Colla Corii Asini Prevents H2O2-Induced Cellular Aging and Skin Barrier Damage in HaCaT Keratinocytes

Abstract

Background: Aging weakens the skin barrier, causing dryness and inflammation. Colla Corii Asini (CCA) shows antioxidant and antiaging potential, possibly protecting against aging-related skin damage.

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the effects of CCA on H₂O₂-induced aging and skin barrier damage in human keratinocytes (HaCaT) cells and to explore its underlying mechanisms.

Method: We performed proteomics on CCA, simulated its digestion to obtain CCA intestinal absorption solution (CCA IAS), and tested its therapeutic effects on H₂O₂-induced skin aging and barrier damage in HaCaT cells.

Results: Proteomic analysis of CCA reveals its potential to prevent aging and repair skin barrier damage by regulating key protein domains and biological processes. CCA enhances intestinal absorption of amino acids, hydroxyproline, and proteins, with significant antioxidant capabilities in the absorption fluid. CCA intestinal absorption solution (CCA IAS) enhances the proliferation and migration of H₂O₂-induced HaCaT cells and reduces oxidative stress by regulating reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and antioxidant enzyme activity. Additionally, CCA reduces gene expression of aging markers p21, p53, and senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). CCA IAS modulates gene expression of differentiation markers FLG, IVL, K10, tight junction proteins CLD-1, ZO-1, E-cadherin, and AMPs, while inhibiting phosphorylation in the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway.

Conclusion: This study demonstrates that CCA alleviates oxidative stress-induced aging and repairs H₂O₂-induced barrier damage in HaCaT cells, potentially through reducing phosphorylation levels in the MAPK pathway. These findings provide a foundation for further mechanistic and application-focused research on CCA.