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Journal of Ginseng Research Sep 2023Ginsenosides are bioactive components of Panax ginseng with many functions such as anti-aging, anti-oxidation, anti-inflammatory, anti-fatigue, and anti-tumor.... (Review)
Review
Ginsenosides are bioactive components of Panax ginseng with many functions such as anti-aging, anti-oxidation, anti-inflammatory, anti-fatigue, and anti-tumor. Ginsenosides are categorized into dammarane, oleanene, and ocotillol type tricyclic triterpenoids based on the aglycon structure. Based on the sugar moiety linked to C-3, C-20, and C-6, C-20, dammarane type was divided into protopanaxadiol (PPD) and protopanaxatriol (PPT). The effects of ginsenosides on skin disorders are noteworthy. They play anti-aging roles by enhancing immune function, resisting melanin formation, inhibiting oxidation, and elevating the concentration of collagen and hyaluronic acid. Thus, ginsenosides have previously been widely used to resist skin diseases and aging. This review details the role of ginsenosides in the anti-skin aging process from mechanisms and experimental research.
PubMed: 37720567
DOI: 10.1016/j.jgr.2023.04.005 -
Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland) Dec 2023Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated during melanogenesis make melanocytes particularly vulnerable to oxidative stress, influencing their survival and melanin... (Review)
Review
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated during melanogenesis make melanocytes particularly vulnerable to oxidative stress, influencing their survival and melanin synthesis. Oxidative stress, significantly present in vitiligo and recently also detected in melasma, triggers inflammatory cascades and melanogenesis, making antioxidants a promising therapeutic avenue. A systematic search was conducted on Embase and Pubmed to study the efficacy of antioxidants for treating vitiligo and/or melasma. Meta-analysis was performed to assess the difference in Melasma Severity Index (MASI) scores between baseline and follow-up. Various antioxidants like polypodium leucotomos, ginkgo biloba, catalase/superoxide dismutase, and vitamin E have potential in vitiligo. For melasma, vitamin C, silymarin, and niacinamide were among those showing promise in reducing pigmentation, with vitamin C displaying significant effects in meta-analysis. Different antioxidants improve both vitiligo and melasma, with an increased minimal erythema dose (MED) following UV exposure being significant for vitiligo and tyrosinase inhibition being crucial for melasma. However, the efficacy of individual antioxidants varies, and their exact mechanisms, especially in stimulating melanocyte proliferation and anti-inflammatory pathways, require further investigation to understand better and optimize their use.
PubMed: 38136202
DOI: 10.3390/antiox12122082 -
World Journal of Diabetes Jul 2023Klotho (Kl) is considered an antiaging gene, mainly for the inhibition of the insulin-like growth factor-1 signaling. Kl exists as full-length transmembrane, which acts... (Review)
Review
Klotho (Kl) is considered an antiaging gene, mainly for the inhibition of the insulin-like growth factor-1 signaling. Kl exists as full-length transmembrane, which acts as co-receptor for fibroblast growth factor receptor, and in soluble forms (sKl). The sKl may exert pleiotropic effects on organs and tissues by regulating several pathways involved in the pathogenesis of diseases associated with oxidative and inflammatory state. In diabetic Patients, serum levels of Kl are significantly decreased compared to healthy subjects, and are related to duration of diabetes. In diabetic retinopathy (DR), one of the most common microvascular complications of type 2 diabetes, serum Kl levels are negatively correlated with progression of the disease. A lot of evidences showed that Kl regulates several mechanisms involved in maintaining homeostasis and functions of retinal cells, including phagocytosis, calcium signaling, secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A), maintenance of redox status, and melanin biosynthesis. Experimental data have been shown that Kl exerts positive effects on several mechanisms involved in onset and progression of DR. In particular, treatment with Kl: (1) Prevents apoptosis induced by oxidative stress in human retinal endothelial cells and in retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells; (2) reduces secretion of VEGF-A by RPE cells; and (3) decreases subretinal fibrosis and preserves autophagic activity. Therefore, Kl may become a novel biomarker and a good candidate for the treatment of DR.
PubMed: 37547589
DOI: 10.4239/wjd.v14.i7.1027 -
Skin Research and Technology : Official... Aug 2023Melasma is an acquired skin problem. It characterises sun-exposed areas, particularly on the face, with irregular borders and bilateral distribution. With this study, we...
BACKGROUND
Melasma is an acquired skin problem. It characterises sun-exposed areas, particularly on the face, with irregular borders and bilateral distribution. With this study, we want to strengthen the scientific literature regarding the use of a 675-nm laser device for the treatment of women and men with facial melasma pigmentary and vascular symptoms.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Eighteen patients were treated for facial melasma. A total of three sessions at 30-day intervals were performed with a 675-nm laser device. A five-point Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale was used to separately assess the improvement of the patient's skin 3 months after the last treatment (T1) compared to baseline (T0). The pain during treatment was measured using a Visual Analog Scale of 10 points. The non-ablative laser system used emits red light with a wavelength of 675 nm through a 13 × 13 mm scanning system.
RESULTS
At T , a consistent improvement in the pigmentary and vascular components was visible. This is always combined with a considerable reduction in vascular expression.
CONCLUSION
Our research shows that individuals with Fitzpatrick phototypes II to III can treat facial melasma with the 675-nm laser source system without risk. Due to its interaction with melanin, collagen and haemoglobin chromophores, as well as its excellent capacity to penetrate tissues with less heating, this system is promising in the treatment of pigmentary and vascular illnesses such as melasma. The great success of the technology we used came from the reduced levels of inflammation produced after the treatments and the low energy level implied.
Topics: Male; Humans; Female; Esthetics; Inflammation; Light; Melanins; Melanosis
PubMed: 37632189
DOI: 10.1111/srt.13434 -
Journal of Nanobiotechnology Sep 2023Excessive and prolonged ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure causes photodamage, photoaging, and photocarcinogenesis in human skin. Therefore, safe and effective sun...
Excessive and prolonged ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure causes photodamage, photoaging, and photocarcinogenesis in human skin. Therefore, safe and effective sun protection is one of the most fundamental requirements. Living organisms tend to evolve various natural photoprotective mechanisms to avoid photodamage. Among them, melanin is the main functional component of the photoprotective system of human skin. Polydopamine (PDA) is synthesized as a mimic of natural melanin, however, its photoprotective efficiency and mechanism in protecting against skin damage and photoaging remain unclear. In this study, the novel sunscreen products based on melanin-inspired PDA nanoparticles (NPs) are rationally designed and prepared. We validate that PDA NPs sunscreen exhibits superior effects on photoprotection, which is achieved by the obstruction of epidermal hyperplasia, protection of the skin barrier, and resolution of inflammation. In addition, we find that PDA NPs are efficiently intake by keratinocytes, exhibiting robust ROS scavenging and DNA protection ability with minimal cytotoxicity. Intriguingly, PDA sunscreen has an influence on maintaining homeostasis of the dermis, displaying an anti-photoaging property. Taken together, the biocompatibility and full photoprotective properties of PDA sunscreen display superior performance to those of commercial sunscreen. This work provides new insights into the development of a melanin-mimicking material for sunscreens.
Topics: Humans; Sunscreening Agents; Ultraviolet Rays; Antioxidants; Melanins; Skin; Anti-Inflammatory Agents
PubMed: 37775761
DOI: 10.1186/s12951-023-02107-7 -
Cells Sep 2023Vitamin D is one significant prohormone substance in human organ systems. It is a steroidal hormone produced in the skin upon exposure to UVB rays. This paper presents a... (Review)
Review
Vitamin D is one significant prohormone substance in human organ systems. It is a steroidal hormone produced in the skin upon exposure to UVB rays. This paper presents a systematic review of the utilization of topical vitamin D, specifically cholecalciferol, calcipotriol, and tacalcitol, in the treatment of vitiligo. It considers the role of vitamin D in stimulating the synthesis of melanin and melanogenesis, which can help with the process of repigmentation. The inclusion of calcipotriol or tacalcitol in Narrowband Ultraviolet Phototherapy (NB-UVB) has shown the potential to enhance therapeutic outcomes for vitiligo. However, their effectiveness in combination with Psoralens Long Wave Ultraviolet Radiation (PUVA) and Monochromatic Excimer Light (MEL) treatment for vitiligo is limited. In contrast, combining topical corticosteroids with vitamin D analogues has demonstrated superior efficacy in treating vitiligo compared to using vitamin D analogues alone, while also providing the added benefit of reducing corticosteroid-related adverse effects. In addition, treating stable vitiligo with topical cholecalciferol and microneedling has shown success. Future studies are needed to ascertain an efficient method of administering vitamin D topically as an anti-vitiligo agent.
Topics: Humans; Vitamin D; Vitiligo; Ultraviolet Rays; Ultraviolet Therapy; Vitamins
PubMed: 37830601
DOI: 10.3390/cells12192387 -
Biomedicines Nov 2023This review summarizes the effectiveness of photodynamic therapy (PDT) in the treatment of the pigmented subtype of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) based on the current... (Review)
Review
This review summarizes the effectiveness of photodynamic therapy (PDT) in the treatment of the pigmented subtype of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) based on the current literature. PDT is a light-activated treatment, non-invasive, that selectively destroys tumor cells and tissues via the interaction of a photosensitizer, light, and molecular oxygen. It can induce cancer cell death through direct tumor vascular damage or via the induction of immune response. However, human skin is also an absorption and scattering medium since it contains hemoglobin and melanin that act as chromophores. Eumelanin can be considered a light-absorber and an intracellular antioxidant that can neutralize PDT-induced ROS and, therefore, decrease PDT success. Various factors, including tumor depth, the degree of pigmentation in malignant cells, and the individual's skin phototype, can impact the outcome of this intricate biochemical process. It has been widely recognized that PDT exhibits limited efficacy in the treatment of pigmented lesions. However, new combination techniques such as curettage or debulking before PDT show promising results in the treatment of pigmented BCC.
PubMed: 38002098
DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11113099 -
Biomedicines Dec 2023Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy has gained attention in the scientific field due to its potential regenerative effects and great benefit-risk ratio. This review... (Review)
Review
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy has gained attention in the scientific field due to its potential regenerative effects and great benefit-risk ratio. This review extensively explores the most studied mechanisms of this therapy according to the etiopathogenesis of skin diseases: cellular proliferation, matrix formation, regulation of inflammation, angiogenesis, collagen synthesis, and the remodeling of new tissue. Moreover, it draws on newly reported and lesser-known effects of PRP: its anti-apoptotic effects, immunological suppression, decrease in melanin synthesis, anti-microbial effects, overexpression of miR-155, antioxidant effects, and their involved pathways. This work aims to provide a complete update for understanding PRP's benefits and clinical relevance in wound healing, alopecia, pigmentary disorders, scars, rejuvenation, lichen sclerosus, and other inflammatory dermatoses, based on the current evidence. Furthermore, recent reports with novel indications for PRP therapy are highlighted, and new potential pathways correlated with the pathogenesis of skin diseases are explored.
PubMed: 38275368
DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12010007 -
Journal of Nanobiotechnology Sep 2023Cancer therapeutic vaccine can induce antigen-specific immune response, which has shown great potential in cancer immunotherapy. As the key factor of vaccine, antigen...
Cancer therapeutic vaccine can induce antigen-specific immune response, which has shown great potential in cancer immunotherapy. As the key factor of vaccine, antigen plays a central role in eliciting antitumor immunity. However, the insufficient antigen delivery and low efficiency of antigen presentation by dendritic cells (DCs) have greatly restricted the therapeutic efficiency of vaccine. Here we developed a kind of DC hybrid zinc phosphate nanoparticles to co-deliver antigenic peptide and photosensitive melanin. Owing to the chelating ability of Zn, the nanoparticles can co-encapsulate antigenic peptide and melanin with high efficiency. The nanovaccine showed good physiological stability with the hydration particle size was approximately 30 nm, and zeta potential was around - 10 mV. The nanovaccine showed homologous targeting effect to DCs in vivo and in vitro, efficiently delivering antigen to DCs. Meanwhile, the nanovaccine could effectively reflux to the tumor-draining lymph nodes. When combined with near-infrared irradiation, the nanovaccine induced effective mild heat in vitro and in vivo to promote antigen presentation. After administrating to MC38 tumor-bearing mice, the hybrid nanovaccine effectively promoted the maturation of DCs, the expansion of cytotoxic T lymphocytes and helper T cells, and the secretion of immunostimulatory cytokines, thereby significantly inhibiting tumor growth.
Topics: Animals; Mice; Hot Temperature; Melanins; Immunotherapy; Immunization; Cancer Vaccines; Dendritic Cells; Neoplasms
PubMed: 37752555
DOI: 10.1186/s12951-023-02106-8 -
Journal of Biomedical Optics Oct 2023Evaluation of biological chromophore levels is useful for detection of various skin diseases, including cancer, monitoring of health status and tissue metabolism, and...
SIGNIFICANCE
Evaluation of biological chromophore levels is useful for detection of various skin diseases, including cancer, monitoring of health status and tissue metabolism, and assessment of clinical and physiological vascular functions. Clinically, it is useful to assess multiple different chromophores with a single technique or instrument.
AIM
To investigate the possibility of estimating the concentration of four chromophores, bilirubin, oxygenated hemoglobin, deoxygenated hemoglobin, and melanin from diffuse reflectance spectra in the visible region.
APPROACH
A new diffuse reflectance spectroscopic method based on the multiple regression analysis aided by Monte Carlo simulations for light transport was developed to quantify bilirubin, oxygenated hemoglobin, deoxygenated hemoglobin, and melanin. Three different experimental animal models were used to induce hyperbilirubinemia, hypoxemia, and melanogenesis in rats.
RESULTS
The estimated bilirubin concentration increased after ligation of the bile duct and reached around at 50 h after the onset of ligation, which corresponds to the reference value of bilirubin measured by a commercially available transcutaneous bilirubin meter. The concentration of oxygenated hemoglobin and that of deoxygenated hemoglobin decreased and increased, respectively, as the fraction of inspired oxygen decreased. Consequently, the tissue oxygen saturation dramatically decreased. The time course of melanin concentration after depilation of skin on the back of rats was indicative of the supply of melanosomes produced by melanocytes of hair follicles to the growing hair shaft.
CONCLUSIONS
The results of our study showed that the proposed method is capable of the evaluation of percutaneous bilirubin level, skin hemodynamics, and melanogenesis in rats, and that it has potential as a tool for the diagnosis and management of hyperbilirubinemia, hypoxemia, and pigmented skin lesions.
Topics: Rats; Animals; Melanins; Bilirubin; Spectrum Analysis; Skin; Hypoxia; Hemoglobins; Oxyhemoglobins; Hyperbilirubinemia
PubMed: 37915398
DOI: 10.1117/1.JBO.28.10.107001