Asiaticoside increases aquaporin-3 protein

*Department of Dermatovenereology,
Faculty of Medicine,
Tarumanagara University

Correspondence:
Dr. dr. Linda Yulianti Wijayadi,
Sp.KK., FINSDV
Department of Dermatovenereology
Faculty of Medicine,
Tarumanagara University
Jl. Letjen S. Parman No. 1
Jakarta Barat 11440
Email:
lindajuliantiwijayadi@gmail.com

Univ Med 2017;36:25-33
DOI: 10.18051/UnivMed.2017.v36.25-33
pISSN: 1907-3062 / eISSN: 2407-2230

Received October 17, 2016
Accepted for publication April 7, 2017

This open access article is distributed under
a Creative Commons Attribution-Non
Commercial-Share Alike 4.0 International
License

ABSTRACT

Asiaticoside increases aquaporin-3 protein expression in
the cytoplasm of normal human epidermal keratinocytes

Linda Yulianti Wijayadi and Hari Darmawan

INTRODUCTION
Skin hydration decreases with aging. Aquaporin-3 (AQP3) is a major
protein that plays a role in skin hydration, therefore it is a novel target
for skin moisturizing treatment. Retinoic acid (RA) as a well-known active
agent in antiaging treatment increases AQP3 expression, but frequently
causes harmful side effects. Asiaticoside, a saponin compound isolated
from Centella asiatica (CA) is also known as an antiaging cosmetic and
plays a role in wound healing. The aim of this study was to evaluate and
compare the effect of asiaticoside isolated from CA and the effect of RA
on the AQP3 expression in normal human epidermal keratinocytes
(NHEKs).

METHODS
An experimental laboratory study was performed using primary NHEKs
that were derived from the foreskin of a boy. AQP3 expression in NHEKs
was examined in vitro after the cells were incubated for 24 hours with
asiaticoside or with RA at several concentrations. The AQP3 expression
was evaluated by immunocytochemistry and quantitatively analyzed by
Image-J software. Independent t-test and one-way ANOVA were used to
analyze the data, followed by post-hoc Tukey test.

RESULTS
There was an increasing trend of AQP3 expression upon exposure to
asiaticoside at all concentrations compared to the control group. However,
RA exposure seemed to induce a higher level of AQP3 expression.
Asiaticoside effected a lower increase in AQP3 expression in NHEKs
than did RA (p=0.042). Optimal results were achieved at 1 mg/mL
concentration of asiaticoside.

CONCLUSIONS
Asiaticoside isolated from CA can enhance the AQP3 expression in
NHEKs. Therefore it can be used as an active ingredient in cosmetic
moisturizer formulation for dry skin treatment.

Keywords Centella asiatica, asiaticoside, keratinocytes, aquaporin-3,
retinoic acid

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.18051/UnivMed.2017.v36.25-33

UNIVERSA MEDICINAJanuary-April, 2017 Vol.36 - No.1

ORIGINAL ARTICLE

Wijayadi, Darmawan Asiaticoside increases aquaporin-3 protein

INTRODUCTION

Skin aging is a complex process controlled
by genetic determinants (intrinsic aging) and
under the influence of external factors (extrinsic
aging).(1,2) The aging process reduces skin
surface hydration, which then results in dry, dull,
coarse and saggy skin. Other visible signs of
aging include pigmentation and the appearance
of benign skin tumors. Moreover, the epidermis
becomes thinner with age and develops wrinkles
as a result.

The aquaporins (AQPs) are a family of
small transmembrane proteins that facilitate
osmotically driven water transport. To date, 13
AQPs (AQP 0-12) have been cloned from
humans and are categorized into distinct
subgroups in terms of their amino acid sequence
and molecular functions.(3)

Aquaporin-3 (AQP3) as a water and
glycerol channel is the key factor in the skin
hydration mechanism as well as in keratinocyte
proliferation and differentiation.(4,5) However,
AQP3 expression in normal human epidermal
keratinocytes (NHEKs) decreases along with the
aging process. Natural active compounds that
can stimulate AQP3 expression would be
effective as hydrating agents or moisturizers in
anti-aging cosmetics.(6) Therefore, AQP3 is a key
protein target for future anti-aging treatment, in
order to improve hydration, texture, and quality
of the skin surface.(6)

Cosmeceutical anti-aging formulations
contain active ingredients to achieve local
therapeutical effects, which should not have
harmful local and systemic side effects.(7) The
well known anti-aging ingredients, retinoic acid
(RA) and its derivatives, have harmful side
effects by irritating the skin and causing dry,
flaky skin, which is sensitive to light.(8) Thus, it
is necessary to develop innovative cosmeceutical
anti-aging formulations with active ingredients
which are effective, stable, safe and nontoxic.
Additionally, these ingredients should be
compatible with other active ingredients and be
delivered efficiently to the target cells.(9) A study

found that all-trans retinoic acid attenuates
ultraviolet radiation-induced down-regulation of
aquaporin-3 and water permeability in human
keratinocytes.(10) Another study showed that
trans-zeatin attenuates ultraviolet induced down-
regulation of aquaporin-3 in cultured human skin
keratinocytes.(11)

Indonesian natural herbs promise a great
potential for herbal cosmetics. Centella asiatica
(CA) (s y n o n y m : H y d ro c o t y l e a s i a t i c a),
commonly known as gotu kola, is often found in
Indonesia and has been used for various
medicinal purposes such as wound healing,
treatment of asthma, ulcers, leprosy, lupus
erythematosus, psoriasis, venous disorders, and
c a n c e r s i n c e 1 0 0 0 y e a r s a g o . ( 1 2 - 1 4 ) T h e
biologically active ingredients in CA are
triterpenes, namely asiatic acid, madecassic acid,
asiaticoside and madecassoside.(13,14)

Asiaticoside isolated from CA induces
human dermal fibroblast (HDF) proliferation and
type I and III collagen synthesis in a time- and
d o s e - d e p e n d e n t p a t t e r n . ( 1 5 ) T h e r e f o r e ,
asiaticoside as an active component isolated from
CA can improve wound healing.(16) Asiaticoside
displays the highest activity and has been widely
used in wound healing treatment and anti-aging
cosmetics, hence it also can be used as active
mosturizing agent.(15) The study conducted by
Julianti et al.(17) showed that CA ethanolic extract
encapsulated into chitosan nanoparticles can be
used as moisturizer for antiaging activity by
i n d u c i n g A Q P 3 e x p r e s s i o n i n N H E K s .
Unfortunately there is a lack of research
exploring the efficacy of asiaticoside as an active
agent in CA that can increase AQP3 expression
in NHEKs.(17)

Asiaticoside possesses interesting wound
healing and angiogenic activities that are
employed to stimulate tissue regeneration in
wound healing applications. One study attempted
to develop a chitosan-aluminum monostearate
(Alst) composite sponge containing asiaticoside
for use as an absorbent medical dressing in
c h r o n i c w o u n d s . T h e s t u d y f o u n d t h a t
asiaticoside and asiaticoside-containing dressings

Univ Med Vol. 36 No.1

exhibited dose-dependent angiogenic activity in
the chick-chorioallantoic membrane model.
Therefore chitosan-aluminum monostearate
c o m p o s i t e s p o n g e d r e s s i n g s c o n t a i n i n g
asiaticoside may be of benefit for wound healing
a n d a n g i o g e n e s i s p r o m o t i o n i n c h r o n i c
wounds.(18)

There has been no studies on the expression
of AQP3 in NHEKs after treatment with
asiaticoside as compared with that of RA. The
aim of this study was to evaluate and compare
the effect of asiaticoside isolated from CA and
that of RA on the expression of AQP3 in NHEKs.

METHODS

Research design
An experimental laboratory study was

conducted in the Eijkman Institute, Jakarta, from
January to April 2015.

Treatment
RA was purchased from BASF, Germany,

and chitosan with a deacetylation degree of >75%
from Sigma-Aldrich, USA. Asiaticoside was
prepared in the Center for Pharmaceutical and
Medical Technology, Agency for the Assessment
and Application of Technology, Center for
Research in Science and Technology (BPPT
PUSPIPTEK), Serpong. RA and asiaticoside in
step wise dilutions from 1 mg/mL, 0.5 mg/mL,
to 0.25 mg/mL were used to determine AQP3
expression by immunocytochemistry.

Tissue samples and cell culture
Primary NHEKs were derived from the

foreskin of a boy and cultured in Roswell Park
M e m o r i a l I n s t i t u t e ( R P M I ) m e d i u m
supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum
(FBS) and 1% penicillin-streptomycin. NHEK
cell cultures were prepared in the integrated
laboratory of Yarsi University, Jakarta.

Immunocytochemistry
I m m u n o c y t o c h e m i s t r y ( I C C ) w a s

performed at Eijkman Institute, Jakarta. ICC is

a specific cellular protein detection technique
using a specific antibody (Ab) to recognize
cellular surface antigens. Immunochemical
staining was done using anti-aquaporin3
antibody Ab125219. Expression of AQP3 in
NHEKs was then quantitatively analyzed by
ImageJ software.

Statistical analysis
Data obtained in this study are presented

as images, tables or graphs. To assess for
significance across the different treatment
groups, independent t-test and one-way ANOVA
were used, followed by post-hoc Tukey test. The
significance level was set at p<0.05 using SPSS
software version 21.

RESULTS

AQP3 protein expression in keratinocytes
following 24 hours exposure to asiaticocide

In order to examine the expression of AQP3
protein, an immunocytochemical test with anti-
aquaporin3 antibody (Ab125219) was done and
visualized with the light microscope to obtain
qualitative data. In this study we used three
different concentrations of asiaticoside, i.e. 0.25,
0 . 5 , a n d 1 m g / m L . T h r e e d i ff e r e n t R A
concentrations, namely 0.25, 0.5, and 1 mg/mL,
w h i c h a r e c o m m o n l y u s e d i n t o p i c a l
preparations, were applied as controls in this
study.

The study indicated an increased expres-
sion of AQP3 protein in keratinocytes upon ex-
posure for 24 hours to asiaticoside at three dif-
ferent concentrations, namely 0.25 mg/mL, 0.5
mg/mL, and 1 mg/mL. The expression of AQP3
protein as indicated qualitatively increased lin-
early in relation with the concentrations of
asiaticoside (Figure 1).

We found an increasing expression of AQP3
protein in NHEKs following 24 hours exposure
to RA at three different concentrations (0.25 mg/
mL, 0.5 mg/mL, and 1 mg/mL). AQP3 protein
expression increased proportionally with RA
concentration (Figure 2).

Wijayadi, Darmawan Asiaticoside increases aquaporin-3 protein

Figure 1. AQP3 protein expression (brown colour, pointed by arrows) in NHEKs: (a) without treatment
(control); and after 24 h exposure to asiaticoside at concentrations of: (b) 0.25 mg/mL; (c) 0.5 mg/mL; and

(d) 1 mg/mL, at 400x magnification. Immunocytochemical staining with anti-aquaporin3 antibody ab125219

Figure 2. AQP3 protein expression (brown colour, pointed by arrows) in NHEKs: (a) without treatment (control);
and after 24 h exposure to RA at concentrations of: (b) 0.25 mg/mL; (c) 0.5 mg/mL; and (d) 1 mg/mL,

at 400x magnification. Immunocytochemical staining with anti-aquaporin3 antibody ab125219

Univ Med Vol. 36 No.1

Comparison of AQP3 protein expression in
NHEKs following 24 hours exposure to
asiaticoside and RA using ImageJ software

T h e q u a l i t a t i v e r e s u l t s f r o m t h e
immunocytochemical analysis in the form of
images were analyzed using the ImageJ program
to obtain quantitative results for statistical
analysis.

Following previous qualitative analysis,
AQP3 expression was found to be increased with
b o t h i n c r e a s i n g a s i a t i c o s i d e a n d R A

concentration. Qualitative analysis of different
color densities using ImageJ program showed
that expression of AQP3 was significantly
highest on RA exposure as compared to
asiaticoside (1 mg/mL) (Table 1).

There was an increasing trend of AQP3
expression upon exposure to asiaticoside at all
concentrations compared to the control (no
exposure) group. However, RA exposure seemed
to induce a higher level of AQP3 expression
(Figure 3).

Figure 3. Mean AQP3 expression in keratinocytes following 24 hours exposure to asiaticoside

and RA using ImageJ program

Table 1. AQP3 expression after 24 hours exposure by treatment groups

Note: One way ANOVA between control, asiaticoside and RA is statistically significant at all concentrations (p<0.05);
Post hoc Tukey analysis between RA (1 mg/mL) and control is statistically significant (p=0.010); Post hoc Tukey
analysis between RA (0.5 mg/mL) and asiaticoside (0.5 mg/mL) is statistically significant (p=0.024); Post hoc Tukey
analysis between asiaticoside (1 mg/mL) and control is statistically significant (p=0.037)

Wijayadi, Darmawan Asiaticoside increases aquaporin-3 protein

DISCUSSION

After 24 hours of incubation with three
different asiaticoside concentrations (0.25 mg/
mL, 0.5 mg/mL, and 1 mg/mL), an increased
expression of AQP3 protein in the cytoplasm of
NHEKs was found. However, the expression of
AQP3 protein was reduced upon exposure to the
highest asiaticoside concentration (1 mg/mL).
This result shows that the relation between
e x p r e s s i o n o f A Q P 3 a n d a s i a t i c o s i d e
concentration is linear within a certain range.
Other studies showed that concentration and
exposure time were important factors in
determining the expression of AQP3 protein.
Pereda et al.(19) showed that green Coffea arabica
seed extract may increase AQP3 protein
expression in normal human epidermis. There
was a 6.5 fold increase in AQP3

mRNA

expression compared to negative controls
following a 3–6 hours incubation with the
optimal concentration of 25 mg/mL. Another
study done by Pereda et al.(20) regarding the
induction of AQP3 protein with Piptadenia
colubrina extract (10 and 20 mg/mL) in human
skin cell cultures showed a statistically
significant increase in AQP3 mRNA expression,
analyzed using realtime PCR. AQP3 started to
increase after 2 hours and peaked at 6 hours,
then further declined after 24 hours.

In our study, the evaluation of increased
A Q P 3 p r o t e i n e x p r e s s i o n u s i n g
immunocytochemistry was done after 24 hours
of exposure to asiaticoside, as we hoped that the
topical treatment can eventually be done once
daily with its effect remaining up to 24 hours.
This concept is similar to those of previous
studies done by Pereda et al.(20) and Perez et al.(21)

The latter evaluated the effect of 3% AquaxylTM

solution on AQP3 expression in keratinocytes
after 24 hours exposure, because a moisturizing
cream should have a long lasting effect. AQP3
protein, as a water and glycerol channel, acts to
transport water and glycerol to the skin, thus
holding an important aspect in skin hydration.(4,22)

A further study done by Li et al.(23) regarding the

reduced expression of AQP3 in keratinocytes and
its relation to age indicates that AQP3 holds an
important aspect in maintaining skin hydration
and is reduced following an aging process.(24,25)

AQP3 plays an important role in wound healing,
since it acts as a water channel that helps the
migration of NHEKs, while acting further to
transport glycerol which may increase the
p r o l i f e r a t i o n a n d d i ff e r e n t i a t i o n r a t e o f
NHEKs.(26)

A previous study done by Ji et al.(11) showed
that trans-zeatin increased AQP3

protein

e x p r e s s i o n i n N H E K s , d e p e n d i n g o n i t s
concentration and time of exposure, with the
most optimal condition at 48 hours and 80 mol
concentration. Nowadays, there are many
cosmetic moisturizers that are formulated with
some active agent and claimed to increase the
expression of AQP3 protein in NHEKs of the
epidermis. The fact of increased expression of
AQP3 is crucial in increasing resistance, skin
barrier integrity, quality of the skin surface and
in improving skin hydration. Asiaticoside is one
of the active components in CA. Our in silico
research has previously showed that asiaticoside
has the highest bond energy in comparison to
the other active ingredients in CA (asiatic acid,
madecassic acid and madecassoside), at the same
binding site at 234 alanine in AQP3.(27)

The results of the present study indicated
that AQP3

protein expression increased in

N H E K s a f t e r 2 4 h o u r s t r e a t m e n t w i t h
asiaticoside at concentrations of 0.25, 0.5 and 1
mg/mL. Aquaporin-3 expression was 1.5 times
greater as compared with negative controls, and
the optimal concentration was found at 1 mg/
mL. These results indicate that asiaticoside can
be used as a moisturizing cosmetic active
ingredient to improve skin hydration.

After NHEKs were incubated with all-trans
retinoic acid (ATRA) for 24, 48, and 72 hours,
the compound stimulated the entry of glycerol
and increased expression of AQP3 followed by
an increase in biological activity in human skin,
such as the proliferation and differentiation of
cells in the basal layer of the epidermis.(28)

Retinol and RA are commonly used in
antiaging cosmetics. Retinol as one of the active
ingredients can enhance in vivo repair of skin
damage due to exposure to ultraviolet light
(“photoaging”). Topical application of retinol
and RA achieves the treatment of “photoaging”
by improving wrinkles, dry skin and delayed
wound healing, but often causes side effects, such
as skin irritation and dryness.(8,9)

The effects of ultraviolet light causes a
down regulation in AQP3 expression resulting
in water permeability decrease and in reduced
NHEK migration and proliferation, which
inhibits wound healing. This negative effect is
reduced by ATRA therapy. These findings
support the role of AQP3 in dehydrated skin due
to sun exposure.(10)

In our study, the expression of AQP3 in
NHEKs increased after 24 hours treatment with
RA at concentrations of 0.25, 0.5, and 1 mg/
mL. The intensity of AQP3 protein expression
in NHEKs is directly proportional to the increase
in concentration. ATRA increases AQP3
expression in NHEKs through retinoic acid
receptor gamma (RAR-γ). This is consistent with
our finding that RA increased AQP3

exspression

in NHEKs at concentrations of 0.25, 0.5 and 1
mg /mL.

The quantitative analysis based on color
density using ImageJ showed that exposure of
NHEKs to asiaticoside concentrations of 0.25
and 0.5 mg/mL induces a slight increase in
expression of AQP3 proteins. Meanwhile, a
significant increase in AQP3 protein expression
was seen at 1 mg/mL after exposure to RA at all
three test concentrations, the AQP3 expression
increasing to a greater extent as shown in Figure
3.

In the present study one-way ANOVA was
used to determine significant differences in AQP3
expression in NHEKs after 24 hours exposure
to asiaticoside, RA and in NHEKs without
treatment at all test concentrations. The analysis
was continued with the post hoc Tukey test,
demonstrating significant differences at a
concentration of 0.25 mg/mL between the RA

and control groups, at a concentration of 0.5 mg/
mL between RA and controls, also between
asiaticoside and controls, and finally, at a
concentration of 1 mg/mL between controls and
RA.

Currently many research studies are being
performed to investigate active compounds with
the ability to increase AQP3

expression, thereby

increasing the skin hydration endogenously.
Included in this list of active compounds are those
from C o f f e a A r a b i c a , (17) P i p t a d e n i a
colubrina,(18) and Ajuga turkestanica.(19)

From research on the induction of AQP3
b y P i p t a d e n i a c o l u b r i n a e x t r a c t a t
concentrations of 10 and 20 mg/mL in cultured
human skin cells it was found that the extract
significantly increased the AQP3 mRNA
expression as analyzed by real time- polymerase
chain reaction (RT-PCR).(18) AQP3 began to
increase after 2 hours, reached its peak at 6
h o u r s , a n d d e c r e a s e d a f t e r 2 4 h o u r s .
Immunohistochemical examination showed
increased expression of AQP3 in the membrane
of NHEKs after exposure to the Piptadenia
colubrina extract at a concentration of 10 mg/
mL for 24 hours compared to the control group
without treatment.(18)

In another study by Pereda et al.(20) an
extract of green Coffea arabica seed showed
increased AQP3 expression in the normal
epidermal layer of human skin. NHEKs were
incubated for 3-6 hours with the optimal
concentration of 25 mg/mL. AQP3 mRNA
achieved relative expression levels of up to 6.5
times than the negative controls.

Our study indicates that asiaticoside can
i n c r e a s e t h e e x p r e s s i o n o f A Q P 3 a t a l l
concentrations tested, but at a lower level than
RA. Therefore, we may infer that asiaticoside at
these concentrations does not cause dryness of
the skin, which is a side effect of RA (due to
over expression of AQP3).

In our study, we only determined the AQP3
expression in NHEKs at a single point in time
after 24 hours exposure to asiaticoside, so it was
not exactly known when AQP3 expression began

Univ Med Vol. 36 No.1

Wijayadi, Darmawan Asiaticoside increases aquaporin-3 protein

to increase and decrease in NHEKs. Asiaticoside
can be used as an active ingredient in cosmetic
moisturizers but still needs clinical trials to
further determine its effectiveness and safety.

CONCLUSIONS

Asiaticoside increases AQP3 protein
expression in NHEKs at concentrations 0.25, 0.5
and 1 mg/mL. The increase in AQP3

expression

is directly proportional to the concentration.
Therefore asiaticoside can be used as an active
ingredient in cosmetic moisturizers, to regulate
skin hydration by increasing AQP3 expression.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

The authors have no conflict of interest.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The authors wish thank Intan Razari and
Dani for laboratory assistance, dr. Indra Kusuma
for NHEK cell cultures and Dr. Prasetyawan
Yunianto for providing asiaticoside from the
Agency for the Assessment and Application of
Technology (Badan Pengkajian dan Penerapan
Teknologi).

CONTRIBUTION

LYW contributed to drafting the manuscript
and the design of the study. LYW and HD con-
tributes to data collection, analysis and interpre-
tation. LYW contributed revising manuscript for
critically important content. All authors read and
approved the final manuscript.

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