Skin Ageing and Cancer

Abstract

Human matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) belong to the M10 family of the MA clan of endopeptidases. They are ubiquitarian enzymes, structurally characterized by an active site where a Zn 2+ atom, coordinated by three histidines, plays the catalytic role, assisted by a glutamic acid as a general base. Based on their structure and substrate specificity, they can be categorized into five main subgroups, namely (1) collagenases (MMP-1, MMP-8 and MMP-13); (2) gelatinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9); (3) stromelysins (MMP-3, MMP-10 and MMP-11); (4) matrilysins (MMP-7 and MMP-26) and (5) membrane-type (MT) MMPs (MMP-14, MMP-15, MMP-16, MMP-17, MMP-24 and MMP-25). MMPs can act on extracellular matrix (ECM) and non-ECM components affecting degradation and modulation of the ECM, growth-factor activation and cell-cell and cell-matrix signalling. In skin, MMPs are secreted by different cell types such as fibroblasts, keratinocytes, macrophages, endothelial cells, mast cells, and eosinophils. This chapter reviews the role of MMPs in maintaining skin homeostasis, skin ageing and skin cancer.

Effects of Water–Ethanol Extracts from Four Sphagnum Species on Gene Expression of Selected Enzymes in Normal Human Dermal Fibroblasts and Their Antioxidant Properties

“…The dermis contains the most essential components for the skin and its functions, such as fibers of collagen and elastin, which are produced by fibroblasts, and glycosaminoglycans located between the fibers, such as hyaluronic acid. These components are the main ingredients of the ECM [ 38 , 39 ]. The impact of UV radiation, chemicals and pollution on the skin causes the overproduction of reactive oxygen species within it, which in turn, increases the level of oxidative stress.…”

“…The following collagenases are distinguished: collagenase 1, collagenase 2, and collagenase 3. These are encoded by the genes MMP1, MMP8 and MMP13, respectively [ 37 , 39 ]. The most important role in collagen metabolism is played by collagenase 1 (MMP1), also known as interstitial or fibroblast collagenase [ 60 , 61 , 62 ].…”

“…Unfortunately, extracts from the studied Sphagnum species in this study increased the expression of MMP1 genes, which may contribute to increased degradation of collagen in the skin and intensification of skin aging processes. Although Sphagnum extracts reduced gene expression of MMP8 and MMP13 in cells which were treated by extracts, compared with gene expression in dermal fibroblasts to which Sphagnum extracts were not added, this effect seems to be less significant, since MMP8 and MMP13 are thought to contribute to a very small extent to the overall damage to the collagen structure in the photoaging process [ 37 , 39 ].…”

Extracellular Vesicles in Facial Aesthetics: A Review

“…With age, the proportion of Col I declines whilst the amount of Col III increases, especially in ultraviolet B-rays (UVB)-exposed areas [ 55 ]. Besides, the MMPs level will increase, and the TIMPs level will decrease in extrinsic and intrinsic aging [ 71 ]. MMPs are activated by the reactive oxygen species (ROS) to fragment and degrade the ECM proteins [ 72 ].…”