Biological Activities of MAAs and their Applications 2: Antioxidative Properties

Abstract

It is known that the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) caused by UV irradiation and oxidative reactions accelerate skin aging. Substances that suppress or eliminate the generation of ROS are called antioxidants. So far, various mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) have been reported to have antioxidative activities. To prevent damage to the skin caused by ROS and maintain the homeostasis of the epidermis, skin cells have an endogenous antioxidant system consisting of enzymatic reactions. Although many points are unclear about the regulatory mechanisms, it has been suggested that MAAs are involved in the regulation of genes encoding enzymes that are involved in this system. This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the antioxidant activities of MAAs.

Keywords: Antioxidant, Catalase, Glutathione peroxidase, Glutathione reductase, Peroxiredoxin, Oxidation, Reactive oxygen species, Superoxide dismutase, Thioredoxin reductase.