In the present study, we assessed the antiaging effect of equine placental extract (ePE) on dermal fibroblasts and found that it markedly suppressed the appearance of β-galactosidase-positive cells among the senescent cells induced by repeated hydrogen peroxide exposure or ultraviolet A irradiation. Moreover, the efficacy of ePE treatment was similar to that of an antioxidant, N-acetylcysteine. Thus, owing to its antioxidant effect, ePE can be used as an antiaging agent, particularly for the dermis.

The anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effect of equine placental extract (ePE) on epidermal keratinocytes was examined. ePE reduced mRNA levels of TNF-α (Tumor Necrosis Factor-α) and IL-6 (Interleukin-6) among the inflammatory cytokines released by epidermal keratinocytes after ultraviolet light (UVB: 290-320 nm) exposure. ePE also activated Nrf2, a transcription factor known to be activated by oxidative stress to promote the expression of antioxidant enzymes and suppress inflammation, and it increased the mRNA level of the antioxidant enzyme HO-1 (Heme Oxygenase-1). These results suggest that ePE suppresses UV-induced inflammation of epidermal keratinocytes via activation of Nrf2.