-
Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland) Apr 2024Hyperpigmentation occurs due to irregular secretion of melanin pigment in the skin. This can affect quality of life depending on its severity, so prevention and...
Hyperpigmentation occurs due to irregular secretion of melanin pigment in the skin. This can affect quality of life depending on its severity, so prevention and management are essential. Oats ( L.), a grain consumed worldwide, are known to offer improved health benefits upon germination and fermentation. This study is aimed to investigate the protective effects of lactobacilli-fermented sprouted oat extracts on oxidative stress and melanin overproduction in vitro. The anti-melanogenic effect was investigated using melanin content and tyrosinase activity assays in B16F10 cells, as well as a mushroom tyrosinase-based enzyme inhibition assay. The results showed that -fermented oat extracts were the most effective for reducing melanin formation by reducing the mRNA expression of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor, tyrosinase, and tyrosinase-related protein 2. Furthermore, fermentation was effective in improving the total phenolic, flavonoid, and avenanthramide A contents of sprouted oat extracts. The results also demonstrated the antioxidant effects of -fermented sprouted oat extracts in promoting DPPH radical-scavenging activity, superoxide dismutase-like activity, and reduction in reactive oxygen species levels. Overall, the findings indicate that fermented sprouted oat extracts are promising candidates for antioxidant and anti-hyperpigmentation treatments.
PubMed: 38790649
DOI: 10.3390/antiox13050544 -
Toxics May 2024In this study, a semi-static water exposure method was employed to investigate the early developmental and neurotoxic effects of four benzothiazole substances (BTHs),...
In this study, a semi-static water exposure method was employed to investigate the early developmental and neurotoxic effects of four benzothiazole substances (BTHs), namely benzothiazole (BTH), 2-mercaptobenzothiazole (MBT), 2-hydroxybenzothiazole (BTON), and 2-aminobenzothiazole (2-ABTH), on zebrafish at an equimolar concentration of 10 μM. The findings revealed that all four BTHs exerted certain impacts on early development in zebrafish. MBT stimulated spontaneous movement in juvenile zebrafish, whereas BTON inhibited such movements. Moreover, all four BTHs hindered the hatching process of zebrafish larvae, with MBT exhibiting the strongest inhibition at 24 h post-fertilization (hpf). Notably, MBT acted as a melanin inhibitor by suppressing melanin production in juvenile zebrafish eyes and weakening phototaxis. Additionally, both BTH and BTON exhibited significantly lower speeds than the control group and other test groups under conditions without bright field stimulation; however, their speeds increased to average levels after percussion stimulation, indicating no significant alteration in motor ability among experimental zebrafish groups. Short-term exposure to these four types of BTHs induced oxidative damage in zebrafish larvae; specifically, BTH-, MBT-, and BTON-exposed groups displayed abnormal expression patterns of genes related to oxidative damage. Exposure to both BTH and MBT led to reduced fluorescence intensity in transgenic zebrafish labeled with central nervous system markers, suggesting inhibition of central nervous system development. Furthermore, real-time quantitative PCR results demonstrated abnormal gene expression associated with neural development. However, no significant changes were observed in 2-ABTH gene expression at this concentration. Overall findings indicate that short-term exposure to BTHs stimulates neurodevelopmental gene expression accompanied by oxidative damage.
PubMed: 38787120
DOI: 10.3390/toxics12050341 -
Marine Drugs May 2024In regions reliant on fisheries for livelihoods, a significant number of fish by-products are generated annually due to processing. These discarded parts contain... (Review)
Review
In regions reliant on fisheries for livelihoods, a significant number of fish by-products are generated annually due to processing. These discarded parts contain valuable biological resources, such as proteins, fish oils, and trace elements, thus holding enormous potential for reutilization. In recent years, fish by-product proteins have been widely utilized in skincare products due to their rich collagen content, biosafety, and biocompatibility. This review summarizes the research into and applications of fish by-product proteins in skin health, including alleviating oxidative stress and skin inflammation, reducing DNA damage, mitigating melanin production, improving skin hydration, slowing skin matrix degradation, and promoting synthesis. Additionally, the possibility of improving skin health by improving the abundance of gut microbiota is also discussed. This review underscores the importance of fish by-product proteins in the fisheries, food processing, cosmetics, and biomedical industries.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Skin; Fish Proteins; Fishes; Cosmetics; Oxidative Stress
PubMed: 38786606
DOI: 10.3390/md22050215 -
Marine Drugs Apr 2024Abnormal melanogenesis can lead to hyperpigmentation. Tyrosinase (TYR), a key rate-limiting enzyme in melanin production, is an important therapeutic target for these...
Abnormal melanogenesis can lead to hyperpigmentation. Tyrosinase (TYR), a key rate-limiting enzyme in melanin production, is an important therapeutic target for these disorders. We investigated the TYR inhibitory activity of hydrolysates extracted from the muscle tissue of (TFMH). We used computer-aided virtual screening to identify a novel peptide that potently inhibited melanin synthesis, simulated its binding mode to TYR, and evaluated functional efficacy in vitro and in vivo. TFMH inhibited the diphenolase activities of mTYR, reducing TYR substrate binding activity and effectively inhibiting melanin synthesis. TFMH indirectly reduced cAMP response element-binding protein phosphorylation in vitro by downregulating melanocortin 1 receptor expression, thereby inhibiting expression of the microphthalmia-associated transcription factor, further decreasing TYR, tyrosinase related protein 1, and dopachrome tautomerase expression and ultimately impeding melanin synthesis. In zebrafish, TFMH significantly reduced black spot formation. TFMH (200 μg/mL) decreased zebrafish TYR activity by 43% and melanin content by 52%. Molecular dynamics simulations over 100 ns revealed that the FGFRSP (T-6) peptide stably binds mushroom TYR via hydrogen bonds and ionic interactions. T-6 (400 μmol/L) reduced melanin content in B16F10 melanoma cells by 71% and TYR activity by 79%. In zebrafish, T-6 (200 μmol/L) inhibited melanin production by 64%. TFMH and T-6 exhibit good potential for the development of natural skin-whitening cosmetic products.
Topics: Animals; Zebrafish; Melanins; Takifugu; Monophenol Monooxygenase; Mice; Melanoma, Experimental; Cell Line, Tumor; Microphthalmia-Associated Transcription Factor; Muscles; Intramolecular Oxidoreductases; Receptor, Melanocortin, Type 1; Molecular Dynamics Simulation; Cyclic AMP Response Element-Binding Protein
PubMed: 38786597
DOI: 10.3390/md22050206 -
Frontiers in Microbiology 2024Cassia seeds, originating from the mature seeds of leguminous cassia species, possess pharmacological effects attributed to their rich composition of various active...
INTRODUCTION
Cassia seeds, originating from the mature seeds of leguminous cassia species, possess pharmacological effects attributed to their rich composition of various active ingredients, notably anthraquinones. While current research predominantly focuses on pharmaceutical extractions, there has been limited progress in fermentation studies.
METHODS
Our study aimed to enhance the content of active compounds such as anthraquinones, flavonoids, and polyphenols using microbial fermentation techniques. We specifically optimized a fermentation system through a single-factor experimental design.
RESULTS
The antioxidant properties of the fermentation solution were validated through assays involving HaCaT cells and zebrafish. We observed effective suppression of inflammatory reactions in both RAW264.7 cells and transgenic zebrafish by the fermentation solution. Moreover, significant inhibition of tyrosinase activity and melanin production was evident in B16-F10 cells and zebrafish. Positive outcomes were also obtained in antibacterial assays and chick embryo experiments.
DISCUSSION
These findings highlight the potential of cassia seed fermentation solution as a safe and eco-friendly material in food chemistry and biomedical sciences.
PubMed: 38784817
DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1400505 -
Oxford Medical Case Reports May 2024Dyskeratosis congenita (DKC) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by lacy reticular skin hyperpigmentation, bone marrow failure, nail dystrophy, and oral...
Dyskeratosis congenita (DKC) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by lacy reticular skin hyperpigmentation, bone marrow failure, nail dystrophy, and oral leukoplakia. To the best of our knowledge, only around 200 cases were reported in the medical literature, and in this report, we present another distinctive case from Syria. This case report describes a male patient with generalized reticular pigmentation and abnormal nails since childhood. The patient reported a history of recurrent urethral stenosis and corneal density. Dermoscopic examination revealed pigmented lines arranged in a netlike pattern. Histopathological findings were nonspecific. Hematological values were unremarkable. A contrast CT scan revealed changes in the bladder wall. The final diagnosis of Dyskeratosis Congenita was made based on the clinical criteria. This disorder can present with additional cutaneous manifestations and systemic complications. Treatment are generally prescribed to maintain bone marrow function, based on the fact that it is the major cause of death. Regular monitoring and screening for associated conditions are recommended.
PubMed: 38784779
DOI: 10.1093/omcr/omae049 -
BMC Oral Health May 2024The ceramic soft tissue trimming bur (CeraTip™) was initially introduced for use in gingivoplasty but has recently been used for gingival depigmentation. The aim of... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND
The ceramic soft tissue trimming bur (CeraTip™) was initially introduced for use in gingivoplasty but has recently been used for gingival depigmentation. The aim of this study is to compare the efficacy of depigmentation between the novel CeraTip™ and the gold-standard surgical scalpel technique.
METHODS
Eight healthy, nonsmokers with moderate to severe gingival hyperpigmentation in both arches were randomly assigned for CeraTip™ depigmentation in one arch as the test group (TG) and scalpel depigmentation in the opposite arch as the control group (CG). Pigmentation indices were used to assess clinical performance. Treatment time, pain level, and esthetic satisfaction were the parameters of patient experience. The assessments were performed at baseline, one week, one month, and three months.
RESULTS
At all assessment visits, pigmentation intensity represented by the Dummet oral pigmentation index (DOPI), and pigmentation distribution represented by the Hedin melanin index (MI), were significantly lower than those at baseline (p < 0.001) in both groups. When comparing the two groups, Scalpel depigmentation had better initial clinical outcomes, while CeraTip™ had less visible repigmentation, pain scores, treatment time, and greater esthetic satisfaction. However, none of the differences were statistically significant.
CONCLUSION
Both techniques successfully removed gingival hyperpigmentation with comparable clinical performance. The patients preferred CeraTip™ depigmentation.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
The study protocol was registered on 11/09/2023 on the www.
CLINICALTRIALS
gov database (NCT06031116) after the approval of the Ethics Committee, Faculty of Dentistry, Ain Shams University (FDASU-Rec012124).
Topics: Humans; Female; Adult; Patient Satisfaction; Gingival Diseases; Male; Ceramics; Hyperpigmentation; Esthetics, Dental; Middle Aged; Gingiva; Treatment Outcome; Gingivoplasty
PubMed: 38783312
DOI: 10.1186/s12903-024-04345-z -
Clinical and Translational Medicine May 2024Melanocyte stem cells (MSCs), melanocyte lineage-specific skin stem cells derived from the neural crest, are observed in the mammalian hair follicle, the epidermis or... (Review)
Review
Melanocyte stem cells (MSCs), melanocyte lineage-specific skin stem cells derived from the neural crest, are observed in the mammalian hair follicle, the epidermis or the sweat gland. MSCs differentiate into mature melanin-producing melanocytes, which confer skin and hair pigmentation and uphold vital skin functions. In controlling and coordinating the homeostasis, repair and regeneration of skin tissue, MSCs play a vital role. Decreased numbers or impaired functions of MSCs are closely associated with the development and therapy of many skin conditions, such as hair graying, vitiligo, wound healing and melanoma. With the advancement of stem cell technology, the relevant features of MSCs have been further elaborated. In this review, we provide an exhaustive overview of cutaneous MSCs and highlight the latest advances in MSC research. A better understanding of the biological characteristics and micro-environmental regulatory mechanisms of MSCs will help to improve clinical applications in regenerative medicine, skin pigmentation disorders and cancer therapy. KEY POINTS: This review provides a concise summary of the origin, biological characteristics, homeostatic maintenance and therapeutic potential of cutaneous MSCs. The role and potential application value of MSCs in skin pigmentation disorders are discussed. The significance of single-cell RNA sequencing, CRISPR-Cas9 technology and practical models in MSCs research is highlighted.
Topics: Humans; Melanocytes; Homeostasis; Skin; Stem Cells; Animals; Cell Differentiation
PubMed: 38778457
DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.1720 -
BMC Genomics May 2024In day-old Hungarian white goose goslings, there is a noticeable difference in dorsal down coloration between males and females, with females having darker dorsal...
BACKGROUND
In day-old Hungarian white goose goslings, there is a noticeable difference in dorsal down coloration between males and females, with females having darker dorsal plumage and males having lighter plumage. The ability to autosex day-old goslings based on their dorsal down coloration is important for managing them efficiently and planning their nutrition in the poultry industry. The aim of this study was to determine the biological and genetic factors underlying this difference in dorsal down colorationthrough histological analysis, biochemical assays, transcriptomic profiling, and q‒PCR analysis.
RESULTS
Tissue analysis and biochemical assays revealed that compared with males, 17-day-old embryos and day-old goslings of female geese exhibited a greater density of melanin-containing feather follicles and a greater melanin concentration in these follicles during development. Both female and male goslings had lower melanin concentrations in their dorsal skin compared to 17-day-old embryos. Transcriptome analysis identified a set of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) (MC1R, TYR, TYRP1, DCT and MITF) associated with melanogenesis pathways that were downregulated or silenced specifically in the dorsal skin of day-old goslings compared to 17-day-old embryos, affecting melanin synthesis in feather follicles. Additionally, two key genes (MC1R and MITF) associated with feather coloration showed differences between males and females, with females having higher expression levels correlated with increased melanin synthesis and darker plumage.
CONCLUSION
The expression of multiple melanogenesis genes determines melanin synthesis in goose feather follicles. The dorsal down coloration of day-old Hungarian white goose goslings shows sexual dimorphism, likely due to differences in the expression of the MC1R and MITF genes between males and females. These results could help us better understand why male and female goslings exhibit different plumage patterns.
Topics: Animals; Female; Male; Sex Characteristics; Geese; Gene Expression Profiling; Melanins; Pigmentation; Feathers; Transcriptome
PubMed: 38778258
DOI: 10.1186/s12864-024-10394-z -
Galen Medical Journal 2023The relative darkening of the lower eyelid skin, which is often linked with dark circles, may make you seem fatigued and older than your real age. Considering the...
BACKGROUND
The relative darkening of the lower eyelid skin, which is often linked with dark circles, may make you seem fatigued and older than your real age. Considering the recommendations in the sources of Persian medicine regarding Artemisia absinthium L., the purpose of this clinical trial is investigating the effectiveness of cream prepared from the aqueous extraction of A.absinthium to remove periorbital dark circles.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The eye cream is made with 20% of aqueous extract of A.absinthium in the base of the cream. It was standardized based on Artemisinin via HPLC method. For the clinical trial, 60 patients equally enrolled in two drug and placebo groups. Erythema and Pigmentation were evaluated via a mexameter instrument.
RESULTS
The cream is standardized, including 1.29±0.02 µg/mg Artemisinin in the product. Finally, 21 and 24 patients reached the end of study in drug and placebo groups, respectively. In these groups, the difference in the mean (SD) DE, DL, Erythema and Melanin factors before and after the research were significant (p0.05). However, the rate of reduction of DE, Erythema, and Melanin and rise of DL is greater in the treatment group than in the placebo group. Furthermore, the mean value of DE and DL factors before the research were significantly different in two groups (p0.001), but after the research did not show a significant difference. The mean value of Erythema factor in the two groups before (p=0.25) and after (p=0.5) did not show a significant difference. The mean value of Melanin after the research between two groups showed a significant difference (p=0.01).
CONCLUSION
The results show that the cream prepared from the herbal composition of Persian medicine improves Infra Orbital Dark circle around the eyes.
PubMed: 38774851
DOI: 10.31661/gmj.v12i.2413