Skin Color Changes Research Articles

An evaluation of the effects of makeup on perceived age based on skin color in Korean women.

Makeup has been shown to increase women's attractiveness, perceived femininity, and self-confidence and reduce their perceived age. Some of these results were caused by facial contrast and visible skin color. However, they did not investigate makeup benefit by focusing skin color change. We investigated the benefit of makeup in reducing perceived age by focusing on only skin color, based on the age-related changes in several skin color parameters (mean, standard deviation, skewness, and kurtosis), and attempted to discover the indications for youthful-looking skin color. A total of 174 Korean women aged 20-69years participated in this study. Their digital facial images were cropped on the cheek area, standard Red green Blue data were transformed to Quasi-L*a*b*, and the statistical parameters of individual Quasi-L*a*b* data were calculated. Fourteen volunteers aged 30-45years wore liquid-type makeup. The perceived age was assessed by 11 clinical evaluation researchers with a LCD monitor. The statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 23.0, with a significance level of P<0.05. According to a multiple regression analysis, unevenness in skin color, skin lightness, and skewness in skin yellowness significantly affected the participants' perceived age; the most important factor was the unevenness in skin yellowness in Korean women. The evaluated and calculated with the regression equation perceived age were decreased after makeup was applied. The makeup can reduce women's perceived age by correcting the skin's color, and it can show youthful skin properties such as a lighter and more homogenous color with less chroma.

Compartment syndrome in the forearm related to carbon monoxide intoxication: case report

Introduction: Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is one of the most common forms of intoxication around the world. One of the complications associated with CO exposure is direct toxicity to the skeletal muscles. Though compartment syndrome induced by CO intoxication is rare, it is a well-known complication. In this study, we present a case of CO poisoning in a patient who developed compartment syndrome in his forearm. Case report: A 22-year-old man was found unconscious in a motel where a briquette had burned. He was later diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis associated with CO poison- ing. After he regained consciousness, he experienced difficulty in moving his left arm, with sensory impairment in the same arm. He was diagnosed with compartment syndrome, and an emergency fasciotomy was performed. One month later, electromyography was performed which revealed left median, ulnar, radial and musculocutaneous nerve palsy. Discussion: Compartment syndrome induced by CO intoxication is rare but is a well-known complication. Compartment syndrome is a limb-threatening and life- threatening condition. If untreated, the pressure in the muscle may rise, which can lead to tissue necrosis. Generally, nerve paralysis does not occur in CO poisoning. In our case, it occurred as median, ulnar, radial and musculocutaneous nerve palsy. Conclusion: Side effects of CO poisoning can be extant, especially for those who are unconscious since they cannot express pain, numbness, and motor weakness. It is important to not overlook compartment syndrome, to double-check whether there is swelling, change in skin color, or skin firmness in extremities, and to observe the patient closely.

Effect of carnauba wax-based coating containing glycerol monolaurate on the quality maintenance and shelf-life of Indian jujube (Zizyphus mauritiana Lamk.) fruit during storage

Indian jujube is perishable and has a relatively short shelf-life at room temperature. The effects of carnauba wax (CW) and CW containing glycerol monolaurate (CW-GML) coating on physico-chemical and qualitative attributes of jujube fruit are investigated during storage at 20 °C for 12 days. Compared to the control, both CW and CW-GML coatings reduce jujube weight loss, respiration rate, and ethylene production, maintain lower activities of polygalacturonase, pectin methylesterase and cellulase and delay the flesh softening. The two coatings also delay the change of skin color and ensure higher content of chlorophyll and ascorbic acid. However, the CW-GML coating most significantly inhibite the decay of jujube fruit and retains better sensory quality. After 12 d of storage at 20 °C, the decay index is only 44.3% of the control fruit, and 65.6% of the CW-coated jujube. These results confirm that CW-GML coating could be an effective means to contribute to the shelf-life extension and quality maintenance of jujube fruit stored at 20 °C.

Effects of 1-Methylcyclopropene Treatment on Physicochemical Attributes of “Hai Jiang” Yardlong Bean during Cold Storage

The yardlong bean belongs to nonclimacteric fruit. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) treatment on physicochemical characteristics of yardlong beans during cold storage. Freshly harvested yardlong beans were treated with different concentrations of 1-MCP (0, 0.75, 1.0, 1.25, and 1.5 μL ·L−1) and stored at 8°C for 21 days. The results showed that, compared with the control, the decrease in firmness and good fruit rate and the degradation of chlorophyll and vitamin C (Vc) content could be inhibited, change in skin color could be delayed, activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD) could be improved, and the increasing of malondialdehyde (MDA) content and weight loss could be inhibited significantly by 1-MCP treatments. Of the different concentrations of 1-MCP, 1.0 μL·L−1 proved to have the best preservative effects, extending storage time and delaying ripening and senescence of yardlong beans. These results indicated that 1-MCP treatment provided an effective method for delaying the postharvest senescence of fresh yardlong beans.

Effect of an Edible Coating Based on Chitosan and Oxidized Starch on Shelf Life of Carica papaya L., and Its Physicochemical and Antimicrobial Properties

Papaya production plays an important economic role in Mexico’s economy. After harvest, it continues to ripen, leading to softening, skin color changes, development of strong aroma, and microbial spoilage. The objective of this work was to apply an active coating of chitosan–starch to increase papaya shelf life and to evaluate physicochemical and antimicrobial properties of the coating. Papaya surfaces were coated with a chitosan-oxidized starch (1:3 w/w) solution and stored at room temperature (25 ± 1 °C) for 15 days. Variables measured were color, titratable acidity, vitamin C, pH, soluble solids, volatile compounds by gas chromatography, texture, homogeneity by image analysis, and coating antimicrobial activity. At the end of the storage time, there were no significant differences (p &gt; 0.05) between coated and uncoated papayas for pH (4.3 ± 0.2), titratable acidity (0.12% ± 0.01% citric acid), and soluble solids (12 ± 0.2 °Bx). Papaya firmness decreased to 10 N for coated and 0.5 N for uncoated papayas. Volatile compounds identified in uncoated papaya (acetic acid, butyric acid, ethyl acetate, ethyl butanoate) are related to fermentation. Total microbial population of coated papaya decreased after 15 days, whereas population of uncoated papaya increased. This active coating permitted longer shelf life of papaya than that of the uncoated fruit.

Discriminant Functional Learning of Color Features for the Recognition of Facial Action Units and Their Intensities.

Color is a fundamental image feature of facial expressions. For example, when we furrow our eyebrows in anger, blood rushes in, turning some face areas red; or when one goes white in fear as a result of the drainage of blood from the face. Surprisingly, these image properties have not been exploited to recognize the facial action units (AUs) associated with these expressions. Herein, we present the first system to do recognition of AUs and their intensities using these functional color changes. These color features are shown to be robust to changes in identity, gender, race, ethnicity, and skin color. Specifically, we identify the chromaticity changes defining the transition of an AU from inactive to active and use an innovative Gabor transform-based algorithm to gain invariance to the timing of these changes. Because these image changes are given by functions rather than vectors, we use functional classifiers to identify the most discriminant color features of an AU and its intensities. We demonstrate that, using these discriminant color features, one can achieve results superior to those of the state-of-the-art. Finally, we define an algorithm that allows us to use the learned functional color representation in still images. This is done by learning the mapping between images and the identified functional color features in videos. Our algorithm works in realtime, i.e., 30 frames/second/CPU thread.

Melanin-concentrating hormone is a major substance mediating light wavelength-dependent skin color change in larval zebrafish

Melanosome dispersion is important for protecting the internal organs of fish against ultraviolet light, especially in transparent larvae with underdeveloped skin. Melanosome dispersion leads to dark skin color in dim light. Melanosome aggregation, on the other hand, leads to pale skin color in bright light. Both of these mechanisms are therefore useful for camouflage. In this study, we investigated a hormone thought to be responsible for the light wavelength-dependent response of melanophores in zebrafish larvae. We irradiated larvae using light-emitting diode (LED) lights with peak wavelengths (λmax) of 355, 400, 476, 530, and 590 nm or fluorescent light (FL) 1–4 days post fertilization (dpf). Melanosomes in skin melanophores were more dispersed under short wavelength light (λmax ≤ 400 nm) than under FL. Conversely, melanosomes were more aggregated under mid–long wavelength light (λmax ≥ 476 nm) than under FL. In addition, long-term (1–12 dpf) irradiation of 400 nm light increased melanophores in the skin, whereas that of 530 nm light decreased them. In teleosts, melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) aggregates melanosomes within chromatophores, whereas melanocyte-stimulating hormone, derived from proopiomelanocortin (POMC), disperses melanosomes. The expression of a gene for MCH was down-regulated by short wavelength light but up-regulated by mid–long wavelength light, whereas a gene for POMC was up-regulated under short wavelength light. Melanosomes in larvae (4 dpf) exposed to a black background aggregated when immersing the larvae in MCH solution. Yohimbine, an α2-adrenergic receptor antagonist, attenuated adrenaline-dependent aggregation in larvae exposed to a black background but did not induce melanosome dispersion in larvae exposed to a white background. These results suggest that MCH plays a key role in the light wavelength-dependent response of melanophores, flexibly mediating the transmission of light wavelength information between photoreceptors and melanophores.

Reversible reddish skin color change in a patient with compressive radial neuropathy

BackgroundThe motor and sensory symptoms caused by compressive radial neuropathy are well-known, but the involvement of the autonomic nervous system or the dermatologic symptoms are less well known. We report an unusual case of compressive radial neuropathy with reversible reddish skin color change.Case presentationA 42-year-old man was referred for left wrist drop, finger drop and a tingling sensation over the lateral dorsum of the left hand. Based on clinical information, neurologic examinations and electrophysiologic studies, he was diagnosed with compressive radial neuropathy. In addition, a reddish skin color change was observed at the area of radial sensory distribution. After two weeks of observation without specific treatment, the skin color had recovered along with a marked improvement in weakness and aberrant sensation.ConclusionsCompressive radial neuropathy with a reversible reddish skin color change is unusual and is considered to be due to vasomotor dysfunction of the radial autonomic nerve. Compressive radial neuropathy is presented with not only motor and sensory symptoms but also autonomic symptoms; therefore, careful examination and inspection are needed at diagnosis.

Comparison of radiation dermatitis between hypofractionated and conventionally fractionated postoperative radiotherapy: objective, longitudinal assessment of skin color

This study aimed to quantitatively compare radiation dermatitis due to hypofractionated (Hypo) and conventionally fractionated (Conv) external-beam radiotherapy in patients who underwent postoperative radiotherapy after breast-conserving surgery. Skin color changes, in terms of L* (brightness, white-black), a* (red-green), and b* (yellow-blue) values, due to external-beam radiotherapy were examined at alternate fractions using an objective method. Twenty-six patients were included in the Hypo group (42.56 Gy/16 fractions) and 46 in the Conv group (50 Gy/25 fractions). Radiotherapy decreased the L* value (darker) and increased the a* value (redder) gradually. These color alterations progressed linearly according to elapsed fractions and were similar between Hypo and Conv per fraction. The Hypo group showed significantly milder alterations in L* and a* values than the Conv group. The maximal dosage was significantly correlated to alterations in L* and a* values. Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events v4 assessment did not show a statistically significant difference between the Hypo (Grade 0:1:2 = 2:24:1) and Conv (1:39:6, p = 0.25) groups. The results of our objective analysis revealed that patients undergoing Hypo show milder color alteration than those undergoing Conv and that the maximal dosage is a useful predicator of color alteration.

Application of sequencing nursing based on Caprini Assessment Scale for DVT risk assessment in perioperative period of stroke patients

Objective To explore the risk grading of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) based on Caprini Assessment Scale and the application value of sequencing nursing according to the risk level in perioperative period of stroke patients. Methods A total of 136 stroke inpatients treated in Nanshi Hospital of Nanyang from January to December 2016 were selected as the control group, and given routine nursing of stroke and general prevention measures for DVT. Another 152 stroke inpatients admitted during January to December 2017 were selected as the observation group. The Caprini Assessment Scale was used for DVT risk classification, and the programmed countermeasure was taken. The nursing effects were compared between the two groups. Results The peak venous blood flow velocity, the mean blood flow velocity and the mean blood flow of affected lower limbs of the observation group were significantly higher than those of the control group after the intervention (P<0.05) . The incidence rates of lower limb swelling, skin color change of lower limbs and DVT in the observation group in perioperative period was 11.18%, 8.55% and 4.61% respectively, which were significantly lower than those in the control group (39.71%, 30.14% and 26.47%) , and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.001) . The hospitalization time of the observation group was significantly shorter than that of the control group, and the nursing satisfaction was obviously higher than that of the control group (P<0.01) . Conclusions The DVT risk classification based on Caprini Assessment Scale and programmed countermeasure can reduce the incidence of DVT, shorten the hospitalization time and improve the nursing satisfaction of stroke patients. Key words: Stroke; Venous thrombosis; Caprini assessment scale; Sequencing nursing

Comparative Analysis of Pigments, Phenolics, and Antioxidant Activity of Chinese Jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.) during Fruit Development.

Chinese jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.) fruit are much admired for their unique flavor and high nutritional value. This study tracks changes in skin color and antioxidant activity over six stages (S1 … S6) of fruit development in two cultivars of jujube, ‘Junzao’ and the color mutant ‘Tailihong’. The study records the changing levels of chlorophylls, carotenoids, anthocyanins, and phenolic compounds during fruit development. Contents of chlorophylls, β-carotenes and anthocyanins decreased throughout the developmental stages in two jujube cultivars, while lutein contents decreased at first and then increased to a maximum at S6. The levels of total phenolics, total flavonoids, total flavanols, total anthocyanins, procyanidin B1, procyanidin B2, procyanidin B3, (+)-catechin, quercetin, and ferulic acid are significantly higher in ‘Tailihong’ than in ‘Junzao’ before the onset ripening (before S3). However, after S3 the level differences of these components in the two cultivars are not significant. In both cultivars, antioxidant activity reduces gradually throughout fruit development. Our findings indicate how the skin color of jujube fruit during maturation is due to changes in the levels of flavonoids, carotenoids, and anthocyanins. The color changes are also associated with changes in antioxidant activity.

Harvesting procedures, welfare and shelf life of ungutted and gutted shortfin pompano (Trachinotus falcatus) stored in ice

Shortfin pompano (Trachinotus falcatus) were harvested from a floating cage culture. Handling stress (blood pH, white muscle pH, and rigor mortis) and welfare (“eye roll”) were determined for two harvesting methods: (i) batch netting and transfer to ice-slurry where the fish were killed and chilled (commercial method) and, (ii) transfer of fish to a tub immersed in the cage before it was lifted onto a barge where the fish were euthanised by an AQUI-S™ overdose. Half of the ice-slurry fish were gutted. All fish were subsequently stored for 18 d in ice for assessment of freshness (total bacterial counts, TBC and Quality Index Method, QIM) as well as skin and eye color. A modified QIM scheme for European sea bass was used with demerit points ranging from 0 to 18. Due to excessive swimming during crowding, both ice-slurry and AQUI-S™ fish were harvested in an exhausted condition. Upon sampling, none of the fish exhibited “eye roll”, indicating they were either unconscious or dead. Since the ice-slurry fish were not stunned immediately, the welfare of the fish might have been compromised. During rapid chilling, the fish developed cloudy eyes. The asset of using AQUI-S™ was possibly better fish welfare during the stunning and euthanising phase since exposure to ice-slurry was associated with escape swimming behaviour and slow death. Shortly after harvesting there were some significant differences between harvesting methods in terms of skin color. They were, however, largely offset by storage for one day. Only a few minor changes in skin color took place during further storage. Changes in eye color were more prominent than for skin. After storage for more than a week, the TBCs of gutted fish were significantly higher compared with ungutted fish (P <0.05). AQUI-S™ fish (ungutted) exhibited the lowest TBCs for about the first two weeks indicating exposure to the anesthetic reduced bacterial growth. After 18 d, none of fish from all treatments had yet reached the generally accepted spoilage level of 7 log cfu g−1. At this point, the fish had not reached the maximum attainable QI score of 18. High linear correlations (R ≥ 0.972, P < 0.001) were achieved for development of QI during ice storage where the ungutted and AQUI-S™ treatments were practically similar. The modified QIM scheme was considered suitable for pompano. The shelf life was tentatively considered to be approximately 18 d, although this should to be verified by other, supplementary methods. To prolong shelf life, it is recommended that pompano is not gutted before they are subjected to chilled storage.

Skin colour predicts fruit and vegetable intake in young Caucasian men: A cross-sectional study

AimCurrent dietary assessment methods are prone to subjective bias, highlighting the demand for an objective marker of fruit and vegetable (F/V) intake. Carotenoids from F/V consumption deposit in skin and adipose tissue, contributing to changes in skin colour. Results from research in females have highlighted positive associations between skin colour assessed by reflectance spectroscopy and F/V intake. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between (i) F/V intake, (ii) carotenoid intake and skin colour in young Caucasian men. MethodsIn this cross-sectional study reflectance spectroscopy was used to quantify skin colour in young Caucasian men. Skin colour was assessed at eight sun-exposed and unexposed body locations. A food frequency questionnaire was administered to assess F/V intake over the past month. Partial correlations were done to assess the associations between skin yellowness, F/V intake (grams) and carotenoid intake (milligrams), both with and without controlling for skin lightness. ResultsCarotenoid intake was strongly associated with F/V intake (r = 0.8, p < 0.001). Skin yellowness was found to be strongly associated with both carotenoid (r = 0.599, p < 0.001) and F/V (r = 0.422, p = 0.02) intake. When skin colour was controlled for skin lightness and measured at the forehead, biceps, palm and foot sole, a stronger association was observed (carotenoid (r = 0.637, p < 0.001); F/V (r = 0.431, p = 0.02)). ConclusionSkin colour is a viable biomarker of F/V intake in young Caucasian men. These findings contribute to the development of an objective marker of F/V intake, however more research is required before the method can be applied to practice.

Association of Raynaud's phenomenon with a polymorphism in the NOS1 gene.

BackgroundRaynaud’s phenomenon (RP) describes the phenomenon of recurrent vasospasm of digital arteries, associated with skin colour changes: pallor, cyanosis and erythema. Twin studies have indicated a genetic predisposition for RP; however, the precise aetiology of RP remains unknown. It is thought that genetic variation in temperature-responsive or vasospastic genes might underlie RP so performed a candidate gene study in a large, population based sample. We assessed the association between RP and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the TRPA1, TRPM8, CALCA, CALCB and NOS1 genes.MethodsAnalysis included a total of 4276 individuals from the TwinsUK database. RP status had been determined using validated, self-administered questionnaires and was diagnosed in 640 individuals (17.6%). 66 tag SNPs across the candidate genes were tested for association with RP status using a linear regression model, accounting for covariates. Adjustment was made for multiple testing. RegulomeDB and GTEx databases were used to assess possible functional effects of the polymorphisms.ResultsNominally significant associations between RP and four SNPs in NOS1 and one in CALCB were identified. After permutation testing, rs527590 SNP in NOS1 passed the significance threshold. RegulomeDB scores indicated an unlikely functional effect of this variant, while the survey of the GTEx database found the SNP and several variants in linkage disequilibrium to be cis-eQTLs in skin.ConclusionResults indicate that RP is associated with variation in gene NOS1. This finding may be related to the observation that the significant SNP in NOS1 is known to exhibit functional influence on the gene expression.

Study on the Use of Microbial Cellulose as a Biocarrier for 1,3-Dihydroxy-2-Propanone and Its Potential Application in Industry.

Can microbial cellulose (MC) be used as a bio-carrier for 1,3-dihydroxy-2-propanone (DHA)? The aim of this study was to examine the possibility of using MC as a biomaterial for DHA transferring into the stratum corneum and inducing changes in skin color. The MC patches were obtained from Gluconacetobacter xylinus strain and incubated in solutions with various concentrations of DHA (g·L−1: 20; 50; 80; 110) at 22 °C for 24 h. Afterwards; the patches were applied onto the skin for 15, 30, or 60 min. Skin color changes were assessed visually compared to a control patches without DHA. The intensity of skin color was increasing with the increase of DHA concentration and time of patches application. Application of MC patches with DHA (50 g·L−1) for 30 min ensured the color which was considered the closest to the desired natural tan effect. MC patches containing DHA can be biocarriers enabling DHA transport into the stratum corneum and causing skin color changes. Study results indicate a new possibility for industrial applications of MC; e.g., as a biocarrier in masking the symptoms of vitiligo or production of self-tanning agents in the form of masks.

Ichthyosis: A Harbinger of Lymphoma

A 60-year-old, previously healthy woman presented with patchy skin colour change and dryness for 3 months duration. She also gave a history of recurrent boils requiring local and oral antibiotics....

The Prevalence of Cryptocaryon irritans in wild marine ornamental fish from Vietnam

Wild-caught ornamental marine fish from NhaTrang (Khanh Hoa) and Ha Long (Quang Ninh) in Vietnam were examined over the three sampling batches corresponding to the spring, summer and autumn times for the prevalence of Cryptocaryon irritans. Out of a total of 211 fish (15 species), 143 (67.7 %) were found to be infected with the mean intensity of 7.67 parasites per field of view (x4 magnification). The prevalence of C. irritans in fish caught during the spring (91.0 3% on average) was significantly higher than that of the fish caught during the summer (39.29 %). A wide variation in the prevalence of the parasite was shown among the fish species. The highest prevalence and intensity of the infection occurred in Plataxteira, Diodon holocanthus, Paracanthurus hepatusat 100 % of infection and density of 12 parasites/field of view (x4 magnification) while and the lowest prevalence of C. irritans appeared on Rhinecanthus aculeatus, Zancluscornutus, and Zebrasoma veliferum with less than 50% of fish infected. Clinical signs of fish infected of C. irritans showed such as tiny white spots on skin, gills, and fins; ragged fins, changes in skin colour, cloudy eyes and increase mucus production.

Adverse reactions of sorafenib, sunitinib, and imatinib in treating digestive system tumors

BackgroundThis study was conducted to assess the adverse reactions caused by multi‐target tyrosine kinase inhibitor treatment of gastrointestinal tumors.MethodsWe carried out a retrospective study of drug‐related adverse reactions in 115 patients who were treated with sorafenib, sunitinib, and imatinib for primary hepatocellular carcinoma or gastrointestinal stromal tumors from October 2003 to March 2012 at the Peking University International Hospital.ResultsThe total incidence of adverse reactions of sorafenib, sunitinib, and imatinib in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and gastrointestinal stromal tumors was > 80%. The main adverse reactions of sorafenib were hypertension in 38 patients (33.3%) and diarrhea in 28 patients (24.4%). Sunitinib was associated with higher incidence and greater grade 3–4 toxicity. The common toxicities were skin color changes in 105 patients (90.9%), hand‐foot skin reactions in 65 patients (54.6%), and leukopenia (63.6%), hypertension (22.7%), proteinuria (22.7%), liver function impairment (22.7%), and hypomagnesemia (27.3%). While imatinib was well tolerated, it was associated with the highest number of adverse reactions, including skin color change (55.6%) and edema (38.9%). Hypophosphatemia (4.4%) and hoarseness (2.2%) only occurred in the sorafenib treatment group.ConclusionsThe adverse reactions of multi‐target tyrosine kinase inhibitor treatments are generally mild to moderate, and most patients can tolerate these without the need for further intervention. Some serious adverse reactions may be alleviated by discontinuing the drugs or by administering symptomatic treatment.

Quantification of edematous changes by diffusion magnetic resonance imaging in gastrocnemius muscles after spinal nerve ligation.

Patients with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) exhibit diverse symptoms, such as neuropathic pain, allodynia, local edema and skin color changes in the affected lesion. Although nerve injury may cause CRPS, pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the syndrome are unclear, and local edema, a characteristic of CRPS, has not been evaluated quantitatively for technical reasons. Here, using a rat spinal nerve ligation-induced CRPS model, we show that edematous changes in gastrocnemius muscle can be detected quantitatively by diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Using the line-scan diffusion spectrum on a 1.5 T clinical MR imager, we demonstrate significant elevation of the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) ratios in gastrocnemius muscle on the ligated versus the sham-operated rats by one day after surgery, those ratios gradually decreased over time. Meanwhile, T2 ratios in gastrocnemius muscle on the ligated rats increased gradually and significantly, peaking two weeks after surgery, and those ratios remained high and were consistent with edema. Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a key regulator of blood vessel formation and function, was significantly lower in gastrocnemius muscle on the ligated versus non-ligated side, suggesting that nerve ligation promotes edematous changes and perturbs VEGF expression in target muscle.

Alteraciones de la pigmentación

ConceptDyschromia is a disease causing changes in the skin's pigmentation. Melanin is principally responsible for skin colour and alterations in the synthesis of melanin or the number of active melanocytes can cause changes in skin colour. Some dyschromias can be markers of an associated systemic disorder (multiple lentigines or café au lait spots). DiagnosisA detailed history and physical examination are sufficient to diagnose most cases of dyschromia. Wood's lamp can be very useful in people with pale skin to make the affected areas more obvious. TreatmentIn the treatment of acquired hyperpigmentation such as melasma or solar lentigos, it is vital to stress that prevention is the most effective treatment. The daily use of sunscreen and avoiding hours of maximum sunshine are the most important measures. Healthcare professionals should be aware of the impact of hyperpigmentation such as vitiligo on their patients’ quality of life.