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Frontiers in Bioscience (Landmark... May 2024Melanogenesis, regulated by genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors, occurs in melanocytes in the basal layer of the epidermis. Dysregulation of this process can...
BACKGROUNDS
Melanogenesis, regulated by genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors, occurs in melanocytes in the basal layer of the epidermis. Dysregulation of this process can lead to various skin disorders, such as hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation. Therefore, the present study investigated the effect of ultrasonic-assisted ethanol extract (SHUE) from (), brown seaweed against melanogenesis in α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH)-stimulated B16F10 murine melanocytes.
METHODS
Firstly, yield and proximate compositional analysis of the samples were conducted. The effect of SHUE on cell viability has been evaluated by using 3-(4,5-Dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. After that, the melanin content and cellular tyrosinase activity in α-MSH-stimulated B16F10 murine melanocytes were examined. Western blot analysis was carried out to investigate the protein expression levels of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF), tyrosinase, tyrosinase-related protein-1 (TRP1), and tyrosinase-related protein-2 (TRP2). In addition, the effect of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) on the melanogenesis process was assessed via Western blotting.
RESULTS
As per the analysis, SHUE contained the highest average yield on a dry basis at 28.70 ± 3.21%. The findings showed that SHUE reduced the melanin content and cellular tyrosinase activity in α-MSH-stimulated B16F10 murine melanocytes. Additionally, the expression levels of MITF, TRP1, and TRP2 protein were significantly downregulated by SHUE treatment in α-MSH-stimulated B16F10 murine melanocytes. Moreover, SHUE upregulated the phosphorylation of ERK and AKT in α-MSH-stimulated B16F10 murine melanocytes. In addition, experiments conducted using the ERK inhibitor (PD98059) revealed that the activity of SHUE depends on the ERK signaling cascade.
CONCLUSION
These results suggest that SHUE has an anti-melanogenic effect and can be used as a material in the formulation of cosmetics related to whitening and lightening.
Topics: Animals; Sargassum; Melanins; Monophenol Monooxygenase; Melanocytes; Mice; Ethanol; Microphthalmia-Associated Transcription Factor; alpha-MSH; Plant Extracts; Cell Survival; Melanoma, Experimental; Cell Line, Tumor; Intramolecular Oxidoreductases
PubMed: 38812330
DOI: 10.31083/j.fbl2905194 -
PloS One 2024This study aims to investigate if high-concentration HOCl fogging disinfection causes cytotoxicity and genotoxicity to cultured primary human skin fibroblasts. The cells...
This study aims to investigate if high-concentration HOCl fogging disinfection causes cytotoxicity and genotoxicity to cultured primary human skin fibroblasts. The cells were exposed to a dry fog of HOCl produced from solutions with a concentration of 300 ppm (5.72 mM) or 500 ppm (9.53 mM). After four times when fibroblasts were exposed to aerosolized HOCl at a concentration of 500 ppm for 9 minutes, significant cytotoxicity and genotoxicity effects were observed. Significant changes in the morphology of fibroblasts and cell death due to membrane disruption were observed, independent of the number of exposures. Flow cytometry analyses performed under these experimental conditions indicated a decrease in the number of cells with an intact cell membrane in the exposed samples compared to the sham samples, dropping to 49.1% of the total cells. Additionally, under the same conditions, the neutral comet assay results demonstrated significant DNA damage in the exposed cells. However, no analogous damages were found when the cells were exposed to aerosolized HOCl generated from a 300-ppm solution for 3 minutes, whether once or four times. Therefore, we have concluded that aerosolized HOCl in dry fog, with a concentration exceeding 300 ppm, can cause cytotoxic and genotoxic effects on human skin fibroblasts.
Topics: Humans; Fibroblasts; Hypochlorous Acid; DNA Damage; Cells, Cultured; Comet Assay; Skin; Aerosols; Cell Survival
PubMed: 38809935
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0304602 -
Pharmacy (Basel, Switzerland) Apr 2024Even though, nowadays, most medicines are manufactured industrially, patients may have medical needs that can only be met by a tailor-made approach. This requires the...
Development and Implementation of an Ultraviolet-Dye-Based Qualification Procedure for Hand Washing and Disinfection to Improve Quality Assurance of Pharmacy Preparations and Compounding, Especially in Cleanrooms: A Pilot Study.
Even though, nowadays, most medicines are manufactured industrially, patients may have medical needs that can only be met by a tailor-made approach. This requires the availability of pharmacy preparations made under Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) conditions. An efficient hand hygiene practice is essential herewith, especially if sterile products that are prepared in a cleanroom are concerned. The effectiveness of hand washing and hand disinfection procedures greatly relies on adequate training. We carried out an observational cross-sectional pilot study aimed at optimizing hand hygiene training with objective and measurable quality assessments using an ultraviolet (UV) dye. Practical acceptance criteria for qualifying personnel through this method were set and evaluated. In total, 25 GMP-qualified cleanroom operators washed and disinfected their hands with UV dye hand wash lotion and UV dye hand alcohol, respectively. To obtain a proof-of-concept, the results were judged based on adherence to the WHO six-step protocol and associated acceptance criteria. Commonly missed areas were brought to light, and the influence of procedure duration was investigated. UV-dye-based assessments appeared to be more valuable in hand disinfection than in hand washing. In both procedures, the back of the hands and the thumbs were frequently missed. This underpins the need for enhanced and repeated education on hand washing and disinfection. Additionally, a dry skin gave rise to extra cleaning challenges. From this pharmacy practice pilot study with a focus on pharmaceutical product care, it may be concluded that the application of UV-dye-based assessments offers valuable insights for pharmacists to optimize hand hygiene, thereby increasing the safety of tailor-made medicines and on-site preparations.
PubMed: 38804465
DOI: 10.3390/pharmacy12030073 -
Frontiers in Medicine 2024The administration of anesthesia for elderly individuals who are critically ill, suffering from severe craniocerebral injuries, and living in plateau regions presents a...
BACKGROUND
The administration of anesthesia for elderly individuals who are critically ill, suffering from severe craniocerebral injuries, and living in plateau regions presents a rare, intricate, and high-risk challenge. This case study outlines the specific anesthesia management protocols necessary for plateau-dwelling patients with significant craniocerebral damage undergoing prolonged invasive procedures.
CASE REPORT
A 76-year-old male patient had a 26-year history of foreign-body penetration of the skull and had experienced local purulent discharge and pain for the previous 20 days. The diagnoses included right hypoplasia, a foreign body in the skull with an infection, hypokalemia, hypoproteinemia, pulmonary fibrous foci, and bilateral pleural effusion. For almost 6 months, the patient suffered from recurring headaches, blurred vision, and sluggish bodily movement. The patient had a poor diet, poor sleep quality, normal urination, and no noticeable weight loss since the onset of the illness. The right anterior ear had a 2 cm skin abscess with yellow pus and a black metal foreign body tip. The left eyelid was red and swollen, and the left conjunctiva was hyperemic; the right eyelid showed no abnormalities, and both pupils were wide and round, with light and adjustment reflexes and no cyanosis on the lips. Skull development was normal. No dry or moist rales were audible in either lung. The heart rhythm was regular, and the heart rate was 50 bpm. Chest CT revealed left lung calcification foci, bilateral pleural effusion, and fiber foci in the lower lobes of both lungs.
CONCLUSION
Furthermore, the patient in question was of advanced age and had a complex medical history, including prolonged exposure to high altitudes and previous instances of severe craniocerebral trauma, among other uncommon pathophysiological characteristics. In particular, the patient also underwent surgical interventions at both high and low altitudes, adding to the complexity of their case. To ensure patient safety, close multidisciplinary collaboration, the development of a precise surgical plan, and the implementation of a suitable perioperative anesthetic management strategy are imperative.
PubMed: 38803347
DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1385603 -
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024Traditional gel-based (wet) electrodes for biopotential recordings have several shortcomings that limit their practicality for real-world measurements. Dry electrodes...
Traditional gel-based (wet) electrodes for biopotential recordings have several shortcomings that limit their practicality for real-world measurements. Dry electrodes may improve usability, but they often suffer from reduced signal quality. We sought to evaluate the biopotential recording properties of a novel mixed ionic-electronic conductive (MIEC) material for improved performance. We fabricated four MIEC electrode form factors and compared their signal recording properties to two control electrodes, which are electrodes commonly used for biopotential recordings (Ag-AgCl and stainless steel). We used an agar synthetic skin to characterize the impedance of each electrode form factor. An electrical phantom setup allowed us to compare the recording quality of simulated biopotentials with ground-truth sources. All MIEC electrode form factors yielded impedances in a similar range to the control electrodes (all <80 kΩ at 100 Hz). Three of the four MIEC samples produced similar signal-to-noise ratios and interfacial charge transfers as the control electrodes. The MIEC electrodes demonstrated similar and, in some cases, better signal recording characteristics than current state-of-the-art electrodes. MIEC electrodes can also be fabricated into a myriad of form factors, underscoring the great potential this novel material has across a wide range of biopotential recording applications.
PubMed: 38793990
DOI: 10.3390/s24103136 -
Life (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic autoimmune connective tissue disease that affects more than 2 million people worldwide. It manifests through vasculopathy, an... (Review)
Review
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic autoimmune connective tissue disease that affects more than 2 million people worldwide. It manifests through vasculopathy, an abnormal immunological response, and fibrosis leading to dysfunction of the multiple organs. The disease is categorized into two subtypes: limited cutaneous SSc and diffuse cutaneous SSc. Scleroderma can affect vital organs with respiratory, cardiac, renal, ocular, and dermatological complications. The ocular manifestations of the disease can occur in the anterior and posterior segments of the eye. Changes in the anterior segment related to the disease include eyelid skin remodeling, dry eye syndrome, and conjunctival abnormalities. The disease's impact on the posterior segment of the eye mostly causes pathologies in the retinal microcirculatory system and abnormalities in the optic nerve. This review provides detailed insights into ocular complications associated with scleroderma.
PubMed: 38792647
DOI: 10.3390/life14050627 -
International Journal of Molecular... May 2024The use of natural active substances and the development of new formulations are promising directions in the cosmetic and pharmacy industries. The primary purpose of...
The use of natural active substances and the development of new formulations are promising directions in the cosmetic and pharmacy industries. The primary purpose of this research was the production of microparticles based on whey protein isolate (WPI) and calcium alginate (ALG) containing flower extract and their incorporation into films composed of gelatin, WPI, and glycerol. Both swollen and dry microparticles were studied by optical microscopy and their sizes were measured. Water absorption by the microparticles, their loading capacity, and the release profile of flower extract were also characterized. The films were analyzed by mechanical tests (Young's modulus, tensile strength, elongation at break), swelling capacity, contact angle, and moisture content measurements. The presented data showed that the active ingredient was successfully enclosed in spherical microparticles and completely released after 75 min of incubation at 37 °C. The incorporation of the microparticles into polymer films caused a decrease in stiffness and tensile strength, simultaneously increasing the ductility of the samples. Moreover, the films containing microparticles displayed higher swelling ability and moisture content compared to those without them. Hence, the materials prepared in this study with flower extract encapsulated into polymeric microspheres can be a starting point for the development of new products intended for skin application; advantages include protection of the extract against external factors and a controlled release profile.
Topics: Calendula; Flowers; Plant Extracts; Whey Proteins; Tensile Strength; Delayed-Action Preparations; Alginates; Gelatin; Microspheres
PubMed: 38791364
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105325 -
Biomedicines May 2024Inherited ichthyoses are a group of clinically and genetically heterogeneous rare disorders of skin keratinization with overlapping phenotypes. The clinical picture and...
Comprehensive Molecular Analysis of Disease-Related Genes as First-Tier Test for Early Diagnosis, Classification, and Management of Patients Affected by Nonsyndromic Ichthyosis.
Inherited ichthyoses are a group of clinically and genetically heterogeneous rare disorders of skin keratinization with overlapping phenotypes. The clinical picture and family history are crucial to formulating the diagnostic hypothesis, but only the identification of the genetic defect allows the correct classification. In the attempt to molecularly classify 17 unrelated Italian patients referred with congenital nonsyndromic ichthyosis, we performed massively parallel sequencing of over 50 ichthyosis-related genes. Genetic data of 300 Italian unaffected subjects were also analyzed to evaluate frequencies of putative disease-causing alleles in our population. For all patients, we identified the molecular cause of the disease. Eight patients were affected by autosomal recessive congenital ichthyosis associated with , , and mutations. Three patients had biallelic loss-of-function variants in , whereas 6/11 males were affected by X-linked ichthyosis. Among the 24 different disease-causing alleles we identified, 8 carried novel variants, including a synonymous variant that resulted in a splicing defect. Moreover, we generated a priority list of the ichthyosis-related genes that showed a significant number of rare and novel variants in our population. In conclusion, our comprehensive molecular analysis resulted in an effective first-tier test for the early classification of ichthyosis patients. It also expands the genetic, mutational, and phenotypic spectra of inherited ichthyosis and provides new insight into the current understanding of etiologies and epidemiology of this group of rare disorders.
PubMed: 38791074
DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12051112 -
Journal of Functional Biomaterials Apr 2024This paper presents methods for developing high-performance interface electrode materials designed to enhance signal collection efficacy during long-term (over 24 h)...
This paper presents methods for developing high-performance interface electrode materials designed to enhance signal collection efficacy during long-term (over 24 h) electrocardiography (ECG) monitoring. The electrode materials are fabricated by integrating commercial ECG liquid hydrogels with carbon nanotubes (CNTs), which are widely utilized in dry-electrode technologies and extensively discussed in the current scientific literature. The composite materials are either prepared by dispersing CNTs within the commercial liquid hydrogel matrix or by encasing the hydrogels in macroscopic CNT films. Both approaches ensure the optimal wetting of the epidermis via the hydrogels, while the CNTs reduce material impedance and stabilize the drying process. The resulting electrode materials maintain their softness, allowing for micro-conformal skin attachment, and are biocompatible. Empirical testing confirms that the ECG electrodes employing these hybrid hydrogels adhere to relevant standards for durations exceeding 24 h. These innovative hybrid solutions merge the benefits of both wet and dry ECG electrode technologies, potentially facilitating the extended monitoring of ECG signals and thus advancing the diagnosis and treatment of various cardiac conditions.
PubMed: 38786625
DOI: 10.3390/jfb15050113 -
Marine Drugs Apr 2024Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are valuable bioactive polysaccharides with promising biomedical and pharmaceutical applications. In this study, we analyzed GAGs using...
Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are valuable bioactive polysaccharides with promising biomedical and pharmaceutical applications. In this study, we analyzed GAGs using HPLC-MS/MS from the bone (B), muscle (M), skin (S), and viscera (V) of (SM), (P), (LF), (G), (PB), (PC), and (CH). Unsaturated disaccharide products were obtained by enzymatic hydrolysis of the GAGs and subjected to compositional analysis of chondroitin sulfate (CS), heparin sulfate (HS), and hyaluronic acid (HA), including the sulfation degree of CS and HS, as well as the content of each GAG. The contents of GAGs in the tissues and the sulfation degree differed significantly among the fish. The bone of contained more than 12 μg of CS per mg of dry tissue. Although the fish typically contained high levels of CSA (CS-4S), some fish bone tissue exhibited elevated levels of CSC (CS-6S). The HS content was found to range from 10-150 ug/g, primarily distributed in viscera, with a predominant non-sulfated structure (HS-0S). The structure of HA is well-defined without sulfation modification. These analytical results are independent of biological classification. We provide a high-throughput rapid detection method for tissue samples using HPLC-MS/MS to rapidly screen ideal sources of GAG. On this basis, four kinds of CS were prepared and purified from flounder bone, and their molecular weight was determined to be 23-28 kDa by HPGPC-MALLS, and the disaccharide component unit was dominated by CS-6S, which is a potential substitute for CSC derived from shark cartilage.
Topics: Animals; Chondroitin Sulfates; Glycosaminoglycans; Tandem Mass Spectrometry; Flounder; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Bone and Bones; Skin; Hyaluronic Acid; Muscles
PubMed: 38786589
DOI: 10.3390/md22050198