HelixComplex snail mucus as a potential technology against O3 induced skin damage

PLoS One. 2020 Feb 21;15(2):e0229613. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0229613. eCollection 2020.

Abstract

Mucus form H. aspersa muller has been reported to have several therapeutic proprieties, such as antimicrobial activity, skin protection and wound repair. In this study, we have analyzed H. aspersa mucus (Helixcomplex) bio-adhesive efficacy and its defensive properties against the ozone (O3) (0.5 ppm for 2 hours) exposure in human keratinocytes and reconstructed human epidermis models. Cytotoxicity, tissue morphology and cytokine levels were determined. We confirmed HelixComplex regenerative and bio-adhesive properties, the latter possibly via the characteristic mucopolysaccharide composition. In addition, HelixComplex was able to protect from O3 exposure by preventing oxidative damage and the consequent pro-inflammatory response in both 2D and 3D models. Based on this study, it is possible to suggest HelixComplex as a potentially new protective technology against pollution induced skin damage.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Line / drug effects
  • Cell Survival / drug effects
  • Epidermis / drug effects
  • Helix, Snails / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Keratinocytes / drug effects
  • Mucus / chemistry*
  • Mucus / drug effects*
  • Mucus / metabolism
  • Oxidation-Reduction
  • Oxidative Stress / drug effects
  • Wound Healing / drug effects

Grants and funding

CT and RR are grateful to Italian Ministry of Education, University and Research (https://www.miur.gov.it/) (PNR 2015–2020 project n° ARS01_01163 Green Chemistry) and to Camera di Commercio di Ferrara (http://www.fe.camcom.it/) (2018 Grant; Activae Project) for financial support. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.