# Salacca zalacca extract's antiaging effect on aging genes, protein levels, and apoptosis in UV-induced fibroblast cells

## TL;DR

Snake fruit extract may help reduce skin aging caused by UV exposure by affecting genes and proteins linked to aging and cell death.

## Contribution

This study demonstrates the antiaging potential of Salacca zalacca extract in UV-induced fibroblast cells through gene and protein modulation.

## Key findings

- SZE increased COL1A1, FGF-2, and GPX-1 gene expression while decreasing MMP-1.
- SZE reduced levels of HAse, COX-2, and 8-OHdG proteins in UV-induced cells.
- SZE treatment reduced apoptosis and improved cell viability in fibroblasts.

## Abstract

Ultraviolet (UV) exposure can hasten the aging process of the skin. The use of chemicals for anti-aging has long-term adverse effects. The natural ingredients of snake fruit (Salacca zalacca L.) are known to have bioactive properties such as polyphenols, flavonoids, chlorogenic acid, and caffeic acid which have antiaging potential. The study aims to ascertain the potential of S. zalacca Extract (SZE) as an antiaging agent by in vitro assay.

The SZE compound content was analyzed by LC-MS/MS. SZE viability test on human skin fibroblast (BJ) cells was carried out using the WST assay. BJ cells were UV-induced as a cell model of premature aging. SZE 6.25, 12.5, and 25 μg/mL were administered to UV-induced BJ cells. The gene expression of COL1A1, MMP-1, FGF-2, and GPX-1 were analyzed by quantitative Real-Time PCR. Elastin (ELN), Hyaluronidase (HAse), Cyclooxigenase-2 (COX-2), 8-Hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), and Melatonin (MT) protein levels were analyzed by ELISA assay. The apoptosis of BJ cells was analyzed using flow cytometry. One-way ANOVA in SPSS Software was used for statistical analysis.

Treatment with SZE increased COL1A1, FGF-2, and GPX-1 gene expression and also decreased MMP-1 gene expression. SZE also increased ELN and MT levels in UV-induced BJ cells. After SZE treatment, the protein levels of HAse, COX-2, and 8-OHdG decreased compared to the positive control. SZE also succeeded in maintaining the lives of BJ cells and reducing apoptosis in BJ cells.

SZE has the potential to be an antiaging agent by in vitro assay.