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.

Background/Objectives: The skin, being the body’s outermost organ, plays a vital role in protecting against various external stimuli. Ultraviolet generates reactive oxygen species (ROS), promoting the secretion of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and inducing collagen degradation. Many studies have been conducted to identify natural substances that can prevent or delay the harmful effects of UV. Methods: A wound healing assay, DCF-DA reactive oxygen species (ROS) assay, and JC-1 assay were performed to assess the effects of bio-converted eggplant peels (BEPs) on human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs). Western blot analysis was also conducted to understand the underlying mechanisms for their effects. Finally, hematoxylin–eosin staining and immunohistochemistry were also performed in animal studies. Results: Our study evaluated the antioxidant efficacy of BEPs fermented with Lactobacillus plantarum in hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)-HDFs and UVB-induced skin damage in hairless mice. We demonstrated that BEPs exhibited enhanced antioxidant properties compared to non-fermented eggplant peels (EPs). BEPs facilitated wound healing in H₂O₂-damaged HDFs, reduced ROS levels, and restored mitochondrial membrane potential. BEPs suppressed the phosphorylation of ERK, p38, and JNK as their underlying mechanism. We further demonstrated that dietary supplementation of BEPs also downregulated matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP1) expression and upregulated collagen I (COL1) in UVB-damaged hairless mice, indicating that BEPs were more effective compared to EPs. Conclusions: Our studies suggest that BEPs fermented with Lactobacillus plantarum hold significant potential as a protective agent for mitigating UVB-induced damage and promoting skin health.

Hair loss is a common condition that affects a large number of people worldwide, impacting both men and women. Its development is closely linked to the function of hair follicle dermal papilla cells (HFDPCs), which play a pivotal role in maintaining hair growth and follicle integrity. However, these cells are particularly vulnerable to oxidative stress generated under psychological or environmental stressful conditions. Preserving the mitochondrial function and biological activity of HFDPCs is critical for preventing stress-related hair loss. This study investigated the protective and hair growth-promoting effects of 3-hydroxypropionic acid (3-HP), a naturally occurring organic acid with antioxidant potential, on HFDPCs exposed to H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress conditions. Treatment with 3-HP significantly enhanced cell viability and migration in H₂O₂-damaged HFDPCs. In addition, 3-HP reduced intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and improved mitochondrial membrane potential as well as ATP production. Furthermore, 3-HP upregulated alkaline phosphatase (ALP) expression and activated hair growth-related signaling pathways, including the Wnt/β-catenin axis. Finally, treatment with 3-HP resulted in a significant enlargement of three-dimensional spheroids in H₂O₂-damaged HFDPCs. These findings suggest that 3-HP mitigates oxidative stress-induced damage and promotes hair follicle cell function, indicating its promise as a treatment option for improving oxidative stress-related hair loss conditions.

Hair loss is closely associated with oxidative stress, which impairs the function of human follicle dermal papilla cells (HFDPCs) and disrupts hair follicle homeostasis. Current pharmacological treatments, such as minoxidil and finasteride, are effective but may cause adverse effects, highlighting the need for safer alternatives. In this study, we utilized a patented high-pressure processing method to produce black ginseng concentrate (BGC), which is significantly enriched with rare bioactive ginsenosides, including Rg3, Rg5, and Rk1, through optimized chemical transformation. We aimed to elucidate the protective effects of BGC against oxidative stress-induced damage in HFDPCs. BGC significantly reduced intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. BGC also improved mitochondrial function, including an increased oxygen consumption rate (OCR). In addition, BGC activated hair growth-related signaling pathways by upregulating Wnt/β-catenin and increasing the phosphorylation levels of ERK and AKT. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that BGC protects HFDPCs from oxidative stress, improves mitochondrial function, and supports key signaling pathways associated with hair growth. This study suggests that BGC has potential as a natural agent for preventing oxidative stress-induced cellular dysfunction related to hair loss.