TOPICAL N-ACETYL GLUCOSAMINE AND NIACINAMIDE INCREASE HYALURONAN IN VITRO.

This study by researchers at Procter & Gamble Co. demonstrated how MatTek’s EpiDermFT full-thickness in vitro human skin tissue equivalent can be used to study the expression of a major extracellular matrix component of human skin (hyaluronan) when N-acetyl glucosamine and niacinamide are applied to the apical surface of the tissues simulating topical application on human skin in vivo. INTRODUCTION: Hyaluronan is a mucopolysaccharide in the epidermis responsible for maintaining overall hydration and elasticity of the skin. A decline in epidermal hyaluronan content occurs during aging, contributing to decreased turgidity and increased wrinkle formation. ISI-Acetyl-glucosamine is a precursor of hyaluronan, and niacinamide is an essential co-factor of hyaluronan synthesis. In the current work, engineered human skin equivalent cultures (EpiDermFT EFT-400, MatTek Corp., Ashland, MA) were used to determine effects of topical N-acetyl glucosamine and niacinamide on hyaluronan and collagen expression, and for prediction of improved appearance of aging facial skin. CONCLUSIONS: In in vitro human skin cultures, topical application of N-acetyl glucosamine and niacinamide stimulated hyaluronan synthesis. These treatments also led to an increase in collagen (procollagen-1) expression. Twice daily use of a facial moisturizer containing a combination of 2% N-acetyl glucosamine and 4% niacinamide for 4 to 8 weeks by women with moderate to severe fine lines and wrinkles reduced the appearance of facial fine lines and wrinkles, particularly in the eye area of the face. The in vitro hyaluronan results suggest that this effacement of fine lines and wrinkles is due at least in part to improved hydration of the skin.

EFT-400, EpiDermFT, Fine line and wrinkle improvements, Hyaluronan, Procollagen 1, Skin elasticity, Skin hydration

N-Acetyl-glucosamine, Niacinamide