The Impact of Aging on Skin Biomechanics, Involving Cross-Links and Proteoglycans

In conclusion, our simultaneous observations of the mechanical behavior at macroscopic scale and of the microstructure of dermis are well explained in the framework of our multiscale interpretation of skin mechanics, which seems applicable to both aged and young murine skin. The two main microstructural changes affecting the mechanical properties appear to be the age-induced cross-linking and the degradation of the proteoglycan non-fibrillar matrix, which let the water flow out more easily. All these considerations emphasize the complex role of the microstructure in the mechanical properties. Our findings open the door to future research on human skin to verify whether the above findings obtained in murine skin fully apply to human skin. Link: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-017-13150-4
Source: Fight Aging! - Category: Research Authors: Tags: Daily News Source Type: blogs