Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Oct 26, 2024 2 days, 3 hours, 9 minutes ago
Herbs and Phytochemicals: A recent study highlights the potential of a natural phytochemical, 7-methylsulfonylheptyl isothiocyanate (7-MSI), found in certain cruciferous vegetables, in managing skin aging and inflammation. Researchers from Chosun University, South Korea, investigated the compound’s effects on inflammation and cellular mechanisms associated with skin aging, with promising results.
A phytochemical in cruciferous vegetables may slow skin aging and inflammation
The Role of 7-MSI in Skin Health
Our skin, as the largest organ, not only faces external environmental stressors but also undergoes natural aging processes. Aging is often accelerated by oxidative stress - when harmful reactive oxygen species (ROS) build up in cells, leading to cellular damage. In response, cells activate autophagy, a process that cleans up damaged cell parts, preventing inflammation and promoting healthy aging. This
Herbs and Phytochemicals News report examines how 7-MSI, derived from cruciferous vegetables, influences inflammation and autophagy in skin cells.
Study Insights and Methods
The research team conducted experiments on murine macrophages (immune cells) to understand 7-MSI’s effect on inflammation and autophagy. They used different cellular and molecular techniques to measure levels of pro-inflammatory compounds and autophagy markers. According to the researchers, 7-MSI showed significant potential in managing inflammation and activating autophagy pathways, particularly in response to ROS and other aging accelerants.
How 7-MSI Works: Reducing Inflammation and Oxidative Stress
Inflammation is the body’s defense against harm, but prolonged inflammation can damage skin cells, contributing to aging. Here, the study noted that 7-MSI reduced inflammation by targeting key inflammatory pathways. For example, it lowered levels of cytokines, molecules that promote inflammation, and inhibited the NLRP3 inflammasome - a protein complex that triggers inflammation in response to stress. Researchers observed a reduction in cytokine levels, such as TNF-α and IL-1β, as well as enzymes like COX-2, which are known to amplify inflammation.
Furthermore, 7-MSI inhibited the NF-κB signaling pathway, which is a major player in chronic inflammation and aging. By limiting NF-κB’s movement into the cell nucleus, 7-MSI prevented it from activating genes that increase inflammation. Through these mechanisms, the compound could help reduce chronic skin inflammation, slowing down the aging process.
Enhancing Autophagy: The Body’s Cellular Cleanup Process
The study highlighted how 7-MSI activated autophagy, an essential cellular function that removes damaged parts and reduces oxidative stress. Increased levels of proteins associated with autophagy, such as Beclin-1 and LC3, were detected in cells treated with 7-MSI. The researchers noted that when autophagy genes were sup
pressed, the inflammation-reducing effects of 7-MSI were also reduced, showing a clear link between autophagy activation and inflammation control.
Notably, 7-MSI reduced ROS levels in cells. Since ROS accumulation accelerates cellular aging, controlling ROS through autophagy and antioxidant mechanisms is vital for skin health. The compound’s impact on ROS and its role in autophagy suggest that it might help manage oxidative stress-related skin conditions.
Potential for 7-MSI in Skin Care and Anti-Aging Treatments
These findings could be valuable for developing new skincare formulations that target aging and inflammation. The ability of 7-MSI to modulate both inflammation and autophagy pathways underscores its therapeutic potential in dermatology. By reducing inflammation and boosting the cellular cleanup processes, 7-MSI may offer a natural and effective approach for skincare, particularly for conditions where oxidative stress and inflammation are prevalent.
Conclusion
The study illustrates that 7-MSI’s anti-inflammatory and autophagy-enhancing effects hold promise for managing skin aging and inflammation. As the researchers demonstrated, 7-MSI could reduce ROS and inflammation markers while promoting autophagy, making it a potential agent for preventing premature skin aging and related inflammatory conditions. Further studies and clinical trials could unlock its full therapeutic potential.
The study findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal: Antioxidants.
https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/13/11/1282
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