Effects of Kiperin Elixea, a multicomponent antioxidant supplement, on redox homeostasis and longevity-associated gene expression in human epithelial cell models

INTRODUCTION: Aging is characterized by declining NAD⁺ levels, mitochondrial dysfunction and disruption of redox homeostasis. Multi-component formulations targeting interconnected hallmarks of aging have emerged as potential geroprotective strategies. METHODS: We evaluated the molecular and functional effects of Elixea, an NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide)-based formulation containing NAD⁺ precursors (NMN, NADH), mitochondrial cofactors (CoQ10, PQQ), and antioxidants (resveratrol, glutathione), in human epithelial cell models. hTERT-HME1 and HaCaT cells were treated with 0.1 μg/mL Elixea for 24 h. Cellular viability, regenerative kinetics, total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), and expression of longevity-associated genes were assessed. RESULTS: Elixea maintained normal cell viability and migration dynamics, supporting the preservation of basal epithelial function. In hTERT-HME1 cells, treatment significantly improved redox homeostasis, as evidenced by increased TAS and reduced TOS levels. Gene expression analysis revealed significant upregulation of IL10, FOXO3A, APOE, GPX1, and FOXO1A, indicating activation of pathways associated with antioxidant defense, anti-inflammatory signaling, and metabolic regulation. In HaCaT cells, responses were more selective, including upregulation of APOE, FOXO3A, and RUVBL1. DISCUSSION: Collectively, these findings suggest that Elixea modulates conserved longevity-associated pathways in a cell type-dependent manner, promoting cellular resilience without evidence of cytotoxicity or overt stress-associated responses. This study provides mechanistic evidence supporting the geroprotective potential of multi-component interventions targeting redox and metabolic networks in epithelial systems.