Effects of the Acerola Cherry and Phyllanthus emblica Complex on Anti-photoaging and Autophagy in Fibroblast

Objective: This study investigates the protective effect of the acerola cherry and Phyllanthus emblica complex against long-wave ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation induced photoaging in fibroblasts, as well as its effect on the autophagy levels in senescent cells. Methods: A model of photoaging was established through UVA irradiation, followed by intervention with a complex of acerola cherry and Phyllanthus emblica. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) were quantified using flow cytometry, while type I collagen levels were evaluated via immunofluorescence. Additionally, elastin, matrix metalloproteinase I (MMP-1), matrix metalloproteinase III (MMP-3), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) were measured using ELISA. The autophagy levels in senescent cells were evaluated using monodansyl cadaverine (MDC) staining, and the expression levels of autophagy-related protein 7 (ATG7) and microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 beta (LC3b) were analyzed through immunofluorescence techniques. Results: The total polyphenol and flavonoid contents in the acerola cherry and Phyllanthus emblica complex were measured at 104.23 mg/g and 0.44%, respectively. Compared to the model group, treatment with 31.3, 62.5 and 125.0 μg/mL of the acerola cherry and Phyllanthus emblica complex significantly inhibited UVA-induced ROS production (P<0.001), enhanced collagen content in fibroblasts (P<0.01), and suppressed MMP-1 secretion (P<0.001). Furthermore, the 31.3, 62.5 and 125.0 μg/mL complex groups facilitated the formation of cellular autophagosomes (P<0.05, P<0.01, P<0.01) and elevated the expression levels of ATG7 (P<0.05, P<0.05, P<0.01) and LC3b (P<0.01, P<0.01, P<0.001). Notably, the 62.5 and 125.0 μg/mL complex groups significantly increased elastin content (P<0.05) while reducing the expression levels of inflammatory factors IL-6 (P<0.01) and MCP-1 (P<0.05, P<0.01). Additionally, the 125.0 μg/mL acerola cherry and Phyllanthus emblica complex group notably inhibited MMP-3 secretion (P<0.001). Conclusion: The acerola cherry and Phyllanthus emblica complex demonstrates a protective effect against UVA-induced photoaging in fibroblasts and enhances autophagy levels in senescent fibroblasts.