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Antioxidant Capacity

The antioxidant potential of the skin plays a critical role in aging. External stressors such as UV radiation and environmental pollutants generate reactive species and induce biochemical alterations, impacting the antioxidant potential of skin cells.

We offer in vitro models to assess antioxidant capacity, including:

• Human keratinocyte cell lines (e.g., HaCaT)
• Primary human epidermal keratinocytes (HEK)
• Primary human dermal fibroblasts (HDF)

We evaluate the following biomarkers:

• Gene expression analysis of antioxidant enzymes (SOD1, CAT, GPX1, NRF2, HO-1 etc.)
• Glutathione redox status (GSH/GSSG ratio)
• Reactive oxygen species (ROS,)
• Total antioxidant capacity (TEAC, MDA levels)

Skin Aging and Protection

Skin aging is a multifactorial process characterized by structural and functional deterioration. We investigate novel dermocosmetic strategies aimed at preventing or mitigating age-related changes.

Our in vitro models include:

• Human keratinocyte cell lines (e.g., HaCaT)
• Primary human epidermal keratinocytes (HEK)
• Primary human dermal fibroblasts (HDF)

We analyze key biomarkers, such as:

• Extracellular matrix components (collagen, elastin, hyaluronic acid, MMPs, etc.)
• Markers of oxidative stress and DNA damage (ROS, γ-H2AX)
• Cellular senescence indicators (telomere length, TERT, , β-galactosidase, SIRT1)
• Oxidative damage markers (protein carbonylation, lipid peroxidation, advanced glycation end-products)
• Autophagy markers

• Circadian rhythm regulators

• Proteasomal degradation activity (chymotrypsin-like, trypsin-like, caspase-like proteasomal activity, ubiquitin pathway components)

Skin Hydration, Barrier Function, and Wound Healing

The skin acts as a protective barrier against environmental stressors while maintaining hydration by preventing excessive water loss. Impaired barrier function can lead to dryness, irritation, and compromised wound healing.

Our in vitro models include:

• Human keratinocyte cell lines (e.g., HaCaT)
• Primary human epidermal keratinocytes (HEK)
• Primary human dermal fibroblasts (HDF)

We evaluate:

• Cytotoxicity and cell proliferation
• Epidermal differentiation markers (filaggrin, involucrin, keratins)
• Barrier function markers (hyaluronic acid, ceramides, aquaporins, glycosaminoglycans)
• Wound healing potential (scratch assay, migration assays)
• Epidermal cohesion proteins (integrins, occludins, claudins, connexins)

Skin Pigmentation

Melanogenesis, the process of melanin synthesis, determines skin and hair pigmentation. Both depigmenting and pro-pigmenting agents are widely used in cosmetic applications to modulate skin tone and address pigmentation disorders.

Our in vitro models include:

• Normal Human Epidermal Melanocytes (NHEM)

• Melanocyte cell lines (B16)
• In vitro colorimetric platforms

We evaluate:

• Melanin content and distribution
• Key melanogenesis regulatory pathways (TYR, DCT, MITF, POMC, PMEL17, etc.)
• Tyrosinase enzymatic activity (in vitro assays)

Skin Inflammation

Skin inflammation reflects an immune response to various stimuli, ranging from acute infections to chronic conditions such as psoriasis or atopic dermatitis.

Our in vitro models include:

• Human keratinocyte cell lines (e.g., HaCaT)
• Primary human epidermal keratinocytes (HEK)
• Primary human dermal fibroblasts (HDF)

We assess inflammation markers with or without external stimulants (LPS, histamine, UV, PMA):

• Pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, ICAM-1, TGF-β)
• Transcription factors involved in inflammation (NF-κB, AP-1, STAT1, COX-2, ALOX5)
• Pain signaling molecules (TRPV1, TNF-α)

Anti-Pollution Effects

Airborne pollutants, including particulate matter (PM), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and ozone (O₃), contribute to skin aging, inflammation, and conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and acne.

Our in vitro models include:

• Human keratinocyte cell lines (e.g., HaCaT)
• Primary human epidermal keratinocytes (HEK)
• Primary human dermal fibroblasts (HDF)
• Human bronchial epithelial cells (HBEC)

We analyze:

• Cell viability (MTT assay) following exposure to urban dust
• Oxidative stress markers (ROS quantification)
• Inflammatory mediators (TNF-α, IL-1α, IL-6, IL-8, PGE2)
• Apoptotic response markers (CASP9, BAX, ARNTL)
• Xenobiotic metabolism markers (AhR-CYP1A1, NRF2 pathway activation)
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