Protective effects of <i>Vaccinium meridionale</i> extract against ROS-induced skin cell damage: An <i>in vitro</i> and <i>in silico</i> study

Skin cancer represents a major public health concern due to high global incidence and mortality rates. Oxidative stress induced by ultraviolet radiation plays a central role in skin carcinogenesis. Natural compounds with chemopreventive properties, such as those derived from Vaccinium meridionale Swartz, have attracted attention for their antioxidant potential. Consequently, this study evaluated the protective effect of V. meridionale against Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS)-induced skin damage in HaCaT keratinocytes. To this end, cells were treated with a water–ethanol extract (0.25–10.0 mg/mL) for 24 h, followed by hydrogen peroxide exposure. Assays assessing cell viability, ROS levels, DNA damage, and cell cycle progression were performed. Additionally, in silico analyses examined interactions between phenolic compounds and proteins involved in oxidative stress regulation, including antioxidant and pro-oxidant targets. Results showed that the extract reduced both ROS accumulation and DNA damage and that cyanidin-3-glucoside may inhibit the pro-oxidant enzyme nitric oxide synthase-2 (NOS2). These findings demonstrate the antioxidant and genoprotective activity of V. meridionale , supporting its potential role in skin cancer prevention.