Abstract
Problem
To compare topical effects of 5 anti-aging agents on epidermal histology in the non-irradiated hairless mouse.
Methods
Female retired breeders (SKH-1 hairless mouse) were treated topically on the dorsal skin with 5 commercially available agents as a daily treatment for 2 weeks. The agents used were retinoic acid, glycolic acid, estrogen, soy, and vitamin C. Skin sections were analyzed in the light microscope to acquire morphometric data of keratinocyte proliferation (Index of Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen), epidermal thickness, and nuclear volume of cells from three epidermal layers. Quantitative data were analyzed with SPSS 14.0 statistical software to detect significant difference between the means of control and 5 experimental groups.
Results
Epidermal stimulation was observed with all cosmeceuticals but most pronounced effects resulted from the application of glycolic acid, and estrogen, and retinoic acid to a somewhat lesser degree. Soy and vitamin C produced significant cellular changes of lesser magnitude.
Conclusion
Reported studies of many of these agents were conducted in the irradiated mice, and their effects on the intact animal skin have been rarely documented. These data will be useful for our contemplated studies of photo aging in the same species. Agents like retinoic acid derivatives, or glycolic acid are popular rejuvenating compounds, but have been reported to produce annoying side effects. Milder compounds like Vitamin C or soy may cause reversal of detrimental aging changes without cutaneous side effects.
Significance
This study may be helpful to pinpoint therapeutic advantages of popular anti-wrinkle compounds, and devise clinical strategies to combat photo aging.
Support
This research has been supported by the 2007 Leslie Bernstein Grant from the AAFPRS Foundation.
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