Two-Photon Microscopy for the Investigation of Morphological and Quantitative Changes in Skin Chrono- and Photo-Aging
Introduction: Skin aging is influenced both by intrinsic factors and environmental exposures, such as UV radiation, which accelerate structural changes within the skin’s extracellular matrix (ECM). Understanding these changes is crucial for developing effective anti-aging treatments. Materials and M...
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2025-05-01
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| author | Stefano Bighetti Chiara Rovati Luca Bettolini Mariachiara Arisi Mariateresa Rossi Cosetta Ravelli Sara Rovaris Marina Venturini Stefania Mitola Piergiacomo Calzavara-Pinton |
| author_facet | Stefano Bighetti Chiara Rovati Luca Bettolini Mariachiara Arisi Mariateresa Rossi Cosetta Ravelli Sara Rovaris Marina Venturini Stefania Mitola Piergiacomo Calzavara-Pinton |
| author_sort | Stefano Bighetti |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Introduction: Skin aging is influenced both by intrinsic factors and environmental exposures, such as UV radiation, which accelerate structural changes within the skin’s extracellular matrix (ECM). Understanding these changes is crucial for developing effective anti-aging treatments. Materials and Methods: This pilot cross-sectional study examined skin biopsy samples from three Caucasian male subjects with different levels of UV exposure, aiming to evaluate the effectiveness of two-photon microscopy (2PM) and Second Harmonic Generation (SHG) in visualizing and quantifying structural changes associated with skin aging. The samples were analyzed using 2PM to assess the structure and density of collagen and elastin fibers within the ECM. Integrated optical density (IOD) and the SHG-to-Autofluorescence Aging Index of the Dermis (SAAID) were used for quantitative analysis. Results: This study revealed a significant decrease in collagen density and increased disorganization in the ECM with age. Photo-exposed skin showed a more pronounced degradation of collagen and a higher increase in elastin content compared to non-photo-exposed skin. The average IOD for collagen was notably lower in elderly subjects compared to younger subjects, with a marked decrease in chronically photo-exposed skin. Discussion: The SAAID values indicated a substantial impact of photoaging, with lower scores in photo-exposed elderly skin compared to non-exposed skin. Conclusions: In conclusion, 2PM and SHG microscopy were effective in visualizing and quantifying age- and UV-induced skin remodeling, providing valuable insights into the distinct mechanisms driving intrinsic and extrinsic aging. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-b68e3af278ef4287bd9d2cb3d5c03799 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2079-9284 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-05-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
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| series | Cosmetics |
| spelling | doaj-art-b68e3af278ef4287bd9d2cb3d5c037992025-08-20T03:26:52ZengMDPI AGCosmetics2079-92842025-05-0112311110.3390/cosmetics12030111Two-Photon Microscopy for the Investigation of Morphological and Quantitative Changes in Skin Chrono- and Photo-AgingStefano Bighetti0Chiara Rovati1Luca Bettolini2Mariachiara Arisi3Mariateresa Rossi4Cosetta Ravelli5Sara Rovaris6Marina Venturini7Stefania Mitola8Piergiacomo Calzavara-Pinton9Dermatology Department, University of Brescia, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, 25123 Brescia, ItalyDermatology Department, University of Brescia, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, 25123 Brescia, ItalyDermatology Department, University of Brescia, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, 25123 Brescia, ItalyDermatology Department, University of Brescia, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, 25123 Brescia, ItalyDermatology Department, University of Brescia, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, 25123 Brescia, ItalyDepartment of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, ItalyDermatology Department, University of Brescia, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, 25123 Brescia, ItalyDermatology Department, University of Brescia, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, 25123 Brescia, ItalyDepartment of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, ItalyDermatology Department, University of Brescia, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, 25123 Brescia, ItalyIntroduction: Skin aging is influenced both by intrinsic factors and environmental exposures, such as UV radiation, which accelerate structural changes within the skin’s extracellular matrix (ECM). Understanding these changes is crucial for developing effective anti-aging treatments. Materials and Methods: This pilot cross-sectional study examined skin biopsy samples from three Caucasian male subjects with different levels of UV exposure, aiming to evaluate the effectiveness of two-photon microscopy (2PM) and Second Harmonic Generation (SHG) in visualizing and quantifying structural changes associated with skin aging. The samples were analyzed using 2PM to assess the structure and density of collagen and elastin fibers within the ECM. Integrated optical density (IOD) and the SHG-to-Autofluorescence Aging Index of the Dermis (SAAID) were used for quantitative analysis. Results: This study revealed a significant decrease in collagen density and increased disorganization in the ECM with age. Photo-exposed skin showed a more pronounced degradation of collagen and a higher increase in elastin content compared to non-photo-exposed skin. The average IOD for collagen was notably lower in elderly subjects compared to younger subjects, with a marked decrease in chronically photo-exposed skin. Discussion: The SAAID values indicated a substantial impact of photoaging, with lower scores in photo-exposed elderly skin compared to non-exposed skin. Conclusions: In conclusion, 2PM and SHG microscopy were effective in visualizing and quantifying age- and UV-induced skin remodeling, providing valuable insights into the distinct mechanisms driving intrinsic and extrinsic aging.https://www.mdpi.com/2079-9284/12/3/111two-photon microscopyphotoagingextracellular matrixcollagen degradationaging skin |
| spellingShingle | Stefano Bighetti Chiara Rovati Luca Bettolini Mariachiara Arisi Mariateresa Rossi Cosetta Ravelli Sara Rovaris Marina Venturini Stefania Mitola Piergiacomo Calzavara-Pinton Two-Photon Microscopy for the Investigation of Morphological and Quantitative Changes in Skin Chrono- and Photo-Aging Cosmetics two-photon microscopy photoaging extracellular matrix collagen degradation aging skin |
| title | Two-Photon Microscopy for the Investigation of Morphological and Quantitative Changes in Skin Chrono- and Photo-Aging |
| title_full | Two-Photon Microscopy for the Investigation of Morphological and Quantitative Changes in Skin Chrono- and Photo-Aging |
| title_fullStr | Two-Photon Microscopy for the Investigation of Morphological and Quantitative Changes in Skin Chrono- and Photo-Aging |
| title_full_unstemmed | Two-Photon Microscopy for the Investigation of Morphological and Quantitative Changes in Skin Chrono- and Photo-Aging |
| title_short | Two-Photon Microscopy for the Investigation of Morphological and Quantitative Changes in Skin Chrono- and Photo-Aging |
| title_sort | two photon microscopy for the investigation of morphological and quantitative changes in skin chrono and photo aging |
| topic | two-photon microscopy photoaging extracellular matrix collagen degradation aging skin |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2079-9284/12/3/111 |
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