Skin photoaging is mainly caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, which increases expressions of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and destroys collagen fibers, consequently inducing wrinkle formation. Nutritional factors have received scientific attention for use as agents for normal skin functions. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of hot water extracts from the leaves of Hydrangea serrata (Thunb.) Ser. (WHS) against ultraviolet B (UVB)-induced skin photoaging and to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms in human foreskin fibroblasts (Hs68) and HR-1 hairless mice. WHS recovered UVB-reduced cell viability and ameliorated oxidative stress by inhibiting intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in Hs68 cells. WHS rescued UVB-induced collagen degradation by suppressing MMP expression, and reduced the mRNA levels of inflammatory cytokines. These anti-photoaging activities of WHS were associated with inhibition of the activator protein 1 (AP-1), signal transduction and activation of transcription 1 (STAT1), and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways. Oral administration of WHS effectively alleviated dorsal skin from wrinkle formation, epidermal thickening, collagen degradation, and skin dehydration in HR-1 hairless mice exposed to UVB. Notably, WHS suppressed UVB activation of the AP-1 and MAPK signaling pathways in dorsal mouse skin tissues. Taken together, our data indicate that WHS prevents UVB-induced skin damage due to collagen degradation and MMP activation via inactivation of MAPK/AP-1 signaling pathway.

Our previous study showed that hydrangenol isolated from Hydrangea serrata leaves exerts antiphotoaging activity in vitro. In this study, we determined its antiphotoaging effect in UVB-irradiated HR-1 hairless mice. We evaluated wrinkle formation, skin thickness, histological characteristics, and mRNA and protein expression using qRT-PCR and Western blot analysis in dorsal skins. Hydrangenol mitigated wrinkle formation, dorsal thickness, dehydration, and collagen degradation. Hydrangenol increased the expression of involucrin, filaggrin, and aquaporin-3 (AQP3) as well as hyaluronic acid (HA) production via hyaluronidase (HYAL)-1/-2 downregulation. Consistent with the recovery of collagen composition, the expression of Pro-COL1A1 was increased by hydrangenol. Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1/-3, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) expression was reduced by hydrangenol. Hydrangenol attenuated the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) including ERK and p38, activator protein 1 (AP-1) subunit, and signal transduction and activation of transcription 1 (STAT1). Hydrangenol upregulated the expression of nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase 1 (NQO-1), glutamate cysteine ligase modifier subunit (GCLM), and glutamate cysteine ligase catalysis subunit (GCLC). Taken together, our data suggest that hydrangenol can prevent wrinkle formation by reducing MMP and inflammatory cytokine levels and increasing the expression of moisturizing factors and antioxidant genes.

A suspected sibutramine analogue was detected in a slimming functional food by an ultra performance liquid chromatography–electrospray ionisation–time of flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-TOF/MS) method. The ultraviolet (UV) spectrum of this suspected compound showed close similarity to that of sibutramine. The sample was extracted with 70% MeOH and isolated by semi-preparative column chromatography. The structure of this compound was identified by spectroscopic analyses (nuclear magnetic resonance [NMR] technique, mass and tandem mass etc.). The structure of the unknown compound was demonstrated to be [(±)-dimethyl-1-[1-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)cyclobutyl]-N,N,3-trimethylbutan-1-amine (molecular formula C₁₇H₂₅NCl₂) and named as chloro-sibutramine. Compared with sibutramine, it has one more chlorine atom than the 3-cholorophenyl group so was switched to 3,4-dichlorophenyl. Until now, chloro-sibutramine was isolated for the first time from the undeclared ingredient included in dietary supplements. Although the safety of chloro-sibutramine is unknown, there is a potential health risk to consumers because of a similar skeleton to sibutramine. For public health, this sibutramine analogue has been included in the inspection list of illegal adulterants in Korea.

Aster glehniis well known for its therapeutic properties. This study was performed to investigate the effects ofA. glehnion nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in atherosclerotic condition, by determining the levels of biomarkers related to lipid metabolism and inflammation in serum, liver, and adipose tissue. Body and abdominal adipose tissue weights and serum triglyceride level decreased in all groups treated withA. glehni. Serum adiponectin concentration and protein levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptorδ, 5′ adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase, acetyl-CoA carboxylase, superoxide dismutase, and PPARγcoactivator 1-alpha in liver tissues increased in the groups treated withA. glehni. Conversely, protein levels of ATP citrate lyase, fatty acid synthase, tumor necrosis factorα, and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase and the concentrations of interleukin 6 and reactive oxygen species decreased uponA. glehni. Triglyceride concentration in the liver was lower in mice treated withA. glehnithan in control mice. Lipid accumulation in HepG2 and 3T3-L1 cells decreased uponA. glehnitreatment; this effect was suppressed in the presence of the PPARδantagonist, GSK0660. Our findings suggest thatA. glehniextracts may ameliorate NAFLD through regulation of PPARδ, adiponectin, and the related subgenes.