title: Topical estradiol does not interfere with the expression of the metalloproteinase-1 enzyme in photo exposed skin cells.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In postmenopausal women there is a rapid destruction of dermal collagen, resulting in accelerated skin ageing, which is manifested by cutaneous atrophy, increased number and depth of wrinkles and sagging. This accelerated catabolism of the collagen is due to estrogen deficiency and increased synthesis of the metalloproteinase-1 enzyme, which degrades the dermal collagen.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To assess whether the use of topical estradiol 0.05% cream on photo exposed skin can inhibit the expression of the metalloproteinase-1 enzyme on the dermis and subsequently the rapid loss of collagen in women after menopause.
  
  
  METHODS
  We included 40 postmenopausal women without hormone replacement therapy. Information about lifestyle, lipid profile, blood glucose level, thyroid hormones, mammography, Pap smear and transvaginal ultrasound were obtained to rule out associated diseases. Skin biopsy of the right preauricular region was performed before and after treatment with topical estradiol 0.05% for 30 days. The biopsy specimens were subjected to immunohistochemistry to identify the expression of the metalloproteinase-1 enzyme.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was no statistically significant difference on the expression of the metalloproteinase-1 enzyme in keratinocytes, fibroblasts and endothelial cells before and after treatment with topical estradiol for 30 days.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Treatment with estradiol 0.05% cream, in photo exposed skin for 30 days, does not inhibit the production of metalloproteinase-1.
authors.affiliation: Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, Cuiabá, MT, Brasil.
authors.forename: Luciana
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Neder
authors.forename: Sebastião Freitas de
authors.initials: SF
authors.lastname: Medeiros
mesh_terms: D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003094:Collagen / Q000737:chemistry; D004958:Estradiol / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D015914:Estrogen Replacement Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D061965:Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors; D008875:Middle Aged; D017698:Postmenopause; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology; D015595:Skin Aging / Q000187:drug effects*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D061965:Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors; D004958:Estradiol; D003094:Collagen