Modulation of Gene Expression in Human Fibroblasts by Punicalagin and Ellagic Acid: An In Vitro Study

The effects of the phenolic compounds punicalagin and ellagic acid, derived from pomegranate, were analyzed on the gene expression of cultured human fibroblasts. The focus was placed on genes associated with growth factors, differentiation markers, and extracellular matrix (ECM) components, all of which play a crucial role in effective wound healing. The human dermal fibroblast cell line CCD-1064Sk was used, and the bioactive compounds punicalagin and ellagic acid were administered to cultured fibroblasts at concentrations of 10^-6 and 10^-7 M, respectively. Gene expression was assessed at 24 h using real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Treatments with punicalagin and ellagic acid dose-dependently increased the expression of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), transforming growth factor β (TGF-β), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), collagen 1 (COL1), collagen 3 (COL3), matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP2), α-actin, and fibronectin genes. Both compounds modulate the expression of genes related to the synthesis of growth factors, differentiation, and ECM components in human fibroblasts. These findings suggest the potential of these phenolic compounds to develop therapies that improve wound healing. Further studies are needed to better understand the mechanisms of cellular activation.