Elastin Fibroblasts

Fig. 20. hypothetical mode of action of melampolides on skin. C, collagen F, fibroblast GS, ground substance EL, elastine. 

It has been demonstrated in other cell types that lutein can inhibit expression of MMPs and/ or activity (Philips et al., 2007). For example, in dermal fibroblasts lutein inhibits expression of MMP-1 and decreases levels of MMP-2 protein (Philips et al., 2007). In melanoma cells, lutein inhibits MMP-1 expression while stimulating TIMP-2 (Philips et al., 2007). Moreover it has been shown that lutein inhibits elastin expression in fibroblasts subjected to oxidative stress by exposure to ultraviolet light (Philips et al., 2007). These results clearly indicate that lutein can play an important role in remodeling of the extracellular matrix. 

McGowan, S. E., Doro, M. M., and Jackson, S. (1997). Endogenous retinoids increase perinatal elastin gene expression in rat lung fibroblasts and fetal explants. Am. J. Physiol. 273, L410-L416. 

The dermis provides a base for the epidermis and contains fibroblasts that elaborate proteins, such as collagens and elastin, which are crucial for the skin s structural integrity. In addition, mast cells, enriched in a variety of proinflammatory substances, play an important role in tissue remodeling, wound healing, and fibrosis. 

Elastogenesis occurs primarily during late fetal and early neonatal periods. Elastin is synthesized and secreted from several cell types including smooth muscle cells, fibroblasts, endothelial cells, chondroblasts, and mesothelial cells (Uitto et al, 1991) with tissue-specific induction of elastin expression during development (Swee et al, 1995). After elastin has been deposited, its synthesis ceases and very little turnover of elastin is seen during adult life, unless the elastic fibers are subject to injury. In this case,... 

Carreras, I., Rich, C. B., Panchenko, M. P., and Foster, J. A. (2002). Basic fibroblast growth factor decreases elastin gene transcription in aortic smooth muscle cells. / Cell. Biochem. 85, 592—600. 

Groult, V., Hornebeck, W., Ferrari, P., Tixier, J. M., Robert, L., and Jacob, M. P. (1991). Mechanisms of interaction between human skin fibroblasts and elastin Differences between elastin fibers and derived peptides. Cell Biochem. Fund. 9, 171-182. 

Senior, R. M., Griffin, G. L., and Mecham, R. P. (1982). Chemotactic responses of fibroblasts to tropoelastin and elastin-derived peptides./. Clin. Invest 70, 614-618. 

Elastic fibers are usually found in tissues rich in smooth muscle or tissues containing fibroblasts possessing some of characteristics of smooth muscle cells (4). There is a recent report, however, that suggests elastin-like proteins may be secreted from chondrocytes (25). When elastin is secreted, it is accompanied by other proteins that appear to be important to its alignment into fibrils. One of these proteins is referred to as microfibrillar protein (cf. Table I, ref. 2). When elastin is secreted, it combines with the microfibrillar protein to form a complex which is initially rich in the microfibrillar protein. 

The accelerated shedding of corneocytes disrupts the protective barrier function of the epidermis. From there, a cascade of secondary events stimulates growth in the basal layer of the epidermis and accelerates the conversion of keratinocytes into corneocytes" to restore optimum barrier function as soon as possible. Stimulation of the mother cells by the keratinocytes of the basal layer can unfortunately go hand in hand with reactional and inflammatory melanocyte stimulation, the cause of potential pigmentary changes. The stimulation of keratinocyte growth is also accompanied by positive stimulation of fibroblast proliferation and synthesis of proteins in the dermis (collagen, elastin and glycosaminoglycans)."... 

In the papillary dermis and sometimes even in the upper reticular dermis, mild edema, an inflammatory reaction and production of new collagen and elastin are observed. Production of these dermal components does not appear to be directly proportional to the extent of the inflammatory reaction. Glycolic acid stimulates fibroblasts to produce collagen, but not in the same way as trichloroacetic acid (TCA) or phenol, which produce a thick horizontal layer of papillary dermal collagen proportional to the dermal injury and hence the repair caused by the acid. However, the laying down of a new layer of collagen in the dermis is one of the... 

MMP-2 Gelatinase A (fibroblasts) 72 66 Gelatin, collagen type IV, elastin, fibronectin... 

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