Abstract
The dermis of human skin contains large numbers of fibroblasts that are responsible for the production of the extracellular matrix (ECM) that supporting skin integrity, elasticity and wound healing. Previously, an in vivo study demonstrated that dermal fibroblasts siting in the lower dermis are capable to convert into skin adipose layer and hence fibroblast lipogenesis may vary the structure and elasticity of dermis. In the present study, Hs68 human dermal fibroblasts were utilized as an in vitro model to study the lipogenesis via using adipogenic differentiation medium (ADM). Baicalein, isolated from Scutellaria baicalensis, is one of the flavonoids to inhibit adipocyte differentiation due to high antioxidant activity in vitro. In order to develop a suitable formulation for baicalein (a poorly water-soluble drug), soybean phosphatidylcholine (SPC) was used to prepare baicalein-loaded liposomes to enhance drug bioavailability. Our results demonstrated that liposome-encapsulated baicalein protected cell viability and increased cellular uptake efficiency of Hs68 fibroblasts. Lipid accumulation, triglyceride synthesis and gene expressions of lipogenesis enzymes (FABP4 and LPL) were significantly increased in ADM-stimulated Hs68 fibroblasts but subsequently suppressed by liposome-encapsulated baicalein. In addition, ADM-induced TNF-α expression and related inflammatory factors was down-regulated by liposome-encapsulated baicalein. Through ADM-induced lipogenesis, the protein expression of elastin, type I and type III collagens increased remarkably, whereas liposome-encapsulated baicalein can down-regulate ADM-induced ECM protein synthesis. Taken together, we found that liposome-encapsulated baicalein can inhibit ADM-induced lipid accumulation and ECM formation in Hs68 fibroblasts through the suppression of lipogenesis enzymes and inflammatory responses. Liposome-encapsulated baicalein may have the potential to improve wound healing and restore skin structure after skin injury.
Highlights
Dermis in skin is the layer lies between epidermis and subcutaneous adipose tissue
Thereafter, we investigated the inhibitory effects of liposome-encapsulated baicalein on the adipogenic differentiation medium (ADM)-induced adipogenesis, inflammatory responses and extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis in human dermal fibroblasts, Hs68
Similar values of zeta potential were obtained among these liposomal formulations, suggesting that the presence of baicalein did not alter the electrophoretic mobility of liposomes
Summary
Dermis in skin is the layer lies between epidermis and subcutaneous adipose tissue. Dermis is composed of fibrous and elastic tissue, thereby providing strength and flexibility to skin. Ezure and Amano (2010) and Hew et al (2016) demonstrated that the subcutaneous adipose layer of mice was remarkably thickened after being fed with high-fat diet, while the dermal layer was thinned (Ezure and Amano, 2010; Hew et al, 2016). Such increase of adipose tissue may reduce the proliferation of dermal fibroblasts and elasticity of skin (Ezure and Amano, 2010). A key objective of studying the lipogenesis in Hs68 fibroblasts is to determine if and how lipogenesis can modulate inflammatory responses and change extracellular matrix (ECM) structure and composition in human dermal fibroblasts
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
