Novel Facial Cream Containing Carnosine Inhibits Formation of Advanced Glycation End-Products in Human Skin

Abstract

Background: Accumulation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) in skin has been associated with skin aging. Inhibition of glycation of proteins of extracellular matrix may help skin texture and appearance. The objective of the study was to demonstrate the antiglycation activity of topically applied carnosine and novel facial cream (FC) containing carnosine in human skin explants ex vivo. Methods: Glycation was induced in human skin explants by methylglyoxal (MG) in culture media. FC containing carnosine (FC-CARN) or carnosine in aqueous solution (AQ-CARN) was applied topically on skin explants. Levels of AGEs carboxymethyl-lysine (CML) and pentosidine were determined in the epidermis and dermis of skin sections and were used to calculate antiglycation activity. Results: Exposure to MG led to increases in CML and pentosidine in skin explants. Antiglycation effect for AQ-CARN was CML: –64 and –41%, pentosidine: –48 and 42% in epidermis and reticular dermis respectively. Antiglycation effect for FC-CARN was CML: –150 and –122%, pentosidine: –108 and –136%, in epidermis and reticular dermis respectively. Conclusion: Topically applied carnosine protects against the glycation induced by MG. Novel FC-CARN significantly reduced levels of AGEs in both epidermis and reticular dermis in human skin explants.

Dicarbonyl Stress at the Crossroads of Healthy and Unhealthy Aging

“…Glo1 activity was found to be decreased in arterial tissue, human lens and brain with aging [38]. MGO-derived AGEs were reported to be increased in aging tissues, contributing to macular degeneration in the retina [39], osteoarthritis in human cartilage [40], impaired endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation in vascular tissue [41], endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and apoptosis in skin fibroblasts [42] and skin aging [43].…”

Evaluation of the Transepidermal Penetration of a Carnosine Complex in Gel Formulation by 3D Skin Models

“…Carnosine has demonstrated anti-glycation activity when applied topically in ex vivo human skin explants. In this study, a facial cream showed a significant superior anti-glycation effect compared to aqueous carnosine solution (approximately double), thus indicating the importance of the vehicle [14]. In another study [15] the effect of carnosine in combination with urea and arginine, was evaluated against severe xerosis of the foot skin in patients with diabetes (a disease associated with accelerated ageing).…”

Night Cream Containing Melatonin, Carnosine and Helichrysum italicum Extract Helps Reduce Skin Reactivity and Signs of Photodamage: Ex Vivo and Clinical Studies

“…As well as environmental agents, dietary factors, especially the consumption of too much sugar, are also thought to cause wrinkles [ 25 ]. The factors responsible for this are advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) that are formed when glucose and fructose bind to and cross-link collagen and elastin fibers within the dermis [ 26 ].…”

“…The factors responsible for this are advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) that are formed when glucose and fructose bind to and cross-link collagen and elastin fibers within the dermis [ 26 ]. Cross-linking of these proteins alters skin’s mechanical properties and prevents their repair following damage [ 25 , 26 ]. With the inclusion of carnosine, which we have previously shown to limit AGE formation [ 25 ], NC should also reduce AGE levels.…”

“…Cross-linking of these proteins alters skin’s mechanical properties and prevents their repair following damage [ 25 , 26 ]. With the inclusion of carnosine, which we have previously shown to limit AGE formation [ 25 ], NC should also reduce AGE levels.…”