Hyaluronic acid signals for repair in ethanol-induced apoptosis in skin cells in vitro

Ethanol is commonly used in cosmetic and pharmaceutical preparations.ObjectiveThe present study aimed to assess ethanol-induced apoptosis and the possible repair by hyaluronic acid (HA) in vitro. In addition we aimed to determine the modulation of tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) and interferon (IFN-α).Design and methodsWe treated human A431 epidermoid skin cells and mouse fibroblasts with two concentrations of ethanol for 24 h. HA obtained from umbilical cord excision was used at three concentration levels (2%, 4% and 8%) to determine its efficacy in the treatment. We measured cytotoxicity, TNF-α and IFN-α and visualized the cultures by electron microscopy.ResultsTreatment of cells with ethanol at 50 mM and 100 mM increased both the percentage of cells undergoing apoptosis, as well as the release of TNF-α into the culture medium.ConclusionsEthanol may induce apoptosis in skin cells by enhancing the effects of TNF-α. HA in the 2% and 4% concentrations reduced TNF-α and morphological inflammation both in human A431 epidermoid skin cells and in mouse fibroblasts.