AGI Dermatics Presents Comparative Data That Indicates OCTN-1 Skin Cells Have the Ability to Recognize, Transport and Utilize L-ergothioneine (EGT) As A Protector Against Oxidative Damage

FREEPORT, N.Y., May 16 /PRNewswire/ -- AGI Dermatics recently announced new comparative clinical data that indicates that OCTN-1 skin cells have the ability to recognize, transport and utilize L-ergothioneine (EGT) as a protector against oxidative damage, and importantly, that (EGT) acts as a more powerful and efficient antioxidant than idebenone, scavenging reactive oxygen species and reducing UV-induced hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The data was presented at the 68th Annual Meeting of the Society for Investigative Dermatology, May 9 - 12, in Los Angeles, CA.

"We are very excited that this clinical work demonstrates that OCTN-1 plays a vital role in the active accumulation and utilization of EGT for the treatment of photodamaged skin," said Daniel Yarosh, PhD, President, AGI Dermatics. "This data confirms that L-ergothioneine is a natural part of the skin's antioxidant system."

EGT is an exclusive and maximized natural amino acid that has been used in topical applications. The cellular receptor and transporter for EGT, OCTN-1 has recently been identified and is responsible for the intracellular accumulation of this naturally occurring antioxidant. However, there have been questions of the role of EGT and its receptor/transport, OCTN-1.

To examine this, the mRNA expression in cultured normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEK) and normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDF) was analyzed. Results indicate OCTN-1 mRNA was detectable equally in both NHEK and NHDF with quantitative measurements by real-time PCR. To further investigate any differences in production of OCTN-1 and to assure production of OCTN-1 in both NHEK and NHDF, the study also looked at the transcription of the OCTN-1 mRNA into OCTN-1 protein. Results indicate OCTN-1 protein isoforms were more abundant in NHDF than NHEK, though still detectable in NHEK, as shown by western, blot analysis.

The study also examined whether this new patented form of EGT further exhibited properties of a super-antioxidant, and therefore EGT's beneficial role in the treatment of photodamaged skin. Study results show that NHDF treated with EGT had significant lower levels of hydroxyl radicals over a one-hour period than those treated with idebenone, a synthesized form of CoQ10 which has also been thought to exhibit exceptional antioxidant properties.

AGI Dermatics is the developer of Remergent(R), a doctor-dispensed skincare line based on the science of DNA repair. AGI manufactures Remergent(R) Clarifying Concentrate, a formula designed to treat hyperpigmentation, which contains EGT as a key ingredient. EGT has also been shown to be clinically effective in enhancing skin brightness.

About AGI Dermatics

AGI Dermatics is the bio-pharmaceutical laboratory that has led the research of DNA repair of the skin for more than 20 years. Founded by Daniel B. Yarosh, PhD, AGI Dermatics specializes in skin photobiology, dedicating research and development to DNA repair, solar impact on the immune system, and cell-signaling in skin. The company's application of groundbreaking active ingredients and meticulously engineered liposome delivery systems is validated in controlled clinical studies and published in dozens of peer-reviewed scientific and medical journals. www.agiderm.com

CONTACT: Courtney McGeever for AGI Dermatics, +1-212-317-1462

Web site: http://www.agiderm.com/