Elastic fibers which contribute to contractility of tissue play an important role in elasticity of skin. Although it is suggested that elastin binding proteins such as 67-kDa elastin binding protein, galectin-3 and -9 are related to cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions, their functions are still not fully understood. In this study, we observed structures formed by fibroblasts and their secreted ECM, and investigated effects of elastin binding proteins on contractility of ECM structure. As a result, elastic fibers were formed by treatment of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) to fibroblasts. Then, cells and fibers assembled in band-like form as they shrank. These assemblies were attenuated by cellular senescence, and the elastin binding proteins were decreased at the same time in mRNA expression. These assemblies were also attenuated by treatment of lactose which inhibits binding activity to elastin in the elastin binding proteins. In addition, mechanical stretch stimulation significantly decreased matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP1) mRNA expression and increased elastin (ELN) mRNA expression in fibroblasts. These results suggest that the reduction of elastin binding proteins caused by cellular senescence affects the contractility of ECM structures and the transcriptional regulation of ECM-related proteins in fibroblast. Prevention of decrease in elastin binding proteins may be a new target for preventing skin aging.

Demand for natural ingredients is growing in cosmetic industry, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae extract is one of the most common natural ingredients. We have conducted the functional evaluation of Multiple-Processed Fermentation Extract (MPFE), Thermus thermophilus and Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the conventional technology in food industry, via our original fermentation process. Our results show that the MPFE exhibits several skin benefits such as recovery, anti-inflammation, moisturization etc. based on gene expression analysis. Furthermore, it demonstrated equal or even higher anti-inflammation benefit compared with dexamethasone, the steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, based on the significant decrease of the inflammatory marker analysis. MPFE also demonstrated higher cell proliferation and skin barrier repair compared with either Thermus thermophilus or Saccharomyces cerevisiae, respectively. In terms of macrophage activation, MPFE showed higher activation than lipopolysaccharide (LPS), the well-known macrophage activator.

The combination of Thermus thermophilus and Saccharomyces cerevisiae demonstrated strong synergy in terms of skin cell proliferation, anti-inflammation, macrophage activation and skin barrier repair compared with either Thermus thermophilus or Saccharomyces cerevisiae, respectively, thereby suggesting the better skin benefits than each individual ingredient.This evaluation method provides a new approach to study the skin benefits for the combination of multi fermented extracts.