Extrinsic ageing in the human skin is associated with alterations in the expression of hyaluronic acid and its metabolizing enzymes

Aloe sterol supplementation improves skin elasticity in Japanese men with sunlight-exposed skin: a 12-week double-blind, randomized controlled trial

Background/objective

Recently, it was confirmed that the daily oral intake of plant sterols of Aloe vera gel (Aloe sterol) significantly increases the skin barrier function, moisture, and elasticity in photoprotected skin. This study aimed to investigate whether Aloe sterol intake affected skin conditions following sunlight exposure in Japanese men.

Methods

We performed a 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the effects of oral Aloe sterol supplementation on skin conditions in 48 apparently healthy men (age range: 30–59 years; average: 45 years). The subjects were instructed to expose the measurement position of the arms to the sunlight outdoors every day for 12 weeks. The skin parameters were measured at 0 (baseline), 4, 8, and 12 weeks.

Results

Depending on the time for the revelation of the sunlight, the b* value and melanin index increased and the skin moisture decreased. After taking an Aloe sterol tablet daily for 12 weeks, the skin elasticity index (R2, R5, and R7) levels were significantly higher than the baseline value. There were no differences between the groups in these skin elasticity values. In the subgroup analysis of subjects aged <46 years, the change in the R5 and R7 was significantly higher in the Aloe group than in the placebo group at 8 weeks (P=0.0412 and P=0.0410, respectively). There was a difference in the quantity of sun exposure between each subject, and an additional clinical study that standardizes the amount of ultraviolet rays is warranted. No Aloe sterol intake-dependent harmful phenomenon was observed during the intake period.

Conclusion

Aloe sterol ingestion increased skin elasticity in the photodamaged skin of men aged <46 years.

Glycosaminoglycan and proteoglycan in skin aging

Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and proteoglycans (PGs) are abundant structural components of the extracellular matrix in addition to collagen fibers. Hyaluronic acid (HA), one of GAGs, forms proteoglycan aggregates, which are large complexes of HA and HA-binding PGs. Their crosslinking to other matrix proteins such as the collagen network results in the formation of supermolecular structures and functions to increase tissue stiffness. Skin aging can be classified as intrinsic aging and photoaging based on the phenotypes and putative mechanism. While intrinsic aging is characterized by a thinned epidermis and fine wrinkles caused by advancing age, photoaging is characterized by deep wrinkles, skin laxity, telangiectasias, and appearance of lentigines and is mainly caused by chronic sun exposure. The major molecular mechanism governing skin aging processes has been attributed to the loss of mature collagen and increased matrix metalloproteinase expression. However, various strategies focusing on collagen turnover remain unsatisfactory for the reversal or prevention of skin aging. Although the expression of GAGs and PGs in the skin and their regulatory mechanisms are not fully understood, we and others have elucidated various changes in GAGs and PGs in aged skin, suggesting that these molecules are important contributors to skin aging. In this review, we focus on skin-abundant GAGs and PGs and their changes in human skin during the skin aging process.

Decreased hyaluronan concentration during primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment

PURPOSE

To evaluate the concentration and molecular weight of hyaluronan (HA) polysaccharides as well as hyaluronidase activity in patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD).

METHODS

Twenty vitreous samples from 20 patients with RRD and 19 samples from 19 patients with idiopathic epiretinal membrane, macular hole, or vitreomacular traction syndrome were collected during surgical management with pars plana vitrectomy. The molecular weight of various HA fragments was assessed using agarose gel electrophoresis. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was employed for the measurement of HA (in μg/mL). Hyaluronidase activity was evaluated using substrate (HA) sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.

RESULTS

Agarose gel electrophoresis showed that the vitreous of the control group contained HA of high molecular mass, in contrast with the patient group. Mean HA concentration in the patient group was 50.96 μg/mL and differed significantly from that of the control group, which was 271.81 μg/mL (p&lt;0.0005). Hyaluronidase activity was significantly higher in the vitreous of patients with RRD (p = 0.037).

CONCLUSIONS

The vitreous of patients with RRD is characterized by decreased HA concentration compared to controls of the same age and sex and shows higher hyaluronidase catalytic activity. Hyaluronan degradation could be associated with specific vitreous alterations that potentially contribute to retinal break formation and consequently detachment.

Mechanisms of skin aging induced by EGFR inhibitors

BACKGROUND

The mechanisms of skin aging have not been completely elucidated. Anecdotal data suggests that EGFR inhibition accelerates aging-like skin changes.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the study was to evaluate the clinical characteristics and investigate the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying skin changes associated with the use of EFGRIs.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients during prolonged treatment with EGFRIs (>3 months) were analyzed for aging-like skin changes. Baseline EGFR expression was compared in young (<25 years old) vs. old (> 65 years old) skin. In addition, the regulation of extracellular matrix, senescence-associated genes, and cell cycle status was measured in primary human keratinocytes treated with erlotinib in vitro.

RESULTS

There were progressive signs of skin aging, including xerosis cutis, atrophy, rhytide formation, and/or actinic purpura in 12 patients. Keratinocytes treated with erlotinib in vitro showed a significant down-modulation of hyaluronan synthases (HAS2 and HAS3), whereas senescence-associated genes (p21, p53, IL-6, maspin) were upregulated, along with a G1 cell cycle arrest and stronger SA β-Gal activity. There was significantly decreased baseline expression in EGFR density in aged skin, when compared to young controls.

CONCLUSIONS

EGFR inhibition results in molecular alterations in keratinocytes that may contribute to the observed skin aging of patients treated with respective targeted agents.

Photoaging and the clinical utility of fractional laser

The description of atomic structure by Niels Bohr set the basis for the emergence of quantum physics. Based on these fundamentals, Einstein published in 1917 a paper on the amplification of energy by Stimulated Emission of Radiation as part of his quantum theories. In 1955, Townes and Gordon turned Einstein’s theories into practice, creating a coherent and amplified microwave device using ammonia gas in an optical medium. But it was at the beginning of the 1980s, that Anderson and Parrish published an article about the selective photothermolysis model which revolutionized clinical practice. The use of laser in photoaging began with CO₂ (10,600 nm). In 1989, it was first used for resurfacing of a face with prominent photoaging. Ablative lasers have therefore had great popularity in the 1980s and 1990s, but prolonged postoperative time and significant risk of side effects have lowered the acceptance by patients. In 2004, the description of the fractionated radiation for the treatment of photoaging, by Mainstein, represented a great event. The stimulation of collagen occurred through fractional laser beams, which would reach the selected area while saving islands of sound skin. These islands accelerated the process of cicatrization of the treated tissue and shortened the postprocedure time. Furthermore, the fractionated radiation presented a smaller range of side effects, increasing the safety of the procedure. As mentioned earlier, as fractional lasers incise on the skin, they leave islands of healthy skin that accelerate recovery, while generating necrosis columns. Such necrosis columns remove damaged extracellular matrix material, allowing resettlement of fibroblasts. Such resettled fibroblasts, under the influence of a new tensile strength, restart to produce structures for extracellular matrix, such as collagen, elastin, and proteoglycans, in a more physiological way. Fractional lasers are considered by many dermatologists as the best choice in laser therapy for the treatment of photoaging.

Photoprotective effects of galacto-oligosaccharide and/or Bifidobacterium longum supplementation against skin damage induced by ultraviolet irradiation in hairless mice

This study aimed at examining whether oral administration of galacto-oligosaccharide (GOS) and Bifidobacterium longum, individually or in combination, could exert photoprotective effects on the skin of hairless mice. GOS and/or Bifidobacterium were administered orally to hairless mice for 12 weeks. Mice were irradiated with UV light daily for four consecutive days. GOS administration increased the water-holding capacity of the skin and prevented transepidermal water loss compared with the control. A reduction in the erythema formation of 16.8% was also observed in the GOS-treated group compared with the control, and CD44 gene expression was significantly increased. Oral administration of GOS or Bifidobacterium significantly increased TIMP-1 and Col1 mRNA expression compared with the control. Our findings support that prebiotics, including GOS, are beneficial not only to the intestine, but also to the skin, and present the possibility of new nutritional strategies for the prevention of UV-induced skin damage.

Anti-aging and filling efficacy of six types hyaluronic acid based dermo-cosmetic treatment: double blind, randomized clinical trial of efficacy and safety

Background

Human skin aging is a multifactorial and complex biological process affecting the different skin constituents. Even if the skin aging mechanism is not yet fully unravelled is evident that epidermis loses the principal molecule responsible for binding and retaining water molecules, resulting in loss of skin moisture and accounting for some of the most striking alterations of the aged skin.

Objectives

This Study investigated the cosmetic filling efficacy of Fillerina® in decreasing the skin aging signs and in improving facial volume deficiencies.

Methods

A placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized clinical trial was carried out on 40 healthy female subjects showing mild to moderate clinical signs of skin aging. The effect of the treatment on skin surface and on face volumes was assessed both in the short-term (3 h after a single product application) and in the long-term (7, 14, and 30 days after continuative daily use).

Results

Three hours after a single application and after 7, 14, and 30 days of treatment the lips volume was increased by 8.5%, 11.3%, 12.8%, and 14.2%. After 7, 14, and 30 days: (1) skin sagging of the face contours was decreased by −0.443 ± 0.286, −1.124 ± 0.511, and −1.326 ± 0.649 mm, respectively; (2) skin sagging of the cheekbones contours was decreased by −0.989 ± 0.585, −2.500 ± 0.929, and −2.517 ± 0.927 mm, respectively; (3) cheekbones volume was increased by 0.875 ± 0.519, 2.186 ± 0.781, and 2.275 ± 0.725 mm, respectively; (4) wrinkle volume was decreased by −11.3%, −18.4%, and −26.3%, respectively; and (5) wrinkle depth was decreased by −8.4%, −14.5%, and −21.8% respectively.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated the positive filling effect of Fillerina® in decreasing the clinical signs of skin aging and in improving the face volumes.

More than just a filler - the role of hyaluronan for skin homeostasis

In recent years, hyaluronan (HA) has become an increasingly attractive substance as a non-immunogenic filler and scaffolding material in cosmetic dermatology. Despite its wide use for skin augmentation and rejuvenation, relatively little is known about the molecular structures and interacting proteins of HA in normal and diseased skin. However, a comprehensive understanding of cutaneous HA homeostasis is required for future the development of HA-based applications for skin regeneration. This review provides an update on HA-based structures, expression, metabolism and its regulation, function and pharmacological targeting of HA in skin.

Matrix hyaluronan-activated CD44 signaling promotes keratinocyte activities and improves abnormal epidermal functions

Hyaluronan (HA), a major component of the extracellular matrix, is enriched in skin tissues, particularly the epidermis. HA binds to a ubiquitous, abundant, and functionally important family of cell surface receptors, CD44. This article reviews the current evidence for HA/CD44-mediated activation of RhoGTPase signaling and calcium mobilization, leading to the regulation of keratinocyte activities and various epidermal functions. It further discusses the role of HA-mediated CD44 interactions with unique downstream effectors, such as RhoGTPases (RhoA and Rac1), Rho-kinase, protein kinase-Nγ, and phosphoinositide-specific phospholipases (phospholipases Cε and Cγ1) in coordinating certain intracellular signaling pathways, such as calcium mobilization, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-AKT activation, cortactin-actin binding, and actin-associated cytoskeleton reorganization; generating the onset of important keratinocyte activities, such as cell adhesion, proliferation, migration, and differentiation; and performing epidermal functions. Topical application of selective HA fragments (large versus small HA) to the skin of wild-type mice (but not CD44 knockout mice) improves keratinocyte-associated epidermal functions and accelerates permeability barrier recovery and skin wound healing. Consequently, specific HA fragment (large versus small HA)-mediated signaling events (through the CD44 receptor) are required for keratinocyte activities, which offer new HA-based therapeutic options for patients experiencing epidermal dysfunction and skin damage as well as aging-related skin diseases, such as epidermal thinning (atrophy), permeability barrier dysfunction, and chronic nonhealing wounds.

Selective matrix (hyaluronan) interaction with CD44 and RhoGTPase signaling promotes keratinocyte functions and overcomes age-related epidermal dysfunction

BACKGROUND

Mouse epidermal chronologic aging is closely associated with aberrant matrix (hyaluronan, HA)-size distribution/production and impaired keratinocyte proliferation/differentiation, leading to a marked thinning of the epidermis with functional consequence that causes a slower recovery of permeability barrier function.

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this study is to demonstrate mechanism-based, corrective therapeutic strategies using topical applications of small HA (HAS) and/or large HA (HAL) [or a sequential small HA (HAS) and large HA(HAL) (HAs→HAL) treatment] as well as RhoGTPase signaling perturbation agents to regulate HA/CD44-mediated signaling, thereby restoring normal epidermal function, and permeability barrier homeostasis in aged mouse skin.

METHODS

A number of biochemical, cell biological/molecular, pharmacological and physiological approaches were used to investigate matrix HA-CD44-mediated RhoGTPase signaling in regulating epidermal functions and skin aging.

RESULTS

In this study we demonstrated that topical application of small HA (HAS) promotes keratinocyte proliferation and increases skin thickness, while it fails to upregulate keratinocyte differentiation or permeability barrier repair in aged mouse skin. In contrast, large HA (HAL) induces only minimal changes in keratinocyte proliferation and skin thickness, but restores keratinocyte differentiation and improves permeability barrier function in aged epidermis. Since neither HAS nor HAL corrects these epidermal defects in aged CD44 knock-out mice, CD44 likely mediates HA-associated epidermal functions in aged mouse skin. Finally, blockade of Rho-kinase activity with Y27632 or protein kinase-Nγ activity with Ro31-8220 significantly decreased the HA (HAS or HAL)-mediated changes in epidermal function in aged mouse skin.

CONCLUSION

The results of our study show first that HA application of different sizes regulates epidermal proliferation, differentiation and barrier function in aged mouse skin. Second, manipulation of matrix (HA) interaction with CD44 and RhoGTPase signaling could provide further novel therapeutic approaches that could be targeted for the treatment of various aging-related skin disorders.

Skin anti-aging strategies

Skin aging is a complex biological process influenced by a combination of endogenous or intrinsic and exogenous or extrinsic factors. Because of the fact that skin health and beauty is considered one of the principal factors representing overall "well-being" and the perception of "health" in humans, several anti-aging strategies have been developed during the last years. It is the intention of this article to review the most important anti-aging strategies that dermatologists have nowadays in hand, including including preventive measurements, cosmetological strategies, topical and systemic therapeutic agents and invasive procedures.

Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin aging

SKIN AGING IS A MULTIFACTORIAL PROCESS CONSISTING OF TWO DISTINCT AND INDEPENDENT MECHANISMS: intrinsic and extrinsic aging. Youthful skin retains its turgor, resilience and pliability, among others, due to its high content of water. Daily external injury, in addition to the normal process of aging, causes loss of moisture. The key molecule involved in skin moisture is hyaluronic acid (HA) that has unique capacity in retaining water. There are multiple sites for the control of HA synthesis, deposition, cell and protein association and degradation, reflecting the complexity of HA metabolism. The enzymes that synthesize or catabolize HA and HA receptors responsible for many of the functions of HA are all multigene families with distinct patterns of tissue expression. Understanding the metabolism of HA in the different layers of the skin and the interactions of HA with other skin components will facilitate the ability to modulate skin moisture in a rational manner.

Discovering the link between nutrition and skin aging

Skin has been reported to reflect the general inner-health status and aging. Nutrition and its reflection on skin has always been an interesting topic for scientists and physicians throughout the centuries worldwide. Vitamins, carotenoids, tocopherols, flavonoids and a variety of plant extracts have been reported to possess potent anti-oxidant properties and have been widely used in the skin care industry either as topically applied agents or oral supplements in an attempt to prolong youthful skin appearance. This review will provide an overview of the current literature "linking" nutrition with skin aging.

Acute UV irradiation increases heparan sulfate proteoglycan levels in human skin

Glycosaminoglycans are important structural components in the skin and exist as various proteoglycan forms, except hyaluronic acid. Heparan sulfate (HS), one of the glycosaminoglycans, is composed of repeated disaccharide units, which are glucuronic acids linked to an N-acetyl-glucosamine or its sulfated forms. To investigate acute ultraviolet (UV)-induced changes of HS and HS proteoglycans (HSPGs), changes in levels of HS and several HSPGs in male human buttock skin were examined by immunohistochemistry and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) after 2 minimal erythema doses (MED) of UV irradiation (each n = 4-7). HS staining revealed that 2 MED of UV irradiation increased its expression, and staining for perlecan, syndecan-1, syndecan-4, CD44v3, and CD44 showed that UV irradiation increased their protein levels. However, analysis by real-time qPCR showed that UV irradiation did not change mRNA levels of CD44 and agrin, and decreased perlecan and syndecan-4 mRNA levels, while increased syndecan-1 mRNA level. As HS-synthesizing or -degrading enzymes, exostosin-1 and heparanase mRNA levels were increased, but exostosin-2 was decreased by UV irradiation. UV-induced matrix metalloproteinase-1 expression was confirmed for proper experimental conditions. Acute UV irradiation increases HS and HSPG levels in human skin, but their increase may not be mediated through their transcriptional regulation.

Ultraviolet-B irradiation induces differential regulations of hyaluronidase expression and activity in normal human keratinocytes

Skin aging is a complex process determined by genetic factors (intrinsic aging) and environmental factors (extrinsic aging). One of the most influential environmental factor is UV-B irradiation. Hyaluronic acid (HA) is an abundant component of skin extracellular matrix where it plays many roles such as hydration and architectural support. Downregulation of HA during photoaging was reported previously. Changes in expression and function of its degrading enzymes, the hyaluronidases (Hyals) might be involved in this decrease. In the present study, normal human keratinocytes were submitted to increasing doses of UV-B. The mRNA expression of HYAL1, HYAL2 and HYAL3 and the hyaluronidase enzymatic activity were quantified using real-time PCR and a microtiter-based assay, respectively. After UV-B irradiation, HYAL1 mRNA expression was upregulated whereas HYAL2 and HYAL3 mRNAs were downregulated and hyaluronidase enzymatic activity was increased in both cell layer and culture medium. In parallel, immunohistochemical studies performed on UV-B irradiated reconstructed epidermis confirmed that Hyal-1, Hyal-2 and Hyal-3 protein expression were differently regulated by UV-B. Taken together, our results demonstrate that UV-B irradiation induces differential regulations of hyaluronidase expression and enzymatic activity in human keratinocytes. These differential modulations of hyaluronidase expression and activity by UV-B could contribute to cutaneous photoaging.

The extracellular matrix of the dermis: flexible structures with dynamic functions

The current understanding of the role of extracellular matrix proteins is mainly based on their structural properties and their assembly into complex networks. The multiplicity of interactions between cells, cytokines and growth factors within the networks determines functional units dictating the biophysical properties of tissues. This review focuses on the understanding how alterations in the genes, modifying enzymes or biological functions of extracellular matrix molecules, lead to inborn or acquired skin disorders. Analysis of the disease mechanisms provides the basis for the emerging concept that not solely structural defects of single extracellular matrix proteins are at fault, but rather that the functional unit as a whole is not working properly, causing similar clinical symptoms although the causative genes are entirely different. The understanding of these disease-causing pathways has already led to surprising new therapeutic developments applied to rare inborn disorders. They now permit to design new concepts for the treatment of more common diseases associated with the accumulation of connective tissue and alterations of the biomechanical properties of the extracellular matrix.

Clinical aspects and molecular diagnostics of skin aging

This contribution will address the effect of aging on skin functions, with a particular focus on skin permeability, wound healing, angiogenesis, lipogenesis, sweat production, immune function, and vitamin D synthesis. With accelerating age, skin functions deteriorate due to structural and morphologic changes. Skin is prone to the development of several diseases, varying from benign to malignant. Because the number of persons aged 80 and older is expected to rise in the next decades, disease prevention will become an important issue. Screening examinations and prevention through public education starting at an early age regarding sun avoidance, the use of sunscreens and the importance of a balanced nutrition are the first steps for successful healthy aging. Although the fundamental mechanisms in the pathogenesis of aged skin are still poorly understood, a growing body of evidence points toward the involvement of multiple pathways. Recent data obtained by expression profiling studies and studies of progeroid syndromes illustrate that among the most important biologic processes involved in skin aging are alterations in DNA repair and stability, mitochondrial function, cell cycle and apoptosis, extracellular matrix, lipid synthesis, ubiquitin-induced proteolysis and cellular metabolism. Among others, a major factor that has been implicated in the initiation of aging is the physiologic decline of hormones occurring with age. However, hormones at age-specific levels may regulate not only age-associated mechanisms but also tumor suppressor pathways that influence carcinogenesis. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of aging may open new strategies to deal with the various diseases accompanying high age, including cancer.

Hyaluronan minimizes effects of UV irradiation on human keratinocytes

Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) irradiation has detrimental effects on skin accompanied by the increased metabolism of hyaluronan (HA), a linear polysaccharide important for the normal physiological functions of skin. In this study, the modulation of human keratinocyte response to UVB irradiation by HA (970 kDa) was investigated. Immortalized human keratinocytes (HaCaT) were irradiated by a single dose of UVB and immediately treated with HA for 6 and 24 h. The irradiation induced a significant decrease in the gene expression of CD44 and toll-like receptor 2 6 h after irradiation. The expressions of other HA receptors, including toll-like receptor 4 and the receptor for HA-mediated motility, were not detected in either the control or UVB-irradiated or HA-treated HaCaT cells. UVB irradiation induced a significant decrease in the gene expression of HA synthase-2 and hyaluronidase-2 6 h after irradiation. The expressions of HA synthase-3 and hyaluronidase-3 were not significantly modulated by UV irradiation. Interestingly, HA treatment did not significantly modulate any of these effects. In contrast, HA significantly suppressed UVB-induced pro-inflammatory cytokine release including interleukin-6 and interleukin-8. Similarly, HA treatment reduced the UVB-mediated production of transforming growth factor β1. HA treatment also significantly reduced the UV irradiation-mediated release of soluble CD44 into the media. Finally, HA partially, but significantly, suppressed the UVB-induced decrease in cell viability. Data indicate that HA had significant protective effects for HaCaT cells against UVB irradiation.

Changes in glycosaminoglycans and related proteoglycans in intrinsically aged human skin in vivo

Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and proteoglycans (PGs) are involved in various structural functions and physiological regulations in the skin. To investigate the intrinsic ageing-dependent GAG and PG changes and their gender-specific difference, immunohistochemical stains of several GAGs and PGs were performed in sun-protected buttock skin tissues of young and old, male and female (total n = 32) human skin. Stains of alcian blue, hyaluronic acid (HA) and heparan sulphate were reduced in aged skin in both genders, whereas chondroitin sulphate stain was decreased only in female. Stains of HA synthase-2, CD44, CD44v3, syndecan-1 and decorin were decreased in aged skin in both genders, whereas perlecan stain was reduced only in female, and syndecan-4 stain did not change. Versican stain was increased in male aged skin, but not in female. Age- and gender-related changes in GAGs and PGs in intrinsically aged buttock skin elucidated in this study may play important roles in intrinsic skin ageing process.

Age-reversing drugs and devices in dermatology

The quest for youth and beauty is an ongoing one. No organ conveys youth and beauty to the extent that skin does. Advances in research over the past several decades have yielded a tremendous amount of information on the molecular pathways involved in both intrinsic aging (natural) and extrinsic aging (photoaging). In this article, we aim to describe the molecular pathways that lead to an aged appearance and to describe the latest and most commonly employed drugs and procedures to reverse skin aging and stimulate the production of new collagen. With enhanced understanding of these molecular pathways, drugs and devices used to treat aging skin can be more precisely tuned.

Nodular basal cell carcinoma is associated with increased hyaluronan homeostasis

BACKGROUND

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is one of the most frequent forms of malignancy in humans. Although BCC is a tumour of low degree of malignancy, if left untreated, it can be locally aggressive, eat away at tissues and cause ulceration. Nodular is the most common subtype of BCC (>50%). Although apparently non-invasive, micronodular, a certain subgroup of nodular, is likely to recur. Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), such as hyaluronic acid (HA), are extracellular matrix molecules of high importance in malignant transformation, metastasis and other complex remodelling processes.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the expression of GAGs and their metabolizing enzymes in nodular BCC, when compared with adjacent healthy human skin tissue specimens.

METHODS

Total GAGs were isolated and purified from nodular BCC and normal adjacent human skin tissue specimens. GAGs were subsequently fractionated by electrophoresis on cellulose acetate membranes and characterized using specific GAG-degrading enzymes. The content of HA in total GAGs was measured using ELISA and the expression of HA synthases (HAS), hyaluronidases (HYAL) and HA receptors (CD44 and receptor hyaluronic acid-mediated motility (RHAMM) was assessed using RT-PCR.

RESULTS

Nodular BCC is associated with increased levels of HA concomitant with upregulation of gene expression of HAS3, HYAL3 and RHAMM, when compared with normal adjacent skin.

CONCLUSION

These results indicate that HA homeostasis in nodular BCC shows distinct features which may be helpful in understanding the complex behaviour of nodular subtype of BCC, thus eventually leading to new treatment strategies.