Ectoin attenuates cortisone-induced skin issues by suppression GR signaling and the UVB-induced overexpression of 11β-HSD1.

Background: Accelerated pace of modern work and lifestyles subject individuals to various external and psychological stressors, which, in turn, can trigger additional stress through visible signs of fatigue, hair loss, and obesity. As the primary stress hormone affecting skin health, cortisol connects to the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) to aggravate skin issues induced by stress. This activation depends on the expression of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 (11β-HSD1) in skin cells, which locally converts cortisone-produced by the central and peripheral hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis-into its active form.

Methods: Our study delves deeper into stress's adverse effects on the skin, including the disruption of keratinocyte structural proteins, the loss of basement membrane proteins, and the degradation of collagen.

Results: Remarkably, we discovered that Ectoin, an amino acid derivative obtained from halophilic bacteria, is capable of mitigating the inhibitory impacts of cortisone on the expression of cutaneous functional proteins, including involucrin, loricrin, laminin-5, and claudin-1. Moreover, Ectoin reduces the suppressive effect of stress on collagen and hyaluronic acid synthesis by impeding GR signal transduction. Additionally, Ectoin counterbalances the UVB-induced overexpression of 11β-HSD1, thereby diminishing the concentration of endogenous glucocorticoids.

Conclusion: Our findings illuminate the significant potential of Ectoin as a preventative agent against stress-induced skin maladies.