Analytical study of skin metabolites changes with ageing

Summary: Abstract Body: Metabolites, such as amino acids, sugars or fatty acids detected in the skin originate from multiple sources. In addition to those coming from gland secretion, skin cellular components (e.g., keratinocytes, melanocytes, fibroblasts) or degradation of proteins, there are those brought by exogenous source like lifestyle habits or pollution. While the study of skin metabolites variation induced by both intrinsic and extrinsic factors is already examined as a medical diagnostic tool, the natural aging impact on metabolite skin composition remains little known. Indeed, although the mechanisms of ageing on the structure and functions of the skin have been explained, the study of correlations at the molecular level remains recent. In order to better understand those metabolite changes at dermis and epidermis level we developed this study to establish molecular footprinting of skin at different ages and to target metabolite markers playing an important role in skin ageing. By taking up the technical challenge of high metabolic heterogeneity between individuals the aim of this study was to help identifying new ageing biomarkers. Investigation of ageing impact in metabolic profile has been performed on caucasian skin aged from 20-80 years. After separation of epidermis from dermis, skin biopsies were extracted and then studied in two separated groups (young and aged). Untargeted analysis conducted by gaz chromatography coupled with mass detector allowed to establish global profile of metabolites and then more specific analysis were made by liquid chromatography coupled with UV detector or mass detector. Significant differences appeared between the different age groups highlighting the presence of potential markers such as amino acids, sugars, lipids and organic acids in skin. Those results allowed to characterize skin aging according to its metabolic profile and opened the way to many possibilities, especially in the characterization of the effect of anti-aging cosmetics on the skin. Laura Mouret¹, Sandrine Pinacolo¹, Isabelle Imbert¹ 1. Ashland Global Specialty Chemicals Inc, Covington, KY, United States. Epidermal Structure and Barrier Function