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Comprehensive histological investigation of age‐related changes in dermal extracellular matrix and muscle fibers in the upper lip vermilion
Author(s) -
Gomi T.,
Imamura T.
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
international journal of cosmetic science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.532
H-Index - 62
eISSN - 1468-2494
pISSN - 0142-5463
DOI - 10.1111/ics.12622
Subject(s) - vermilion , anatomy , dermis , pathology , connective tissue , biology , medicine , chemistry , organic chemistry
Objective Few histological studies have directly examined age‐related changes within the lips, although non‐invasive investigations of such changes are increasing. Therefore, this study aimed to provide histological and molecular data on age‐dependent alterations in the vermilion. Methods Upper vermilion specimens from 15 female Caucasian cadavers (age range, 27–78 years) were investigated histologically or immunohistochemically. Results Histologically, age‐dependent decreases in areas occupied by hyaluronan and collagenous fibres in the dermis of upper vermilion were demonstrated. Elastic fibre content varied widely between individuals. The area occupied by muscle fibres in the orbicularis oris muscle region within the vermilion also correlated negatively with age. Immunohistochemically, signals of four proteins were attenuated in vermilion from older individuals compared with young individuals: procollagen type I, hyaluronan synthase (HAS)1, myosin heavy chain (MYH)2 (a component of fast‐twitch oxidative muscle fibres) and MYH7 (a component of slow‐twitch muscle fibres). In contrast, signals of cell migration inducing hyaluronidase 1 (CEMIP) were intensified in vermilion from older individuals. No marked differences between young and older individuals were seen in procollagen type III, HAS2, HAS3, hyaluronidase (HYAL)1, HYAL2, MYH1 or MYH4. Conclusion Age‐dependent decreases of hyaluronan in the dermis of vermilion were prominent, possibly due to both the decrease in synthesis (HAS1) and the increase in degradation (CEMIP). Furthermore, age‐dependent decreases in collagenous fibres and two types of muscle fibre in the vermilion were also identified histologically. Type I collagen, MYH2 and MYH7 appear to represent the molecules responsible for these respective decrements.