Method of Improving Aging Appearance of Skin by Modulation of WIPI-1

Abstract

Methods of using WIPI-1 to impart anti-aging benefits to the skin and/or improve skin conditions resulting from reduced autophagy activity.

We hereby claim: 
     
         1 . A method for screening active agents useful for improving the aesthetic appearance of skin comprising assaying candidate substances for ability to up-regulate WIPI-1 expression. 
     
     
         2 . A method of treating the skin comprising topically applying to an area of the skin in need thereof an effective amount of an active agent that up-regulates WIPI-1, wherein the ability of said active agent to up-regulate WIPI-1 has been determined by an assay which measures the level of mRNA encoding WIPI-1 in a cell that has been contacted with said active agent. 
     
     
         3 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the improvement in aesthetic appearance is selected from the group consisting of:
 (a) treatment, reduction, and/or prevention of fine lines or wrinkles,   (b) reduction of skin pore size,   (c) improvement in skin thickness, plumpness, and/or tautness;   (d) improvement in skin suppleness and/or softness;   (e) improvement in skin tone, radiance, and/or clarity;   (f) improvement in procollagen and/or collagen production;   (g) improvement in maintenance and remodeling of elastin;   (h) improvement in skin texture and/or promotion of re-texturization;   (i) improvement in skin barrier repair and/or function;   (j) improvement in appearance of skin contours;   (k) restoration of skin luster and/or brightness;   (l) replenishment of essential nutrients and/or constituents in the skin;   (m) improvement of skin appearance decreased by aging and/or menopause;   (n) improvement in skin moisturization and/or hydration;   (o) increase in and/or preventing loss of skin elasticity and/or resiliency;   (p) treatment, reduction, and/or prevention of skin sagging;   (q) treatment, reduction, and/or prevention of discoloration of skin; and any combination thereof.   
     
     
         4 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the improvement in aesthetic appearance comprises detoxifying the skin. 
     
     
         5 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the skin is sensitive skin. 
     
     
         6 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the composition is topically applied at least once daily for at least one week. 
     
     
         7 . The method according to  claim 2 , wherein the WIPI-1 agonist is present in an amount about 0.0001 wt % to about 90 wt % based on the total weight of the composition. 
     
     
         8 . The method according to  claim 7 , wherein the WIPI-1 agonist is present in an amount of from about 0.01 wt % to about 10 wt % of the total weight of the composition. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the WIPI-1 agonist comprises: 
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
         (b) an extract of  Archidendron clyperia;    
         (c) an extract of  Ixora chinensis;    
         (d) an extract of  Maesa japonica;    
         (e) an extract of  Serrissa japonica;    
         (f) an extract of  Stephanotis jasminoides;    
         (g) an extract of  Tiliacora triandra ; or any combinations thereof. 
       
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the WIPI-1 agonist is not an extract of  Tiliacora triandra.    
     
     
         11 . The method according to  claim 2 , wherein the improvement of the skin is due to an increase in autophagy activity within skin cells. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the increase in autophagy activity within skin cells is about 20%; 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein skin cells comprise fibroblasts or keratinocytes. 
     
     
         14 . The method according to  claim 2 , wherein said WIPI-1 agonist is in combination with a retinoid.