Age-related ENOX protein (arNOX) activity correlated with oxidative skin damage in the elderly.

ENOX proteins with an oscillatory pattern of production of superoxide (measured by ferricytochrome c reduction) and with a period length of 26 min increase linearity with age beginning at about 30 y to a maximum of about age 60. The proteins are shed and appear in serum, saliva and urine. Enhanced arNOX activity correlates with age and with oxidative changes contributing to skin aging. Topical cosmetic preparations containing substances that block arNOX activity are under evaluation to reduce visible symptoms of skin aging.