Anti-Inflammatory and Autophagy Activation Effects of 7-Methylsulfonylheptyl Isothiocyanate Could Suppress Skin Aging: In Vitro Evidence

Abstract

Skin inflammation, characterized by redness, swelling, and discomfort, is exacerbated by oxidative stress, where compounds like 7-methylsulfonylheptyl isothiocyanate (7-MSI) from cruciferous plants exhibit promising antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, though their effects on skin aging and underlying mechanisms involving the NLRP3 inflammasome and autophagy are not fully elucidated. NLRP3 is a crucial inflammasome involved in regulating inflammatory responses, and our study addresses its activation and associated physiological effects. Using biochemical assays such as ELISA, RT-qPCR, Western blotting, confocal microscopy, and RNA interference, we evaluated 7-MSI’s impact on cytokine production, protein expression, and genetic regulation in Raw 264.7 and RAW-ASC cells. 7-MSI significantly reduced TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, COX-2, and PGE transcription levels in LPS-stimulated Raw 264.7 cells, indicating potent anti-inflammatory effects. It also inhibited NF-κB signaling and NLRP3 inflammasome activity, demonstrating its role in preventing the nuclear translocation of NF-κB and reducing caspase-1 and IL-1β production. In terms of autophagy, 7-MSI enhanced the expression of Beclin-1, LC3, and Atg12 while reducing phospho-mTOR levels, suggesting an activation of autophagy. Moreover, it effectively decreased ROS production induced by LPS. The interaction between autophagy and inflammasome regulation was further confirmed through experiments showing that interference with autophagy-related genes altered the effects of 7-MSI on cytokine production. Collectively, this study demonstrates that 7-MSI promotes autophagy, including ROS removal, and to suppress inflammation, we suggest the potential use of 7-MSI as a skin care and disease treatment agent.