We previously established an evaluation method for dermal elastic fibres via three-dimensional (3D) structural analysis using tissue decolorization technology. In this study, we applied this method to evaluate elastic fibres in the eyelids to compare ages on the basis of 3D structural parameters including length, thickness, and curvature. 3D structural imaging of elastic fibres of the eyelids of aged and young individuals via fluorescence immunostaining for tropoelastin and collagen-7 revealed their 3D structural parameters. We also compared the expression of proteins associated with elastic fibres in fibroblasts isolated from each skin tissues and structural parameters to determine the proteins associated with age-related structural alterations. The elastic fibres of the eyelid were thin, short, and curved in comparison with the abdomen. Structural age-related changes in elastic fibres were similar to the abdomen but more pronounced. Furthermore, in the eyelid skin in particular, the collapse of elastic fibres in the dermoepidermal region and the obliteration of the papillary layer in old individuals were remarkable. Moreover, mRNA levels of elastic fibre-related proteins in fibroblasts isolated from each skin tissue were compared with the 3D structural parameters of elastic fibres. Furthermore, EMILIN-1 was highly correlated with age-related 3D structural parameters. These data suggest that elastic fibres are more fragile in the eyelid than in the abdomen, and EMILIN-1 potentially contributes to the prevention of age-related changes in skin structure.

EMILIN-1 is important for age-related changes in elastic fibre structure