Pectinase halophyte complex extract protects hairless mice skin damaged by UV-irradiation

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the inhibitory effect and mechanism of collagen degradation by Pectinase-assisted Halophyte Complex Extract (PHCE) in hairless mice. Collagen expression in vitro was measured using Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) and Western blotting. After collecting mice skin in vivo, histological analysis was performed with Hematoxylin & Eosin (H & E) and trichrome stain. Molecular expression was measured by western blot analysis. In HaCaT cells, the collagen expression level was increased compared to the positive control group. Epidermal thickness inhibition and collagen expression levels were also increased in the skin of a hairless mouse model. Western blot analysis confirmed the increase in collagen and elastin by inhibiting phosphorylation of NF-κB and decreasing the expression of matrix metalloproteinases-1 (MMP-1) and matrix metalloproteinases-9 (MMP-9). The skin protective effect of PHCE is considered to be due to inhibition of MMPs expression through inhibition of NF-κB activation. Therefore, PHCE can be considered as a candidate material as a food material that can improve skin damage caused by UV rays.