The anti-aging potential of VA’S new derivatives through metabolomic profiling

Abstract

Abstract Skin aging is a complex process influenced by intrinsic and extrinsic factors, leading to structural and functional changes such as reduced elasticity and increased wrinkles. This study aims to evaluate the potential biological functions of Magic vitamin A (MVA) in skin health management and skin aging through metabolomics analysis. We performed untargeted metabolomics analysis using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) to explore the changes in metabolites and related metabolic pathways induced by MVA in HaCaT cells. This suggests that MVA treatment substantially alters the cellular metabolic state. The boxplot analysis indicates that MVA altered the levels of several metabolites, including 18-beta-Glycyrrhetinic acid, Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), 17-AAG, l -arginine, and Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), all of which exhibit significant biological effects in anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Additionally, key metabolic pathways, such as Arginine and proline metabolism, Purine metabolism, and Arachidonic acid metabolism, also highlighted potential anti-aging pathways of MVA. Our findings suggest that MVA may improve skin health through multiple metabolic mechanisms, supporting its potential as an anti-aging agent.