Microwave-Assisted Propolis Extract Attenuates Oxidative-Stress- and Replicative Senescence via NRF2 and
Seoungwoo Shin1, Youngsu Jang1, Kyungeun Jeon1
1BioSpectrum Life Science Institute, 767, Sinsu-ro, Yongin-si 16827, Republic of Korea.
Abstract:
Skin aging is characterized by fibroblast senescence, extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation, and impaired wound healing, driven by oxidative stress and telomere dysfunction. Here, we investigated the anti-aging effects of a standardized microwave-assisted propolis extract (MAPE) in both H2O2-induced and replicative senescence models of human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs). MAPE significantly reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and enhanced antioxidant gene expression (NQO1, GCLM), indicating activation of NRF2-dependent defense pathways. It suppressed senescence markers (CDKN2A, CDKN1A, IL6), decreased SA-β-gal activity, and attenuated inflammaging. Moreover, MAPE inhibited MMP1 expression, restored COL1A1, and improved fibroblast wound closure, thereby maintaining ECM homeostasis. Importantly, MAPE modulated Wnt/β-catenin signaling by upregulating WNT3A and LEF1 while suppressing DKK1, and increased TERT expression, suggesting involvement of telomerase-related regulatory pathways. These effects resembled those of CHIR99021, a canonical Wnt activator, while providing additional antioxidant protection. Together, our findings suggest that MAPE is a propolis-derived bioactive ingredient that counteracts fibroblast senescence through coordinated modulation of NRF2 and Wnt/β-catenin-TERT signaling pathways, supporting its potential as a cosmeceutical ingredient for mitigating skin aging.
Insights
This study shows that a propolis extract (MAPE) combats skin aging by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in fibroblasts. It also improves extracellular matrix health and wound healing, suggesting its potential as a cosmeceutical ingredient.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Cell Biology
- Cosmeceuticals
Background:
- Skin aging involves fibroblast senescence, extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation, and impaired healing, driven by oxidative stress and telomere dysfunction.
- Identifying novel cosmeceutical ingredients to counteract these aging hallmarks is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the anti-aging effects of a standardized microwave-assisted propolis extract (MAPE) on human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs).
- To elucidate the molecular pathways involved in MAPE's anti-aging properties.
Main Methods:
- Utilized H2O2-induced and replicative senescence models of HDFs.
- Assessed reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, antioxidant and senescence gene expression, SA-β-gal activity, and ECM component levels.
- Investigated modulation of NRF2, Wnt/β-catenin, and telomerase-related signaling pathways.
Main Results:
- MAPE significantly reduced ROS accumulation and enhanced antioxidant gene expression via NRF2 activation.
- MAPE suppressed senescence markers, decreased SA-β-gal activity, and attenuated inflammaging.
- MAPE inhibited matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP1), restored collagen type I alpha 1 (COL1A1), improved fibroblast wound closure, and modulated Wnt/β-catenin and TERT expression.
Conclusions:
- MAPE effectively counteracts fibroblast senescence by activating NRF2-dependent antioxidant pathways and modulating Wnt/β-catenin-TERT signaling.
- MAPE maintains ECM homeostasis and enhances wound healing, supporting its potential as a cosmeceutical ingredient for mitigating skin aging.
