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 demonstrated that overexpressing the angiogenesis inhibitor thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) in the epidermis of transgenic mice effectively prevented UVB-induced skin damage, including reduced vascularization, decreased endothelial cell proliferation, increased endothelial cell apoptosis, and less wrinkle formation compared to wild-type mice. The findings suggested that inhibiting angiogenesis could be a potential strategy to prevent chronic UVB-induced skin damage, highlighting the role of angiogenesis in photoaging. The study involved 7 mice per group.