Abstract:

With heparin sodium as the study subject, its efficacy in acne treatment and soothing effects was investigated through in vitro antibacterial tests, LPS-stimulated macrophage inflammation assays, and copper sulfate-induced zebrafish neutrophil aggregation tests. The results show that within the mass concentration range of 0.05-2 g/L, heparin sodium does not affect the proliferation of Cutibacterium acnes. However, within the range of 0.05-1 g/L, it significantly inhibits the biofilm formation of C.acnes. When administered in combination with quaternary ammonium salt-73, heparin sodium markedly enhances the antibacterial activity of low-dose quaternary ammonium salt-73. Human tests has confirmed that the combination of heparin sodium and quaternary ammonium salt-73 significantly reduces acne volume and skin redness. At a mass concentration of 0.05 g/L, heparin sodium also significantly suppresses LPS-induced downregulation of IκBα and upregulation of p-p65 in the NF-κB signaling pathway of macrophages, reducing the production levels of inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6. Additionally, the zebrafish validation model confirms that at 1 g/L, heparin sodium significantly decreases copper sulfate-induced neutrophil aggregation in zebrafish embryos, achieving an inhibition rate of 20.00%, demonstrating its soothing and anti-inflammatory effects. This study indicates that heparin sodium possesses the dual efficacy of inhibiting biofilm formation of C.acnes and exerting soothing effects.

Key words: heparin sodium, Cutibacterium acnes, biofilm, acne vulgaris, soothing