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Skin aging associated with prolonged sun exposure may be the result of an induction of substances that destroy collagen and might be prevented by pre-treatment with topical tretinoin. Fifty-nine white individuals were exposed to ultraviolet light on their buttocks, and skin biopsies of irradiated and non-irradiated areas were taken. Some of the patients were pre-treated with tretinoin before irradiation. The production of matrix-degrading metalloproteinases, which dissolve collagen, was accelerated by irradiation and sustained with multiple exposures. Tretinoin prevented this stimulation. Theoretically, this destruction of collagen and its imperfect repair could result in wrinkling.

Summary Damage to human skin due to ultraviolet light from the sun (photoaging) and damage occurring as a consequence of the passage of time (chronologic or natural aging) are considered to be distinct entities. Photoaging is caused in part by damage to skin connective tissue by increased elaboration of collagen-degrading matrix metalloproteinases, and by reduced collagen synthesis. As matrix metalloproteinase levels are known to rise in fibroblasts as a function of age, and as oxidant stress is believed to underlie changes associated with both photoaging and natural aging, we determined whether natural skin aging, like photoaging, gives rise to increased matrix metalloproteinases and reduced collagen synthesis. In addition, we determined whether topical vitamin A (retinol) could stimulate new collagen deposition in sun-protected aged skin, as it does in photoaged skin. Sun-protected skin samples were obtained from 72 individuals in four age groups: 18–29 y, 30–59 y, 60–79 y, and 80+ y. Histologic and cellular markers of connective tissue abnormalities were significantly elevated in the 60–79 y and 80+ y groups, compared with the two younger age groups. Increased matrix metalloproteinase levels and decreased collagen synthesis/expression were associated with this connective tissue damage. In a separate group of 53 individuals (80+ y of age), topical application of 1% vitamin A for 7 d increased fibroblast growth and collagen synthesis, and concomitantly reduced the levels of matrix-degrading matrix metalloproteinases. Our findings indicate that naturally aged, sun-protected skin and photoaged skin share important molecular features including connective tissue damage, elevated matrix metalloproteinase levels, and reduced collagen production. In addition, vitamin A treatment reduces matrix metalloproteinase expression and stimulates collagen synthesis in naturally aged, sun-protected skin, as it does in photoaged skin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate quantitatively the effectiveness and feasibility of the modified supracrestal fiberotomy (MSF) and the contact point reproximation (CPR) in decreasing the relapse of anterior segments rotating and/or crowding after orthodontic treatment., Methods: A total of 129 patients with crowding and/or rotated anterior teeth were selected for this study, and the average age was 13.07 years (54 males, 75 females). The modified supracrestal fiberotomy was performed on the anterior segments of patients in the experimental group (48 cases). After the anterior teeth were aligned, 23 of the 48 cases received a further treatment of the contact point reproximation on the anterior segments (the subgroup of MSF + CPR), and the other 25 subjects did not receive this treatment (the subgroup of MSF). The control group consisted of 81 cases. All cases wore Hawley retainers for 1.8 to 2.3 years, and all the patients were revisited 2.4 years postretention. The maxillary and mandibular dental models of all the patients were taken before treatment (T1), at the end of the treatment (T2) and 2.4 years postretention (T3)., Results: The relapse rate in the experimental group [(T3-T2)/T1 x 100%] was 21.6%, lower than that in the control group (P < 0.001). The relapse rate of mandible in the subgroup of MSF + CPR was 6.56% lower than that of the subgroup of MSF (P < 0.05). But the relapse rate of maxillary in the subgroups of MSF + CPR was similar as that of the subgroup of MSF (P > 0.05)., Conclusion: The modified supracrestal fiberotomy can effectively alleviate relapse after orthodontic treatment of the crowding and/or rotation of anterior teeth. The treatment combining MSF and CPR can help maintain the stability of post-retention of mandibular anterior teeth.