Evaluation of subclinical chronic sun damage in the skin via the detection of long-lasting ultraweak photon emission

BACKGROUND

It is well known that solar radiation accelerates skin photoaging. To evaluate subclinical photodamage in the skin especially from the early phase of ultraviolet (UV)-induced damage, we have focused on ultraweak photon emission (UPE), also called biophotons. Our previous study reported that the amount of long-lasting UPE induced by UV, predominantly from lipid peroxidation, is a valuable indicator to assess cutaneous photodamage even at a suberythemal dose, although it was only applied to evaluate acute UV damage. The aim of this study was to further investigate whether long-lasting UPE could also be a useful marker to assess subclinical chronic sun damage in the course of skin photoaging.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty-three Japanese females in their 20s were recruited and were divided into two groups according to their history of sun exposure based on a questionnaire (high- and low-sun-exposure groups). Several skin properties on the cheek and outer forearm were measured in addition to UV-induced UPE.

RESULTS

Among the skin properties measured, water content, average skin roughness, and the lateral packing of lipids in the stratum corneum were significantly deteriorated in the high-sun-exposure group as were changes in some skin photoaging scores such as pigmented spots and wrinkles. In addition, those skin properties were correlated with the UPE signals, suggesting the possible impact of oxidative stress on chronic skin damage.

CONCLUSION

Subtle oxidative stress detected by long-lasting UPE may contribute to subclinical cutaneous damage at the beginning phase of chronic sun exposure, which potentially enhances skin photoaging over a lifetime.

Exploitation of long-lasting ultraweak photon emission to estimate skin photodamage after ultraviolet exposure

BACKGROUND

Establishing a noninvasive method to estimate skin damage immediately after ultraviolet (UV) exposure is required to minimize the anticipated severe symptoms triggered by early phase UV-induced reactions in the skin. To develop a suitable method, we focused on ultraweak photon emission (UPE) immediately after UV exposure to characterize the relationship of UPE to skin photodamage caused by the UV exposure.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Analysis of the correlation between UV-induced UPE and erythema formation characterized by skin redness was conducted in a clinical study. To clarify the source of UPE, time-dependent lipid oxidation was analyzed in human epidermal keratinocytes in vitro using a fluorescence indicator as well as the lipid hydroperoxide (LPO) assay.

RESULTS

The average amount of UV-induced long-lasting UPE per second, especially from 1 to 3 minutes compared to other time periods after the UV radiation, increased in a dose-dependent manner and was highly correlated with the intensity of cutaneous redness 24 hours after UV exposure. In addition, cellular examinations elucidated that both the long-lasting UPE signals and the increased amounts of LPO 2 minutes after UV radiation were significantly suppressed by Trolox (a vitamin E derivative), which has been shown to inhibit UV-induced erythema formation in human skin.

CONCLUSION

Long-lasting UPE generated between 1 and 3 minutes immediately after UV exposure, which is associated with LPO production, is a valuable indicator to estimate and/or avoid severe cutaneous photodamage.

How to help the skin cope with glycoxidation

BACKGROUND

Protein glycation refers to the spontaneous reaction of reducing sugars with proteins and the subsequent formation of stable advanced glycation end products (AGEs). Glycation is linked with oxidative stress, and this association is called "glycoxidation". Glycoxidation alters the protein structure and function and causes tissue aging, as seen in human skin. Therefore, research on substances inhibiting glycoxidation appears to be crucial in the prevention of skin aging. With this aim, several plant extracts have been screened for antiglycation activity, and the results of the best candidates are presented in this article.

METHODS

Glycation was studied on human skin proteins (collagen, elastin, and albumin) and on a model of reconstructed skin. Oxidative stress has been addressed by testing the copper-induced low-density lipoprotein oxidation, ultraviolet irradiation of glycated dermis, and carbonyl activation of human dermal fibroblasts. A clinical test evaluated the extent of oxidative stress induced by ultraviolet A irradiation.

RESULTS

Among the tested products, several plant extracts have decreased the glycation effects on skin proteins collagen, elastin, and albumin. In addition, a plant extract has significantly inhibited the different forms of oxidative stress associated with protein glycation.

CONCLUSIONS

We have demonstrated that plant extracts can relieve the deleterious effects of glycation on human skin. Moreover, a plant extract rich in antioxidant molecules has also significantly preserved the human skin from glycoxidation attacks.

The relationship between skin aging and steady state ultraweak photon emission as an indicator of skin oxidative stress in vivo

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Ultraweak photon emission (UPE) is one potential method to evaluate the oxidative status of the skin in vivo. However, little is known about how the daily oxidative stress of the skin is related to skin aging-related alterations in vivo. We characterized the steady state UPE and performed a skin survey.

METHODS

We evaluated the skin oxidative status by UPE, skin elasticity, epidermal thickness and skin color on the inner upper arm, the outer forearm, and the buttock of 70 Japanese volunteers.

RESULTS

The steady state UPE at the three skin sites increased with age. Correlation analysis revealed that the steady state UPE only from the buttock was related to skin elasticity, which showed age-dependent changes. Moreover, analysis by age group indicated that b* values of the inner upper arm of subjects in their 20s were inversely correlated with UPE as occurred in buttock skin. In contrast, photoaged skin did not show a clear relationship with steady state UPE because the accumulation of sun-exposure might influence the sensitivity to oxidative stress.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that steady state UPE reflects not only intrinsic skin aging and cutaneous color but also the current oxidative status independent of skin aging.

The application of ultra-weak photon emission in dermatology

Ultra-weak photo emission (UPE) is a phenomenon closely associated with life and provides us a rare window to look into oxidative reactions in life directly without the aid of other agents. Dozens of independent studies have investigated UPE in skin in the last 2 decades. Skin serves as a convenient target for the application of UPE. As the outmost layer of our body, skin is also subjected to the influences from environmental factors such as ultraviolet light. Therefore UPE measurement can help us better understand the interaction between skin and the outside world. A variety of dermatological interventions may benefit from UPE studies. In particular, those treatments aiming to manage the oxidative status of the skin can be monitored directly by UPE measurements. In recent years, UPE has already been used as a valuable in vivo tool to assist the selection of better skin care ingredients and products. The knowledge gained by UPE studies of skin may also help generate new insights and new targets for future treatments. This review emphasizes in vivo and clinical measurement of UPE in skin. The applications of UPE in skin research related to antioxidants and sunscreens are discussed.

Enhancement of skin radical scavenging activity and stratum corneum lipids after the application of a hyperforin-rich cream

Hyperforin is well-known for its anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-bacterial, and antioxidant properties. The application of a hyperforin-rich verum cream could strengthen the skin barrier function by reducing radical formation and stabilizing stratum corneum lipids. Here, it was investigated whether topical treatment with a hyperforin-rich cream increases the radical protection of the skin during VIS/NIR irradiation. Skin lipid profile was investigated applying HPTLC on skin lipid extracts. Furthermore, the absorption- and scattering coefficients, which influence radical formation, were determined. 11 volunteers were included in this study. After a single cream application, VIS/NIR-induced radical formation could be completely inhibited by both verum and placebo showing an immediate protection. After an application period of 4weeks, radical formation could be significantly reduced by 45% following placebo application and 78% after verum application showing a long-term protection. Furthermore, the skin lipids in both verum and placebo groups increased directly after a single cream application but only significantly for ceramide [AP], [NP1], and squalene. After long-term cream application, concentration of cholesterol and the ceramides increased, but no significance was observed. These results indicate that regular application of the hyperforin-rich cream can reduce radical formation and can stabilize skin lipids, which are responsible for the barrier function.