The protective effect of carotenoids, polyphenols and sex hormones on skin cells under oxidative stress conditions

Aya Darawshe¹, Hilla Ovadia,Yoav Sharoni

Clinical Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Ben-gurion University, Beer-sheva, Israel

ayadar@post.bgu.ac.il

Skin ageing is influenced by several factors including environmental exposure and hormonal changes. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as H₂O₂ induces inflammatory processes in the skin, increase the production of matrix metalloproteinase (MMPs) in dermal fibroblasts, leading to collagen degradation. A number of studies have shown the estrogens protective role in skin physiology. Phytonutrients play a vital role in maintaining normal function of the human body. Our previous studies have shown that carotenoids and polyphenols activate the cell antioxidant defense system by inducing Nrf2 transcriptional activity and reduce the inflammatory response by inhibiting the transcriptional activity of NFkB.

The aim of the current study was to examine the protective effect of these dietary derived compounds, sex hormones and their combination on skin cells under oxidative stress.

We used Normal Human Dermal Fibroblasts (NHDF) and examined cell viability, MMP1 and collagen levels as markers of skin damage. Cells viability was determined using the XTT cell proliferation kit. MMP1 and collagen1a1 levels were measured by ELISA and expression of collagen 1a1 was measured by RT-PCR. Treatment of the cells with H₂O₂ led to cell death and increased secretion of MMP1 and reduced expression of collagen 1a1 mRNA. Pretreatment with carnosic acid, lycopene, and estradiol increased cell viability and reduced MMP1 secretion. These effects were increased by combinations of these compounds.