Myrtus communis Leaf Extract Modulates IL-1α and VEGF Gene Expressions in HaCaT Cells: Probable Implications for Its Beneficial Effects in Hair Loss and Wound Healing

Erkin Pekmezci,1,* Murat Türkoğlu2,* 1Department of Dermatology, International Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul Medipol University, İstanbul, Turkey; 2Biota Laboratories, R&D Department, İstanbul, 34785, Turkey*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Erkin Pekmezci, Department of Dermatology, International Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul Medipol University, Medipol Sefaköy Hastanesi, Maslakçeşme Cd. No: 30, Küçükçekmece, İstanbul, 34295, Turkey, Tel +90 (542) 232 2059, Email [email protected] and Objective: Myrtus communis L. (M. communis) is an aromatic evergreen perennial plant, which is native to Mediterranean region and West Asia, has been used in numerous diseases including some disorders of skin in traditional medicine. This study investigates the modulatory effects of M. communis leaf extract on IL-1α and VEGF gene expressions in human keratinocytes (HaCaT cells), considering the beneficial outcomes of this plant in hair loss and wound healing.Methods: After preparing the M. communis leaf extract, implementing the phytochemical analysis and determining the non-cytotoxic concentration, we incubated HaCaT cells with the extract. RNA isolations were made from both incubated and unincubated cell groups. Gene expressions were performed by real time RT-qPCR analysis.Results: In phytochemical analysis, M. communis leaf extract was found to contain 1255 ppm total phenolic substance. Results of gene expression analyses were defined as Target/Control Fold Change, and the extract yielded statistically significant downregulation of IL-1α (p = 0.0014) and upregulation of VEGF (p = 0.0021) in the incubated HaCaT cells, compared to unincubated control cells.Conclusion: These preliminary results, which show M. communis leaf extract can modulate the gene expressions of IL-1α and VEGF, may partially be related with the healing effects of this plant for both non-cicatricial hair loss and chronic cutaneous wounds, reported in traditional medicine. Further, in-vitro and in-vivo experiments are needed to understand the mechanisms of the healing effects of M. communis.Keywords: Myrtus communis, IL-1α, VEGF, hair loss, wound healing