Abstract
Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is a catechin and an abundant polyphenol in green tea. Although several papers have evaluated EGCG as a cosmetic constituent, the skin hydration effect of EGCG is poorly understood. We aimed to investigate the mechanism by which EGCG promotes skin hydration by measuring hyaluronic acid synthase (HAS) and hyaluronidase (HYAL) gene expression and antioxidant and anti-pigmentation properties using cell proliferation assay, Western blotting analysis, luciferase assay, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis. RT-PCR showed that EGCG increased the expression of natural moisturizing factor-related genes filaggrin (FLG), transglutaminase-1, HAS-1, and HAS-2. Under UVB irradiation conditions, the expression level of HYAL was decreased in HaCaT cells. Furthermore, we confirmed the antioxidant activity of EGCG and also showed a preventive effect against radical-evoked apoptosis by downregulation of caspase-8 and -3 in HaCaT cells. EGCG reduced melanin secretion and production in melanoma cells. Together, these results suggest that EGCG might be used as a cosmetic ingredient with positive effects on skin hydration, moisture retention, and wrinkle formation, in addition to radical scavenging activity and reduction of melanin generation.
Highlights
In our body, skin functions as a primary line of defense against external antigens and unwanted influences
The aim of this study is to investigate the mechanism by which Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) promotes skin hydration through measurement of hyaluronic acid synthase (HAS) and HYAL gene expression, antioxidant activity, and anti-pigmentation properties
EGCG treatment increased the expression of genes related to natural moisturizing factors (NMFs) synthesis including filaggrin (FLG), transglutaminase (TGM)-1, and hyaluronic acid synthase (HAS)-1,2, and 3
Summary
Skin functions as a primary line of defense against external antigens and unwanted influences. HA has been reported to increase skin moisture by regulating the hyaluronic acid synthase (HAS) genes, and several studies have confirmed that retinoic acid (vitamin A) can effectively regulate HA in epidermis [4]. Apoptosis is considered to promote aging or age-associated diseases [11,12,13]. For these reasons, one approach to maintaining healthy skin or prevent aging is consumption of antioxidants to eliminate radicals. EGCG has already been studied for many characteristics, such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity and effects on proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis [20,21]. The aim of this study is to investigate the mechanism by which EGCG promotes skin hydration through measurement of HAS and HYAL gene expression, antioxidant activity, and anti-pigmentation properties
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