Anti-photoaging effect and mechanism of flexible liposomes co-loaded with apigenin and doxycycline

Prolonged exposure to UV light can lead to photo-ageing of the skin. Therefore, the development and application of anti-photoaging drugs is urgent. In this study, we co-loaded apigenin (Apn) and doxycycline (Doc), a broadspectrum inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), into flexible liposomes to exert anti-photoaging effects by combating oxidative stress, anti-inflammation, reducing the activation of MMPs and preventing collagen loss. The results showed that we prepared a flexible liposome (A/D-FLip) containing Apn and Doc. Its appearance, particle size and Zeta potential were normal and it had good encapsulation efficiency, drug loading, in vitro release and transdermal efficiency. In cellular experiments, A/D-FLip could inhibit oxidative stress damage, reduce inflammatory factors and decrease the activation of MMPs in Human immortalized keratinocytes (HaCaT) cells; in animal experiments, A/D-FLip could inhibit skin damage and reduce skin collagen loss by decreasing the activation of MMPs, thus inhibiting skin photoaging in mice. In conclusion, A/D-FLip has good anti-photoaging effects and it has the potential to become an effective skin care product or drug against UV damage and skin photoaging in the future.

Automated summary

This study utilized the technology of flexible liposomes to co-load apigenin and doxycycline, which showed good encapsulation efficiency, drug loading, in vitro release, and transdermal efficiency. The A/D-FLip liposome exhibited anti-photoaging effects by combating oxidative stress, reducing inflammation, inhibiting MMPs activation, and preventing collagen loss. Cellular and animal experiments demonstrated that A/D-FLip could inhibit oxidative stress damage, decrease inflammatory factors, and prevent skin collagen loss, making it a promising skin care product or drug against UV damage and skin photoaging.