Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 31, 2025
Author Spotlight: Advancing Facial Rejuvenation Therapy with Post-Laser Salicylic Acid Application
Published on: September 27, 2024
Fruit Acid Inhibits UV-Induced Skin Aging via PI3K/Akt and NF-κB Pathway Inhibition
Ben Wang1, Jie Dong1, Fang Liu1
1Dermatology Department, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University, 100020 Beijing, China.
Backgrounds:
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation-induced photoaging is a multifaceted biological process. Fruit acids have shown promise in combating photoaging. This study aims to investigate the mechanisms underlying the protective effects of fruit acids on UV-induced skin photoaging.
Methods:
Initially, we induced skin photoaging in rats through UV irradiation. Subsequently, the model group received glycolic acid treatment. The reparative effects of glycolic acid on skin tissue morphology and structure were assessed using Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. The influence of glycolic acid on oxidative stress indicators (Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Glutathione Peroxidase (GSH-Px), Malondialdehyde (MDA), Catalase (CAT)) and levels of cellular inflammatory factors (Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α), IL-1β, Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ)) in photoaged skin was evaluated via Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Additionally, alterations in collagen expression and levels of proteins associated with the Phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Protein Kinase B (PI3K/Akt) and Nuclear Factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathways were determined through Western blot analysis.
Results:
Compared to the model group, the fruit group exhibited a decrease in the thickness of the skin epidermal keratinization layer, an increase in dermal thickness, and more vigorous cortical secretion. Moreover, compared with the model group, the fruit group showed significant increases in SOD activity, CAT, GSH-Px, Collagen I, Collagen III, Collagen VII, and elastin. Conversely, levels of MDA, IL-6, IL-1β, IFN-γ, and TNF-α were lower in the fruit acid group than in the model group. Additionally, fruit acid treatment inhibited the phosphorylation levels of PI3K, Akt, and p65 induced by UV.
Conclusion:
Fruit acid demonstrates the ability to diminish the oxidative stress and inflammatory responses in skin photoaging rat models, thereby facilitating collagen recovery and ameliorating symptoms of skin photoaging. Its potential mechanism may entail the inhibition of the activation of the PI3K/Akt and NF-κB signaling pathways.
Insights
Fruit acids effectively combat skin photoaging by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. This study shows they promote collagen recovery and inhibit key signaling pathways involved in UV damage.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a primary cause of skin photoaging, a complex biological process.
- Fruit acids have emerged as potential therapeutic agents for mitigating photoaging effects.
- Understanding the precise mechanisms of fruit acids in skin protection is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the protective mechanisms of fruit acids against UV-induced skin photoaging.
- To evaluate the impact of fruit acids on skin morphology, oxidative stress, and inflammation.
- To explore the role of PI3K/Akt and NF-κB signaling pathways in fruit acid-mediated skin repair.
Main Methods:
- UV irradiation was used to induce photoaging in a rat model.
- Glycolic acid treatment was administered to assess reparative effects on skin structure via HE staining.
- Oxidative stress markers (SOD, GSH-Px, MDA, CAT) and inflammatory factors (IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β, IFN-γ) were measured using ELISA.
- Collagen expression and signaling pathway proteins (PI3K/Akt, NF-κB) were analyzed by Western blot.
Main Results:
- Fruit acid treatment improved skin morphology, increasing dermal thickness and reducing epidermal keratinization.
- Significant increases in antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, GSH-Px) and collagen types I, III, VII, and elastin were observed.
- Levels of oxidative stress marker MDA and inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-1β, IFN-γ, TNF-α) were significantly reduced.
- UV-induced phosphorylation of PI3K, Akt, and NF-κB (p65) was inhibited by fruit acid treatment.
Conclusions:
- Fruit acids effectively mitigate oxidative stress and inflammation in UV-induced skin photoaging.
- These compounds promote collagen restoration and improve overall skin health.
- Inhibition of PI3K/Akt and NF-κB signaling pathways is a key mechanism underlying the anti-photoaging effects of fruit acids.
Related Concept Videos
01:38Nucleotide Excision Repair
Cells are regularly exposed to mutagens—factors in the environment that can damage DNA and generate mutations. UV radiation is one of the most common mutagens and is estimated to introduce a significant number of changes in DNA. These include bends or kinks in the structure, which can block DNA replication or transcription. If these errors are not fixed, the damage can cause mutations, which in turn can result in cancer or disease depending on which sequences are...
02:26NF-κB-dependent Signaling Pathway
NF-κB-dependent Signaling Mechanism
The...
01:31The Intrinsic Apoptotic Pathway
01:35Mutations
Chromosomal Alterations Are Large-Scale Mutations
While point mutations are changes in a single nucleotide in...
01:46Electron Transport Chain: Complex I and II
ROS generation is regulated and maintained at moderate levels necessary...
01:22PI3K/mTOR/AKT Signaling Pathway