Effects of the Acerola Cherry and <italic>Phyllanthus emblica</italic> Complex on Anti-photoaging and Autophagy in Fibroblast

Objective: This study investigated the protective effect of the acerola cherry and Phyllanthus emblica complex against long-wave ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation induced photoaging in fibroblasts, as well as its effect on the autophagy levels in senescent cells. Methods: A model of photoaging was established through UVA irradiation, followed by intervention with a complex of acerola cherry and Phyllanthus emblica. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) were quantified using flow cytometry, while type I collagen levels were evaluated via immunofluorescence. Additionally, elastin, matrix metalloproteinase I (MMP-1), matrix metalloproteinase III (MMP-3), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) were measured using ELISA. The autophagy levels in senescent cells were evaluated using monodansyl cadaverine (MDC) staining, and the expression levels of autophagy-related protein 7 (ATG7) and microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 beta (LC3b) were analyzed through immunofluorescence techniques. Results: The total polyphenol and flavonoid contents in the acerola cherry and Phyllanthus emblica complex were measured at 104.23 mg/g and 0.44%, respectively. Compared to the model group, treatment with 31.3, 62.5 and 125.0 μg/mL of the acerola cherry and Phyllanthus emblica complex significantly inhibited UVA-induced ROS production (PPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPhyllanthus emblica complex group notably inhibited MMP-3 secretion (PPhyllanthus emblica complex demonstrates a protective effect against UVA-induced photoaging in fibroblasts and enhances autophagy levels in senescent fibroblasts.