Article by experts: Zheng-Mei Xiong et al.
Methylene blue (MB), a pharmacological compound with a history dating back to its initial synthesis in 1876, has been a key resource in clinical medicine for the treatment of a variety of conditions, from methemoglobinemia to Alzheimer's disease. Its redox properties, highlighted by a low potential of 11 mV, allow efficient cycling between its oxidized and reduced form, thus facilitating electron transport in mitochondria and reducing superoxide production. In addition, its high permeability in biological membranes makes it ideal for penetrating intracellular compartments such as mitochondria, lysosomes and the nucleus.
Recently, MB has attracted attention not only for its neuroprotective effects in Alzheimer's disease, but also for its potential in the anti-aging field. Previous studies have revealed that MB treatment prolongs cell life, enhances proliferation and reduces the expression of p16, a marker of aging. In addition, the inclusion of MB in the diet has been observed to increase longevity in animal models. In recent research, MB at nanomolar concentrations has been shown to reverse abnormal nuclear and mitochondrial phenotypes, stimulate cell proliferation and delay senescence in skin fibroblasts from patients with Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS), a rare genetic condition associated with accelerated aging.
Methylene blue (MB) stands out as a more effective scavenger of reactive oxygen species (ROS) than other well-known antioxidants, such as N-Acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), MitoQ and MitoTEMPO. These compounds, each with their unique properties, were compared in terms of their antioxidant effects on primary skin fibroblasts in both normal individuals and patients with Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS).
The results showed that MB significantly reduced mitochondrial ROS levels, a key indicator of oxidative stress, especially in cells from HGPS patients, which show accelerated aging. In addition, MB treatment was able to reverse the phenotypes associated with aging skin cells, enhancing their proliferation and reducing the expression of biomarkers of senescence.
A closer look revealed that MB positively activates the nuclear factor erythroid-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-mediated antioxidant pathway, increasing the expression of key antioxidant genes. This action may be crucial in counteracting oxidative stress and promoting cellular health in aging skin.
In addition, studies in three-dimensional models of in vitro reconstructed human skin showed that MB increases dermal thickness and improves hydration, effects that can be attributed to both stimulation of the production of structural components of the extracellular matrix and increased mitochondrial activity. These findings suggest a significant potential of MB in improving skin quality in terms of thickness and elasticity.
In terms of skin wrinkle reduction, MB was observed to have a positive effect on wrinkle reduction, probably through restoring the integrity of the dermal matrix and improving skin hydration.
In summary, methylene blue emerges as a promising tool in skin care, showing potent antioxidant properties and beneficial effects on the health and appearance of aging skin. These findings open new perspectives for the clinical and cosmetic use of MB in the treatment of skin aging, other dermatological conditions related to oxidative stress and improving skin quality in a comprehensive manner.
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