Margherita Auriemma

Dr. Margherita Auriemma


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

1Year (2026-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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29 January 2026 in Pharmaceuticals
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
CSConcetta Sozio
Concetta Sozio
SCStefano Caccavale
Stefano Caccavale
EBEugenia Veronica Di Brizzi
Eugenia Veronica Di Brizzi
MAMargherita Auriemma
Margherita Auriemma
MNMaddalena Nicoletti
Maddalena Nicoletti
ABAnna Balato
Anna Balato
Background/Objectives: UVB radiation triggers oxidative stress, inflammation and extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling in dermal fibroblasts, contributing to skin aging and fibrosis. Plant-derived extracts with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity may counteract these effects. This study evaluated the protective role of Damor Triticum vulgare Aqueous Extract (DTVE) in human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) exposed to UVB. Methods: Primary HDFs were irradiated with UVB (1.50 J/m2) and treated with DTVE either after irradiation (post-ir) or before and after irradiation (pre-ir). Cell viability was assessed by Trypan Blue and MTT assays. Inflammatory cytokines, fibrosis-related genes, p21 expression, mitochondrial ROS (MitoSOX) and αSMA accumulation were quantified by qRT-PCR, ELISA and immunofluorescence. Results: DTVE was not cytotoxic and preserved HDF viability under UVB exposure. UVB significantly increased pro-inflammatory cytokines, profibrotic markers, αSMA, mitochondrial ROS and p21. DTVE reduced all these UVB-induced alterations, with the pre-ir regimen providing the strongest protection. The extract attenuated early inflammatory activation, limited fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition and decreased mitochondrial oxidative stress while reducing p21 upregulation. Conclusions: DTVE exerts protective antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic effects in UVB-exposed fibroblasts, particularly when used as pretreatment. These findings support DTVE as a promising candidate to mitigate UVB-induced dermal damage and warrant further investigation for potential therapeutic and cosmetic applications.