Ferulic Acid: Signaling Pathways in Aging
Deepa Neopane1, Vaseem Ahamad Ansari1, Aditya Singh1
1Department of Pharmacy, Integral University, Lucknow, India.
Abstract:
The need for clinical remedies to the multiple age-related deficiencies in skin function brought on by extrinsic and intrinsic causes is increased by these demographic changes. Reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial deoxyribonucleic acid (mtDNA) mutations, telomere shortening, as well as other factors, contribute to the aging of the skin. In this overview, the issue of human skin aging is introduced, along with several pathways and the protective effects of ferulic acid in light of current patents. The complex antioxidant effect of ferulic acid depends on the "sweeping" away of free radicals as well as the suppression of the synthesis of ROS or nitrogen. Furthermore, Cu (II) or Fe protonated metal ions are chelated by this acid (II). Ferulic acid is a free radical scavenger as well as an enzyme inhibitor, increasing the activity of enzymes that scavenge free radicals while decreasing the activity of enzymes that speed up the creation of free radicals. AMPK signalling, which can regulate cellular homeostasis, stress tolerance, cell survival and proliferation, cell death, and autophagy, has recently been linked to aging and lifespan. Therefore, Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) and rodents had longer life-spans due to specific AMPK activation. By inhibiting the TGF-β/Smad signalling pathway, UV irradiation can reduce the production of procollagen. Glycation changes the skin's physical characteristics, making it less elastic and stiffer. . Excessive free radicals simultaneously trigger the nuclear factor kappa B (NF- κB) signalling pathway, increasing TNF levels and matrix metalloproteinase production (MMPs).
Insights
Ferulic acid protects skin by scavenging free radicals and inhibiting damaging pathways. This antioxidant may offer clinical remedies for age-related skin decline.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology and Aging Research
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Background:
- Skin aging results from intrinsic and extrinsic factors, including reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations.
- Demographic shifts increase the demand for clinical solutions to age-related skin functional deficits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review human skin aging pathways and the protective role of ferulic acid, referencing current patents.
- To explore the antioxidant mechanisms and signaling pathways influenced by ferulic acid relevant to skin aging.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of skin aging mechanisms, including oxidative stress, telomere shortening, and glycation.
- Analysis of ferulic acid's antioxidant properties, including free radical scavenging, ROS suppression, and metal ion chelation.
- Examination of ferulic acid's impact on cellular signaling pathways like AMPK, TGF-β/Smad, and NF-κB.
Main Results:
- Ferulic acid acts as a potent antioxidant by neutralizing free radicals and inhibiting ROS production.
- It chelates metal ions and modulates enzyme activity, enhancing antioxidant defenses and reducing pro-oxidant enzymes.
- Ferulic acid influences key aging pathways, including AMPK signaling for cellular homeostasis and inhibiting UV-induced collagen degradation via TGF-β/Smad.
Conclusions:
- Ferulic acid demonstrates significant potential as a therapeutic agent for combating skin aging due to its multifaceted antioxidant and signaling pathway modulating effects.
- Understanding ferulic acid's mechanisms provides insights for developing novel clinical remedies against age-related skin functional decline.
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