Daily Care Products Research Articles

Diethyl phthalate, a plasticizer, induces adipocyte inflammation and apoptosis in mice after long-term dietary administration.

The incidence of metabolic diseases is increasing alarmingly in recent times. Parallel to nutritional excess and sedentary lifestyle, the random usage of several endocrine disrupting chemicals including plasticizers is reported to be closely associated with metabolic diseases. Diethyl phthalate (DEP) is a widely used plasticizer in a host of consumer and daily care products. Adipose tissue plays a central role in energy storage and whole-body metabolism. The impairment of adipose function is critically implicated in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance, diabetes, and related metabolic diseases. Recently, exposure to certain phthalate esters has been linked to the development of obesity and diabetes, although there are contradictions and the mechanisms are not clearly understood. In an effort to ascertain the metabolic consequences of chronic phthalate exposure and the underlying mechanism, the present study was designed to examine the effects of long-term dietary consumption of DEP in adipocytes. DEP-treated mice were hyperglycemic but nonobese; their body weight initially increased which subsequently was reduced compared to control. DEP exposure at lower levels impaired adipogenesis by downregulating the key transcription factor, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ and its downstream insulin-sensitizing adipokine, adiponectin, thereby severely compromising adipocyte function. The activation of master regulator nuclear factor κB led to rise in proinflammatory cytokines. We found that DEP triggered intrinsic apoptotic pathways through activated cytochrome c-Apaf1-caspase 9-caspase 3 axis in adipocytes. Taken together, our data revealed that chronic administration of dietary DEP could unleash adverse metabolic outcomes by initiating oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in the adipocytes, thus leading to adipose tissue dysfunction.

‘Real men score’: masculinity in contemporary advertising discourse

ABSTRACT This study investigates the strategies employed in the representation of masculinity in a sample of 50 advertising campaigns launched between 1999 and 2020. The chosen posters advertise products targeted at men that fit into five categories: beverages, food, daily care products, male fragrances, and clothing. Among the brands advertised are American Apparel, Clinique, Coca-Cola, Dove, Givenchy, McDonald's, and Nike. The analysis of discursive strategies is complemented by an analysis of the Corpus of Contemporary American English that investigates the most salient collocates of real man/men in US English; this search was conducted due to the frequent mention of the term real men in the slogans under investigation. The corpus analysis supports the key findings of the study by showing that language and advertising operate in a circular structure and mutually impact one another. The five major strategies identified as recurrent in the representation of masculinity include gentleman's look, gender equality and fatherhood, sex appeal, sex and dominance, and strength. The findings reveal the prevalence of stereotypical representations of masculinity that foreground sex appeal, strength, and dominance over women, and to a lesser extent, the image of the classic gentleman. The Dove Men Care Collection promotes the idea of fatherhood and gender equality, which might be considered a slight departure from the usual representations of masculinity in advertising, though it is still embedded within the dominant framework of hegemonic masculinity.

The risks of marine micro/nano-plastics on seafood safety and human health.

A considerable mass of plastics has been released into the marine environment annually through different human activities, including industrial, agriculture, medical, pharmaceutical and daily care products. These materials are decomposed into smaller particles such as microplastic (MP) and nanoplastic (NP). Hence, these particles can be transported and distributed in coastal and aquatic areas and are ingested by the majority of marine biotas, including seafood products, thus causing the contamination of the different parts of aquatic ecosystems. In fact, seafood involves a wide diversity of edible marine organisms, such as fish, crustaceans, molluscs, and echinoderms, which can ingest the micro/nanoplastics particles, and then transmit them to humans through dietary consumption. Consequently, these pollutants can cause several toxic and adverse impacts on human health and the marine ecosystem. Therefore, this chapter provides information on the potential risks of marine micro/nanoplastics on seafood safety and human health.

Experiences surrounding the diagnostic process and care among parents of children diagnosed with Phelan-McDermid syndrome: A qualitative study.

To explore the experience of parents of children diagnosed with Phelan-McDermid syndrome (PMS) with regard to the diagnostic process, treatment, and medical care. A qualitative descriptive study was conducted. Participants were recruited using non-probabilistic purposeful sampling. In total, 32 parents with children with PMS were included. In-depth interviews and researcher field notes were used. An inductive thematic analysis was performed. Five themes were identified: (1) the 'diagnostic process' describes the diagnostic process and how it is communicated to the parents; (2) 'treatment and expectations' describes the expectations and hopes placed on future treatment; (3) 'family planning' describes how parents deal with genetic counselling when planning to have more children after a diagnosis of PMS; (4) 'the world of disability' describes the entry of parents into an environment of dependency and disability after the diagnosis; (5) 'family's financial situation' highlights the financial difficulties due to the high cost of therapies and daily care products. Our results provide insight on how a diagnosis of PMS and its consequences are experienced by parents of children with PMS. These results can be used by health professionals to help and support parents.

The Influence of The Light-Activated Titania P25 on Human Breast Cancer Cells

Cosmetics and other daily care products contain titanium(IV) oxide (titania). Since multiple risk factors can increase the chance of developing cancer, an evaluation of titania safety has become a matter of concern in recent times. However, it should be pointed out that titania as an efficient photocatalyst has been also applied for inactivation of various pathogens, environmental purification and energy conversion, which might result in significant improvement of human life. Therefore, it is worth considering titania not only as a possible cancer initiator, but also as an efficient solution against cancer cells. Accordingly, in this study, the effect of commercial titania photocatalyst P25 (Degussa/Evonik) on breast adenocarcinoma MCF7 cells (ATCC® HTB-22™, breast adenocarcinoma cell line from human) has been investigated. The cells were treated with titania at doses of 10, 30, and 50 µg/mL under UVA/vis irradiation and in the dark. The significant morphological alterations in living cells were observed for larger doses of titania, such as changes in the shape and the size of cells, the deviation from the normal structure, and an increase in cells’ mortality. Moreover, the effect was significantly higher under irradiation than in the dark confirming strong photocatalytic activity of titania P25. In contrast, the lowest dose of titania (10 µg/mL) did not exhibit a significant impact on MCF7 cells, similarly to the nontreated cells. Accordingly, it has been proposed that locally applied titania might be considered for a cancer therapy after necessary in vivo tests to estimate any possibilities of side effects.

Study of the clinical pattern of contact dermatitis over the face and its correlation with patch testing

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Contact dermatitis (CD) is an altered state of reactivity; occur due to direct contact with noxious agents in our environment. Face is a very common site for CD.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> Prospective hospital based study was conducted at A. J. Institute of Medical Sciences, Mangalore from June 2018 to November 2018. Fifty cases aged above 18 years with suspected allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) over face who gave written informed consent were enrolled. A complete history was taken and detailed clinical examination was done. Patch testing was done over the back in all patients which was removed after 48 hours and positive result was recorded based on the recommendation of the international Contact Dermatitis Research Group (ICDRG).<strong></strong></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> The most common clinical pattern observed was pigmented contact dermatitis(PCD) (70%), followed by irritation (6%), acneiform eruptions (5%) and contact urticaria (2%). Out of 50 patients, 20 patients developed CD to fragrances and perfumes. 14 patients developed to soaps and shampoos. On patch testing, most common allergen in fragrances/perfumes was fragrance mix (52.9%). In soaps and shampoos it was triclosan (68.4%), parabens (31.5%). Sesquiterpene lactone in parthenium plant (4%), Paraphenylenediamine in hair dye (8%). In face creams were gallate mix and cetrimide among metals, nickel and chromium (6%). In case of kumkum it was paraphenylenediamine (4%).</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Amongst the various patterns of contact dermatitis, PCD to cosmetics, fragrances and daily care products was most common pattern observed and the main allergens were triclosan, fragrance mix and balsum of Peru.</p>

Engineered Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles; Biological Interactions at the Organ Level

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) are one of the widely used nanoparticles with spectrum of application, in the areas like daily care products, sensors, antibacterial agents, and biomedical sector. With extensive application the risk of exposure at occupational and consumer level also increases. Huge amount of data are available on the biointeraction of ZnO NPs. Though the toxicity of ZnO NPs is attributed to particle dissolution inside the cellular compartments and their ability to generate the reactive oxygen species, the ambiguity prevails over the exact mechanism of toxicity. The in vivo studies on different animal models and humans suggest different level of toxicity in these organisms. However the synthetic route, physiochemical properties of the nanoparticle, mode of exposure and nature of the test system often influences these studies. Hence the study results vary and sometimes contradict on one another. The current review focuses on the interaction of ZnO NPs with different organ systems. It also points to the factors to be considered while undertaking such studies in order to ensure reliability of the results.

Reactivity of cosmetic UV filters towards skin proteins: model studies with Boc-lysine, Boc-Gly-Phe-Gly-Lys-OH, BSA and gelatin.

Organic UV filters are used as active ingredients in most sunscreens and also in a variety of daily care products. Their good (photo) stability is of special interest to guarantee protective function and to prevent interactions with the human skin. Due to the mostly electrophilic character of the UV filters, reactions with nucleophilic protein moieties like lysine side chains are conceivable. Prior studies showed that the UV filters octocrylene (OCR), butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane (BM-DBM), ethylhexyl salicylate (EHS), ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate (EHMC), benzophenone-3 (BP-3), ethylhexyl triazone (EHT) and dibenzoylmethane (DBM) were able to covalently bind to an HPTLC amino phase and the amino acid models ethanolamine and butylamine after slightly heating and/or radiation. Boc-protected lysine, the tetrapeptide Boc-Gly-Phe-Gly-Lys-OH, bovine serum albumin (BSA) and porcine gelatin were used as more complex models to determine the reactivity of the mentioned UV filters towards skin proteins under thermal or UV irradiation conditions. After gentle heating at 37°C, benzophenone imines were identified as reaction products of BP-3 and OCR with Boc-lysine and the tetrapeptide, whereas DBM and BM-DBM yielded enamines. For EHMC, a Michael-type reaction occurred, which resulted in addition of Boc-lysine or the tetrapeptide to the conjugated double bond. Ester aminolysis of EHS and EHT mainly afforded the corresponding amides. Reactions of the UV filters with BSA changed the UV spectrum of BSA, generally associated with an increase of the absorption strength in the UVA or UVB range. For all protein models, the UV filters showed an increasing reactivity in the order EHT < EHMC < EHS < BP-3 < OCR < DBM < BM-DBM. Especially the UV absorbers BM-DBM, OCR and BP-3, which are seen as common allergens or photoallergens, showed a high reactivity towards the different skin protein models. As the formation of protein adducts is recognized as important key element in the induction of skin sensitization, the results of this study can contribute to a better understanding of the underlying chemical mechanisms of such reactions.

Release of engineered nanomaterials from personal care products throughout their life cycle

The impetus for this study was to provide release estimates that can serve to improve predictions of engineered nanomaterial (ENM) exposure for risk assessment. We determined the likely release of ENMs from personal care products (PCPs) through a consumer survey on use and disposal habits, and research on the types and quantities of ENMs in PCPs. Our estimates show that in the US zinc oxide (ZnO), with 1,800–2,100 mt yr−1, and titanium dioxide (TiO2), with 870–1,000 mt yr−1, represent 94 % of ENMs released into the environment or landfills from the use of PCPs. Around 36–43 % of ENMs from PCPs were estimated to end up in landfills, 24–36 % released to soils, 0.7–0.8 % to air, and 28–32 % to water bodies. ENMs in sunscreen represent around 81–82 % of total release, from ZnO and TiO2 as UV blockers, followed by facial moisturizer (7.5 %), foundation (5.7 %), and hair coloring products (3.1 %). Daily care products such as body wash, shampoo, and conditioner had by far the highest per capita and total use, but contributed little to the ENM release estimates as these products generally contain little or no ENMs. However, if ENMs are incorporated into these daily care products, this may substantially increase ENM release.

Efficacy of skin care products for acne patients

The article provides information about barrier skin properties in acne patients and analyzes the effects of topical and systemic drugs on the condition of the corneous layer as well as composition of highly specialized lipids and skin fat. It discusses the principles of patient management with the use of basic daily care products.

Antioxidant Efficacy on Human Skin in vivo Investigated by UVA-Induced Chemiluminescence Decay Analysis via Induced Chemiluminescence of Human Skin

Background/Aims: Exogenous factors (e.g. physical: UV irradiation; or chemical: hydrogen peroxide) and endogenous metabolic processes (e.g. cellular respiration, oxidative burst, etc.) generate oxidative stress in living tissues which are in balance with enzymatic antioxidative systems and ingested antioxidants under normal conditions. These complex biological reactions are accompanied by chemiluminescence (ultraweak photon emission). However, knowledge about the chemiluminescence decay characteristics of human skin and the modulatory influence of topically applied antioxidants is still scarce. Methods: Using ICL-S (induced chemiluminescence of human skin), a highly sensitive in vivo method, the decay characteristics of UVA-induced photon emission caused by different UVA doses were investigated in detail. In addition, modulatory properties of topical antioxidant pretreatment were examined for 2 weeks. Results: UVA-induced chemiluminescence signals were generally characterized by two distinct decay phases: an initial burst (0–5 s), contributing approximately 80% of the complete signal with an inverse dose-response relationship (UVA dose vs. chemiluminescence intensity), followed by a second decay phase (delayed chemiluminescence, 5–200 s) showing a direct correlation. Antioxidant pretreatment caused a reduction in signal intensity of approximately 50%, which was calculated by signal integration and confirmed using the modulation of the intersection point of decay curves resulting from irradiation with different UVA doses at constant intensity with and without treatment. Conclusion: In addition to the established UVA filter testing (independent from UVB filter content) on human skin in vivo, ICL-S is also a valuable tool for the efficacy testing of topically applied antioxidants under in vivo conditions in humans. The first rapid, but short, decay phase not only provides approximately 80% of the complete chemiluminescence signal, but is also essential for the investigation of antioxidant-mediated effects. Chemiluminescence signal modulations induced by UVA intensity reduction (e.g. UV filters in daily care products) can be clearly distinguished from antioxidant-mediated signal modulations. The probe head dimensions permit comprehensive in vivo testing in humans on practically every skin area (e.g. arms, legs, back, abdomen and face).

The human placenta – An alternative for studying foetal exposure

Pregnant women are daily exposed to a wide selection of foreign substances. Sources are as different as lifestyle factors (smoking, daily care products, alcohol consumption, etc.), maternal medication or occupational/environmental exposures. The placenta provides the link between mother and foetus, and though its main task is to act as a barrier and transport nutrients and oxygen to the foetus, many foreign compounds are transported across the placenta to some degree and may therefore influence the unborn child. Foetal exposures to environmental and medicinal products may have impact on the growth of the foetus (e.g. cigarette smoke) and development of the foetal organs (e.g. methylmercury and thalidomide). The scope of this review is to give insight to the placental anatomy, development and function. Furthermore, the compounds physical properties and the transfer mechanism across the placental barrier are evaluated. In order to determine the actual foetal risk from exposure to a chemical many studies regarding the topic are necessary, including means of transportation, toxicological targets and effects. For this purpose several in vivo and in vitro models including the placental perfusion system are models of choice.