Phytosphingosine-1-phosphate and epidermal growth factor synergistically restore extracellular matrix in human dermal fibroblasts in vitro and in vivo

Int J Mol Med. 2017 Mar;39(3):741-748. doi: 10.3892/ijmm.2017.2866. Epub 2017 Jan 23.

Abstract

Phytosphingosine-1-phosphate (PhS1P), which is found in plants and fungi, is generated by the phosphorylation of phytosphingosine and is structurally similar to molecules that promote cellular growth and proliferation. The aim of this study was to ascertain whether PhS1P displays synergistic effects together with epidermal growth factor (EGF), which is also critical for activating proliferation, migration and survival pathways. We utilized cultured human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) and a number of assays, including western blotting, cell migration assays, quantitative (real-time) PCR, and viability assays. We found that PhS1P promoted the activity of EGF in vitro. We then conducted a clinical trial in females over 35 years of age, with visible signs of skin aging. By evaluating skin hydration, dermal density and thickness, length of fine wrinkles, and skin elasticity, we verified the clinical efficacy of a combined treatment of PhS1P and EGF in vivo. On the whole, our data suggest that PhS1P displays a synergistic anti-aging effect together with EGF, both in vitro and in vivo.

MeSH terms

  • Cell Movement
  • Cell Proliferation / drug effects
  • Cell Survival / drug effects
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Dermis / cytology*
  • Dermis / metabolism*
  • Epidermal Growth Factor / pharmacology*
  • ErbB Receptors / genetics
  • ErbB Receptors / metabolism
  • Extracellular Matrix / metabolism*
  • Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases / metabolism
  • Fibroblasts / drug effects*
  • Fibroblasts / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Ligands
  • Phosphorylation
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt / metabolism
  • Sphingosine / analogs & derivatives*
  • Sphingosine / pharmacology
  • Wound Healing

Substances

  • Ligands
  • phytosphingosine-1-phosphate
  • Epidermal Growth Factor
  • ErbB Receptors
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt
  • Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases
  • Sphingosine