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Skin inflammation can be triggered by a number of things, including genetics, stress, medication and climate. If the inflammation fails to subside and the skin remains in a chronic state of inflammation, it can lead to an acceleration of fine lines wrinkles, enlarged pores or acne, as well as puffiness, sagging, blotchiness or reddening of the skin. Brunswick's MMP enzyme inhibition assays determine a product’s capability of fighting against skin inflammation.

MMP-1, MMP-3 and MMP-9 Inhibition

The collagen content of skin is the net balance between collagen synthesis and collagen breakdown mediated by matrix metalloproteases (MMPs). Age reduces collagen synthesis in human tissues including the skin. Environmental stress such as smoking, UV exposure, pollution and inflammation stimulate MMPs, further accelerating collagen breakdown. All these processes upset the matrix equilibrium within human skin. The activity and the production of MMPs and TIMPs are regulated by various protein factors called cytokines. Anti-inflammatories can prevent MMP activation (genomic approach) and ultimately help to reduce collagen breakdown. Collagenase (MMP-1), stromelysin (MMP-3), gelatinase (MMP-9) and elastase (MMP-12) are the most important. Visible skin aging parameters, such as fine lines, wrinkles, fragility and laxity are due to solar elastosis, collagen destruction and tissue atrophy induced by damaging MMP activity. These enzymes play important roles in the premalignant and malignant deterioration of skin cells. Direct inhibition of MMPs by plant compounds is a method to mitigate collagen breakdown in the skin.

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