Activity of Enzyme on Skin Cells Correlates with Age KYOTO, Japan, May 14
KYOTO, Japan, May 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- New research funded by Nu
Skin Enterprises on internal causes of aging has identified a previously
unknown source of superoxide free radicals. Free radicals from external
triggers, such as sun exposure and cigarette smoke, have long been known to
damage skin cells and components of the skin's extracellular matrix, including
collagen and elastin.
Scientists from Nu Skin Enterprises and Purdue University report their
novel research findings on age-related NADH oxidase (arNOX) this week in
Kyoto, Japan, at International Investigative Dermatology 2008 (IID2008), a
major scientific venue for the latest information on skin biology. The
scientists present compelling evidence that arNOX, an enzyme associated with
cell membranes, is present and active on skin cells. Significantly, arNOX
activity increases during the "aging" years of about 45-70.
"Identifying skin-associated arNOX and its increasing activity with age is
a breakthrough discovery in understanding skin aging," said Zoe Diana Draelos,
MD, primary investigator with Dermatology Consulting Services, member of the
Nu Skin Scientific Advisory Board and one of the study authors. "Currently,
most dermatological research focuses on correcting skin damage after it
occurs. Identifying an internal source of free radicals in skin, and advancing
an understanding of how and why they are generated, adds to our ability to
address fundamental mechanisms that may combine with external sources to lead
to accelerated skin aging."
"Evidence of arNOX in the skin provides further insights into potentially
revolutionary therapies for skin care, particularly because its activity
correlates with the ages when people begin to see their skin lose its
elasticity and firmness, and notice more discoloration and lines and
wrinkles," remarked Helen Knaggs, PhD, vice president of Nu Skin global
research and development. "If we can develop innovative ways to inhibit arNOX
activity and prevent the production of free radicals in the first place, then
we can address both sides of the equation -- correcting free radical damage
from external sources, while at the same time preventing free radical
production from internal sources."
Authors of the study are Dale Kern, senior scientist for Nu Skin
Enterprises; Dr. Draelos; Dorothy Morre, PhD, professor of foods and
nutrition, Purdue University; and D. James Morre, PhD, Dow distinguished
professor of medicinal chemistry, Purdue University. Nu Skin has funded ENOX
research by the Morres since 1999.
About arNOX
The arNOX enzyme is one in a class of newly-identified ECTO-NOX (external
NADH oxidase or ENOX) proteins that are located on external cell membranes.
ECTO-NOX proteins become increasingly active to generate additional metabolic
energy as cell mitochondria age and produce less energy. arNOX has been
identified in all cells tested, including serum and saliva and now the dermis
and epidermis. Its unique property is that it generates superoxide at the cell
surface that is capable of damaging adjacent cells, lipoproteins, and other
structural components of the skin's extracellular matrix, such as collagen and
elastin. Other NOX categories include tumor-NOX, viral-NOX and constitutive,
or normal, NOX.
About IID2008
International Investigative Dermatology 2008 is the fifth joint meeting of
the Society for Investigative Dermatology (SID), the European Society for
Dermatological Research (ESDR) and the Japanese Society for Investigative
Dermatology (JSID). IID2008 is hosted in Kyoto, Japan, May 14-17, and is the
only major venue this year for the presentation of the latest information on
skin biology and skin diseases. The conference program is widely based on any
of the basic and clinical dermatological fields.
Nu Skin Enterprises
Nu Skin Enterprises, Inc. is a global direct selling company operating in
47 markets throughout Asia, the Americas and Europe. The company markets
premium-quality personal care products under the Nu Skin(R) brand,
science-based nutritional supplements under the Pharmanex(R) brand, and
technology-based products and services under the Big Planet(R) brand. Nu Skin
Enterprises is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "NUS."
More information is available at http://www.nuskinenterprises.com.
SOURCE Nu Skin Enterprises, Inc.
