A topical heparinoid-containing product improves epidermal permeability barrier homeostasis in mice

Abstract

Because of the importance of epidermal functions, including stratum corneum hydration and maintenance of permeability barrier homeostasis, in the pathogenesis of a variety of cutaneous and systemic disorders, a wide range of products has been developed to improve epidermal functions. However, the underlying mechanisms whereby certain products, including heparinoid-containing product, are far little understood. In the present study, we assessed the impact of a heparinoid-containing product, Hirudoid^® cream, on epidermal permeability barrier function and expression levels of a panel of epidermal mRNA related to the formation/maintenance of the permeability barrier in mouse skin. Our results showed that while the baseline levels of transepidermal water rates remained unchanged, treatment with Hirudoid^® cream twice daily for 7 days significantly accelerated permeability barrier recovery and increased stratum corneum hydration. In parallel, expression levels of epidermal mRNA for certain differentiation marker-related proteins, lipid synthetic enzymes, keratinocyte proliferation and antimicrobial peptides also increased significantly. Together, these results provide the underlying mechanisms by which topical Hirudoid^® cream improves epidermal permeability barrier and antimicrobial function. Because of its benefits for epidermal functions, heparinoid-containing product could be more useful in the management of skin conditions, characterized by abnormal permeability barrier and antimicrobial function.

Keywords: barrier function; differentiation; heparinoid; stratum corneum hydration.

Figure 1. Topical Heparinoid-containing cream accelerates permeability barrier recovery.

Figure 1a. Changes in basal epidermal function; Figure 1b. Barrier recovery rates. Data are normalized to untreated normal controls, setting controls as 100%. N=9 for all. Significances are indicated in the Figures.

Figure 2. Topical Heparinoid-containing cream regulates expression levels of mRNA in the epidermis.

Figure 1a. Expression levels of mRNA for epidermal differentiation marker-related proteins and lipid synthetic enzymes; Figure 1b. Expression levels of mRNA for epidermal proliferation, stratum corneum hydration and antimicrobial defensin. Data are normalized to untreated normal controls, setting controls as 100%. N=9 for all. Significances are indicated in the Figures.