Psilocybin alleviates high-glucose and high-lipid-induced skin aging in BJ5Ta fibroblasts
Biochemistry and Cell Biology – January 01, 2025
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
A naturally occurring alkaloid, psilocybin, shows remarkable potential in reversing cellular skin aging. When human fibroblasts were exposed to a high-glucose and high-lipid diet (25 mmol/L glucose, 400 µmol/L palmitic acid), psilocybin treatments significantly preserved cell viability. Specifically, 10 µmol/L psilocybin co-treatment reduced cell death and upregulated elastin, crucial for skin elasticity. Another dosage, 15 µmol/L, decreased inflammatory markers like IL-1β. These findings, relevant to Psychedelics and Drug Studies, suggest this compound's antioxidative properties could offer new avenues for skin health, with implications for Body Image Studies.
Abstract
Cellular aging, driven by oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and inflammation, is exacerbated by a high-glucose and high-lipid (HGHL) diet, leading to collagen degradation and skin aging. Psilocybin, a naturally occurring compound, has shown potential in reducing symptoms of aging. This study explores the protective effects of psilocybin on BJ-5ta fibroblasts exposed to HGHL, focusing on cellular viability, apoptosis, senescence, the inflammatory responses, and wound healing. First, fibroblasts were exposed to 25 mmol/L glucose and 400 µmol/L palmitic acid to establish cell aging. Then, psilocybin effects were tested in co- and post-treatment with HGHL. Post-treatment with psilocybin at 15 µmol/L (P15) and co-treatment with psilocybin at 10 µmol/L (P10) preserved cellular viability and decreased beta-galactosidase activity. P10 was most effective in reducing apoptosis and alleviating HGHL-induced S phase arrest. P15 also reduced senescence markers and decreased the expression of inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, and COX-2. Additionally, psilocybin promoted nonsignificant fibroblast migration, and P10 co-treated with HGHL significantly upregulated elastin gene expression. These findings suggest that psilocybin’s antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and regenerative properties make it a promising natural compound for reducing skin aging, particularly under oxidative stress conditions. Further research is needed to explore its long-term effects, optimal dosages, and clinical applications.