New drug molecules can prevent skin aging caused by sun exposure

Sunburn is the main cause of premature skin aging, as well as a major risk factor for skin cancer and other skin problems related to aging
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Now, for the first time, an international research team has made progress in reversing or delaying this damage

The research was led by Professor Matt Whiteman of the University of Exeter School of Medicine and Professor Uraiwan Panich of the Siriraj Hospital of the Mahidol University School of Medicine in Thailand
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In the study, published in "Antioxidant and Redox Signaling," the research team exposed adult skin cells and mouse skin to ultraviolet radiation (UVA)

However, the team’s research paved the way for the use of two compounds invented by the University of Exeter—AP39 and AP123—to protect the deep layers of the skin
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In experiments, this compound did not prevent sunburn like traditional sunscreens, but penetrated into the skin to correct the situation where skin cells stop energy production and use due to UVA exposure

The compounds used in this study have an impressive effect in reducing skin inflammation and skin damage after burns and atopic dermatitis (eczema)
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In the context of anti-aging, they prevented the aging of human skin cells in test-tube experiments, but this is the first time that the effects of photoaging have been found in animals

Professor Uraiwan Panich of Siriraj Hospital of Mahidol University School of Medicine in Bangkok is one of the senior co-authors of this paper.
He said: Compounds AP39 and AP123 specifically target mitochondria, the energy production mechanism in our cells, and provide them with a small amount of alternative fuel hydrogen sulfide , Used when skin cells are under UVA pressure
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The direct result is the activation of two protection mechanisms

Professor Matt Whiteman of the University of Exeter Medical School and the senior co-author of the paper added: “Some sunscreens and cosmetics contain mitochondria Ingredients that are protected from ultraviolet radiation
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” However, it is not clear whether these cosmetic substances for skin enter skin cells, and we have found that our molecules can penetrate cells and specifically target mitochondria where they are needed

An important observation to note is that these compounds only modulate energy production in skin exposed to UVA, PGC-1α and Nrf2
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This shows a new way to treat skin that has been damaged by ultraviolet radiation, and it is possible to reverse or limit this damage

Although more research is needed now, the long-term effects of this work may be medical and cosmetic.
It is important to protect the skin from UV rays in this regard
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For example, not only premature skin aging and skin cancer, but also UV allergies, sun urticaria, and rare genetic skin diseases such as xeroderma pigmentosum, although further research is needed

Journal Reference :

1. Jinapath Lohakul, Saowanee Jeayeng, Anyamanee Chaiprasongsuk, Roberta Torregrossa, Mark Wood, Malinee Saelim, Weerawon Thangboonjit, Matthew Whiteman, Uraiwan.
   Panichmitochondria-Targeted Hydrogen Sulfide Delivery in Moleculesbro Skin Against UVA-Induced Photo Vivo in Dermal, and in Dermal Mouse .
   Antioxidants & Redox Signaling , 2021; DOI: 10.
   1089/ars.
   2020.
   8255