The Effects of 3-Hydroxy of Kaempferol on Interfollicular Epidermal Stem Cell Fate

The study investigated the impact of kaempferol, a flavonoid, on interfollicular epidermal stem cells in three-dimensional skin models. The results indicated that kaempferol increased the thickness of the epidermis and caused basal cells to appear more columnar. Immunohistological analysis showed enhanced expression of integrin α6 and β1, as well as an increase in p63 and PCNA positive cells, suggesting increased proliferative potential of basal epidermal cells. RT-PCR analysis confirmed the upregulation of integrin α6 and β1 expression. These effects were attributed to the 3-OH group of kaempferol, which is important for its antioxidant activities. In contrast, apigenin, a similar flavonoid lacking the 3-OH group, exhibited negative effects on the skin models. The study concluded that kaempferol can influence the fate of interfollicular epidermal stem cells by increasing the expression of integrin α6 and β1, which may be related to the 3-OH group of the compound.