Gene expression changes of collagen І and ІІІ in human skin fibroblast cells in effect of microalga Chlorella vulgaris extract and compared to vitamin C

Skin aging is a biological process that is due to the reduction of collagen production and increase of multiple enzymes, including matrix metalloproteinase (MMPS), which degrade collagen. Chlorella vulgaris is a marine microalga and its beneficial effects on the skin make it a proper ingredient to be used in anti-aging products. In this study, the effect of C. vulgaris extract comparing to vitamin C on types І and ІІІ collagen production in the human cell line Hu02 was investigated at the Iranian Biological Resource Center in September 2018. Chlorella was extracted using ultrasonication plus enzymatic hydrolysis, and Chlorella extract at different concentration was investigated for its effect on gene expression of collagen І and ІІІ in Hu02 cells. First, it was investigated whether alga extract induced cytotoxicity in Hu02 cells. MTT assay showed that extract was non-toxic to Hu02 cells. Using quantitative PCR, it was confirmed that extract increased the gene expression of types І and ІІІ collagen, comparing to the control group. Chlorella extract and vitamin C with a similar viability (97%) was used to investigate the effect of extract on gene expression of types І and ІІІ collagen, compared to vitamin C. Extract and vitamin C increased gene expression of type І collagen 3.14-fold and 1.42-fold, respectively. Alga extract had more effect on gene expression of type І collagen, compared to the vitamin C and vitamin C had more effect on gene expression of type ІІІ collagen, compared to the alga extract and increased its expression 2.12-fold, whereas this amount for the extract was 1.14 fold. These findings indicated that C. vulgaris extract and vitamin C induces collagen synthesis in Hu02 cells and could be proper alternative ingredients to the harmful chemicals used to make skin collagen.