Abstract
BackgroundLoss and remodelling of the dermal extracellular matrix (ECM) are key features of photodamaged human skin. Green tea catechins (GTCs) have been explored for their anti‐inflammatory and chemopreventive properties, but data on the impact of GTCs on ultraviolet radiation (UVR)‐induced changes to the dermal ECM are lacking.AimTo investigate the effect of an inflammatory dose of solar‐simulated UVR on human dermal ECM and potential for protection by GTCs in a double‐blind randomized controlled trial.MethodsIn total, 50 healthy white (Fitzpatrick skin type I–II) adults aged 18–65 years were randomized to a combination of GTCs 540 mg plus vitamin C 50 mg or to placebo twice daily for 12 weeks. The impact of solar‐simulated UVR at 3 × minimal erythema dose on the dermal collagen and elastic fibre networks was assessed by histology and immunohistochemistry in all participants at baseline. The impact of GTC supplementation on UVR‐induced effects was compared between the groups post‐supplementation.ResultsThe area of papillary dermis covered by collagen and elastic fibres was significantly lower (P < 0.001) in UVR‐exposed skin than in unexposed skin. Significantly lower levels of fibrillin‐rich microfibrils (P = 0.02), fibulin‐2 (P < 0.001) and fibulin‐5 (P < 0.001) were seen in UVR‐exposed than unexposed skin, while procollagen‐1 deposition was significantly higher in UVR‐exposed skin (P = 0.01). Following GTC supplementation, the UVR‐induced change in fibulin‐5 was abrogated in the active group but not the placebo group, with no difference between the two groups for other components.ConclusionsAcute UVR induced significant changes in the human dermal collagen and elastic fibre networks, whereas oral GTCs conferred specific UVR protection to fibulin‐5. Future studies could explore the impact of GTCs on the effects of repeated suberythemal UVR exposure of human skin.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
