Pro-regenerative effects of Cydonia oblonga seed mucilage on endothelial and fibroblast cell models
Açelya Erikçi, Makbule Beyza Şen, Demet KaçaroğluAbstract
Objectives
Cydonia oblonga seed mucilage is a traditional natural remedy with high water retention capacity and potential bioactivity. However, how it affects wound healing and tissue regeneration is still not fully understood. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of seed mucilage on endothelial and fibroblast regenerative responses, including cell viability, migration, and extracellular matrix (ECM) formation.
Methods
Cell viability, proliferation, and migration were evaluated over a 72-h period using a concentration range of 0.15–0.90 mg/mL on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and mouse fibroblast cells (L929 cells). The expression levels of ECM-related genes and inflammatory markers were analyzed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR).
Results
Mucilage significantly increased the viability, proliferation, and wound closure capacity of both cell types in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Molecular analyses revealed an upregulation of COL1A1 expression in fibroblasts, suggesting potential modulation of ECM-related gene expression. In HUVECs, mucilage treatment was associated with reduced TNF and TGFB1 expression, while IL10 expression exhibited a non-linear, concentration-dependent response, indicating modulation of inflammation-related gene expression profiles.
Conclusions
These findings suggest that Cydonia oblonga seed mucilage may support wound healing by promoting cellular proliferation and modulating ECM- and inflammation-related gene expression.