Skin Aging-Related Gene Responses under Baicalein- and Cyclodextrin-Related Treatment Conditions: A Transcriptome-Based Network Pharmacology Reanalysis

Purpose: This study used a network pharmacology approach to reanalyze existing Quant-Seq transcriptomic data from Hs68 human dermal fibroblasts and explore skin aging-related gene responses under baicalein and cyclodextrin (CD)-related treatment conditions. Methods: Transcriptomic data from Hs68 human dermal fibroblasts, with a single biological sample for each treatment condition (N=1), were analyzed using FC≥1.5 as an exploratory screening criterion. Predicted baicalein targets, skin aging-related genes, and transcriptome-derived candidate genes were intersected, followed by PPI, GO, and KEGG enrichment analyses. Results: A total of 28 core target genes were identified, indicating potential functional associations with the AGE-RAGE, HIF-1, and cellular senescence-related pathways. In addition, the FC values of the NRF2 target genes HMOX1 and NQO1 met the screening criterion under the CD-related treatment conditions. Conclusion: Distinct FC patterns in skin aging-related genes were observed across the treatment conditions. These findings provide preliminary data for functional cosmetic formulation research that considers CD type and inclusion complex structure. However, because each treatment condition was represented by a single biological sample further validation is required.