Topical application of Tetragonula laeviceps stingless bee honey extract gel inhibits Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and Matrix Metalloproteinase 1 (MMP-1) expression in rats (Rattus norvegicus) exposed to UVB radiation

Introduction: Ultraviolet (UV) radiation, especially UVB radiation, can induce photoaging effects by increasing oxidative stress and degrading elastin and collagen fibers in the skin. Malondialdehyde (MDA) is one of the markers associated with increased oxidative stress, and matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) is a marker related to elastin and collagen degradation. The development of photoaging-related modalities, particularly utilizing natural substances, has gained significant attention. Tetragonula laeviceps stingless bee honey has been studied for its various antioxidant contents and its role in anti-photoaging. This study aims to validate the antioxidant effects in photoaging by evaluating the impact of applying Tetragonula laeviceps stingless bee honey extract gel on MDA levels and MMP-1 expression in Wistar rats subjected to chronic skin inflammation induced by UVB exposure. Methods: This study employed an experimental research design with a post-test only with a control group design. Thirty Wistar rats were used, divided into six control and treatment groups. The control groups consisted of negative control, control 1+, and control 2+, while the treatment groups received honey extract gel with concentrations of 30%, 55%, and 70%, respectively. The rats were exposed to UVB radiation for four weeks, and then skin tissue was collected to measure MDA levels and MMP-1 expression using an ELISA method. Data were analyzed using a one-way ANOVA with post hoc LSD, with a significance level set at p<0.05. Result: The one-way ANOVA showed significant differences in the mean MDA levels (p=0.030) and MMP-1 expression (p=0.018) among the groups. Post hoc tests revealed that the 70% honey extract gel concentration significantly resulted in the lowest MDA levels and MMP-1 expression (p<0.05). Conclusion: Tetragonula laeviceps stingless bee honey extract gel can inhibit the increase in MDA levels and MMP-1 expression in Wistar rats exposed to UVB radiation, with the 70% honey extract gel concentration showing the highest effectiveness in producing the lowest MDA levels and MMP-1 expression.