Effects of antiviral polyoxometalates (PMs) on oxidative stress response of skin cells

Objetivos: We have identified specific polyoxometalates (PM) with notable antitumor, antiviral, and antibacterial properties. Among these, three compounds excel for their robust antibacterial and antiviral effects, minimal cytotoxicity, and chemical stability, leading to their societal implementation and cosmetic ingredient registration. Additionally, we discovered a pioneering anti-aging substance in PMs, demonstrating profound effects on oxidatively stressed skin cells and mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes when stimulated with PM, highlighting its potential in skincare. Introducción: In this study, we examined the effects of polyoxometalates (PMs) on the extracellular matrix in skin fibroblasts exposed to various types of oxidative stress, focusing on collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid synthase. We analyzed whether PMs alone or in combination with direct stimulation of mesenchymal stem cells could mitigate or repair this damage. Additionally, our research investigated PMs' influence on the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are linked to aging processes such as oxidation, glycation, and chronic inflammation. Materiales / método: We investigated three polyoxometalate (PM) compounds—VB1 (VOSO4), VB2 (K11H[(VO)3(SbW9O34)・27H2O), and VB3 (Na2[SbW9O34]・19H2O). Mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (hMSC-Exo) were harvested from cultures with these PMs. Skin fibroblasts were exposed to hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), Advanced Glycation Endproducts (AGE), and UVB. Treatments with PMs alone, hMSC-Exo, and combined PMs + hMSC-Exo were applied before and after exposure. Collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid synthase-mRNA levels were quantified using RT-PCR. Additionally, intracellular ROS was measured with a fluorescent probe. Resultados: VB1 and VB2 effectively restored collagen and elastin levels in skin fibroblasts damaged by H₂O₂ and AGE. Short-term (5 min) UVB exposure saw both compounds restoring elastin and hyaluronic acid synthase levels, while only VB3 addressed long-term (25 min) UVB damage. Combined treatment of VB3 and hMSC-Exo fully repaired damage to collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid synthase. Furthermore, the most effective reduction in intracellular ROS under H₂O₂ stress occurred with VB2 and VB3, and with VB3 and hMSC-Exo combined, highlighting their potential in anti-aging therapies. Conclusión: Antibacterial and antiviral active PM compounds, VB1 and VB2, effectively repaired damage caused by H₂O₂, AGE, and short-term UVB. In contrast, VB3 alone or combined with hMSC-Exo excelled in restoring a wide range of parameters against long-term UVB damage. The trio of VB2, VB3, and hMSC-Exo showed the most potent suppression of ROS accumulation. This combination confirmed a broad resistance against various stresses, unveiling a new skin-aging-resistant ingredient with both antibacterial and antiviral properties.