Abstract
Oxidative stress in skin plays a major role in the aging process. This is true for intrinsic aging and even more for extrinsic aging. Although the results are quite different in dermis and epidermis, extrinsic aging is driven to a large extent by oxidative stress caused by UV irradiation. In this review the overall effects of oxidative stress are discussed as well as the sources of ROS including the mitochondrial ETC, peroxisomal and ER localized proteins, the Fenton reaction, and such enzymes as cyclooxygenases, lipoxygenases, xanthine oxidases, and NADPH oxidases. Furthermore, the defense mechanisms against oxidative stress ranging from enzymes like superoxide dismutases, catalases, peroxiredoxins, and GSH peroxidases to organic compounds such as L-ascorbate, α-tocopherol, beta-carotene, uric acid, CoQ10, and glutathione are described in more detail. In addition the oxidative stress induced modifications caused to proteins, lipids and DNA are discussed. Finally age-related changes of the skin are also a topic of this review. They include a disruption of the epidermal calcium gradient in old skin with an accompanying change in the composition of the cornified envelope. This modified cornified envelope also leads to an altered anti-oxidative capacity and a reduced barrier function of the epidermis.
Highlights
The Skin as a Model for the “reactive oxygen species (ROS)-Aging” ConnectionAging research has focused on a central finding that dates back to the year 1956
The formation of structures known as advanced glycation end products (AGE) is another problematic process that can be significantly accelerated by oxidative stress
This chapter aims to give an overview of the role of oxidative stress in the general pathology and in the aging process of skin
Summary
Aging research has focused on a central finding that dates back to the year 1956. Denham Harman proposed that reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulate over time and are a main contributor to the aging process [1]. This concept was broadened 16 years later by Harman himself by identifying mitochondria as the main source of ROS, forming the basis for the mitochondrial free radical theory of aging [2]. Focusing on extrinsic aging, it seems that the skin gets thicker and completely changes its composition [10,11]. There are many more environmental factors influencing skin aging, as discussed later [12]
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