Ganoderma lucidum Extract Modulates Gene Expression Profiles Associated with Antioxidant Defense, Cytoprotection, and Senescence in Human Dermal Fibroblasts: A Transcriptomic Analysis

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Abstract

Cellular senescence plays a crucial role in skin aging, with senescent dermal fibroblasts contributing to reduced skin elasticity and increased inflammation. This study investigated the potential of Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi) extract to modulate the senescent phenotype of human dermal fibroblasts. Etoposide-induced senescent fibroblasts were treated with Reishi extracts from two commercial sources for 14 days. Gene expression analysis was performed using qPCR to assess markers of senescence, antioxidant defense, and extracellular matrix remodeling. Results showed that Reishi extracts significantly upregulated antioxidant and cytoprotective genes, including HO-1, γGCS-L, and NQO1, compared to untreated controls. Importantly, Reishi treatment suppressed the expression of p16, a key marker of cellular senescence, while transiently upregulating p21. The extracts also demonstrated potential senolytic properties, reducing the percentage of senescent cells as measured by SA-β-Gal staining. However, Reishi treatment did not mitigate the upregulation of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP1) induced by senescence. These findings suggest that Ganoderma lucidum extract may help alleviate some aspects of cellular senescence in dermal fibroblasts, primarily through enhanced antioxidant defense and cytoprotection, potentially offering a novel approach to combat skin aging