This study investigated the protective and regenerative effects of a water extract of Phalaenopsis orchid flower, an ornamental plant endemic to Taiwan, on high glucose-induced cellular senescence in human dermal fibroblasts, with a focus on the Nrf2/HO-1 antioxidant pathway. Cytotoxicity, cellular senescence, and ROS production were respectively assessed using MTT assay, senescence-associated -galactosidase staining, and DCFDA-cellular reactive oxygen species assay. Fibroblasts treated with WEPF under HG conditions exhibited reduced senescence-associated -galactosidase activity, lower ROS levels, and attenuated cell cycle arrest. Protein expression profiling revealed suppression of the p53/p21Waf1, and p16INK4a/Rb pathways and decreased matrix metalloproteinase-1 expression. Mechanistically, WEPF exerted its effects by activating the Nrf2/HO-1 axis and restoring the expression of senescence marker protein-30, thereby promoting fibroblast repair and reducing pro-inflammatory signaling. These findings support the potential of WEPF as a botanical therapeutic agent for diabetic wound healing and age-related skin deterioration.
Read the original article on Pubmed