Jaroslaw Paluszczak

Photoaging is a process related to an increased level of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Polyphenols can scavenge free radicals in the body, which can delay skin aging. Therefore, our work aimed to prepare a biologically active extract from dry fruits of Vaccinium myrtillus or Vaccinium corymbosum and use it for the preparation of hydrogels for topical application. Therefore, eight different extracts (using V. myrtillus and V. corymbosum and different extraction mixtures: methanol, methanol–water 1:1, water, acetone–water 1:1) were prepared and their phytochemical (total polyphenolic content, total flavonoid content, total anthocyanin content) and biological properties (antioxidant, anti-hyaluronidase, and anti-tyrosinase activity) were assessed. Cytotoxicity towards HaCaT keratinocytes was also determined. Based on the results, the acetone–water extract from V. myrtillus was selected for further study. Using the Design of Experiments approach, chitosan-based hydrogels with bilberry fruit extract were prepared. The content of extract and chitosan were selected as independent factors. The activity of hydrogels depended on the extract content; however, the enzyme-inhibiting (anti-hyaluronidase and anti-tyrosinase) activity resulted from the presence of both the extract and chitosan. Increased concentration of chitosan in the hydrogel base led to increased viscosity of the hydrogel and, consequently, a slower release of active compounds. To get optimal hydrogel characteristics, 1% extract and 2.5% MMW chitosan were utilized. The research suggests the validity of using bilberry fruit extracts in topical preparations with anti-aging properties.

The dysregulation of energetic metabolism is one of the hallmarks of cancer cells. Indeed, the growth of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cells depends heavily on glycolytic activity, which can be considered a potential therapeutic target. Wnt signaling is one of the pathways that undergoes upregulation in HNSCC. Our previous studies have shown that Wnt signaling inhibitors—PRI-724 and IWP-O1—attenuate tongue SCC survival and reduce glucose uptake and lactate release. The aim of this research was to further evaluate the possible mechanisms of the previously observed effects. We assessed the effect of PRI-724 and IWP-O1 on the expression of selected glycolytic enzymes: phosphofructokinase M, pyruvate kinase M2, and lactate dehydrogenase. Relative transcript expression was assessed by real-time PCR, and protein levels by Western blot. Moreover, clinical data concerning mRNA and protein expression, gene promoter methylation, and HNSCC patients’ survival time were analyzed by the UALCAN tool, and protein–protein interaction was assessed using the STRING database. Experimental and bioinformatic data confirmed the relation between Wnt signaling and glycolytic enzymes in tongue cancer cells and HNSCC clinical samples. Overall, the inhibition of glucose metabolism by Wnt signaling inhibitors is a promising mode of action against tongue cancer cells.