A novel anti-photoaging ingredient with the effect of iron sequestering

Abstract

Background

The reactive oxygen species generated by ultraviolet rays causes various types of cutaneous damage, such as lipid peroxidation and denaturation of the extra-cellular matrix. The accumulation of such damage contributes to skin aging, especially the formation of wrinkles. It has been suggested that iron ions, released from iron-binding proteins by ultraviolet rays, promote the production of radicals and accelerate the formation of wrinkles. Thus, sequestering iron ions might be effective in suppressing wrinkle formation.

Objective

Our purpose is to develop new cosmetic materials with iron sequesteing capacity to suppress skin photoaging, especially wrinkle formation.

Method

We designed a novel compound, N-(4-pyridoxylmethylene)-l-serine (PYSer), as a cosmetic material with a structure similar to a biological iron sequestering protein. We studied its effect on suppressing hydroxyl radical generation and wrinkle formation in a mouse model for skin photoaging.

Results

PYSer almost completely inhibited the generation of hydroxyl radicals by iron ions. In contrast, EDTA, a typical metal chelator, did not suppress hydroxyl radical production, but enhanced it. Furthermore, PYSer delayed UVB-induced wrinkle formation and skin thickening.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that PYSer suppresses photoaging, particularly, wrinkle formation and skin thickening.