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Topical application of autophagy‐activating peptide improved skin barrier function and reduced acne symptoms in acne‐prone skin
Author(s) -
Lee Yoonjin,
Shin Kayoung,
Shin KyongOh,
Yoon Seokjeong,
Jung Juyeon,
Hwang Eojin,
Chung HwaJee,
Hossini Amir M.,
Zouboulis Christos C.,
Baek Min Jeong,
Baek Ji Hwoon,
Chi Young Min,
Lee Sangeun,
Jeong Sekyoo
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of cosmetic dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.626
H-Index - 44
eISSN - 1473-2165
pISSN - 1473-2130
DOI - 10.1111/jocd.13636
Subject(s) - autophagy , acne , lipogenesis , activator (genetics) , sebaceous gland , chemistry , keratinocyte , endocrinology , microbiology and biotechnology , biology , medicine , biochemistry , lipid metabolism , dermatology , receptor , apoptosis , in vitro
Background Recent studies about the important roles of autophagy signaling in sebaceous lipogenesis and epidermal differentiation suggest potential benefits of autophagy activation in acne. Aims To investigate the effects of an autophagy activator on acne‐prone skin. Methods Autophagy signaling in human immortalized SZ95 sebocytes, normal human epidermal keratinocytes, and 3D reconstituted skin was examined. Effects of an autophagy‐activating peptide on sebaceous lipogenesis were measured by fluorescence microscopic analysis. The clinical efficacy in acne‐prone skin was evaluated through an eight‐week, double‐blind, randomized, vehicle‐controlled study. Changes in skin surface lipid compositions were further analyzed. Results In cultured sebocytes and keratinocytes, the investigated autophagy‐activating peptide increased LC3‐II expression, indicating a stimulation of autophagy signaling. Testosterone and linoleic acid treatment induced lipogenesis in cultured sebocytes and is further inhibited by the autophagy activator peptide treatment. Increased expression of differentiation marker proteins in cultured keratinocytes was also observed by autophagy‐activating peptide. In clinical study, reduction of closed comedones and the amount of skin surface lipids as well as of trans‐epidermal water loss (TEWL) were observed in acne‐prone skin after autophagy‐activating peptide application. In addition, reduction of squalene and increase in cholesterol were observed after an 8‐week application. Conclusions Topical application of an autophagy activator downregulated sebaceous lipogenesis and improved the skin barrier function. Considering the important roles of sebum and skin barrier function in acne pathogenesis, autophagy activation might represent a new therapeutic option in early forms of acne.