Natural Compounds and PCL Nanofibers: A Novel Tool to Counteract Stem Cell Senescence.

Emanuela Bellu,Maurizio Mulas,Evzen Amler,Giuseppe Garroni,Giorgia Sarais,Sara Cruciani,Francesca Balzano,Carlo Ventura,Pasquale Bandiera,Martin Kralovič,Maria Antonia Montesu,Angela Fadda,Margherita Maioli,Jan Sabo,Rosanna Satta

doi:10.3390/cells10061415

Abstract

Tissue homeostasis mainly depends on the activity of stem cells to replace damaged elements and restore tissue functions. Within this context, mesenchymal stem cells and fibroblasts are essential for maintaining tissue homeostasis in skin, in particular in the dermis. Modifications in collagen fibers are able to affect stem cell features. Skin properties can be significantly reduced after injuries or with aging, and stem cell niches, mainly comprising extracellular matrix (ECM), may be compromised. To this end, specific molecules can be administrated to prevent the aging process induced by UV exposure in the attempt to maintain a youngness phenotype. NanoPCL-M is a novel nanodevice able to control delivery of Mediterranean plant myrtle (Myrtus communis L.) extracts. In particular, we previously described that myrtle extracts, rich in bioactive molecules and nutraceuticals, were able to counteract senescence in adipose derived stem cells. In this study, we analyzed the effect of NanoPCL-M on skin stem cells (SSCs) and dermal fibroblasts in a dynamic cell culture model in order to prevent the effects of UV-induced senescence on proliferation and collagen depot. The BrdU assay results highlight the significantly positive effect of NanoPCL-M on the proliferation of both fibroblasts and SSCs. Our results demonstrate that-M is able to preserve SSCs features and collagen depot after UV-induced senescence, suggesting their capability to retain a young phenotype.

Highlights

Aging is associated with the progressive loss of function and higher stress sensitivity of the involved tissues
We previously demonstrated the capability of myrtle extracts to counteract the senescence process in adipose derived stem cells [10,52]
We previously described the effect of the treatment with NanoPCL-M

Summary

Introduction

Aging is associated with the progressive loss of function and higher stress sensitivity of the involved tissues. It covers many cellular types and signaling pathways affecting phenotypic changes, and human life [1]. A complex tissue comprising dermis and epidermis, represents the tissue most exposed to environmental damage, such as UV light. The epidermis, the upper layer of the skin, attenuates the impact of molecular damage accumulation by rapid keratinocyte turnover. The dermis accumulates damage, modifying tissue elasticity and stiffness, and cell features [2]. The aging process arising from environmental influences is called an extrinsic process and can be related to mechanisms of a stress response associated with lifestyle and nutrition [3]. One of the main exogenous stimuli is represented by sunlight exposure, since

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