Restoration of mitochondrial function by Spirulina polysaccharide via upregulated SOD2 in aging fibroblasts

Reactive oxygen species (ROS), such as superoxide, are crucial factors involved in the stimulation of cellular aging. Mitochondria, which are important organelles responsible for various metabolic processes in cells, produce ROS. These ROS impair mitochondrial function, thereby accelerating aging-related cellular dysfunction. Herein, we demonstrated that the Spirulina polysaccharide complex (SPC) restores mitochondrial function and collagen production by scavenging superoxide via the upregulation of superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) in aging fibroblasts. We observed that SOD2 expression was linked to inflammatory pathways; however, SPC did not upregulate the expression of most inflammatory cytokines produced as a result of induction of LPS in aging fibroblasts, indicating that SPC induces SOD2 without activation of inflammatory pathways. Furthermore, SPC stimulated endoplasmic reticulum (ER) protein folding by upregulating ER chaperones expression. Thus, SPC is proposed to be an antiaging material that rejuvenates aging fibroblasts by increasing their antioxidant potential via the upregulation of SOD2.