Xiujing Chen and colleagues investigated how resveratrol affects the development of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) into esophageal fibroblasts, a potential treatment for damaged esophagus. They cultured hUC-MSCs with esophageal fibroblasts and found that resveratrol increased collagen production (a key component of connective tissue) and a specific cellular signaling pathway. This effect was blocked by an inhibitor, suggesting the pathway's importance. Additionally, resveratrol decreased the expression of molecules associated with cell death and inflammation, potentially through another signaling pathway. Overall, the study suggests resveratrol promotes hUC-MSC differentiation into fibroblasts through specific signaling mechanisms, making it a promising candidate for esophageal tissue engineering. (1)
Skin photoaging occurs when our skin ages prematurely due to exposure to ultraviolet A (UVA) rays from the sun. On the other hand, resveratrol is a natural compound found in grape skins. It has some interesting properties, like being anti-inflammatory and acting as an antioxidant. Yangmin Xia and colleagues studied resveratrol by exposing human skin cells (called fibroblasts) to UVA light. They also used a special mouse model to mimic photoaging. They found, resveratrol activates a protein called AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). This protein helps kickstart a process called autophagy, which cleans up damaged cells. By doing this, resveratrol reduces harmful molecules called reactive oxygen species (ROS). It also prevents cell death (apoptosis) and restores the normal cell cycle. They wrote, "subcutaneous injection of resveratrol not only improved the symptoms of roughness, erythema, and increased wrinkles in the skin of UVA photodamaged mice, but also alleviated epidermal hyperkeratosis and hyperpigmentation, reduced inflammatory responses, and inhibited collagen fiber degradation." (2)
REFERENCE
1. Xiujing Chen et al, Resveratrol promotes the differentiation of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells into esophageal fibroblasts via AKT signaling pathway, Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol. 2024 Jan-Dec:38:3946320241249397.
2. Yangmin Xia et al, Resveratrol activates autophagy and protects from UVA-induced photoaging in human skin fibroblasts and the skin of male mice by regulating the AMPK pathway, Biogerontology. 2024 Apr 9. doi: 10.1007/s10522-024-10099-6.