Dermatological Applications Research Articles

PLASMA BIOMEDICINE: MODERN STATE-OF-ART AND PERSPECTIVES IN REGENERATIVE MEDICINE

Abstract The purpose of the review was a comprehensive analysis of the biological effects and applications of cold plasma. First of all, physical principles of cold atmospheric plasma, including generation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species as intermediates, were discussed. The analysis of the specialized literature on plasma medicine as an innovative interdisciplinary direction allowed us to show the physical mechanisms of biological effects of cold plasma associated with the modulation of free radical processes in the biological objects. That is why correction of oxidative stress and other disorders of redox balance was determined as direct target of the effect of studied factor. Among the most significant aspects of the biological action of cold plasma, antibacterial and pro-regenerative activity, as well as modulation of apoptosis, should be cited. On this basis, the factor in question determines its application in oncology, surgery, dermatology and other fields of medicine. One of the most important effects of cold plasma was its antibacterial and antifungal activity, which in useful for wound healing, sterilization etc. Special attention was paid to possibilities of cold plasma therapy in combustiology. Molecular, tissue and systemic mechanisms of sanogenic effects of cold plasma was demonstrated and analyzed. Results of own studied in this field was observed. Further discovery of the biological effects of cold plasma can significantly expand the range of its medical applications.

Cannabidiol (CBD) with 4',7-Isoflavandiol (Equol) Efficacy is Greater than CBD or Equol Treatment Alone via Human Skin Gene Expression Analysis.

While cannabidiol (CBD) and 4',7-isoflavandiol (Equol) have been examined individually in various skin studies, the present investigation tested whether topically applied CBD with Equol may yield enhanced effects on human skin biomarkers. After 24 hours exposure human skin gene expression was measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction-messenger ribonucleic acid (qPCR-mRNA) analysis across 9 functional skin categories covering 97 biomarkers. In general, among the biomarkers analyzed the CBD with Equol treatment displayed greater efficacy compared to CBD only or the Equol treatment alone (e.g., 4 out 5 for anti-acne, 15 out of 17 for anti-aging [e.g., collagen, elastin, calcium binding protein A7, tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP 1), etc.], 19 out of 21 for anti-inflammatory (pain), 10 out of 11 for antioxidants to protect against oxidative stress, 6 out of 6 for circadian rhythm regulation for cell repair/restoration, 10 out of 15 for anti-pigmentation properties, 4 out of 5 for skin hydration, 6 out of 6 for tissue integrity, and 11 out of 12 for wound healing properties). CBD with Equol displayed synergistic effects that may be an effective topical treatment for dermatology and cosmetic applications to improve human skin health and reduce photo-aging.

Protocatechuic Acid and Syringin from Saussurea neoserrata Nakai Attenuate Prostaglandin Production in Human Keratinocytes Exposed to Airborne Particulate Matter.

Saussurea neoserrata Nakai offers a reliable and efficient source of antioxidants that can help alleviate adverse skin reactions triggered by air pollutants. Air pollutants, such as particulate matter (PM), have the ability to infiltrate the skin and contribute to the higher occurrence of cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and respiratory ailments. Individuals with compromised skin barriers are particularly susceptible to the impact of PM since it can be absorbed more readily through the skin. This study investigated the impact of protocatechuic acid and syringin, obtained from the n-BuOH extract of S. neoserrata Nakai, on the release of PGE2 and PGD2 induced by PM10. Additionally, it examined the gene expression of the synthesis of PGE2 and PGD2 in human keratinocytes. The findings of this research highlight the potential of utilizing safe and efficient plant-derived antioxidants in dermatological and cosmetic applications to mitigate the negative skin reactions caused by exposure to air pollution.

A biocompatible lipid-based bigel for topical applications

The development of biocompatible delivery systems is a necessity for medical and topical applications. Herein, the development of a new bigel for topical application is described. It is composed of 40% colloidal lipid hydrogel and 60% olive oil and beeswax oleogel. Its characterization and the potential of the bigel as a drug carrier through the skin was evaluated in vitro using fluorescence microscopy and two phases of the bigel were labeled with two fluorescent probes: sodium fluorescein (hydrophilic phase) and Nile red (lipophilic phase). The structure of the bigel showed two phases with fluorescence microscopy in which the hydrogel phase was incorporated into a continuous oleogel matrix. Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) presented a combination of vibrations characteristic of the different molecules forming the bigel, and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) showed different transitions attributed to beeswax lipids. Small-angle and wide-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS and WAXS) indicated a predominant lamellar structure with orthorhombic lateral packing that could be related to the arrangement of beeswax crystals. Bigel enables deeper penetration of hydrophilic and lipophilic probes into deeper layers, making it a promising candidate for effective topical carriers in medical and dermatological applications.

Bioprospecting of Five Ocimum sp. Cultivars from Croatia: New Potential for Dietary and Dermatological Application with Embryotoxicity Tests.

Ocimum basilicum L. is the most common Ocimum species, and it is used as an ornamental plant and in food condiments. This unique study examined the chemical composition and biological activities of six extracts from five basil cultivars, including their antimicrobial, antidiabetic, antilipidemic, neuroprotective, and anticollagenase activity. Moreover, their toxicological effects were studied using the zebrafish Danio rerio. Volatile components were determined using HS-SPME and GC-MS, while total polyphenols were detected using HPLC and the spectrophotometric Folin-Ciocalteu method. Spectrophotometric assays (DPPH, ABTS, ORAC, FRAP) were performed to determine antioxidant activity, collagenase inhibition, acetylcholinesterase inhibition, and pancreatic lipase inhibition. Antimicrobial activity was determined using the broth microdilution test. The study found that the biological activities of different basil cultivars varied depending on the proportion of active compounds, as determined by chemical analyses. All six basil extracts significantly inhibited α-amylase, while Purple basil extract most significantly inhibited the activity of collagenase, acetylcholinesterase, and pancreatic lipase. Purple basil and Dark Opal basil I extracts exhibited the highest antimicrobial activity, while the Dark Opal basil II extract had the most significant antioxidant potential. The findings in this study suggest that ethanolic basil extracts have the potential to be used as dietary drugs and implemented in antiaging products. This study is unique in its aims to compare the chemical composition and biological activities of basil cultivars from Croatia and to evaluate potential toxicological effects through embryotoxicity tests on zebrafish Danio rerio embryos, and it reports the first evidence of anticollagenase, antidiabetic, and antilipidemic activities for these cultivars.

Formulation and Characterization of Mupirocin Nanomicelles in Insulin-Based Gel for Dermatological Application.

To produce and analyze mupirocin nanomicelle (MP-NM) in insulin-based gel. MP-NM was prepared using solvent evaporation with Tween 80 as a surfactant. HPMC polymer prepared gel. MP-NM was characterized by globular diameter, polydispersity index (PDI), pH, entrapment efficiency (EE), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). NM MP release was studied in vitro. The revolutionary MP-NM in insulin-based gel dissolves MP completely without precipitation due to its unique physical and chemical properties. MP had 8.64 ± 0.2 nm globular diameter, high EE (98.85 ± 0.01%), and normal homogeneous dispersion (PDI, 0.143 ± 0.003) in NM. MP's formula showed rapid first-order kinetics release. To our knowledge, this is the first MP-NM nano-drug delivery system employing insulin-based gel. It has promising pre-clinical and clinical uses.

Cutaneous Polymeric-Micelles-Based Hydrogel Containing Origanum vulgare L. Essential Oil: In Vitro Release and Permeation, Angiogenesis, and Safety Profile In Ovo.

Origanum vulgare var. vulgare essential oil (OEO) is known as a natural product with multiple beneficial effects with application in dermatology. Oregano essential oil represents a potential natural therapeutic alternative for fibroepithelial polyps (FPs), commonly known as skin tags. Innovative formulations have been developed to improve the bioavailability and stability of essential oils. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the morphology of a polymeric-micelles-based hydrogel (OEO-PbH), the release and permeation profile of oregano essential oil, as well as to assess in vivo the potential effects on the degree of biocompatibility and the impact on angiogenesis in ovo, using a chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis indicated a regular aspect after the encapsulation process, while in vitro release studies showed a sustained release of the essential oil. None of the tested samples induced any irritation on the CAM and the limitation of the angiogenic process was noted. OEO-PbH, with a sustained release of OEO, potentially enhances the anti-angiogenic effect while being well tolerated and non-irritative by the vascularized CAM, especially on the blood vessels (BVs) in the presence of leptin treatment. This is the first evidence of in vivo antiangiogenic effects of a polymeric-micelle-loaded oregano essential oil, with further mechanistic insights for OEO-PbH formulation, involving leptin as a possible target. The findings suggest that the OEO-containing polymeric micelle hydrogel represents a potential future approach in the pathology of cutaneous FP and other angiogenesis-related conditions.

FR - Carvedilol y sus aplicaciones en dermatología

FR - Carvedilol y sus aplicaciones en dermatología

Hydrobiome of Thermal Waters: Potential Use in Dermocosmetics

Over the course of the last 20 years, numerous studies have identified the benefits of thermal waters on different skin conditions. Consequently, several investigations have been carried out on their effects on the skin, which are linked to their chemical composition, and, recently, scientists have turned their attention to the role of the thermal spring’s microbiota, named “hydrobiome”, regarding these therapeutic effects. At the same time, the development of cosmetics based on pre, pro, and postbiotics has reached great relevance and research is increasing every day. This review gathers information on the biological diversity of thermal spring waters and their potential use in obtaining biological compounds, metabolites, or bacterial extracts for use in dermocosmetics as active ingredients. These bioactive compounds are able to improve dermatological diseases such as atopic dermatitis or rosacea and ameliorate pruritus and xerosis; moreover, they can increase protection against UV exposure, strengthen barrier function, maintain good homeostasis of skin defenses, repair damaged skin, promote wound healing, improve skin condition, reduce uneven skin pigmentation, and prevent skin aging. From a future perspective, fruitful cooperation among researchers, hydrologists, thermal spa centers, and cosmetic industries will drive this sector toward a better understanding of the role of the hydrobiome of thermal spring waters on healthy skin and dermatological diseases and consider the inclusion of derivatives of this hydrobiome (in the form of fermenters, lysates, extracts, etc.) in dermocosmetic formulations. Therefore, and being aware of the potential of the hydrobiome in dermatological and skin care applications, the future prospects for the use of bioactive substances derived from it in dermocosmetic formulations are promising.

Commentary on "Patient-Reported Outcome Measures and Their Clinical Applications in Dermatology".

Commentary on "Patient-Reported Outcome Measures and Their Clinical Applications in Dermatology".

Clinical Efficacy of Topical or Oral Soy Supplementation in Dermatology: A Systematic Review.

Soybean, a legume native to Southeast Asia, serves many nutritional and medical purposes due to its rich source of phytochemicals and its antioxidant activity. Many animal and in vitro studies have demonstrated its potential impact on dermatologic health. The objective of this review is to investigate the clinical response of soy-based oral supplementation or topical application on dermatologic outcomes. A systematic review of studies assessing soy supplementation or application was performed in January 2023. Databases included PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Natural Medicines, and studies assessing any formulation that included soybean or associated products were included. Thirty studies met the inclusion criteria and are included in the review; 13 of these studies assessed oral supplementation and 17 assessed topical application. Topical and oral supplementation demonstrated efficacious results for a variety of dermatologic parameters, including chronological or photoaging parameters, skin barrier status, hydration, hyperpigmentation, dermal network composition, erythema, hair and nail parameters, acne lesion counts, and vulvar lichen sclerosis scores. Factors associated with aging, such as wrinkle area and depth, were most frequently assessed among the studies, and both topical and oral studies demonstrated efficacy. Effects are likely mediated by dermal compositional changes, such as increased collagen and/or elastic fiber numbers. Transepidermal water loss measurements, an indicator of skin barrier status, were frequently obtained among the studies, although improvement was more likely achieved with topical application compared to oral supplementation. The results of this review highlight the utility of soy-based products for a variety of dermatologic applications, although future studies are required to determine optimal formulations and application routes for intended outcomes.

A hand-held optical coherence tomography angiography scanner based on angiography reconstruction transformer networks.

Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) has successfully demonstrated its viability for clinical applications in dermatology. Due to the high optical scattering property of skin, extracting high-quality OCTA images from skin tissues requires at least six-repeated scans. While the motion artifacts from the patient and the free hand-held probe can lead to a low-quality OCTA image. Our deep-learning-based scan pipeline enables fast and high-quality OCTA imaging with 0.3-s data acquisition. We utilize a fast scanning protocol with a 60 μm/pixel spatial interval rate and introduce angiography-reconstruction-transformer (ART) for 4× super-resolution of low transverse resolution OCTA images. The ART outperforms state-of-the-art networks in OCTA image super-resolution and provides a lighter network size. ART can restore microvessels while reducing the processing time by 85%, and maintaining improvements in structural similarity and peak-signal-to-noise ratio. This study represents that ART can achieve fast and flexible skin OCTA imaging while maintaining image quality.

Phenolic Composition and Wound Healing Potential Assessment of Moroccan Henna (Lawsonia inermis) Aqueous Extracts

The present study aims at valorizing Moroccan Henna (Lawsonia inermis) by developing healing formulations for cosmetic and therapeutic uses. For such a goal, the plant was collected from three locations in southeastern Morocco (Alnif, Tafraoute Sidi Ali and Tazarine). Phytochemical analysis of Henna leaves was performed by determining phenolic compound contents, and flavonoids and tannins in it, through its aqueous extracts. Then, specific formulations were prepared using aqueous extracts of L. inermis to assess their in vivo wound healing potential in Swiss albino mice used as animal models. Results disclosed that phenolic compounds (13.48%), as well as flavonoid (9.25%) and tannin (2.57%) contents are higher in Henna leaf extracts from Alnif, while Tazarine Henna aqueous extract was found to be richer in saponins (0.32%). Exclusion chromatographic analysis on Sephadex G50 gel corroborates the obtained results and shows that Lawsone levels (Henna coloring agent) are higher in Henna collected from Alnif. Aqueous Henna leaf extracts, at a dose of 10% in petroleum jelly, have been assessed for their ability to heal induced burns in mice. Healing monitoring, carried-out with Henna extracts on mice batches and those of two control batches (mice batch treated with petroleum jelly alone and batch treated with petroleum jelly containing 1% (flamazine), showed a great reduction in burnt surface with an accentuated contraction percentage (CP) and complete re-epithelialization duration (CRD) at 21 days in the 3 studied Henna-based formulations. These findings suggest the interest of potential development of Henna-based formulations, as a source of phenolic compounds, for further dermatological, cosmetic and therapeutic applications.

Advanced Bioadhesive Hydrogels for Skin Care and Therapy

AbstractHydrogels are a frequently utilized and modified biomaterial. Due to their unique tissue‐like properties, they are used in various biomedical applications. Among the many types of hydrogels, bioadhesive hydrogels are of particular interest, as they provide long‐term robust tissue adhesion that aids in therapeutic applicability, including drug delivery, mechanical stimulus, and in situ monitoring and diagnosis. Accordingly, this review highlights recent developments in bioadhesive hydrogels and their dermatological applications. To provide a broader view of bioadhesive hydrogels, studies regarding their assistance in skin diagnosis and the corresponding treatments are also summarized. This review comprehensively explains the importance and versatility of advanced and unique therapeutic bioadhesive hydrogels used in skin care and therapy.

In vitro direct organogenesis of the medicinal single-mountain local prioritized vulnerable Greek endemic Achillea occulta under different medium variants

Achillea species are of high medicinal value based on their use in traditional medicine and their content in secondary metabolites with potential application in dermatology and cosmetic industry. Achillea occulta is a single-mountain local prioritized vulnerable Greek endemic encountering propagation problems through seeds and root division. In vitro propagation can be used for the rapid and mass production of clonal plants complying with phytochemical and sanitary quality criteria. In this study, several culture medium variants were tested including the effect of different indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) concentrations with 6-benzyladenine (BA), different cytokinin types, agar concentrations, and zeatin (ZT) sterilization methods on in vitro shoot proliferation, as well as the effect of different auxin types and concentrations on in vitro rooting and ex vitro survival rate of shoot-tip explants. The results showed BA was the most preferable cytokinin type as evidenced by all proliferation attributes and autoclaved ZT provided longer shoots. Therefore, the two more promising and cost-effective treatments for proliferation were 2.2 μM BA + 0.25 μM IBA or 4.4 μM BA + 0.5 μM IBA after 21 days of culture on modified Murashige-Skoog (MS) medium (x2 Fe) enriched with 20 g L-1 sucrose and 6-7 g L-1 Agar (90-93.8% shoot formation, 2.7-2.9 shoots 0.4-0.6 cm long, 2.5-2.6 proliferation rates). Explants rooted better after 21 days of culture on plain MS medium with 2 μM IBA or 1 μM α-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) (13.3-20% rooting, 1-1.5 roots 1.8-2 cm long). NAA gave more roots, IBA longer roots, while both auxins exhibited highest rooting (13.33-20%) and ex vitro survival rates (50-66.7%).

A Study on Clinical Aspects of Laser Application in Dermatology

A Study on Clinical Aspects of Laser Application in Dermatology

Betulin – application in dermatology and cosmetology

Betulin (BN) is a natural lupane-type triterpene extracted from many plant species. Its main source is the outer bark layer of birch trees of the Betulaceae family. BN exhibits a number of biological properties, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer and bacteriostatic effects. The article aimed to present the biological properties of BN and its plausible use in cosmetology and dermatology. BN and its derivatives have significant therapeutic potential, which opens wide possibilities for their use in the treatment of various skin diseases.

Facile preparation of biocompatible and antibacterial water-soluble films using polyvinyl alcohol/carboxymethyl chitosan blend fibers via centrifugal spinning

Water-soluble polyvinyl alcohol/carboxymethyl chitosan (PVA/CMCS) blend fiber films were successfully prepared using a plane-collection centrifugal spinning machine. The addition of CMCS significantly increased the shear viscosity of the PVA/CMCS blend solution. The effects of spinning temperature on the shear viscosity and the centrifugal spinnability of PVA/CMCS blend solution were discussed. The PVA/CMCS blend fibers were uniform, and their average diameters ranged from 1.23 μm to 29.01 μm. It was found that the CMCS was distributed evenly in the PVA matrix and increased the crystallinity of PVA/CMCS blend fiber films. The hydrogen bonds between the hydroxyl group of PVA and the carboxymethyl group of CMCS were also detected. An in vitro cell study of human skin fibroblast cells on the PVA/CMCS blend fiber films confirmed biocompatibility. The maximum tensile strength and elongation at break of PVA/CMCS blend fiber films could reach 3.28 MPa and 29.52 %, respectively. The colony-plate-count tests indicated that the PVA16-CMCS2 presented 72.05 % and 21.36 % antibacterial rates against Staphylococcus aureus (104 CFU/mL) and Escherichia coli (103 CFU/mL), respectively. These values indicated that the newly prepared PVA/CMCS blend fiber films are promising materials for cosmetic and dermatological applications.

Performance evaluation of mesoscopic photoacoustic imaging

Photoacoustic mesoscopy visualises vascular architecture at high-resolution up to ~3 mm depth. Despite promise in preclinical and clinical imaging studies, with applications in oncology and dermatology, the accuracy and precision of photoacoustic mesoscopy is not well established. Here, we evaluate a commercial photoacoustic mesoscopy system for imaging vascular structures. Typical artefact types are first highlighted and limitations due to non-isotropic illumination and detection are evaluated with respect to rotation, angularity, and depth of the target. Then, using tailored phantoms and mouse models, we investigate system precision, showing coefficients of variation (COV) between repeated scans [short term (1 h): COV= 1.2%; long term (25 days): COV= 9.6%], from target repositioning (without: COV=1.2%, with: COV=4.1%), or from varying in vivo user experience (experienced: COV=15.9%, unexperienced: COV=20.2%). Our findings show robustness of the technique, but also underscore general challenges of limited-view photoacoustic systems in accurately imaging vessel-like structures, thereby guiding users when interpreting biologically-relevant information.

Efficient framework of solving time-gated reflection matrix for imaging through turbid medium.

Imaging through turbid medium is a long pursuit in many research fields, such as biomedicine, astronomy and automatic vehicle, in which the reflection matrix-based method is a promising solution. However, the epi-detection geometry suffers from round-trip distortion and it is challenging to isolate the input and output aberrations in non-ideal cases due to system imperfections and measurement noises. Here, we present an efficient framework based on single scattering accumulation together with phase unwrapping that can accurately separate input and output aberrations from the noise-affected reflection matrix. We propose to only correct the output aberration while suppressing the input aberration by incoherent averaging. The proposed method is faster in convergence and more robust against noise, avoiding precise and tedious system adjustments. In both simulations and experiments, we demonstrate the diffraction-limited resolution capability under optical thickness beyond 10 scattering mean free paths, showing the potential of applications in neuroscience and dermatology.