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Metabolites Jan 2024This review article compiles critical pre-analytical factors for sample collection and extraction of eight uncommon or underexplored biological specimens (human breast... (Review)
Review
This review article compiles critical pre-analytical factors for sample collection and extraction of eight uncommon or underexplored biological specimens (human breast milk, ocular fluids, sebum, seminal plasma, sweat, hair, saliva, and cerebrospinal fluid) under the perspective of clinical metabolomics. These samples are interesting for metabolomics studies as they reflect the status of living organisms and can be applied for diagnostic purposes and biomarker discovery. Pre-collection and collection procedures are critical, requiring protocols to be standardized to avoid contamination and bias. Such procedures must consider cleaning the collection area, sample stimulation, diet, and food and drug intake, among other factors that impact the lack of homogeneity of the sample group. Precipitation of proteins and removal of salts and cell debris are the most used sample preparation procedures. This review intends to provide a global view of the practical aspects that most impact results, serving as a starting point for the designing of metabolomic experiments.
PubMed: 38248839
DOI: 10.3390/metabo14010036 -
Colloids and Surfaces. B, Biointerfaces Feb 2024Thymol-loaded PLGA nanoparticles (TH-NPs) were incorporated into different semi-solid formulations using variable gelling agents (carbomer, polysaccharide and...
Thymol-loaded PLGA nanoparticles (TH-NPs) were incorporated into different semi-solid formulations using variable gelling agents (carbomer, polysaccharide and poloxamer). The formulations were physicochemically characterized in terms of size, polydispersity index and zeta potential. Moreover, stability studies were performed by analyzing the backscattering profile showing that the gels were able to increase the nanoparticles stability at 4 °C. Moreover, rheological properties showed that all gels were able to increase the viscosity of TH-NPs with the carbomer gels showing the highest values. Moreover, the observation of carbomer dispersed TH-NPs under electron microscopical techniques showed 3D nanometric cross-linked filaments with the NPs found embedded in the threads. In addition, cytotoxicity studies showed that keratinocyte cells in contact with the formulations obtained cell viability values higher than 70 %. Furthermore, antimicrobial efficacy was assessed against C. acnes and S. epidermidis showing that the formulations eliminated the pathogenic C. acnes but preserved the resident S. epidermidis which contributes towards a healthy skin microbiota. Finally, biomechanical properties of TH-NPs dispersed in carbomer gels in contact with healthy human skin were studied showing that they did not alter skin properties and were able to reduce sebum which is increased in acne vulgaris. As a conclusion, TH-NPs dispersed in semi-solid formulations and, especially in carbomer gels, may constitute a suitable solution for the treatment of acne vulgaris.
Topics: Humans; Hydrogels; Thymol; Skin; Acne Vulgaris; Polylactic Acid-Polyglycolic Acid Copolymer; Nanoparticles
PubMed: 38194839
DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2023.113678 -
Frontiers in Immunology 2023Acne vulgaris is one of the most prevalent skin conditions, affecting almost all teenagers worldwide. Multiple factors, including the excessive production of sebum,... (Review)
Review
Acne vulgaris is one of the most prevalent skin conditions, affecting almost all teenagers worldwide. Multiple factors, including the excessive production of sebum, dysbiosis of the skin microbiome, disruption of keratinization within hair follicles, and local inflammation, are believed to trigger or aggravate acne. Immune activity plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of acne. Recent research has improved our understanding of the immunostimulatory functions of microorganisms, lipid mediators, and neuropeptides. Additionally, significant advances have been made in elucidating the intricate mechanisms through which cutaneous innate and adaptive immune cells perceive and transmit stimulatory signals and initiate immune responses. However, our understanding of precise temporal and spatial patterns of immune activity throughout various stages of acne development remains limited. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current knowledge concerning the immune processes involved in the initiation and progression of acne. Furthermore, we highlight the significance of detailed spatiotemporal analyses, including analyses of temporal dynamics of immune cell populations as well as single-cell and spatial RNA sequencing, for the development of targeted therapeutic and prevention strategies.
Topics: Adolescent; Humans; Skin; Acne Vulgaris; Immunization; Cognition; Immunity
PubMed: 38193084
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1324930 -
The Journal of Dermatological Treatment Dec 2024The recognition of an association between the development of acne vulgaris (AV) and pubertal hormonal changes during adolescence dates back almost 100 years. Since... (Review)
Review
The recognition of an association between the development of acne vulgaris (AV) and pubertal hormonal changes during adolescence dates back almost 100 years. Since these formative observations, a significant role of circulating hormones in the pathophysiology of AV and other cutaneous disorders has been established. This review article aims to provide an overview of clinical and preclinical evidence supporting the influences of androgens on the skin and their therapeutic importance in AV pathophysiology. The cutaneous effects of hormones are attributable, to a large extent, to the influence of steroid hormones, particularly androgens, on sebocyte development and sebum production in both sexes. Androgen-mediated excess sebum production is implicated as a necessary early step in AV pathophysiology and is therefore considered an important therapeutic target in AV treatment. Although the local production and/or activity of androgens within the skin is believed to be important in AV pathophysiology, it has received limited therapeutic attention. We have summarized the current evidence in support of the therapeutic benefits of targeted hormonal treatment to decrease androgen-stimulated sebum production for the effective and safe treatment of AV in both male and female patients.
Topics: Adolescent; Humans; Female; Male; Androgens; Sebum; Skin; Acne Vulgaris; Dermatitis
PubMed: 38192024
DOI: 10.1080/09546634.2023.2298878 -
Skin Research and Technology : Official... Jan 2024Sensitive skin is a common condition affecting a significant proportion of the population, and there is a growing demand for effective and safe management.
BACKGROUND
Sensitive skin is a common condition affecting a significant proportion of the population, and there is a growing demand for effective and safe management.
AIM
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a cream containing panthenol, prebiotics, and probiotic lysate as an optimal care for facial sensitive skin.
METHODS
A total of 110 participants (64 in group A and 46 in group B) with facial sensitive skin applied the cream twice daily for 28 days. Group A evaluated their sensitive skin, product efficacy, and product use experience at D0 (15 min), D1, D14, and D28. In group B, skin barrier function-related indicators were measured at baseline and on D1, D7, D14, and D28. Dermatologists evaluated tolerance for all participants.
RESULTS
After 28 days of use, in group A, 100% of participants reported mildness and comfort with product use. Participants demonstrated significant improvements in skin barrier function-related indicators, including increased stratum corneum moisture content, reduced erythema index, elevated sebum content, decreased trans-epidermal water loss, and diminished skin redness parameter a* value (all p < 0.05). Dermatologist evaluations revealed excellent tolerance among all participants.
CONCLUSION
The panthenol-enriched cream with prebiotics and probiotic lysate exhibited substantial clinical efficacy in ameliorating facial sensitive skin conditions, coupled with a high safety profile.
Topics: Humans; Prebiotics; Probiotics; Pantothenic Acid; Facial Dermatoses; Emollients
PubMed: 38186043
DOI: 10.1111/srt.13540 -
Frontiers in Veterinary Science 2023The Jianshui yellow-brown duck is a unique country-specific waterfowl species in Yunnan Province, well known for its tender meat. However, there is a lack of...
The Jianshui yellow-brown duck is a unique country-specific waterfowl species in Yunnan Province, well known for its tender meat. However, there is a lack of comprehensive systematic research on the molecular genetic characteristics, especially germplasm resources and economic traits, of the Jianshui yellow-brown ducks. This study investigated the molecular genetic characteristics of Jianshui yellow-brown ducks, compared their selection signals with those of ancestral mallard and meat-type Pekin ducks, and identified genes specific to their meat-use performance. Furthermore, this study also evaluated the breeding potential for its meat performance. In this study, phylogenetic trees, PCA and Admixture analysis were used to investigate the population genetic structure among local duck breeds in China; population genetic differentiation index (Fst), nucleotide diversity and Tajima's D were used to detect selected loci and genes in the population of Jianshui yellow-brown ducks; and transcriptome technology was used to screen for differentially expressed genes in the liver, sebum and breast muscle tissues, and finally, the results of the genome selection signals and transcriptome data were integrated to excavate functional genes affecting the meat performance of the Jianshui yellow-brown ducks. The results of the genetic structure of the population showed that Jianshui yellow-brown ducks were clustered into a separate group. Selection signal analysis indicated significant selection pressure on certain genes related to meat characteristics (, , , , , and ) in both Jianshui yellow-brown ducks and mallards. Transcriptomic data analysis suggested that , , and are vital candidate genes influencing meat production and quality in Jianshui yellow-brown ducks. A comparison of selection signals between Jianshui yellow-brown ducks and Pekin ducks revealed only 21 selected genes in the Jianshui yellow-brown duck population, and no significant genes were related to meat traits. Moreover, whole-genome resequencing data suggested that the Jianshui yellow-brown duck represents a unique category with distinct genetic mechanisms. Through selection signaling and transcriptomic approaches, we successfully screened and identified important candidate genes affecting meat traits in Jianshui yellow-brown ducks. Furthermore, the Jianshui yellow-brown duck has good potential for improved meat performance, highlighting the need for further improvement.
PubMed: 38179331
DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1269904 -
The Journal of Dermatological Treatment Dec 2024Sebum physiology and its contributions to acne vulgaris (AV) pathophysiology have been long debated. Within the pilosebaceous unit, androgens drive sebocyte production... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Sebum physiology and its contributions to acne vulgaris (AV) pathophysiology have been long debated. Within the pilosebaceous unit, androgens drive sebocyte production of sebum, comprising mono-, di-, and triglycerides (the latter converted to fatty acids); squalene; cholesterol; cholesterol esters; and wax esters. Upon release to the skin surface, human sebum has important roles in epidermal water retention, antimicrobial defenses, and innate immune responses.
AIMS
Alterations in sebum alone and with other pathogenic factors (inflammation, follicular hyperkeratinization, and [] proliferation) contribute to AV pathophysiology. Androgen-driven sebum production, mandatory for AV development, propagates proliferation and upregulates inflammatory and comedogenic cascades.
RESULTS
Some sebum lipids have comedogenic effects in isolation, and sebum content alterations (including elevations in specific fatty acids) contribute to AV pathogenesis. Regional differences in facial sebum production, coupled with patient characteristics (including sex and age), help exemplify this link between sebum alterations and AV lesion formation.
CONCLUSIONS
To date, only combined oral contraceptives and oral spironolactone (both limited to female patients), oral isotretinoin and topical clascoterone (cortexolone 17α-propionate) modulate sebum production in patients with AV. A better understanding of mechanisms underlying sebaceous gland changes driving AV development is needed to expand the AV treatment armamentarium.
Topics: Humans; Female; Sebum; Acne Vulgaris; Sebaceous Glands; Skin; Fatty Acids
PubMed: 38146664
DOI: 10.1080/09546634.2023.2296855 -
PeerJ 2023Diseases vary among and within species but the causes of this variation can be unclear. Immune responses are an important driver of disease variation, but mechanisms on... (Review)
Review
Diseases vary among and within species but the causes of this variation can be unclear. Immune responses are an important driver of disease variation, but mechanisms on how the body resists pathogen establishment before activation of immune responses are understudied. Skin surfaces of mammals are the first line of defense against abiotic stressors and pathogens, and skin attributes such as pH, microbiomes, and lipids influence disease outcomes. Sebaceous glands produce sebum composed of multiple types of lipids with species-specific compositions. Sebum affects skin barrier function by contributing to minimizing water loss, supporting thermoregulation, protecting against pathogens, and preventing UV-induced damage. Sebum also affects skin microbiome composition both via its antimicrobial properties, and by providing potential nutrient sources. Intra- and interspecific variation in sebum composition influences skin disease outcomes in humans and domestic mammal species but is not well-characterized in wildlife. We synthesized knowledge on sebum function in mammals in relation to skin diseases and the skin microbiome. We found that sebum composition was described for only 29 live, wild mammalian species. Sebum is important in dermatophilosis, various forms of dermatitis, demodicosis, and potentially white-nose syndrome. Sebum composition likely affects disease susceptibility, as lipid components can have antimicrobial functions against specific pathogens. It is unclear why sebum composition is species-specific, but both phylogeny and environmental effects may drive differences. Our review illustrates the role of mammal sebum function and influence on skin microbes in the context of skin diseases, providing a baseline for future studies to elucidate mechanisms of disease resistance beyond immune responses.
Topics: Humans; Animals; Sebum; Skin Diseases; Mammals; Lipids; Microbiota; Anti-Infective Agents
PubMed: 38144187
DOI: 10.7717/peerj.16680 -
International Journal of Pharmaceutics Jan 2024The prolonged use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) can lead to skin problems due to persistent pressure, friction, and tension. This issue has prompted the...
The prolonged use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) can lead to skin problems due to persistent pressure, friction, and tension. This issue has prompted the exploration of solutions to protect the skin while maintaining the effectiveness of the PPE. This study aimed to evaluate the in vivo effectiveness of a gelatin/tannic acid-based hydrogel patch positioned beneath a mask to alleviate skin damage resulting from mask-wearing. To understand the pressure exerted by PPE, in vitro tests were conducted to measure the tensile strength of three types of facial masks. The FFP2 masks exhibited the highest tensile strength and were selected for subsequent in vivo biometric investigations. Biometric parameters were evaluated using the Flir E50bx® thermographic camera, Corneometer®, MoistureMap®, Sebumeter®, Tewameter®, and VISIA® systems. The results showed that when the hydrogel patch was used under the mask, there were no significant differences in facial skin temperature, sebum levels, or TEWL values (p > 0.05). However, a statistically significant increase in skin hydration and a decrease in frontal redness (p < 0.05) were observed. Consumer acceptance was assessed through sensory analysis questionnaires. In summary, the observed attenuation of physiological changes in the facial area and the positive consumer feedback suggest that this polymeric film-forming system is a simple yet effective solution to prevent PPE use-related skin issues.
Topics: Humans; Gelatin; Hydrogels; Personal Protective Equipment; Erythema; Health Personnel; Masks
PubMed: 38142013
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2023.123731 -
International Journal of Pharmaceutics Feb 2024Acne constitutes one of the most prevalent skin disorder affecting both skin and mental health of patients. However, no cure has been developed so far. In this area,...
Acne constitutes one of the most prevalent skin disorder affecting both skin and mental health of patients. However, no cure has been developed so far. In this area, Thymol constitutes a potential candidate since it is able to restore the healthy microbiota of the skin. However, its permeation properties cause its fast elimination and, to avoid this problem, thymol has been loaded into nanostructured lipid carriers (TH-NLCs). Moreover, to increase the suitability of these systems for skin applications, several surface functionalization strategies of TH-NLCs had been assessed. Among the different molecules, phosphatidylcholine-TH-NLCs demonstrated to be safe as well as to provide high antioxidant activity in cellular studies. Therefore, to administer these systems to the skin, functionalized TH-NLCs were dispersed into a carbomer gel developing semi-solid formulations. Rheological properties, porosity and extensibility of TH dispersed in carbomer as well as phosphatidylcholine-TH-NLCs were assessed demonstrating suitable properties for dermal applications. Moreover, both formulations were applied in healthy volunteers demonstrating that gel-phosphatidylcholine-TH-NLCs were able to increase in skin hydration, decrease water loss and reduce skin sebum. Therefore, gel-phosphatidylcholine-TH-NLCs proved to be a suitable system for skin pathologies linked with high sebum generation, loss of hydration and high oxidation, such as acne vulgaris.
Topics: Humans; Thymol; Nanoparticles; Drug Carriers; Skin; Nanostructures; Acne Vulgaris; Phosphatidylcholines; Particle Size
PubMed: 38142012
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2023.123732