Bioconverted Blueberry Extract Potentiates the Angiogenic and Endothelial Functions in Human Dermal Microvascular Endothelial Cells Under Oxidative Stress

TL;DR

Bioconverted blueberry extract helps protect skin cells from oxidative stress, improving their function and potentially aiding in skin health and anti-aging.

Contribution

This study demonstrates that bioconverted blueberry extract enhances endothelial function under oxidative stress.

Findings

BBS reduced ROS accumulation and preserved mitochondrial membrane potential in stressed cells.

BBS improved endothelial migration and tube formation under oxidative stress.

BBS suppressed overactivation of MAPK signaling pathways.

Abstract

Endothelial dysfunction induced by oxidative stress is a critical contributor to impaired microvascular homeostasis and skin aging. Blueberries are rich in polyphenolic compounds with antioxidant properties. However, whether bioconversion enhances their protective effects on endothelial function remains insufficiently explored. In this study, we investigated the beneficial effects of bioconverted blueberry extract (BBS) on human dermal microvascular endothelial cells (HDMECs). HDMECs were exposed to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to induce oxidative stress and subsequently treated with BBS. BBS significantly reduced H2O2-induced ROS accumulation and preserved mitochondrial membrane potential. Consistently, BBS markedly enhanced endothelial migration and tube-forming ability under oxidative stress conditions. Furthermore, BBS treatment significantly suppressed the overactivation of MAPK signaling pathways. Collectively, BBS effectively mitigated oxidative stress-induced endothelial dysfunction by restoring redox balance, preserving mitochondrial integrity, and promoting angiogenic function. Taken together, these findings suggest that bioconverted blueberry extract can be utilized as a functional ingredient for skin health and anti-aging.

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