Study on the Repair Effects and Mechanisms of Acanthopanax Senticosus Glycoprotein in Ultraviolet-Induced Skin Photoaging

Abstract

Background: Photoaging is ultraviolet (UV)-induced skin aging that impairs skin health. Acanthopanax senticosus glycoprotein (AsGp) shows antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, but its mechanisms in repairing UV-induced skin photoaging remain incompletely clarified. Methods: As-Gp was extracted and characterized. Its repair effects were assessed in long-wave ultraviolet/medium-wave ultraviolet (UVA/UVB) irradiated human immortalized keratinocyte cell line (HaCaT) cells and rat photoaging models. Ultra-weak photon emission (UPE) was used for real-time oxidative stress monitoring. Proteomics identified core peptides, which were synthesized and validated for antioxidant activity. Results: As-Gp (~25 kDa) promoted HaCaT proliferation and migration, inhibited apoptosis, reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS), and restored mitochondrial potential. In rats, it reduced malondialdehyde (MDA), matrix metalloproteinase-1/3 (MMP-1/3), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6), while elevating superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and hydroxyproline (HYP). UPE confirmed its photoprotective effect. Five peptides were identified; VFDKDQNGFISAAELR-(Cam) showed vitamin C-like antioxidant activity. Conclusions: As-Gp repairs photoaging via regulating mitochondrial homeostasis, oxidative stress, inflammation, and extracellular matrix metabolism. UPE provides a novel dynamic evaluation tool. The identified core peptide supports developing natural high-efficacy skin repair agents.