Capsaicin modulates TRPV1, induces β-defensin expression, and regulates NF-κB in oral senescent cells and a murine model.
Abstract
Aging is associated with a decline in oral immune function, marked by reduced levels of antimicrobial peptides such as defensins. Capsaicin, a bioactive component found in chili peppers, has been theorized to modulate immune responses through specific receptor pathways. This study examined the effects of aging on oral defensin levels and the potential mitigating role of capsaicin, mediated by the immune response in oral tissues. We conducted a comparative analysis between young and aged mice, with or without capsaicin supplementation, for 3 months. The effect of capsaicin was also studied in vitro in senescence-induced human oral keratinocytes. We found that aging did not reduce defensin levels uniformly but did so in some instances. Capsaicin treatment increased defensin levels in these cases, potentially through transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1 (TRPV1)-mediated pathways in the oral cavity. Capsaicin supplementation may counteract age-related declines in oral defensin levels, enabling the maintenance of oral immune function during aging.
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Research summary
The paper investigates the role of capsaicin in modulating immune responses in oral senescent cells, which is relevant to understanding age-related declines in immune function. However, while it presents interesting findings regarding the potential of capsaicin to enhance defensin levels, the study primarily addresses a specific aspect of oral health rather than tackling broader mechanisms of aging or lifespan extension. Thus, its impact is solid but limited in the context of longevity research.
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