Effects of 20-hydroxyecdysone on UVB-induced photoaging in hairless mice

We recently reported that exposure of skin to ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation for 2 weeks induces stress and accelerates skin aging. Interestingly, aldosterone synthase is known to be crucial in generating UVB-induced stress-related responses, suggesting that drugs that regulate its activity can be used as skin antiaging agents. Through extensive drug screening, we have identified 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E), a steroidal prohormone secreted by the prothoracic glands of insects, as a potent inhibitor of UVB-induced aging. Although 20E has been shown to exert antistress and anti-collagenase effects in vitro, its effects in vivo remain unexplored. Furthermore, the pharmacological and physiological effects of 20E on UVB-mediated photoaging are poorly understood. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the effects of 20E on aldosterone synthase and UVB-induced photoaging and skin lesions in hairless mice, focusing on the stress-related hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. We confirmed that 20E inhibited aldosterone synthase and reduced corticosterone levels. When applied to a UVinduced skin aging animal model, it ameliorated UV-induced stress and protected against the decrease in collagen levels. Importantly, when the aldosterone synthase inhibitor osilodrostat, an FDA-approved drug, was applied to the UV-induced skin aging model, the stress-reducing and antiaging effects of 20E were not observed. Thus, we conclude that 20E inhibits UVB-induced skin aging by blocking aldosterone synthase and is a potential candidate to prevent skin aging.

Automated summary

We have discovered that 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E), a steroid prohormone secreted by insects, can inhibit skin aging induced by UVB radiation. By inhibiting aldosterone synthase and reducing corticosterone levels, 20E reduces stress and protects against the decrease in collagen levels caused by UV radiation, making it a potential candidate for preventing skin aging.