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Alpha-Tocopherol Protects Human Dermal Fibroblasts by Modulating Nitric Oxide Release, Mitochondrial Function, Redox
Lara Camillo1, Elena Grossini2, Serena Farruggio2
1Department of Health Science, Dermatologic Unit, University of Eastern Piedmont, Novara, Italy.
Skin Pharmacology and Physiology
|July 8, 2021
Summary
Alpha-tocopherol protects human dermal fibroblasts from oxidative stress by improving mitochondrial function and reducing inflammation. This vitamin E derivative offers potential benefits for preventing skin aging and related cancers.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Skin aging involves an imbalance in oxidants/antioxidants, inflammation, and altered mitochondrial function impacting fibroblasts.
- Alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E) shows potential in counteracting these aging factors, but its precise mechanisms require elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of alpha-tocopherol on human dermal fibroblasts (HDF) under oxidative stress.
- To assess its impact on cell viability, nitric oxide (NO) release, mitochondrial function, redox balance, and inflammation.
Main Methods:
- HDF were exposed to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) with or without varying concentrations of alpha-tocopherol.
- Assessed cell viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS), NO levels, mitochondrial membrane potential, and gene/protein expression of key markers (GSH, SOD, GPX, iNOS, Ki-67) via RT-PCR, immunofluorescence, and FACS.
Main Results:
- Alpha-tocopherol enhanced HDF viability, mitochondrial function, and cell cycle progression.
- It reduced ROS production, modulated antioxidant enzyme activity (GSH increase, SOD/GPX decrease), and inhibited inducible NO synthase (iNOS) expression and NO release.
- A decrease in pro-inflammatory cytokine gene expression was observed, supporting an anti-inflammatory role.
Conclusions:
- Alpha-tocopherol confers protective effects on HDF against oxidative stress.
- It modulates redox status, inflammation, iNOS-dependent NO release, and mitochondrial function.
- These findings suggest a potential role for alpha-tocopherol in preventing skin aging and associated cancers.
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