Possible Mechanisms of Oxidative Stress-Induced Skin Cellular Senescence, Inflammation, and Cancer and the Therapeutic Potential of Plant Polyphenols

As the greatest defense organ of the body, the skin is exposed to endogenous and external stressors that produce reactive oxygen species (ROS). When the antioxidant system of the body fails to eliminate ROS, oxidative stress is initiated, which results in skin cellular senescence, inflammation, and cancer. Two main possible mechanisms underlie oxidative stress-induced skin cellular senescence, inflammation, and cancer. One mechanism is that ROS directly degrade biological macromolecules, including proteins, DNA, and lipids, that are essential for cell metabolism, survival, and genetics. Another one is that ROS mediate signaling pathways, such as MAPK, JAK/STAT, PI3K/AKT/mTOR, NF-kappa B, Nrf2, and SIRT1/FOXO, affecting cytokine release and enzyme expression. As natural antioxidants, plant polyphenols are safe and exhibit a therapeutic potential. We here discuss in detail the therapeutic potential of selected polyphenolic compounds and outline relevant molecular targets. Polyphenols selected here for study according to their structural classification include curcumin, catechins, resveratrol, quercetin, ellagic acid, and procyanidins. Finally, the latest delivery of plant polyphenols to the skin (taking curcumin as an example) and the current status of clinical research are summarized, providing a theoretical foundation for future clinical research and the generation of new pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.

Automated summary

As the body's greatest defense organ, the skin is exposed to internal and external stressors that generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to oxidative stress, skin cellular senescence, inflammation, and cancer. Oxidative stress-induced skin cellular senescence, inflammation, and cancer can occur through two main mechanisms: direct degradation of essential biological macromolecules by ROS, and modulation of signaling pathways affecting cytokine release and enzyme expression. Plant polyphenols, such as curcumin, catechins, resveratrol, quercetin, ellagic acid, and procyanidins, have therapeutic potential as natural antioxidants. The delivery of plant polyphenols to the skin and current clinical research on polyphenols, especially curcumin, are summarized, providing a theoretical foundation for future clinical research and the development of pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.