Targeted Overexpression of the Angiogenesis Inhibitor Thrombospondin-1 in the Epidermis of Transgenic Mice Prevents Ultraviolet-B-Induced Angiogenesis and Cutaneous Photo-Damage

The study investigated the effects of overexpressing the angiogenesis inhibitor thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) in transgenic mice on UVB-induced skin damage. Chronic UVB exposure increased skin vascularization and VEGF expression, leading to skin damage and wrinkle formation in wild-type mice. However, TSP-1 transgenic mice showed reduced skin vascularization, decreased endothelial cell proliferation, increased apoptosis, and significantly less photo-damage and wrinkle formation. This suggested that inhibiting angiogenesis could be a potential strategy for preventing chronic UVB-induced skin damage. The study involved 7 mice per group.