Curcumin and Resveratrol vs. Ferrocene-Modified Polyphenols: Role in Enhancing Protective Properties in Human...

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Dermatology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Resveratrol (RSV) and curcumin (CRC) possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and photoprotective properties beneficial for skin.
• Poor pharmacokinetics limit the clinical application of RSV and CRC.
• Ferrocene incorporation aims to enhance the stability and efficacy of these natural compounds.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the protective effects of ferrocene-modified RSV (RF) and CRC (CF) on human keratinocytes.
• To compare the cytotoxicity and antioxidant capacity of RF and CF against RSV and CRC.
• To investigate the impact of these compounds on cellular processes like ROS formation, apoptosis, and autophagy.

Main Methods:

• HaCaT cells were treated with RF, CF, RSV, and CRC.
• Cell viability was assessed using MTT and Trypan Blue assays.
• Reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation was measured via fluorescence.
• Apoptosis and autophagy were analyzed using flow cytometry.

Main Results:

• RF and CF exhibited significantly lower antiproliferative activity and higher cell survival than RSV and CRC.
• All compounds reduced ROS induced by tert-butyl hydroperoxide; CRC and CF showed the strongest antioxidant capacity.
• CRC induced cell proliferation arrest, apoptosis, and autophagy, while RF and CF demonstrated lower cytotoxicity.

Conclusions:

• Incorporating ferrocene into RSV and CRC is a promising strategy for developing skin-protective agents with reduced cytotoxicity.
• Ferrocene-modified polyphenols retain significant antioxidant abilities.
• Curcumin (CRC) requires cautious use at concentrations ≥20 µM due to its high cytotoxicity and cell death induction.