From gut-derived metabolites to topical targets: 5-(3’,4’-dihydroxyphenyl)-γ-valerolactone as an anti-inflammatory candidate for skin and mucosal inflammation - 20/09/26
, Rafał M. Kiełkiewicz a, b, 2
, Maja Kirzyc b, 3
, Mikołaj Janowski b, 4
, Julianna Kołodziejska b, 5
, Sylwia Michorowska e, 6
, Maciej Dawidowski c, 7
, Joanna Kolmas d, 8
, Joanna Giebułtowicz e, 9
, Sebastian Granica a, ⁎, 10
, Jakub P. Piwowarski b, 11 
Abstract |
Plant-derived compounds can be transformed by the human gut microbiota into postbiotic metabolites with distinct structures and biological activities, providing insight into the mechanisms underlying the pharmacological effects of medicinal plants. Among them, 5-(3′,4′-dihydroxyphenyl)-γ-valerolactone (DHPV), a microbial metabolite of procyanidins, has emerged as a promising bioactive molecule with therapeutic potential. This study evaluated the potential application of synthetically produced DHPV in inflammatory conditions, focusing on its effects on inflammatory responses and wound-healing processes in skin and mucosal cell models, including keratinocytes, dermal fibroblasts, and vaginal epithelial cells. Cell viability after DHPV treatment was assessed using the MTT assay. Anti-inflammatory activity was examined in TNF-α/IFN-γ-stimulated HaCaT keratinocytes, LTA-stimulated NHDF fibroblasts, and TNF-α-stimulated VK2 vaginal epithelial cells. The effect on wound healing was evaluated using a keratinocyte scratch assay, while LC–MS-based metabolomic profiling was performed in TNF-α/IFN-γ-stimulated HaCaT cells. DHPV significantly reduced the release of pro-inflammatory mediators in all tested models, including IL-6, IL-8, CCL2, CCL22, and CCL5 in HaCaT keratinocytes; CCL2, IL-6, and IL-8 in NHDF fibroblasts; and IL-8 in VK2 cells. DHPV showed a favorable safety profile at the tested concentrations and markedly enhanced keratinocyte migration, indicating pro-regenerative activity. Metabolomic analysis revealed effects on tyrosine, histidine, and tryptophan metabolism, pathways related to cell proliferation, migration, and antioxidant defense. Overall, DHPV demonstrated anti-inflammatory and pro-healing properties, supporting its potential as a bioactive compound for inflammatory skin and mucosal conditions.
Le texte complet de cet article est disponible en PDF.Graphical Abstract |
Highlights |
• | DHPV inhibits cytokine release in skin and mucosal cell models. |
• | DHPV strongly suppresses LTA-induced fibroblast inflammation. |
• | Low DHPV concentrations promote keratinocyte wound closure. |
• | DHPV modulates tyrosine, histidine and tryptophan metabolism. |
• | DHPV shows selective immunomodulatory and pro-healing activity. |
Keywords : Phenyl-γ-valerolactone, Procyanidins, Anti-inflammatory activity, Wound healing, Postbiotic metabolites, Gut-skin axis
Plan
Vol 203
Article 119845- octobre 2026 Retour au numéroBienvenue sur EM-consulte, la référence des professionnels de santé.
L’accès au texte intégral de cet article nécessite un abonnement.
Déjà abonné à cette revue ?
