Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 9, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Toxicology, Pavia Poison Centre-National Toxicology Information Centre, Toxicology Unit, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri, IRCCS Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
Int J Mol Sci. 2023 Feb 14;24(4):3782. doi: 10.3390/ijms24043782.
In the present study, the potential functional properties of the extracts from the edible part of L. var. Peperone di Voghera (VP) were studied. The phytochemical analysis revealed a high amount of ascorbic acid, paralleled by a low carotenoid content. Normal human diploid fibroblasts (NHDF) were chosen as the in vitro model models to investigate the effects of the VP extract on oxidative stress and aging pathways. The extract of Carmagnola pepper (CP), another important Italian variety, was used as the reference vegetable. The cytotoxicity evaluation was performed firstly, using a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazolyl-2)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, while the VP potential antioxidant and antiaging activity was investigated by immunofluorescence staining focusing on specifically selected proteins. The MTT data revealed the highest cell viability at a concentration of up to 1 mg/mL. The immunocytochemical analyses highlighted an increased expression of transcription factors and enzymes involved in redox homeostasis (Nrf2, SOD2, catalase), improved mitochondrial functionality, and the up-regulation of the longevity gene SIRT1. The present results supported the functional role of the VP pepper ecotype, suggesting a feasible use of its derived products as valuable food supplements.
在本研究中，研究了 L. var. Peperone di Voghera（VP）可食用部分提取物的潜在功能特性。植物化学分析显示抗坏血酸含量很高，同时类胡萝卜素含量较低。选择正常人二倍体成纤维细胞（NHDF）作为体外模型，研究 VP 提取物对氧化应激和衰老途径的影响。另一种意大利重要品种 Carmagnola 辣椒（CP）的提取物被用作参考蔬菜。首先通过 3-(4,5-二甲基噻唑基-2)-2,5-二苯基四氮唑溴盐（MTT）测定法进行细胞毒性评估，同时通过免疫荧光染色研究 VP 的潜在抗氧化和抗衰老活性，重点关注特定选择的蛋白质。MTT 数据显示，在高达 1 mg/mL 的浓度下，细胞活力最高。免疫细胞化学分析突出显示，参与氧化还原稳态的转录因子和酶（Nrf2、SOD2、过氧化氢酶）的表达增加，线粒体功能得到改善，长寿基因 SIRT1 的表达上调。目前的结果支持 VP 辣椒生态型的功能作用，表明其衍生产品可作为有价值的食品补充剂的合理使用。
