Iodized Garlic Extract Regulates Stress Responses in Epidermal Keratinocytes via the Transcription Factor Nrf2

Abstract

Objective: Garlic exerts protective effects against skin stress, including oxidative damage and trauma. Iodized garlic extract (IGEx) is a cosmetic ingredient developed through iodination of garlic odor components to achieve odor reduction. Although IGEx is expected to exhibit skin stress protection properties similar to garlic, the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of IGEx on skin cells remain unclear. Therefore, this study comprehensively analyzed the effects of IGEx on human epidermal keratinocytes (HaCaT cells), with a particular focus on the stress response mechanisms.

Methods: Transcriptome analysis was conducted on HaCaT cells treated with IGEx. Nrf2 protein expression was assessed by western blotting, whereas target gene expression was evaluated by qRT‐PCR. Dehydrogenase activity was measured using Cell Counting Kit‐8. Functional analyses included hydrogen peroxide‐induced oxidative stress testing and in vitro wound healing assays, and pathway specificity was validated using Nrf2 knockout cells.

Results: IGEx increased Nrf2 protein expression 1.62‐fold and induced the expression of downstream target genes, including HMOX1, AKR1C1, and AKR1C3. Additionally, intracellular NAD(P)H‐dependent dehydrogenase activity was enhanced in an Nrf2‐dependent manner. Furthermore, IGEx demonstrated protective effects against hydrogen peroxide toxicity and promoted wound healing.

Conclusion: IGEx activated Nrf2 and regulated stress responses in HaCaT cells. The control of intracellular NAD(P)H‐dependent dehydrogenase activity has been suggested to contribute to these effects. Additionally, the involvement of AHR was indicated, suggesting the coordinated regulation of Nrf2 in stress responses. This study provides a molecular foundation for the potential applications of IGEx as a cosmetic ingredient.

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BibTeX RIS

BibTeX

@article{miyauchi2026iodized,
  title = {{Iodized Garlic Extract Regulates Stress Responses in Epidermal Keratinocytes via the Transcription Factor Nrf2}},
  author = {Yuki Miyauchi and Natsumi Iwasaki and Liangjing Xie and Satoshi Yano and Taichi Hara},
  journal = {Journal of cosmetic dermatology},
  year = {2026},
  month = nov,
  doi = {10.1111/jocd.71228},
  url = {https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC13727960},
  note = {CC BY},
}

RIS

TY  - JOUR
TI  - Iodized Garlic Extract Regulates Stress Responses in Epidermal Keratinocytes via the Transcription Factor Nrf2
AU  - Yuki Miyauchi
AU  - Natsumi Iwasaki
AU  - Liangjing Xie
AU  - Satoshi Yano
AU  - Taichi Hara
PY  - 2026
DA  - 2026/11/01
JO  - Journal of cosmetic dermatology
DO  - 10.1111/jocd.71228
UR  - https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC13727960
AB  - Objective: Garlic exerts protective effects against skin stress, including oxidative damage and trauma. Iodized garlic extract (IGEx) is a cosmetic ingredient developed through iodination of garlic odor components to achieve odor reduction. Although IGEx is expected to exhibit skin stress protection properties similar to garlic, the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of IGEx on skin cells remain unclear. Therefore, this study comprehensively analyzed the effects of IGEx on human epidermal keratinocytes (HaCaT cells), with a particular focus on the stress response mechanisms.  Methods: Transcriptome analysis was conducted on HaCaT cells treated with IGEx. Nrf2 protein expression was assessed by western blotting, whereas target gene expression was evaluated by qRT‐PCR. Dehydrogenase activity was measured using Cell Counting Kit‐8. Functional analyses included hydrogen peroxide‐induced oxidative stress testing and in vitro wound healing assays, and pathway specificity was validated using Nrf2 knockout cells.  Results: IGEx increased Nrf2 protein expression 1.62‐fold and induced the expression of downstream target genes, including HMOX1, AKR1C1, and AKR1C3. Additionally, intracellular NAD(P)H‐dependent dehydrogenase activity was enhanced in an Nrf2‐dependent manner. Furthermore, IGEx demonstrated protective effects against hydrogen peroxide toxicity and promoted wound healing.  Conclusion: IGEx activated Nrf2 and regulated stress responses in HaCaT cells. The control of intracellular NAD(P)H‐dependent dehydrogenase activity has been suggested to contribute to these effects. Additionally, the involvement of AHR was indicated, suggesting the coordinated regulation of Nrf2 in stress responses. This study provides a molecular foundation for the potential applications of IGEx as a cosmetic ingredient.
SN  - 1473-2130
SN  - 1473-2165
ER  -

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