of epidermal differentiation. Composed of a hydrolyzed oat protein extract and particularly rich in glutamine and glutamic acid combined with ATP and niacinamide, 1% of this complex increases significantly the synthesis of proteins such as filaggrin, late envelope protein and small proline-rich proteins, all markers of epidermal differentiation, in a reconstituted human skin model as measured by DNA array chip analysis, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry. When a cream containing 3% of this bioactive complex was applied to the skin of 25 human volunteers, an increase in skin hydration of more than 60% after 14 days of application and a reduction of wrinkles and roughness by more than 50% in 4 weeks were observed compared with a placebo cream. In conclusion, the bioactive complex stimulated synthesis of proteins which are important for epidermal differentiation and skin barrier function and was helpful in fighting skin ageing. Citation: IFSCC Magazine, 11 (2008) (3) 225-229The dermis is considered a highly dynamic structure that determines the biomechanical properties of the skin. It is composed of two dermal compartments separated by a vascular plexus: the papillary dermis and the reticular dermis. In the last few years, several studies have demonstrated the role of the dermal epidermal junction in the cutaneous ageing process. Recently, teams specialized in the study of the dermal matrix have focused their studies on the superior dermis in close contact with the dermal epidermal junction: the papillary dermis. They defined the role of matrix proteins in this area. Collagens XII and XVI, non-fibrillar collagens specific to the papillary dermis, are responsible for skin deformability and extensibility. Oxytalan fibres are related to elastic properties of the skin. Ubiquitous collagens such as collagens I and VI are associated with the cohesion and the resistance of the dermis. As the papillary dermis is the primary site of intrinsic dermal ageing, we studied expression of these molecules in our own in vitro model of intrinsic ageing of the papillary dermis. The results of this innovative approach confirmed that their expression was reduced. Nevertheless, active molecules may exist in nature that are capable of restoring a normal expression profile of these markers for a cosmetic anti-ageing application.

Spaceflight Stressors and Skin Health

“…Alternatively, pre-flight activities might overstress the skin and worsen skin health where, for instance, pre-flight travel to different countries significantly affects hydration levels of the epidermis. Stabilization of TEWL and hydration measures in space indicate the benefit of standardized conditions in space, which might improve already damaged skin [ 16 , 18 , 19 ]. Nevertheless, variation due to the small sample size ( n = 6) and differences in time points for data collection were observed between astronauts.…”