Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 23, 2025
Studying Chronic Exposure of Mice to Ultraviolet B Radiation
Published on: August 19, 2025
Effects of Methylsulfonylmethane on UVB-induced Skin Damage: An Experimental Study in a Mouse Model
Seung Gyun Chu1, Yong June Chang1, Jeong Yeop Ryu1
1Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea.
Background/Aim:
The skin protects the body from ultraviolet rays and other external factors. Various studies have been conducted to identify methods to prevent skin aging and damage. To investigate the protective effects of methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), in this study, a hairless mouse model was used.
Patients And Methods:
Mice divided into Groups B, C, and D were subjected to UVB irradiation for six weeks, and Group A was considered the control. Retinoic acid is a substance that has been proven to have anti-aging properties. Group C was injected with MSM, group D was injected with retinoic acid, and groups A and B were injected with saline. At the end of the experiment, the degree of senescence was confirmed through visual evaluation, histopathological analysis, immunohistochemistry, and elasticity measurement using SEM.
Results:
After the end of the experiment, the wrinkle score was 0.4, 2.5, 1.8, 1.5 for Groups A, B, C, and D, respectively. Epidermal thickness was 40 μm, 70 μm, 60 μm, 55 μm in Groups A, B, C, and D, respectively. Group C showed less collagen confirmation loss and more angiogenesis and elastin precursor production. Elastic fiber linearity was 0.901±0.02, 0.551±0.04, 0.751±0.04, 0.822±0.03 for Groups A, B, C, and D, respectively.
Conclusion:
Injection of MSM in mice subjected to UVB-induced skin damage reduces the wrinkle score and protects against photoaging.
Insights
Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) injection in UVB-exposed mice reduced wrinkles and protected against skin aging. MSM demonstrated protective effects against photoaging, comparable to retinoic acid.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Biochemistry
- Skin aging research
Background:
- The skin's protective role against environmental stressors like UV radiation is crucial.
- Skin aging and damage necessitate the development of effective preventative strategies.
- Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is investigated for its potential skin protective properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the protective effects of methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) against UVB-induced skin damage.
- To compare the efficacy of MSM with retinoic acid in preventing skin aging.
- To utilize a hairless mouse model for assessing photoaging parameters.
Main Methods:
- A hairless mouse model was used, with groups subjected to UVB irradiation.
- Mice received injections of methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), retinoic acid, or saline.
- Skin senescence was assessed via visual evaluation, histopathology, immunohistochemistry, and SEM elasticity measurements.
Main Results:
- MSM treatment (Group C) resulted in a lower wrinkle score (1.8) compared to UVB-only (Group B, 2.5).
- MSM-treated mice showed reduced epidermal thickness (60 μm) and better elastic fiber linearity (0.751) than UVB-exposed controls.
- MSM promoted collagen preservation, angiogenesis, and elastin precursor production, indicating anti-aging effects.
Conclusions:
- Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) effectively reduces wrinkle scores in UVB-induced skin damage.
- MSM demonstrates significant protective effects against photoaging in mice.
- MSM shows potential as a therapeutic agent for preventing skin aging.
