gene expressions were compared by performing real-time
RT-PCR. In the lower-dose group (n=6), the type I procollagen
mRNA levels increased to 4.74±1.25 times the
baseline level (p>0.05); in the higher-dose group (n=6),
these levels increased 1.75±0.41 fold (p>0.05) (Fig. 1).
The MMP-1 mRNA levels were nearly unchanged in the
lower-dose group, with a 1.41±0.31 fold increase after
aloe intake (n=6); however, in the higher-dose group, the
MMP-1 mRNA transcripts were significantly (p<0.05, n=
6) decreased to 0.51±0.13 times the baseline level (Fig. 2).
Type I procollagen immunostaining with anti-PIP antibody
demonstrated substantially increased intracellular and
extracellular procollagen expressions throughout the
dermis after aloe vera gel intake in both treatment groups