Glutathione Distribution by Quantitative MALDI Imaging in Reconstructed Human Skin Upon Activation of GSH Biosynthesis by Nrf2 Pathway Activator

The study from April 30, 2018, investigated the effects of Resveratrol (RSV) on the activation of the Nrf2 pathway and the production of glutathione (GSH) in reconstructed human skin. The skin is often exposed to oxidative stress from environmental factors or aging, and traditionally, antioxidant products are used to neutralize these effects. However, this study explored the stimulation of endogenous antioxidant defense pathways as an alternative approach. RSV was found to activate the Nrf2 pathway at non-toxic doses (20 μM to 100 μM) in primary culture of NHKs or in full-thickness reconstructed human skin. This activation led to a significant increase in GSH content. Using MALDI-FTICR imaging, the distribution and relative quantification of GSH in both the Stratum corneum and Epidermis of RSV treated reconstructed human skins at 20 and 100 μM were investigated. The results confirmed a significant increase in GSH in the reconstructed tissues following a Resveratrol treatment at both 20 μM and 100 μM.