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Moranoline-Enriched Bacillus velezensis AmoreLumina Culture Extract Attenuates Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation in
Daejin Min1, Hyuk Kim1, Eun-Jeong Choi1
1Research and Innovation Center, Amorepacific Corporation, Yongin-si 17074, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea.
Abstract:
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) results from inflammatory responses that leave persistent dark spots around pores after acne lesions are resolved. This pigmentation is caused by increased melanogenesis in melanocytes stimulated by acne-causing bacteria, followed by phagocytosis of excess melanin by macrophages that remain in the dermis. Therefore, to eliminate PIH caused by acne, it is essential not only to suppress excessive melanin synthesis by melanocytes but also to promote the degradation of melanin retained within macrophages. In this study, we investigated whether a culture extract of Bacillus velezensis AmoreLumina (AL), containing more than 80% moranoline (1-Deoxynojirimycin), could inhibit acne-induced pigmentation. Moranoline reduces melanin synthesis by inhibiting the glycosylation of tyrosinase, a key melanogenic enzyme, thereby suppressing its activity. The extract suppressed the upregulation of melanogenic enzymes (tyrosinase, TRP1, and TRP2) and melanin production in melanocytes exposed to acne bacteria, while promoting melanin degradation via macrophage lysosomal activity, as assessed by the relative protein expression level of p62 using Western blotting. Furthermore, in an ex vivo human skin model subjected to acne and ultraviolet radiation-induced pigmentation, treatment with the extract (0.2%) significantly reduced pigmentation (relative delta L 2.98, p value < 0.01). These findings suggest that cosmetic or pharmaceutical formulations incorporating AL extract or moranoline may potentially improve PIH caused by acne-related inflammation.
Insights
A novel Bacillus velezensis extract containing moranoline effectively reduces acne-induced post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) by inhibiting melanin production and enhancing melanin degradation in skin cells.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Cosmetic Science
- Microbiology
Background:
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is a common consequence of acne, characterized by persistent dark spots.
- PIH arises from increased melanogenesis and melanin accumulation within macrophages in the dermis.
- Effective PIH treatment requires both suppressing melanin synthesis and promoting melanin clearance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of Bacillus velezensis AmoreLumina (AL) extract, rich in moranoline, in mitigating acne-induced pigmentation.
- To investigate the mechanisms by which AL extract affects melanogenesis and melanin degradation.
Main Methods:
- Assessed the impact of AL extract on melanogenic enzymes (tyrosinase, TRP1, TRP2) and melanin production in melanocytes exposed to acne bacteria.
- Utilized Western blotting to evaluate p62 protein levels, indicating macrophage lysosomal activity and melanin degradation.
- Tested the extract's efficacy in an ex vivo human skin model with induced acne and UV radiation pigmentation.
Main Results:
- AL extract suppressed the upregulation of key melanogenic enzymes and reduced melanin production in melanocytes.
- The extract promoted melanin degradation through enhanced macrophage lysosomal activity.
- A 0.2% concentration of AL extract significantly reduced pigmentation in an ex vivo human skin model (p < 0.01).
Conclusions:
- Bacillus velezensis AmoreLumina extract, containing moranoline, demonstrates significant potential for treating acne-related post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
- AL extract offers a dual-action approach by inhibiting melanin synthesis and facilitating melanin clearance.
- Cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications incorporating AL extract or moranoline may offer improved solutions for PIH.
