ABSTRACT
Objective To detect the expression of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) in the sun exposure and non-exposure skin,to observe the elastic protein in the same location,and to explore the relationship between non-enzymatic glycation reactions and,photo-aging skin morphological changes.Methods In the exposure and non-exposure specimens from 30 patients,elastic fibers were stained with Gomori staining,and immunohistochemistry for AGEs was performed.Results AGEs expressed clearly positive in all elastic fibers of degeneration markedly (+ + above) of exposure skin,and appeared line-like in markedly(+ + above)elastic fibers.While in all non-exposure skin,AGEs expressed negative.In the exposure skin with middle or old age,compared with non-exposure skin,AGEs expressed more and elastic fibers were hyperplasia with thickening,curling and irregular distribution.The skin parts of AGEs expressed accorded with where elastic fibers degenerated.Conclusions Ultraviolet radiation can induce denaturation of elastic fibers and non-enzymatic glycation may contribute to the mechanism of skin photo-aging.