An Epigenetic Approach of Protecting the Body’s Self-hyaluronic Acid for Well-aging

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is one of the important components of the extracellular matrix of dermis, the degradation of which leads to skin aging including sagging and wrinkles. Apart from so called hyaluronidase enzymes, the HYBID (Hyaluronan- Binding protein Involved in hyaluronan Depolymerization) is the main factor responsible for HA degradation in dermis. This study aimed to identify natural plant materials that can effectively suppress HYBID expression and protect HA from degradation. We measured the expressions of HYBID and miR-486-5p in fibroblasts by PCR. The molecular size distribution of HA was evaluated by incubating fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-labeled large HA (1,200-1,600 kDa) in fibroblasts for 48 hrs and measuring different sizes of FITC-labeled HA in the cultured medium by HPLC. Artemisia capillaris flower extract (ACFE) was found to be the most effective agent in suppressing both HYBID expression and HA degradation. Moreover, ACFE increases the expression of a specific miRNA, miR-486-5p, which is an epigenetic factor known to directly target and inhibit HYBID expression. Furthermore, a lotion containing ACFE can improve the extents of sagging and wrinkles in human clinical study. Therefore, ACFE could be used for cosmeceutical potential as a promising well-aging agent.