A Ganoderma lucidum Extract Improves Mitochondrial Function in Aging Skin and Promotes Wound Healing

Li Tao,1,2,* Meiling Tai,3,* Zhuang Zhou,3 Zhenwen Chen,1 Rongjinlei Zhang,1 Yuanlong Ge,1 Zhenyu Ju1 1Key Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Aging and Regenerative Medicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Pathology, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People’s Republic of China; 3R&D Center, Infinitus (China) Company Ltd, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People’s Republic of China*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Zhenyu Ju, Email zhenyuju2016@jnu.edu.cn Yuanlong Ge, Email geyuanlong@jnu.edu.cnPurpose: This study investigates whether Ganoderma lucidum extract (GLE) can enhance mitochondrial function to promote wound healing in aging skin.Methods: Natural senescent human foreskin fibroblasts (BJ) were treated with varying concentrations of GLE, and safe concentrations were determined using the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. The levels of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were measured. Animal experiments were conducted to validate GLE’s effects on wound healing by assessing adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and ROS levels in skin tissues.Results: GLE exhibited no cytotoxicity within a concentration range of 0– 100 μg/mL. Simultaneously treating senescent BJ cells with 50 μg/mL or 100 μg/mL of GLE can significantly enhance cell viability. Treatment with 100 μg/mL GLE significantly increased MMP levels while reducing mitochondrial ROS levels. Hydrogel containing 2% GLE applied to injured skin promoted wound healing, increased the ATP level of the wound tissue, and decreased ROS levels in skin tissues.Conclusion: These findings suggest that GLE can improve mitochondrial function in aging skin and promote wound healing.Keywords: aging skin, Ganoderma lucidum extract, mitochondrial function, wound healing