AGI Dermatics Presents Comparative Data That Indicates OCTN-1 Skin Cells Have The Ability To Recognize, Transport And Utilize L-ergothioneine (EGT)

AGI Dermatics recently announced
new comparative clinical data that indicates that OCTN-1 skin cells have
the ability to recognize, transport and utilize L-ergothioneine (EGT) as a
protector against oxidative damage, and importantly, that (EGT) acts as a
more powerful and efficient antioxidant than idebenone, scavenging reactive
oxygen species and reducing UV-induced hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The data
was presented at the 68th Annual Meeting of the Society for Investigative
Dermatology, May 9 - 12, in Los Angeles, CA.


"We are very excited that this clinical work demonstrates that OCTN-1
plays a vital role in the active accumulation and utilization of EGT for
the treatment of photodamaged skin," said Daniel Yarosh, PhD, President,
AGI Dermatics. "This data confirms that L-ergothioneine is a natural part
of the skin's antioxidant system."



EGT is an exclusive and maximized natural amino acid that has been used
in topical applications. The cellular receptor and transporter for EGT,
OCTN-1 has recently been identified and is responsible for the
intracellular accumulation of this naturally occurring antioxidant.
However, there have been questions of the role of EGT and its
receptor/transport, OCTN-1.



To examine this, the mRNA expression in cultured normal human epidermal
keratinocytes (NHEK) and normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDF) was
analyzed. Results indicate OCTN-1 mRNA was detectable equally in both NHEK
and NHDF with quantitative measurements by real-time PCR. To further
investigate any differences in production of OCTN-1 and to assure
production of OCTN-1 in both NHEK and NHDF, the study also looked at the
transcription of the OCTN-1 mRNA into OCTN-1 protein. Results indicate
OCTN-1 protein isoforms were more abundant in NHDF than NHEK, though still
detectable in NHEK, as shown by western, blot analysis.



The study also examined whether this new patented form of EGT further
exhibited properties of a super-antioxidant, and therefore EGT's beneficial
role in the treatment of photodamaged skin. Study results show that NHDF
treated with EGT had significant lower levels of hydroxyl radicals over a
one-hour period than those treated with idebenone, a synthesized form of
CoQ10 which has also been thought to exhibit exceptional antioxidant
properties.



AGI Dermatics is the developer of Remergent(R), a doctor-dispensed
skincare line based on the science of DNA repair. AGI manufactures
Remergent(R) Clarifying Concentrate, a formula designed to treat
hyperpigmentation, which contains EGT as a key ingredient. EGT has also
been shown to be clinically effective in enhancing skin brightness.



About AGI Dermatics



AGI Dermatics is the bio-pharmaceutical laboratory that has led the
research of DNA repair of the skin for more than 20 years. Founded by
Daniel B. Yarosh, PhD, AGI Dermatics specializes in skin photobiology,
dedicating research and development to DNA repair, solar impact on the
immune system, and cell-signaling in skin. The company's application of
groundbreaking active ingredients and meticulously engineered liposome
delivery systems is validated in controlled clinical studies and published
in dozens of peer-reviewed scientific and medical journals. agiderm.


AGI Dermatics

agiderm