Background: Dietary supplementation of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) can inhibit inflammation and oxidation of photoaging, but the effect and mechanism on regulation of dermis collagen remains poorly elucidated. The destruction of dermal collagen plays a crucial role in the process of long-term ultraviolet radiation (UVR) induced-photoaging, especially leading to deterioration of skin appearance and function.
Methods: In this study, we explored the protective effect of n-3 PUFAs on the regulation of collagen through the MAPK pathway using the SKH-1 photoaging mouse model.
Results: The results showed that n-3 PUFAs promoted collagen synthesis and reduced collagen degradation in a dose-dependent manner, which was mediated by the down-regulation of the MAPK pathway. In addition, n-3 PUFAs supplementation inhibited the production of MMP-1 and the UV-induced abnormal proliferation of keratinocytes. All these effects resulted in the remodeling of extracellular matrix (ECM) and finally made a significant improvement in the appearance of skin.
Conclusion: Overall, the present study suggested that dietary supplementation of n-3 PUFAs has the potential clinical prospect to prevent UV-induced skin damage and photoaging.
Keywords: collagen; n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids; photoaging.
© 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC.