The effect of the lipophilic fraction of pequi on extracellular matrix remodeling in skin lesions in mice

Introduction: The tissue repair process is regulated by various molecular and cellular elements that must be in balance to result in healthy tissue. Pequi oil (Caryocar brasiliense) possesses therapeutic properties that may contribute to this context. Thus, this study evaluated the action of this oil on skin lesions. Methods: Balb/c mice with induced skin lesions were divided into groups (n=5) receiving daily topical applications of saline solution (the Control group) or the lipophilic fraction of pequi (the Treated group). After 3, 7, and 14 days, the animals from each group were sacrificed, and fragments of their injured skin were analyzed using polarization microscopy to evaluate collagen; using Western blot to evaluate matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2); and using a multiplex assay to evaluate tumor growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1). CEUA - UFMT 23108.080623/2023-50. Results: In the Treated group, a lower amount of type I collagen was observed on days 3 (p ≤ 0.05) and 14 (p ≤ 0.001) and of type III collagen on day 14 (p ≤ 0.001) compared to these levels in the Control group. Additionally, the Treated group exhibited slightly higher MMP2 expression (not significant) and lower TGF-β1 levels (p ≤ 0.05) on day 3 compared to the Control, indicating reduced fibrogenic stimulation. Conclusion: These results demonstrate that treatment with pequi oil promotes lower deposition of type I and III collagen in the late stages of skin regeneration, primarily by inhibiting TGF-β1 production in the early stage, suggesting the reduced activation of pathways that could lead to excessive fibrosis. Meanwhile, the stable levels of MMP2 reflect the necessary balance for tissue remodeling. These findings reveal that pequi oil regulates key factors in tissue remodeling, promoting less fibrosis and preserving extracellular matrix balance, highlighting its therapeutic potential for wound management (Financial Support: FAPEMAT 000547-2023).