Royal jelly suppresses senescence-associated secretory phenotype in senescent human epidermal keratinocytes.

BACKGROUND

Royal Jelly (RJ) is widely used in cosmetics for its beneficial skin effects, but its impact on cellular senescence remains unclear. Senomorphic agents that suppress the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) offer safe therapeutic strategies for skin aging. This study investigates the senomorphic effects of RJ on epidermal senescence.

METHODS AND

RESULTS

We utilized an in vitro replicative senescence model of normal human epidermal keratinocytes, validating our findings with cells from chronologically aged adult donors, including a 75-year-old. Results demonstrated that RJ significantly suppresses multiple SASP factors, including interleukin (IL)-6 and C-X-C motif ligand (CXCL) family members, in both models without inducing cytotoxicity. Mechanistically, RNA-sequencing revealed that senescence upregulated pro-inflammatory factors via TNF-α and NF-κB signaling pathways. RJ acts as a multitarget senomorphic agent, inhibiting these senescence-activated pathways and reducing oxidative stress.

CONCLUSIONS

RJ is a potent natural senomorphic agent capable of modulating complex SASP networks. It provides valuable insights into potential strategies for mitigating skin inflammation and preserving youthfulness.