Abstract
Oxidative stress-induced cellular senescence and mitochondrial dysfunction result in skin aging by increasing ECM levels-degrading proteins such as MMPs, and decreasing collagen synthesis. MMPs also destroy the basement membrane, which is involved in skin elasticity. The extracellular matrix vitalizer RATM (RA) contains various antioxidants and sodium hyaluronate, which lead to skin rejuvenation. We evaluated whether RA decreases oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction, eventually increasing skin elasticity in aged animals. Oxidative stress was assessed by assaying NADPH oxidase activity, which is involved in ROS generation, and the expression of SOD, which removes ROS. NADPH oxidase activity was increased in aged skin and decreased by RA injection. SOD expression was decreased in aged skin and increased by RA injection. Damage to mitochondrial DNA and mitochondrial fusion markers was increased in aged skin and decreased by RA. The levels of mitochondrial biogenesis markers and fission markers were decreased in aged skin and increased by RA. The levels of NF-κB/AP-1 and MMP1/2/3/9 were increased in aged skin and decreased by RA. The levels of TGF-β, CTGF, and collagen I/III were decreased in aged skin and increased by RA. The expression of laminin and nidogen and basement membrane density were decreased in aged skin and increased by RA. RA increased collagen fiber accumulation and elasticity in aged skin. In conclusion, RA improves skin rejuvenation by decreasing oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction in aged skin.