In 2021, researchers Xianrong Zhou and team published a study in Frontiers in Pharmacology that focused on the anti-aging effects of a unique combination on skin health. The study primarily aimed to examine the potential of Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN) combined with Lactobacillus fermentum TKSN041 as a measure against the damaging effects of UVB irradiation on the skin. The research was conducted with regards to the antioxidation, anti-inflammation, and prevention of age-related skin conditions. The full study can be found here.
The conducted in vitro analysis noted a high antioxidant effect when NMN is combined with L. fermentum TKSN041. This combination showcased a strong capacity to neutralize free radicals such as hydroxyl (OH), 2, 2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS), and 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). Additionally, the combination also illustrated a robust aggregate antioxidant ability.
The animal experimental results further supported the potential benefits of the combination treatment. Mice treated with NMN and Lactobacillus showed preserved liver morphology and reduced skin tissue damage. The treatment also significantly increased serum levels of total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) and catalase (CAT), antioxidants that protect the body from cell damage. Additionally, the study observed an increase in anti-inflammatory protein, interleukin (IL)-10.
Remarkably, NMN and Lactobacillus significantly reduced harmful substances in the skin such as TNF-α (a protein that amplifies inflammation) and malondialdehyde (a marker of oxidative stress). It also increased beneficial elements, including NAD+ (an essential coenzyme for cellular functions), T-SOD, CAT, IL-10, and Na+-K+-ATPase (an enzyme involved in maintaining the cell's membrane potential).
The research shed light on how combining NMN with Lactobacillus instigated a profound impact on the genetic level. It upregulated genes associated with inflammation regulation, antioxidation, and energy metabolism, but downregulated genes linked to inflammation and cell proliferation.
Therefore, the findings conclusively indicated that therapeutic treatment of NMN combined with L. fermentum TKSN041 improves UVB induced skin damage in mice. This result has profound implications for the development of therapies for skin photoaging, providing a fresh avenue for preventing and treating age-related skin conditions.
Key Takeaways:
- The combination of Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN) and Lactobacillus fermentum TKSN041 exhibits strong antioxidant effects and good total antioxidant capacity.
- NMN combined with Lactobacillus reduced the impact of UVB-induced pathological damage in skin cells and liver morphology in mice.
- The treatment increased the levels of beneficial substances in the skin, such as T-SOD, CAT, IL-10, and Na+-K+-ATPase, and reduced harmful substances.
- NMN combined with Lactobacillus can regulate genes associated with inflammation and antioxidation.
- The protective mechanism might be related to the activation of the AMPK signaling pathway, paving the way for new treatments and prevention of skin photoaging.