Kim, Hyoung Moon, et al. Molecules 27.4 (2022): 1276.
This preclinical study evaluated a topical liquid formulation combining polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) with antioxidant/brightening actives (vitamin C and niacinamide; "PVN"), delivered using a microneedling therapy system (MTS), in an ultraviolet B (UV-B)–exposed animal model.
Formulations Tested: PVN (liquid): a mixture of PDRN, vitamin C, and niacinamide prepared immediately prior to application and sterilized by 0.2 μm filtration. In the study formulation, a 1 mM PVN solution contained 0.18 mM PDRN, 0.25 mM vitamin C, and 0.55 mM niacinamide. The preparation was administered topically via microneedling (MTS) in a UV-B photoaging/pigmentation animal model. Comparator arms included topical PDRN alone and hydroquinone (HQ).
Key Results:
- PVN delivered via microneedling increased NRF2 and HO-1 expression in UV-B–irradiated skin. NADPH oxidase activity decreased and SOD activity rose in PVN-treated samples—changes consistent with diminished oxidative stress.
- PVN (as well as PDRN and HQ) lowered levels of p53 and MITF and reduced tyrosinase activity; these molecular shifts were accompanied by reductions in skin melanin content, indicating suppression of UV-induced melanogenesis.
- Expression of NF-κB and MMP2/3/9 was reduced following PVN, PDRN, and HQ treatments. This downregulation suggests minimized inflammatory signaling and decreased proteolytic degradation of dermal matrix components.
- COL1A1 expression and collagen fiber abundance (Masson's trichrome) increased in treated skin. Elastin content and proteins associated with elastic fiber structure (fibrillin-1/2 and fibulin-5) were also elevated after PVN, PDRN and HQ applications, consistent with improved dermal structural integrity and potential gains in elasticity.