Asiaticoside increases aquaporin-3 protein expression in the cytoplasm of normal human epidermal keratinocytes
Abstract: Skin hydration
decreases with aging. Aquaporin-3 (AQP3) is a major protein that plays a role
in skin hydration, therefore it is a novel target for skin moisturizing
treatment. Retinoic acid (RA) as a well-known active agent in antiaging
treatment increases AQP3 expression, but frequently causes harmful side
effects. Asiaticoside, a saponin compound isolated from Centella asiatica (CA)
is also known as an antiaging cosmetic and plays a role in wound healing. The
aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the effect of asiaticoside
isolated from CA and the effect of RA on the AQP3 expression in normal human
epidermal keratinocytes (NHEKs).
Methods
An experimental laboratory study was performed using primary NHEKs that
were derived from the foreskin of a boy. AQP3 expression in NHEKs was examined
in vitro after the cells were incubated for 24 hours with asiaticoside or with
RA at several concentrations. The AQP3 expression was evaluated by
immunocytochemistry and quantitatively analyzed by Image-J software.
Independent t-test and one-way ANOVA were used to analyze the data, followed by
post-hoc Tukey test.
Results
There was an increasing trend of AQP3 expression upon exposure to
asiaticoside at all concentrations compared to the control group. However, RA
exposure seemed to induce a higher level of AQP3 expression. Asiaticoside
effected a lower increase in AQP3 expression in NHEKs than did RA (p=0.042).
Optimal results were achieved at 1 mg/mL concentration of asiaticoside.
Conclusions
Asiaticoside isolated from CA can enhance the AQP3 expression in NHEKs.
Therefore it can be used as an active ingredient in cosmetic moisturizer
formulation for dry skin treatment.
Keywords: Centella asiatica;
asiaticoside; keratinocytes; aquaporin-3; retinoic acid
Author: Linda Yulianti
Wijayadi, Hari Darmawan
Journal Code: jpkedokterangg170030
