week 6 skin physiology

 Week 6 - Skin Physiology & Aging: Explain Group 4

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Taking a Closer Look at an Article

Methylene Blue Article Title, Authors

We are going to look a bit more closely at the methylene blue article coauthored by our featured scientist, Linlin Sun. 

Click Here Download Click Hereto view an excerpt from the article that deals most directly with the aging symptom of poor healing.  Read this excerpt carefully and think about:

Aging Issue: Wound Healing

Cutaneous wound healing processes include epidermal keratinocyte

migration, dermal fibroblast migration, and the interactions of these cells

with the extracellular matrix (ECM) . The skin repair capabilities decline with age due to structural and functional changes, such as reduced cell division and migration of fibroblasts and degraded collagen and elastin in the ECM . Based on the results from Figs 1–6, we speculate that methylene blue (MB) treatment will promote the wound healing of the skin.

To test this hypothesis, we performed an in vitro wound assay, which mimics the cutaneous wound healing process 30 , 32 . Fibroblast monolayers

were wounded with a scratch and images of cell movement in the

scratched area were captured at 0 and 24 hours post wounding. Two

normal skin fibroblast lines, one derived from a middle-aged individual

and the other from an 84-year old individual, were investigated. As

expected, fibroblasts from the middle-aged donor exhibited faster

recovery than those from the old donor (Fig. 7A–C). Significantly, the MB-treated fibroblasts in both cell lines repopulated significantly faster than their vehicle-treated counterparts (Fig. 7A–C), suggesting that MB treatment promotes wound healing.

What age-related changes contribute to this symptom?

MB triggers fibroblasts, the cells responsible for producing collagen and elastin. Methylene blue has the ability promote healing and able to delay skin aging as well. Age-related changes in the ECM affect cell signaling, migration, and overall tissue repair. Fibroblasts exhibit reduced migration (their ability to move to damaged areas) and altered function.

Age-Related Changes Contributing to Poor Healing because it reduced Cell Division, fibroblasts migration, degradation of collagen and elastin, declining mitochondrial function affects cellular repair processes. Fibroblasts play a central role in wound healing by producing collagen and other components of the extracellular matrix (ECM).

What cell(s) or skin regions are most involved?

cells produce collagen, elastin, and other components of the extracellular matrix (ECM).

Cell(s) and Skin Regions Involved:

Fibroblasts: Fibroblasts play a central role in wound healing by producing collagen and other components of the extracellular matrix (ECM).

Epidermal Keratinocytes: These cells form the outermost layer of the skin and are involved in wound closure.

Dermal Tissue: The dermis, rich in fibroblasts and ECM, contributes to wound healing.

What chemical(s) is/are most involved?

Methylene blue 

How does methylene blue (MB) impact cells/molecules in relation to this symptom? 

MB triggers fibroblasts, the cells responsible for producing collagen and elastin.Methylene blue has the ability promote healing and able to delay skin aging as well. MB treated fibroblasts in both cell lines repopulated. Its ability to scavenge ROS, stimulate fibroblasts, and improve skin health makes it an exciting candidate for anti-aging intervention.: MB altered the expression of extracellular matrix proteins, including upregulation of elastin and collagen 2A1, essential for healthy skin.

Take your time and read carefully!  Use your scientific article reading strategies to make the process easier and more efficient!

Methylene blue can satisfactorily interact with mitochondria. Methylene blue has enhanced efficacy for mitochondria-targeted photodynamic therapy. Methylene blue disrupts the mitochondrial energy metabolism even in the dark. Methylene blue effects are harmful for the cell economy.

Once you have finished reading, create a post here (not more than 4-5 sentences) to summarize your ideas related to the above questions in your own words.  Keep it simple and focus on only the most important, key ideas from your excerpt.  After submitting your post, take a look at other students' posts (everyone here read the same excerpt)

No responses to other posts or "liking" of other posts is required to receive credit.

Absolutely! As we age, our skin undergoes a series of transformations that impact its repair and rejuvenation abilities. Let’s explore these changes in more detail:

Reduced Cell Division:

Cell division, also known as mitosis, is essential for tissue repair and regeneration.

With age, the rate of cell division decreases. This affects the turnover of skin cells, leading to slower healing and reduced repair capabilities.

Fibroblast Migration:

Fibroblasts are key players in wound healing and tissue repair.

These cells produce collagen, elastin, and other components of the extracellular matrix (ECM).

As we age, fibroblasts exhibit reduced migration (their ability to move to damaged areas) and altered function.

This impacts the overall repair process, as fibroblasts play a crucial role in tissue remodeling and scar formation.

Degradation of Collagen and Elastin:

Collagen and elastin are critical proteins in the ECM.

Collagen provides structural support, while elastin allows skin to stretch and recoil.

Over time, collagen and elastin fibers become cross-linked, leading to stiffness and loss of elasticity.

Additionally, enzymes break down collagen and elastin, contributing to sagging skin, wrinkles, and reduced repair capacity.

Impact on Extracellular Matrix (ECM):

The ECM provides a scaffold for cells and influences their behavior.

Age-related changes in the ECM affect cell signaling, migration, and overall tissue repair.

Degraded ECM components hinder the recruitment of immune cells and fibroblasts to damaged areas.

Mitochondrial Dysfunction:

Mitochondria are the energy powerhouses of cells.

As we age, mitochondrial function declines, leading to increased oxidative stress.

Oxidative damage affects skin cells, impairing their ability to repair and regenerate.

Interventions and Methylene Blue (MB):

Researchers explore various interventions to enhance skin repair.

Methylene Blue (MB), a mitochondrial-targeting antioxidant, has shown promise:It scavenges reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reduces oxidative stress.

MB activates fibroblasts, promoting collagen production and wound healing.

Its safety profile makes it an exciting candidate for anti-aging skincare.

In summary, understanding these age-related changes helps us develop strategies to support skin repair. While natural aging is inevitable, interventions like MB offer hope for maintaining healthy, resilient skin as we journey through life. 🌟🌿