R402 – Profilometry and Skin Histology with Anti-wrinkle Agents

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Problem To investigate whether topical anti-aging compounds can reduce wrinkle depth as seen by replica profilometry with comparable changes in histological parameters in murine skin. Methods Female hairless mice were exposed to topical application of a retinoic acid cream, a peptide lotion, and a soy cream on the dorsal skin areas for 4 weeks. Silicone negative replicas of treated and untreated skin surface were photographed using Optimus V6.5 image processing system (CuDerm Corporation, Texas), and evaluated for traditional surface roughness parameters (Rz, Ra, FSpace, and DL). Skin samples were also processed for histomorphometry, and immunohistochemistry of proliferating cell antigen (PCNA). Quantitative light microscopic data were acquired from tissue sections for estimating DNA replication in epidermal keratinocytes (PCNA index), epidermal thickness, depth of dermal collagen bundles. Results All quantitative data were analyzed for comparing means with one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) using SPSS 14.0 statistical software, and significant changes in all the parameters were noted. Augmented keratinocyte proliferation and thickening of viable epidermis was observed with all three compounds although a greater effect was seen in the retinoic acid and peptide treatment groups. A similar trend was noted in respect of widening of dermal collagen layer. Epidermal surface roughness manifested maximum smoothening effect following treatment with the peptide compound. Conclusion Retinoic acid effects have been reported in literature but reports of comparison with soy and peptide preparation in this laboratory model are lacking. The pronounced effects seen with all the compounds indicate topical agents other than retinoic acid may have beneficial regenerating effects on photo aged skin without irritating effects reported for retinoic acid. Significance These results may be helpful in defining clinical strategies for topical non-invasive improvement of aging facial skin. Support This study was supported by the 2007 Leslie Bernstein Grant from the AAFPRS Foundation.