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Current Opinion in Genetics &... Aug 2021The order Odonata (dragonflies and damselflies) comprises diurnal insects with well-developed vision, showing diverse colors in adult wings and bodies. It is one of the... (Review)
Review
The order Odonata (dragonflies and damselflies) comprises diurnal insects with well-developed vision, showing diverse colors in adult wings and bodies. It is one of the most ancestral winged insect groups. Because Odonata species use visual cues to recognize each other, color patterns have been investigated from ecological and evolutionary viewpoints. Here we review the recent progress on molecular mechanisms of pigmentation, especially focused on light-blue coloration. Results from histology and pigment analysis showed that ommochrome pigments on the proximal layer and pteridine pigments on the distal layer of the epidermis are essential for light-blue coloration. We also summarize genes involved in the biosynthesis of three major insect pigments conserved across insects and discuss that gene-functional analysis deserves future studies.
Topics: Animals; Color; Odonata; Phenothiazines; Phenotype; Pigmentation; Wings, Animal
PubMed: 33482606
DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2020.12.014 -
Pediatric Dermatology Nov 2021Nail pigmentation in children can cause significant anxiety in parents and clinicians. Different pigments of the nails, such as yellow, orange, and green, can all occur;... (Review)
Review
Nail pigmentation in children can cause significant anxiety in parents and clinicians. Different pigments of the nails, such as yellow, orange, and green, can all occur; however, this paper will focus on the dark pigments: brown, gray, and black pigmentation of the nails. Many causes of dark coloration of the nails exist; almost all causes in pediatric patients are benign and require no treatment. Melanoma is the one diagnosis that physicians do not want to miss. Fortunately, this is extremely rare in children.
Topics: Child; Humans; Melanoma; Nail Diseases; Nails; Pigmentation Disorders; Skin Neoplasms; Skin Pigmentation
PubMed: 34263476
DOI: 10.1111/pde.14659 -
International Journal of Cosmetic... Aug 2022Premature skin ageing, and skin hyperpigmentation are influenced by exogenous factors, such as ultraviolet radiation and blue light. In this study, we assess the... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE
Premature skin ageing, and skin hyperpigmentation are influenced by exogenous factors, such as ultraviolet radiation and blue light. In this study, we assess the protective effect of a sunscreen (TDF Blu Voile Sunscreen) in protecting the skin against the harmful effects of blue light irradiation in vivo and through the in situ quantitative and qualitative evaluation of protein carbonylation in human skin explants.
METHODOLOGY
The protective effect of the test product against blue light was first evaluated ex vivo on human skin explants. The treated and non-treated explants were exposed to 14 J/cm of blue light 460 nm following which the protein carbonylation was evaluated by in situ epifluorescence imaging and separation by high-resolution gel electrophoresis. To determine whether the test product could also protect against the immediate and persistent pigmenting effect of blue light, two randomized in vivo studies were conducted, which included respectively 17 subjects with a skin phototype of IV and V (Fitzpatrick classification) and 22 subjects with a skin phototype of IV, V, and VI (Fitzpatrick classification). The duration of the study for each subject was 2 days (D1 and D2) for immediate observations and 5 days (D1-D5) for persistent observations. Specific zones on the subjects' back were either left non-treated or treated with the test product and were then exposed to a unique dose of blue light 415 nm. The onset of pigmentation between the treated and exposed zones was then assessed relative to the non-exposed treated zone through colorimetric measurements of the Individual Typology Angle (ITA ).
RESULTS
Human skin explants treated with test product showed significantly lower levels of accumulated carbonylated proteins, with a protection of 82%, following exposure to blue light 460 nm. Findings of the in vivo studies also indicated that the test product presented significantly better protective efficacy against immediate and persistent pigmentation induced by blue light 415 nm.
CONCLUSION
Hence, it can be concluded that the test product can protect against the oxidative stress as well as the immediate and persistent pigmentation induced by blue light.
Topics: Humans; Hyperpigmentation; Light; Skin; Skin Pigmentation; Sunscreening Agents; Ultraviolet Rays
PubMed: 35689421
DOI: 10.1111/ics.12794 -
Sheng Wu Gong Cheng Xue Bao = Chinese... Jun 2021Since synthetic pigments are potentially harmful to human health, natural ones such as bixin, one of the carotenoids, are favored. As the second widely used natural... (Review)
Review
Since synthetic pigments are potentially harmful to human health, natural ones such as bixin, one of the carotenoids, are favored. As the second widely used natural pigment in the world, there is significant interest in the biosynthetic pathway of bixin which has not been fully elucidated. This review summarizes the chemical properties, extraction methods, biosynthetic pathway and application of bixin. In addition, we compared the difference between traditional extraction methods and new extraction techniques. Moreover, we described the genes involved in the biosynthetic pathway of bixin and the effects of abiotic stress on the biosynthesis of bixin, and discussed the application of bixin in food, pharmaceutical and chemical industries. However, the researches on bixin biosynthesis pathway are mostly carried out at the transcriptome level and most of the gene functions have not been elucidated. Therefore, we propose to characterize the entire bixin biosynthetic pathway using techniques of genomics, bioinformatics, and phytochemistry. This will help facilitate the synthetic biology research of bixin and development of bixin into new drugs.
Topics: Bixaceae; Carotenoids; Humans; Pigmentation; Transcriptome
PubMed: 34227289
DOI: 10.13345/j.cjb.200724 -
Physiological Measurement Jun 2023. Pulse oximetry is a non-invasive optical technique used to measure arterial oxygen saturation (SpO) in a variety of clinical settings and scenarios. Despite being one... (Review)
Review
. Pulse oximetry is a non-invasive optical technique used to measure arterial oxygen saturation (SpO) in a variety of clinical settings and scenarios. Despite being one the most significant technological advances in health monitoring over the last few decades, there have been reports on its various limitations. Recently due to the Covid-19 pandemic, questions about pulse oximeter technology and its accuracy when used in people with different skin pigmentation have resurfaced, and are to be addressed.. This review presents an introduction to the technique of pulse oximetry including its basic principle of operation, technology, and limitations, with a more in depth focus on skin pigmentation. Relevant literature relating to the performance and accuracy of pulse oximeters in populations with different skin pigmentation are evaluated.. The majority of the evidence suggests that the accuracy of pulse oximetry differs in subjects of different skin pigmentations to a level that requires particular attention, with decreased accuracy in patients with dark skin.. Some recommendations, both from the literature and contributions from the authors, suggest how future work could address these inaccuracies to potentially improve clinical outcomes. These include the objective quantification of skin pigmentation to replace currently used qualitative methods, and computational modelling for predicting calibration algorithms based on skin colour.
Topics: Humans; Skin Pigmentation; Pandemics; COVID-19; Oximetry; Oxygen
PubMed: 37172609
DOI: 10.1088/1361-6579/acd51a -
The Journal of Investigative Dermatology Mar 2024Hair graying holds psychosocial importance and serves as an excellent model for studying human pigmentation and aging in an accessible miniorgan. Current evidence... (Review)
Review
Hair graying holds psychosocial importance and serves as an excellent model for studying human pigmentation and aging in an accessible miniorgan. Current evidence suggests that graying results from an interindividually varying mixture of cumulative oxidative and DNA damage, excessive mTORC1 activity, melanocyte senescence, and inadequate production of pigmentation-promoting factors in the hair matrix. Various regulators modulate this process, including genetic factors (DNA repair defects and IRF4 sequence variation, peripheral clock genes, P-cadherin signaling, neuromediators, HGF, KIT ligand secretion, and autophagic flux. This leads to reduced MITF- and tyrosinase-controlled melanogenesis, defective melanosome transfer to precortical matrix keratinocytes, and eventual depletion of hair follicle (HF) pigmentary unit (HFPU) melanocytes and their local progenitors. Graying becomes irreversible only when bulge melanocyte stem cells are also depleted, occurring later in this process. Distinct pigmentary microenvironments are created as the HF cycles: early anagen is the most conducive phase for melanocytic reintegration and activation, and only during anagen can the phenotype of hair graying and repigmentation manifest, whereas the HFPU disassembles during catagen. The temporary reversibility of graying is highlighted by several drugs and hormones that induce repigmentation, indicating potential target pathways. We advise caution in directly applying mouse model concepts, define major open questions, and discuss future human antigraying strategies.
Topics: Mice; Animals; Humans; Hair Follicle; Melanocytes; Pigmentation; Aging; Stem Cells; Hair Color
PubMed: 38099887
DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2023.09.276 -
Methods in Enzymology 2022Carotenoid pigments serve many endogenous functions in organisms, but some of the more fascinating are the external displays of carotenoids in the colorful red, orange... (Review)
Review
Carotenoid pigments serve many endogenous functions in organisms, but some of the more fascinating are the external displays of carotenoids in the colorful red, orange and yellow plumages of birds. Since Darwin, biologists have been curious about the selective advantages (e.g., mate attraction) of having such ornate features, and, more recently, advances in biochemical methods have permitted researchers to explore the composition and characteristics of carotenoid pigments in feathers. Here we review contemporary methods for extracting and analyzing carotenoids in bird feathers, with special attention to the difficulties of removal from the feather keratin matrix, the possibility of feather carotenoid esterification and the strengths and challenges of different analytical methods like high-performance liquid chromatography and Raman spectroscopy. We also add an experimental test of current common extraction methods (e.g., mechanical, thermochemical) and find significant differences in the recovery of specific classes of carotenoids, suggesting that no single approach is best for all pigment or feather types.
Topics: Animals; Birds; Carotenoids; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Feathers; Pigmentation
PubMed: 35871844
DOI: 10.1016/bs.mie.2022.01.015 -
Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology Nov 2020Photosynthetic microorganisms convert carbon dioxide and solar radiation into interesting bioactive compounds not yet entirely explored. Several species of microalgae... (Review)
Review
Photosynthetic microorganisms convert carbon dioxide and solar radiation into interesting bioactive compounds not yet entirely explored. Several species of microalgae are known to be rich in colored high-valuable components that, although remarkable, are poorly explored as natural sources of pigments for cosmetics. Pigments associated to photosynthetic activity include chlorophyll, β-carotene, astaxanthin, xanthophylls, and phycobiliproteins, many of which have shown high potential as cosmetic actives due to their antioxidant, immune-enhancing, and anti-inflammatory properties. In the last decade, concern with a young and beautiful appearance has emerged, encouraging many consumers to use anti-aging cosmetics daily. As a result, the cosmetic market has been growing and evolving rapidly to meet consumer expectations. However, due to regular use and the sensitive nature of facial skin, local adverse reactions may often occur, such as irritation, sensitization, or photoreactions, and safety evaluation is mandatory prior to marketing. It is, therefore, understandable that new actives from natural sources, such as microalgae, are perceived as attractive alternatives for consumers who seek ingredients without allergenic potential. Thus, the cosmetic industry has recently started to explore the inclusion of compounds extracted from microalgae and cyanobacteria in innovative formulations. Herein, we revised nontraditional microalgae species for pigment production with cosmetic applications, indicating those that could also be considered potential ingredients for innovative cosmetics. KEY POINTS: • Extraction methods for pigments from photosynthetic microorganisms were compiled. • Innovative cosmeceuticals could be developed with natural pigments. • Safety features of such natural pigments were also described.
Topics: Biological Factors; Cosmetics; Microalgae; Phycobiliproteins; Pigmentation; beta Carotene
PubMed: 33015721
DOI: 10.1007/s00253-020-10936-x -
Analytical Sciences : the International... Mar 2022This review provides a general understanding of Raman spectroscopy for use in the identification of pigments and dyes. The methodologies associated with a number of... (Review)
Review
This review provides a general understanding of Raman spectroscopy for use in the identification of pigments and dyes. The methodologies associated with a number of different related applications are also summarized. The first part of this review clarifies our basic knowledge regarding natural minerals and pigments. The second part discusses the fundamentals of currently used Raman spectroscopy, including surface-enhanced Raman scattering, μ-Raman spectroscopy, Raman imaging and spatially offset Raman spectroscopy. The third part focuses on recent applications, including the identification and analysis of various pigments and dyes that are used in paintings and related artworks. These studies show that Raman spectroscopy has great potential for use as a method for the rapid, non-destructive identification of such substances.
Topics: Coloring Agents; Pigmentation; Spectrum Analysis, Raman
PubMed: 35359266
DOI: 10.2116/analsci.21SAR03 -
Pigment Cell & Melanoma Research Jul 2021Human skin aging is a natural phenomenon that results from continuous exposure to intrinsic (time, genetic factors, hormones) as well as extrinsic factors (UV exposure,... (Review)
Review
Human skin aging is a natural phenomenon that results from continuous exposure to intrinsic (time, genetic factors, hormones) as well as extrinsic factors (UV exposure, pollution, tobacco). In areas that are frequently exposed to the sun, photoaging blends with the process of intrinsic aging, resulting in an increased senescent cells number and consequently accelerating the aging process. The severity of photodamage depends on constitutional factors, including skin phototype (skin color, tanning capacity), intensity, and duration of sunlight/UV exposure. Aging affects nearly every aspect of cutaneous biology, including pigmentation. Clinically, the phenotype of age pigmented skin has a mottled, uneven color, primarily due to age spots, with or without hypopigmentation. Uneven pigmentation might be attributed to the hyperactivation of melanocytes, altered distribution of pigment, and turnover. In addition to direct damage to pigment-producing cells, photodamage alters the physiological crosstalk between keratinocytes, fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and melanocytes responsible for natural pigmentation homeostasis. Interestingly, age-independent diffuse expression of senescence-associated markers in the dermal and epidermal compartment is also associated with vitiligo, suggesting that premature senescence plays an important role in the pathology.
Topics: Animals; Dermis; Environment; Humans; Hyperpigmentation; Skin Aging; Skin Pigmentation; Stress, Physiological
PubMed: 34048137
DOI: 10.1111/pcmr.12994