Purpose: The aerial parts of Dracocephalum moldavica L. (DM) have been widely used as traditional herbal medicine for cardiovascular diseases and skin problems in Central Asia and Europe. This study evaluated the photoprotective effects of three different DM seed (DMS) extracts against ultraviolet B (UVB)-induced photoaging in human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) and human keratinocytes (HaCaT cells). Methods: DMS extracts were prepared using supercritical fluid (SC-oil), ethanol (EE), and aqueous (AE) methods. Their ability to regulate the extracellular matrix (ECM) components, including procollagen type I (PC1), matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1), and elastase-1, which are key biomarkers of photoaging, was evaluated. Results: All extracts restored procollagen synthesis, reduced MMP-1 and elastase-1 production and activity, and upregulated PC1 mRNA expression while downregulating the MMP-1 and elastase-1 mRNA levels in UVB-irradiated cells. SC-oil (0.0001%) and AE (0.125 mg/mL) reversed the PC1 mRNA levels most effectively in HDFs and HaCaT cells, respectively.In addition, SC-oil had the strongest suppressive effect on MMP-1 secretion in HDFs, while EE and AE were more effective in HaCaT cells. The elastase-1 activity and mRNA levels in both cell types were comparable to those treated with L-ascorbic acid, a positive control. Conclusion These findings suggest that DMS extracts, rich in bioactive compounds such as polyphenols, phytosterols, and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, have significant potential as natural anti-aging agents. By protecting collagen and elastin integrity and modulating ECM biomarkers, DMS extracts may effectively prevent UVB-induced photoaging and improve skin resiliency.

Purpose: The aerial parts of Dracocephalum moldavica L. (DM) have been widely used as traditional herbal medicine for cardiovascular diseases and skin problems in Central Asia and Europe. This study evaluated the photoprotective effects of three different DM seed (DMS) extracts against ultraviolet B (UVB)-induced photoaging in human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) and human keratinocytes (HaCaT cells). Methods: DMS extracts were prepared using supercritical fluid (SC-oil), ethanol (EE), and aqueous (AE) methods. Their ability to regulate the extracellular matrix (ECM) components, including procollagen type I (PC1), matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1), and elastase-1, which are key biomarkers of photoaging, was evaluated. Results: All extracts restored procollagen synthesis, reduced MMP-1 and elastase-1 production and activity, and upregulated PC1 mRNA expression while downregulating the MMP-1 and elastase-1 mRNA levels in UVB-irradiated cells. SC-oil (0.0001%) and AE (0.125 mg/mL) reversed the PC1 mRNA levels most effectively in HDFs and HaCaT cells, respectively.In addition, SC-oil had the strongest suppressive effect on MMP-1 secretion in HDFs, while EE and AE were more effective in HaCaT cells. The elastase-1 activity and mRNA levels in both cell types were comparable to those treated with L-ascorbic acid, a positive control. Conclusion These findings suggest that DMS extracts, rich in bioactive compounds such as polyphenols, phytosterols, and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, have significant potential as natural anti-aging agents. By protecting collagen and elastin integrity and modulating ECM biomarkers, DMS extracts may effectively prevent UVB-induced photoaging and improve skin resiliency.

Purpose: The aerial parts of Dracocephalum moldavica L. (DM) have been widely used as traditional herbal medicine for cardiovascular diseases and skin problems in Central Asia and Europe. This study evaluated the photoprotective effects of three different DM seed (DMS) extracts against ultraviolet B (UVB)-induced photoaging in human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) and human keratinocytes (HaCaT cells). Methods: DMS extracts were prepared using supercritical fluid (SC-oil), ethanol (EE), and aqueous (AE) methods. Their ability to regulate the extracellular matrix (ECM) components, including procollagen type I (PC1), matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1), and elastase-1, which are key biomarkers of photoaging, was evaluated. Results: All extracts restored procollagen synthesis, reduced MMP-1 and elastase-1 production and activity, and upregulated PC1 mRNA expression while downregulating the MMP-1 and elastase-1 mRNA levels in UVB-irradiated cells. SC-oil (0.0001%) and AE (0.125 mg/mL) reversed the PC1 mRNA levels most effectively in HDFs and HaCaT cells, respectively.In addition, SC-oil had the strongest suppressive effect on MMP-1 secretion in HDFs, while EE and AE were more effective in HaCaT cells. The elastase-1 activity and mRNA levels in both cell types were comparable to those treated with L-ascorbic acid, a positive control. Conclusion These findings suggest that DMS extracts, rich in bioactive compounds such as polyphenols, phytosterols, and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, have significant potential as natural anti-aging agents. By protecting collagen and elastin integrity and modulating ECM biomarkers, DMS extracts may effectively prevent UVB-induced photoaging and improve skin resiliency.

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3) is an autosomal-dominant neurodegenerative disorder caused by an expanded polyglutamine repeat in the ataxin-3 gene. The resulting mutant ataxin-3 protein forms intraneuronal inclusions that lead to neurodegeneration in the cerebellum and other brain regions. This study aimed to develop a novel nonhuman primate model of SCA3 to address the limitations of existing knock-in and transgenic models using an adeno-associated virus (AAV) to deliver the mutant gene. AAV viral vectors carrying mutant ataxin-3 were stereotaxically injected into the cerebellum of monkeys. The animals were monitored over an 8-week period, during which behavioral and neuroimaging assessments were conducted. This was followed by a detailed pathological examination. The AAV vector successfully spread throughout the cerebellum, and the expression of mutant ataxin-3 was confirmed. Neuroimaging revealed a reduction in N-acetylaspartate (NAA) levels, whereas histological analysis showed significant damage to the Purkinje cell layer. Notably, the monkeys exhibited sleep disturbances, a prodromal symptom commonly observed in human patients with SCA3. AAV-mediated delivery of mutant ataxin-3 can effectively replicate the key pathological and clinical features of SCA3 in primates. This approach offers a promising new model for studying disease mechanisms and evaluating potential therapies.