Figure 4.

Investigation of wrinkle-related gene expressions in UVB-irradiated mice. HRM-2 mice were exposed to UVB for wrinkle formation for 5 weeks along with the positive control and the KGO ointment treatments. Five weeks later, skin tissues were isolated, and MMP-2, MMP-9, and IL-1β gene expression was analysed. (A) MMP-2 production was significantly suppressed by 1% KGO ointment, as determined by ELISA. (B) The mRNA expression of MMP-2 was significantly decreased by both KGO ointment groups, as determined by qRT-PCR. (C) MMP-9 and (D) IL-1β mRNA expression was significantly decreased by 1% KGO ointment, as determined by qRT-PCR. Values in the bar graphs are ± SEM from three-independent experiments ** p < 0.05, and * p < 0.01 when compared with the UVB control. The normal mice are abbreviated as HRM-2 N; the UVB control is abbreviated as UVB-C; sunblock is abbreviated as SB.