Hypoxic mesenchymal stem cells reduce collagen loss caused by UVB exposure by activating Nrf2 and GPx

UVB radiation causes collagen loss due to increased oxidative stress, suppressing GPx levels through Nrf2. This study aims to analyze the effect of H-MSCs on Nrf2 gene expression and GPx levels in male Wistar rats with UVB-induced collagen loss. This experimental study employed a post-test-only control group design with a completely randomized arrangement. Twenty-five male Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups. Group 1 received no treatment, Group 2 was exposed to UVB and given 200μL NaCl, Group 3 was exposed to UVB and given 200μL HA, while Groups 4 and 5 were exposed to UVB and treated with H-MSCs at doses of 2.5x10^5 and 5x10^5 cells in 200μL NaCl, respectively. Groups 2 through 5 received UVB irradiation at a dose of 160 mJ/cm2, 5 times a week for 2 weeks on the dorsal skin. Treatments were administered on day 15, and Nrf2 gene expression was analyzed using qRT-PCR, while GPx levels were measured by ELISA on day 22. Data analysis included normality and homogeneity tests, followed by difference tests using SPSS. Administration of H-MSCs at doses 2.5x10^5 and 5x10^5 cells significantly induced Nrf2 gene expression ratios to 1.41±0.21 and 1.61±0.19, respectively, compared to the negative control group (0.80±0.21). The Nrf2 gene expression was increased on corresponded with elevated GPx levels, with the 5x10^5 cell H-MSCs group exhibiting the highest GPx level at 94.88±5.34 pg/mL, significantly different from the negative control group, which had the lowest GPx level at 36.88±3.22 pg/mL. H-MSCs administration can ameliorate UVB-induced collagen loss by increasing Nrf2 gene expression and GPx levels.