G22 - Enhanced Collagen and Elastin Production in Dermal Fibroblasts via Antioxidant Synergy

Introduction: : Elastin and collagen are essential components of the extracellular matrix that maintain skin elasticity, firmness, and structural integrity. The decline in their levels due to aging or environmental stressors contributes to wrinkles, sagging, and loss of skin resilience (Uitto, 1986). As a result, strategies to restore these proteins have become a cornerstone of anti-aging and skin rejuvenation therapies. Antioxidants, widely incorporated into commercial skincare products, are recognized for their ability to mitigate oxidative stress and promote the synthesis of key extracellular matrix components (Masaki, 2010).This study focuses on the impact of several commonly used antioxidants, including Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG), Retinol (RET), Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), N-acetylcysteine (NAC), Niacinamide (NIAC), Gamma Cyclodextrin (GAMMA), and Ellagic Acid (ELA), on elastin and collagen production in human dermal fibroblasts. While individual antioxidants have shown promise, combining them may offer synergistic effects, enhancing their efficacy (Bissett, 2005). Here, we investigate the potential of antioxidant combinations, particularly EGCG with Retinol or Coenzyme Q10, in restoring skin's extracellular matrix components.

Materials and

Methods: : Primary human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) were cultured between passages 4-6 in Fibroblast Medium (FM) supplemented with 100 units/mL penicillin and streptomycin, 5% fetal bovine serum (FBS), and fibroblast growth serum (FGS). Cells were maintained in an incubator at 37°C with 5% CO₂, with media changes every 3-4 days. Weekly passages were performed until HDFs were seeded into culture dishes for treatment.
Antioxidants, including gamma cyclodextrin (GAMMA), niacinamide (NIAC), epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), retinol, N-acetylcysteine (NAC), and ellagic acid, were dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and sterilized using 0.2 µm membrane filters. Test media contained specific concentrations of each antioxidant (e.g., 100 µg/mL NAC, 5 µg/mL EGCG, 10 µg/mL CoQ10, etc.), either individually or in combination. Control FM included the same volume of DMSO as in the treatment groups. HDFs were treated for 14 and 21 days for subsequent analysis and imaging.

Results, Conclusions, and Discussions:: In conclusion, the synergistic combination of CoQ10, EGCG, Retinol and NAC significantly enhances collagen Type I and elastin production in human dermal fibroblasts, surpassing the effects observed when these compounds are used individually. These findings underscore the potential of these compounds in skin health and anti-aging applications, warranting further investigation into their mechanisms and therapeutic efficacy.

Acknowledgements and/or References (Optional):: This work was supported by the National Science Foundation under Award No. 2337961. This work also made use of the CytoViva enhanced, high signal-to-noise darkfield optical microscope, which has received support from the Major Research Instrumentation program (NSF MRI- 2116140) at Marshall University. Jada Stutts and Kayla Clatterbuck were supported by NSF S STEM” grant (2030806). Chloe Duckworth was supported in the summer of 2022 by the WV Higher Education Policy Commission, Division of Science and Research under award dsr.20.16 (Summer Undergraduate Research Experiences program).