Protective Effect of Multifloral Honey on Stem Cell Aging in a Dynamic Cell Culture Model

Area of Science:

• Dermatology and regenerative medicine
• Biochemistry of natural compounds
• Cellular biology and aging

Background:

• Natural compounds like honey flavonoids and phenolics show promise in mitigating skin aging and oxidative stress.
• Ultraviolet (UV) radiation induces skin aging and cellular damage, impacting stem cell function.
• The Wingless-related integration site (Wnt) signaling pathway plays a crucial role in stem cell regulation and differentiation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the protective effects of honey pre-treatment on skin stem cells (SSCs) and human skin fibroblasts (HFF1) against UV-induced aging.
• To assess honey's influence on stem cell-associated genes, pluripotency markers, senescence regulators, and the Wnt signaling pathway.
• To evaluate honey's impact on cellular stress responses and antioxidant capacity.

Main Methods:

• A dynamic cell culture model using a bioreactor was employed.
• SSCs and HFF1 were pre-treated with 1% honey for 48 hours before UV exposure.
• Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was used to analyze gene expression, including Wnt signaling and anti-aging markers.
• Nitric oxide release and total antioxidant capacity were measured.

Main Results:

• Honey pre-treatment enhanced pluripotency markers (Octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (Oct4); SRY-box transcription factor 2 (Sox2)) and reduced senescence markers (p16, p21, p53) in SSCs.
• In UV-damaged SSCs, honey significantly increased Wnt3a expression.
• In fibroblasts, honey upregulated Heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) and Hyaluronan synthase 2 (HAS2) while downregulating caspase-8 (CASP8).

Conclusions:

• Honey safeguards skin stem cells against UV-induced aging by modulating pluripotency and senescence-associated genes.
• Honey influences Wnt signaling, suggesting a role in regulating stem cell differentiation and maintaining skin homeostasis.
• Upregulation of Hsp70 by honey in fibroblasts enhances cellular stress responses and stability against UV damage.