Retinol Stimulates Growth Factor Production and Extracellular Matrix-Related Marker Levels in Human Dermal Fibroblasts

Retinol, a vitamin A derivative belonging to the retinoid family, is widely recognized for its anti-aging and wound-healing properties. In this study, we investigated the effects of retinol on the production of growth factors and major extracellular matrix (ECM) components in human dermal fibroblasts. Cells were treated with 0.05 and 0.5 μM retinol, and the levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2), transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), hyaluronan synthase-2 (HAS-2), collagen type-I (COL-I), and collagen type-III (COL-III) were quantified using ELISA. Retinol treatment significantly increased the levels of VEGF, FGF-2 and TGF-β at both concentrations tested. Similarly, the levels of the ECM-related markers HAS-2, COL-I and COL-III were elevated following retinol exposure at both concentrations. Collectively, these findings indicate that retinol induces a coordinated pro-regenerative response in human dermal fibroblasts, characterized by enhanced extracellular matrix production, angiogenic signaling, hyaluronic acid synthesis, and tissue remodeling. These results further support the role of retinol as an antiaging and wound healing agent that promotes skin regeneration and maintenance.