Triticum vulgare Extract Treatment in UVB-Exposed Human Dermal Fibroblasts Modulates Inflammation, Fibrosis and Oxidative Stress Markers

<b>Background/Objectives</b>: UVB radiation triggers oxidative stress, inflammation and extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling in dermal fibroblasts, contributing to skin aging and fibrosis. Plant-derived extracts with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity may counteract these effects. This study evaluated the protective role of Damor Triticum vulgare Aqueous Extract (DTVE) in human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) exposed to UVB. <b>Methods</b>: Primary HDFs were irradiated with UVB (1.50 J/m²) and treated with DTVE either after irradiation (post-ir) or before and after irradiation (pre-ir). Cell viability was assessed by Trypan Blue and MTT assays. Inflammatory cytokines, fibrosis-related genes, <i>p21</i> expression, mitochondrial ROS (MitoSOX) and αSMA accumulation were quantified by qRT-PCR, ELISA and immunofluorescence. <b>Results</b>: DTVE was not cytotoxic and preserved HDF viability under UVB exposure. UVB significantly increased pro-inflammatory cytokines, profibrotic markers, αSMA, mitochondrial ROS and <i>p21</i>. DTVE reduced all these UVB-induced alterations, with the pre-ir regimen providing the strongest protection. The extract attenuated early inflammatory activation, limited fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition and decreased mitochondrial oxidative stress while reducing <i>p21</i> upregulation. <b>Conclusions</b>: DTVE exerts protective antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic effects in UVB-exposed fibroblasts, particularly when used as pretreatment. These findings support DTVE as a promising candidate to mitigate UVB-induced dermal damage and warrant further investigation for potential therapeutic and cosmetic applications.