Abstract

Background Dermal fillings based on hyaluronic acid have been widely used in facial rejuvenation. A number of studies have reported the beneficial effect of hyaluronidase in saving the complications of hyaluronic acid. However, the effects of hyaluronidase on dermal matrix, skin structure, and fibroblast function are unknown. Method In this study, hyaluronic acid and hyaluronidase were injected into rat skin, skin samples were collected at multiple time points, and the changes of skin structure, fibroblast function, and extracellular matrix gene and protein expression were detected. Result The results in vivo showed that hyaluronidase can effectively degrade exogenously injected hyaluronic acid in rats without causing significant changes in dermal matrix and skin structure. The results in vitro showed that hyaluronidase had no significant effect on proliferation, apoptosis, and collagen synthesis of fibroblasts. Conclusion This study provided a theoretical basis for the clinical application of hyaluronic acid and hyaluronidase. In vivo and in vitro experiments confirmed that hyaluronidase can degrade exogenous hyaluronic acid without damaging the skin structure, dermal matrix, and fibroblast function.