Figure 2.

Application of a mixture of S. epidermidis and CIN induces collagen type I and p-ERK expression in mouse skin. Fermented media from S. epidermidis (S. epi) (ATCC 12228) (10⁷ CFU/mL) were topically applied to mouse skin in the presence and absence of CIN 2%. Mice treated with H₂O or CIN alone were included as a control. Protein expression of (a) collagen type I and β-actin and (b) p-ERK 1/2, ERK 1/2, and β-actin from Western blot analysis in mouse skin treated with H₂O, CIN, S. epi, and S. epi+CIN is shown. Ratios of intensities of collagen type I, p-ERK 1/2, and ERK 1/2 relative to β-actin and p-ERK1/2 relative to ERK 1/2 in all the above mice groups are illustrated. Data are expressed as means ± SD (*** p < 0.005; n = 3).