Ehlers-Danlos Research Articles

Combination of trehalose and botulinum toxin type A in REVITOX skin treatment protocols

This article presents the REVITOX protocol, developed by the author, which includes the combination of REVI products (native hyaluronic acid + trehalose) and botulinum toxin type A (BTA) for the treatment of rosacea and correction of age-related changes. A plethora of studies has demonstrated that trehalose, an exceptional stabilizer of proteins, contributes to maintaining cellular integrity, exhibits antioxidant and angioprotective effects, and has been shown to induce autophagy. In combination with the proven effects of hyaluronic acid and BTA, these properties facilitate the optimal environment for cellular structure functioning, influencing the basic mechanisms of rosacea pathogenesis and mitigating the severity of age-related changes through the balanced elimination of dynamic and static rhytides, stimulation of neocollagenesis and improvement of the mechanical properties of the dermis. By targeting the multifactorial processes of facial aging, improving skin hydration and elasticity, the REVITOX Beauty protocol has ensured the balanced rejuvenation of the perioral and periorbital skin, resulting in a significant improvement in skin quality, as confirmed by the results of 3D diagnostics. After 3 treatment sessions of the REVITOX Derma program, the patients showed a general improvement of facial skin, a visible reduction in erythema and telangiectasia severity, regression of papulopustular elements, enhanced skin hydration and elasticity, and no recurrences at the follow-up. Further studies on the combined use of BTA and REVI will investigate the potential for using these protocols in the treatment of other dermatological conditions, including in combination with energy-based devices and beauty injections.

Safety and Efficacy of an Injectable Solution Enriched With Sodium Hyaluronate, Amino Acids, and Peptides in Relation to Superficial Facial Connective Tissues (Dermis and Retinacular Cutis).

Skin aging research often focuses on the dermis, overlooking the significance of the retinacular cutis (RC) in aging. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy, safety, and effect of an injectable solution containing hyaluronic acid, amino acids, and peptides, on facial sagging and laxity by targeting the RC. This single-center observational study recruited 28 female volunteers aged 25-65 years. The participants received four monthly injections of the studied solution. Objective measures included skin hydration, elasticity, color, thickness, collagen density evaluated via DermaLab Combo and high-resolution ultrasound imaging. Subjective measures included participant satisfaction evaluated using the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS). Adverse effects were monitored throughout the study period. Significant improvements were observed in skin hydration, elasticity, and collagen density after treatment. Hydration increased by 25.9% at T1 (30 days after last session), sustaining a 15.9% increase at T2 (120 days after last session). Elasticity improved by 29.2% at T1 and 20.7% at T2. Collagen density increased by 20.27% at T1 and 16.71% at T2. Self-reported GAIS scores showed consistent increases. Adverse effects were minimal and included only transient ecchymosis and mild pain. Injections of the solution had a substantial hydrating effect, enhanced elasticity, and increased collagen density in the RC and dermis. Results persisted at the 120-day follow-up, indicating sustained benefits. Hence, this injectable solution may offer a safe and effective non-invasive treatment option for improving skin laxity and sagging, targeting the RC and other deep connective tissue such as retaining ligaments.

Biostimulants Enhance the Nutritional Quality of Soilless Greenhouse Tomatoes.

The application of biostimulants in vegetable cultivation has emerged as a promising approach to enhance the nutritional quality of crops, particularly in controlled environment agriculture and soilless culture systems. In this study, we employed a rigorous methodology, applying various biostimulants amino acids, Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR), fulvic acid, chitosan, and vermicompost along with mineral fertilizers, both foliar and via the roots, to soilless greenhouse tomatoes during spring cultivation. The experiment, conducted in a coir pith medium using the 'Samyeli F1' tomato cultivar, demonstrated that plants treated with biostimulants performed better than control plants. Notable variations in nutritional components were observed across treatments. PGPR had the best effects on the physical properties of the tomato fruit, showing the highest fruit weight, fruit length, equatorial diameter, fruit volume, fruit skin elasticity, and fruit flesh hardness while maintaining high color parameters L, a, and b. PGPR and fulvic acid demonstrated significant enhancements in total phenolics and flavonoids, suggesting potential boosts in antioxidant properties. Amioacid and vermicompost notably elevated total soluble solids, indicating potential fruit sweetness and overall taste improvements. On the other hand, vermicompost stood out for its ability to elevate total phenolics and flavonoids while enhancing vitamin C content, indicating a comprehensive enhancement of nutritional quality. In addition, vermicompost had the most significant impact on plant growth parameters and total yield, achieving a 43% increase over the control with a total yield of 10.39 kg/m2. These findings underline the specific nutritional benefits of different biostimulants, offering valuable insights for optimizing tomato cultivation practices to yield produce with enhanced health-promoting properties.

Pycnogenol® + Centellicum® supplementation improves skin elasticity and microperfusion. Implication for surgical patients: a conceptual registry study.

The aim of this registry study was to evaluate the effects of Pycnogenol® and Centellicum® (PYCE) on skin perfusion and skin elasticity in healthy women over a period of 4 weeks. The supplemented women used 150 mg of Pycnogenol® and 450 mg of Centellicum® daily. The supplemented group used the combination PYCE daily for 4 weeks and followed the standard management (SM) in addition. A control group used only the SM. SM for all subjects included a healthy diet (low levels of NaCl, low sugar, low calories), vitamin supplementation (C, E, B), daily mild outdoors exercise, regular washing with neutral soap; the same non-clinical, non-specific hydrating cream (Nivea) was used once daily. Sixty-three women completed the registry study. Thirty women using the PYCE combination and 33 women in the control group. The groups were comparable at baseline. No clinical condition was observed during the registry; no drug was used. There were no side effects or tolerability problems with the supplements. After 4 weeks, ultrasound elastosonography showed that skin elasticity significantly improved with the PYCE combination (P<0.05) without significant changes in the control group. In parallel, transcutaneous skin PO<inf>2</inf> increased significantly with PYCE compared to controls and transcutaneous skin PCO<inf>2</inf> decreased significantly compared to controls (P<0.05). This showed that skin oxygenation and nutrition improved with PYCE. Skin hydration also significantly improved with PYCE (P<0.05) in comparison with controls. Skin flow, indicating skin blood perfusion (thermoregulatory flow), assessed by laser Doppler flowmetry significantly improved over 4 weeks compared to controls (P<0.05). More specifically, the most superficial part of the flow, in the most superficial layer of the skin, corresponding to the nutritional blood flow, significantly improved with the combination PYCE compared to controls (P<0.05). Skin and tissue elasticity are crucial in surgery for healing, scarring, and wound closure. Reduced elasticity can lead to irregular or delayed healing. This preliminary concept study suggests that PYCE supplementation enhances skin elasticity, perfusion, and nutrition, with visible effects seen in just 4 weeks. This preliminary, concept study indicates that skin elasticity, skin perfusion, and skin nutrition improved with the supplementation of PYCE and the effects of PYCE were visible after only 4 weeks. A longer observation period should be considered in future studies. In conclusion, this pilot concept study shows a significant activity of the combination Pycnogenol® and Centellicum® on skin elasticity over a short period of supplementation.

The effect of degeneration of elastic fibres on loss of elasticity and wrinkle formation.

Skin elasticity, which is vital for a youthful appearance, depends on the elastic fibres in the dermis. However, these fibres deteriorate with ageing, resulting in wrinkles and sagging. Changes that occur in the elastic fibres in living human skin and the relationship between elastic fibres and the state of the skin surface remain unclear. Therefore, it is necessary to verify the relationship between elastic fibres and skin elasticity. In this study, we investigated the association of the elastic fibre structure with skin elasticity and stratum corneum protein content in living human skin. Thirty-five female volunteers aged 25-66 years were included in this study. Elastic fibres were observed using a multiphoton scanning laser biomicroscope. Skin elasticity was measured using a Cutometer, and stratum corneum proteins (Heat-shock protein 27 [HSP27] and galectin-7 [Gal-7]) in tape-stripped samples were analysed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Elastic fibres exhibited increased curvature and thickness with increased age, with fragmentation observed in women aged >60 years. Elastin scores, which reflect thinness and curvature, were negatively correlated with age, whereas they were positively correlated with R7 elasticity (recovery ability). In individuals aged 20-30 years, higher levels of inflammatory markers (HSP27 and Gal-7) correlated with lower elastin scores; however, this trend was not observed in older participants. Elastic fibre deterioration worsened after 40 years of age, and this effect correlated with reduced skin recovery and increased wrinkles. In younger individuals, inflammatory markers affected elastic fibres. These findings can guide anti-ageing strategies that focus on elastic fibre preservation and inflammation control.

The Efficacy and Safety of CollaSel Pro® Hydrolyzed Collagen Peptide Supplementation without Addons in Improving Skin Health in Adult Females: A Double Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Study Using Biophysical and Skin Imaging Techniques.

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of oral hydrolyzed collagen peptide (HCP) in healthy females by assessing the skin parameters via biophysical and skin imaging techniques. Methods: 112 females were randomly assigned to receive either HCP (n = 57; 10 g CollaSel Pro®) or placebo (n = 55; 10 g maltodextrin) daily for eight weeks. The contribution of HCP to skin elasticity, hydration, and roughness was investigated against a placebo, while the facial soft tissue sagging (RMS) and safety data were also recorded. Results: HCP was associated with significant improvements in skin elasticity (p = 0.009), skin hydration (p ranged from 0.003 to <0.001), and skin roughness (p ranged from 0.002 to <0.001). In the HCP vs. the placebo group, week eight values for skin elasticity (43.0 (7.4) vs. 40.3 (3.3) mPa, p = 0.017), skin hydration (65.8 (18.9) vs. 53.1 (14.9) g/m3, p < 0.001) and skin roughness (40.2 (20.4) vs. 24.9 (20.9) g/m3, p < 0.001) were significantly higher. In the HCP group, week 8 RMS values were significantly lower than baseline values (1.02 (0.21) vs. 1.10 (0.21) mm, p = 0.012). Conclusions: CollaSel Pro® HCP can be considered a well-tolerated, safe product that effectively improves dermal health and the appearance of sagging and ameliorates the signs of the aging process.

Enhancing fruit quality and yield in tomato through cyanobacterium mediated nutri-fertigation

Protected cultivation of high-value crops such as tomato, with several health benefits, is gaining global significance. This study explored the influence of aqueous formulations of cyanobacteria-Anabaena laxa (C11), Nostoc carneum (BF2), and Anabaena doliolum (BF4), applied as soil drench at pre-flowering and fruiting stages, on the dynamics of soil and plant attributes important for growth, productivity, and quality of fruits in an indeterminate tomato variety (NS4266) under protected cultivation. Drenching with the BF2 formulation resulted in a significant fold-increase in soil dehydrogenase activity and an increase of 40–45% in soil nitrogen availability; positively impacted glutamine synthetase activity, fruit weight, lycopene content, skin elasticity, in comparison to control. C11 drenching led to a 17% elevation in soil microbial biomass carbon, besides bringing about a 24 and 54% enhancement in available phosphorus and iron content. Additionally, it also enhanced chlorophyll a, b and total pigments by 54–65% over control. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Multivariate analysis showcased the distinct effects of cyanobacterial formulations on crop growth and soil fertility, as well as the significant and positive correlations among quality, plant, soil, and yield attributes contributed through cyanobacterial drenching. This investigation highlighted cyanobacterial drench as a promising organic option to augment soil nutrient availability, bolster overall productivity, and enhance fruit quality in tomato grown under protected cultivation.

Evaluating the Dermatological Benefits of Snowberry (Symphoricarpos albus): A Comparative Analysis of Extracts and Fermented Products from Different Plant Parts.

Skin ageing is influenced by both intrinsic and extrinsic factors, with excessive ultraviolet (UV) exposure being a significant contributor. Such exposure can lead to moisture loss, sagging, increased wrinkling, and decreased skin elasticity. Prolonged UV exposure negatively impacts the extracellular matrix by reducing collagen, hyaluronic acid, and aquaporin 3 (AQP-3) levels. Fermentation, which involves microorganisms, can produce and transform beneficial substances for human health. Natural product fermentation using lactic acid bacteria have demonstrated antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, whitening, and anti-wrinkle properties. Snowberry, traditionally used as an antiemetic, purgative, and anti-inflammatory agent, is now also used as an immune stimulant and for treating digestive disorders and colds. However, research on the skin benefits of Fermented Snowberry Extracts remains limited. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the skin benefits of snowberry by investigating its moisturising and anti-wrinkle effects, comparing extracts from different parts of the snowberry plant with those subjected to fermentation using Lactobacillus plantarum. Chlorophyll-free extracts were prepared from various parts of the snowberry plant, and ferments were created using Lactobacillus plantarum. The extracts and ferments were analysed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to determine and compare their chemical compositions. Moisturising and anti-ageing tests were conducted to assess the efficacy of the extracts and ferments on the skin. The gallic acid content remained unchanged across all parts of the snowberry before and after fermentation. However, Fermented Snowberry Leaf Extracts exhibited a slight decrease in chlorogenic acid content but a significant increase in ferulic acid content. The Fermented Snowberry Fruit Extract demonstrated increased chlorogenic acid and a notable rise in ferulic acid compared to its non-fermented counterpart. Skin efficacy tests revealed that Fermented Snowberry Leaf and Fruit Extracts enhanced the expression of AQP-3, HAS-3, and COL1A1. These extracts exhibited distinct phenolic component profiles, indicating potential skin benefits such as improved moisture retention and protection against ageing. These findings suggest that Fermented Snowberry Extracts could be developed into effective skincare products, providing a natural alternative for enhancing skin hydration and reducing signs of ageing.

Integrated analysis of facial microbiome and skin physio-optical properties unveils cutotype-dependent aging effects

BackgroundOur facial skin hosts millions of microorganisms, primarily bacteria, crucial for skin health by maintaining the physical barrier, modulating immune response, and metabolizing bioactive materials. Aging significantly influences the composition and function of the facial microbiome, impacting skin immunity, hydration, and inflammation, highlighting potential avenues for interventions targeting aging-related facial microbes amidst changes in skin physiological properties.ResultsWe conducted a multi-center and deep sequencing survey to investigate the intricate interplay of aging, skin physio-optical conditions, and facial microbiome. Leveraging a newly-generated dataset of 2737 species-level metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs), our integrative analysis highlighted aging as the primary driver, influencing both facial microbiome composition and key skin characteristics, including moisture, sebum production, gloss, pH, elasticity, and sensitivity. Further mediation analysis revealed that skin characteristics significantly impacted the microbiome, mostly as a mediator of aging. Utilizing this dataset, we uncovered two consistent cutotypes across sampling cities and identified aging-related microbial MAGs. Additionally, a Facial Aging Index (FAI) was formulated based on the microbiome, uncovering the cutotype-dependent effects of unhealthy lifestyles on skin aging. Finally, we distinguished aging related microbial pathways influenced by lifestyles with cutotype-dependent effect.ConclusionsTogether, our findings emphasize aging’s central role in facial microbiome dynamics, and support personalized skin microbiome interventions by targeting lifestyle, skin properties, and aging-related microbial factors.8-x6JkQezK-S195ofXGtyGVideo

Bridging the Diagnostic Gap for Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders: Evidence of a Common Extracellular Matrix Fragmentation Pattern in Patient Plasma as a PotentialBiomarker.

Diagnosing hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS) and hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD), common overlapping multisystemic conditions featuring symptomatic joint hypermobility, is challenging due to lack of established causes and diagnostic tools. Currently, the 2017 diagnostic criteria for hEDS are used, with non-qualifying cases classified as HSD, although the distinction remains debated. We previously showed extracellular matrix (ECM) disorganization in both hEDS and HSD dermal fibroblasts involving fibronectin (FN), type I collagen (COLLI), and tenascin (TN), with matrix metalloproteinase-generated fragments in conditioned media. Here, we investigated these fragments in patient plasma using Western blotting across diverse cohorts, including patients with hEDS, HSD, classical EDS (cEDS), vascular EDS (vEDS), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and osteoarthritis (OA), and healthy donors, uncovering distinctive patterns. Notably, hEDS/HSD displayed a shared FN and COLLI fragment signature, supporting their classification as a single disorder and prompting reconsideration of the hEDS criteria. Our results hold the promise for the first blood test for diagnosing hEDS/HSD, present insights into the pathomechanisms, and open the door for therapeutic trials focused on restoring ECM homeostasis using an objective marker. Additionally, our findings offer potential biomarkers also for OA, RA, and PsA, advancing diagnostic and therapeutic strategies in these prevalent joint diseases.

Estimating the viscoelastic anisotropy of human skin through high-frequency ultrasound elastography.

The skin is the largest organ of the human body and serves distinct functions in protecting the body. The viscoelastic properties of the skin play a key role in supporting the skin-healing process, also it may be changed due to some skin diseases. In this study, high-frequency ultrasound (HFUS) elastography based on a Lamb wave model was used to noninvasively assess the viscoelastic anisotropy of human skin. Elastic waves were generated through an external vibrator, and the wave propagation velocity was measured through 40MHz ultrafast HFUS imaging. Through the use of a thin-layer gelatin phantom, HFUS elastography was verified to produce highly accurate estimates of elasticity and viscosity. In a human study involving five volunteers, viscoelastic anisotropy was assessed by rotating an ultrasound transducer 360°. An oval-shaped pattern in the elasticity of human forearm skin was identified, indicating the high elastic anisotropy of skin; the average elastic moduli were 24.90±6.63 and 13.64±2.67kPa along and across the collagen fiber orientation, respectively. The average viscosity of all the recruited volunteers was 3.23±0.93Pa·s. Although the examined skin exhibited elastic anisotropy, no evident viscosity anisotropy was observed.

Nerol mitigates dexamethasone-induced skin aging by activating the Nrf2 signaling pathway in human dermal fibroblasts

Collagen and hyaluronic acid are essential components of the dermis that collaborate to maintain skin elasticity and hydration due to their unique biochemical properties and interactions within the extracellular matrix. Prolonged exposure to glucocorticoids can induce skin aging, which manifests as diminished collagen content and hyaluronic acid levels in the dermis. Nerol, a monoterpene alcohol found in essential oils, was examined in this study for its potential to counteract glucocorticoid-induced skin aging and the underlying mechanism behind its effects. Our findings reveal that non-toxic concentrations of nerol treatment can reinstate collagen content and hyaluronic acid levels in human dermal fibroblasts treated with dexamethasone. Mechanistically, nerol mitigates dexamethasone-induced oxidative stress by activating the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway. The protective effects of nerol were significantly abrogated when the Nrf2 pathway was inhibited using the specific inhibitor ML385. In conclusion, nerol protects human dermal fibroblasts against glucocorticoid-induced skin aging by ameliorating oxidative stress via activation of the Nrf2 pathway, thereby highlighting its potential as a therapeutic agent for preventing and treating glucocorticoid-induced skin aging.

Radiofrequency echographic multispectrometry (REMS) in rare bone conditions

In recent years there has been a growing interest in radiofrequency echographic multispectrometry (REMS), an innovative technology, free of ionized radiation, that is capable of providing important information on bone status. In particular, REMS has been shown to measure bone mineral density (BMD) at axial skeletal bones with a precision, repeatability and accuracy not inferior to those of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Moreover, REMS may be useful in the assessment of impaired bone quality (e.g., in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus) and to predict fragility fracture risk. Due to these characteristics, REMS could be usefully used in the diagnosis and follow up of rare bone diseases. In 41 adult subjects (mean age 40.5 ± 18.7 years) with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), BMD values at all skeletal sites, obtained using both DXA and REMS, were significantly lower than in controls. BMD by REMS values were significantly lower in patients with types III and IV versus type I OI, whereas BMD by DXA did not differ significantly between the two groups. REMS has also demonstrated excellent diagnostic accuracy in some patients suffering from McCune-Albright or Ehlers-Danlos syndromes. Furthermore, with REMS it is to obtain the real BMD value in the presence of artifacts, and, being free of ionizing radiation, it could be particularly advantageous in children and in women of childbearing age or during pregnancy and breastfeeding. In conclusion, on the basis of these preliminary data, REMS can be considered a precise and reliable technique for the evaluation and monitoring of bone status in individuals with rare bone diseases. KEY WORDS: Rare bone diseases, bone mineral density (BMD), dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), radiofrequency echographic multispectrometry (REMS), osteogenesis imperfecta.

Investigating the efficacy of Endolift laser and Nanofat as a combination therapy for horizontal neck lines compared to Nanofat autologous alone.

The emergence of horizontal neck wrinkles is increasingly becoming a focal point for both cosmetic professionals and clients. Various treatment approaches must be considered to address this issue effectively, owing to its diverse underlying causes. The study explores the potential of utilizing the Endolift laser in conjunction with nanofat injection as a viable treatment option. Twenty patients with horizontal neck wrinkles involved in the study. Ten patients underwent treatment with a combination of Endolift laser and nanofat injection and 10 patients treated with nanofat injection alone. The participants were monitored for 6 months post-treatment. Biometric measurements were utilized to assess outcomes, including changes in volume, depth, and area of the wrinkles, skin elasticity, as well as the diameter and density of the epidermis and dermis in the treated area. Skin improvement was evaluated by two independent dermatologists, who compared before and after photos in a blinded manner. Patient satisfaction levels were also documented. The Visioface analysis showed a notable decrease in neck wrinkle depth and area in both groups. However, the group receiving the combination treatment of Endolift laser and nanofat exhibited a significantly greater improvement compared to the group treated with nanofat alone. Skin ultrasonography results demonstrated an increase in thickness and density of the dermis and epidermis in both groups. Particularly, the group treated with Endolift laser-nanofat displayed significant enhancements in dermis and epidermis density and thickness when contrasted with the nanofat-only group. Analysis with Cutometer revealed a marked enhancement in skin elasticity in the Endolift-nanofat treated group in comparison to the nanofat-only treated group. Furthermore, in the Endolift-nanofat treated group, a substantial majority (90%) of patients exhibited improvement. Patient evaluations highlighted significant distinctions between the two groups, with 95% of patients in the Endolift-nanofat treated group demonstrating enhancement. Both methods notably enhance horizontal neck wrinkles; nevertheless, the combination of endolift laser and nanofat seems to be more efficient for treating horizontal neck wrinkles.

Platelet rich plasma for facial rejuvenation: an overview of systematic reviews.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) as a non-surgical therapy for facial rejuvenation is increasingly adopted. This article aims to review the literature and critically appraise the available evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of PRP for facial rejuvenation. An overview of systematic reviews (SRs) of PRP use for facial rejuvenation. The methodological quality of the SRs was assessed using the AMSTAR-2 checklist; quality of the evidence from the trials included in each SR was appraised following the GRADE approach. Thirteen SRs published between 2015 and 2023, reporting data from 114 overlapping reports, based on 28 individual primary studies (18 uncontrolled reports), were included in this umbrella review. Eight primary studies evaluated PRP in combination with other treatments (laser therapy, fat grafting, hyaluronic acid, basic fibroblast growth factor), and 20 PRP monotherapy. Most of the included primary studies were uncontrolled, and meta-analysis for outcomes related to facial rejuvenation was conducted in only 1 of the 13 SRs, showing that patients treated with PRP as an adjunct treatment have increased satisfaction over controls without PRP (mean difference, 0.63; 95% confidence intervals (CIs) 0.25/1; p=0-001; low certainty of evidence due to risk of bias (ROB) and inconsistency). No other quantitative data were available from the SRs, although 4 SRs concluded in a descriptive way reveal that PRP combined with laser therapy increased subject satisfaction and skin elasticity, and decreased the erythema index (very low certainty of evidence due to imprecision, unsystematic clinical observations, and ROB). The occurrence of adverse events was a predefined outcome in only 2 SRs (15%). Almost all the SRs demonstrated poor compliance with the AMSTAR 2 items, and the confidence in the results of SRs was graded as low or critically low in 12 of the 13 SRs. The available evidence is insufficient to suggest firm conclusions about the use of PRP, alone or in combination with other treatments, in promoting facial rejuvenation.

The efficacy study of trinity permeation synergism on anti-aging

BackgroundMore and more consumers are paying attention to skin rejuvenation. However, there is a lack of a non-invasive and efficient solution. ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy of a trinity permeation synergism (TPS), which consists of a firming essence, an atomizer and a photoelectric penetrator, for facial anti-aging efficacy. Material and methodsIn this work, in vitro cell experiments and human efficacy study were used to evaluate the firming and anti-wrinkle effects. Cell experiments were used to verify the effect of the firming essence on the cell proliferation, migration, and anti-inflammation in keratinocytes (HaCaT), and on the gene expression levels of type I and type III collagen (Col-1 and Col-3) and type I matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-1) in human skin fibroblasts (HSF). After in vitro test, 60 women aged 35–60 years were enrolled in the randomized test, of which 30 subjects were randomly selected to be the experimental group and treated with the TPS system, while the left 30 subjects were treated with the firming essence only considered as control. After 28 days, skin elasticity, skin redness value, and skin wrinkles were measured to evaluate the efficacy of the TPS system. ResultsCell experiments showed that the firming essence can significantly improve the proliferation and the migration of HaCaT cells. It also promoted the expression level of Col-1 and Col-3 gene, and inhibited the expression level of MMP-1 gene in HSF cells. After confirming the efficacy of firming essence, the efficacy benefit of the TPS was further studied. The 28-day tests show that combined use firming essence with atomizer and penetrator can significantly increase skin elasticity, reduce skin hemoglobin value and skin wrinkles on Day 28. Moreover, all the mentioned improvements are significantly better than that in the control group. ConclusionThrough efficient delivery in the whole process, TPS boosts the efficacy of active components in the firming essence. TPS offers an efficient, non-invasive, and convenient way for enhanced facial rejuvenation efficacy.

Mechanism of Zuogui pill enhancing ovarian function and skin elastic repair in premature aging rats based on artificial intelligence medical image analysis.

AI medical image analysis shows potential applications in research on premature aging and skin. The purpose of this study was to explore the mechanism of the Zuogui pill based on artificial intelligence medical image analysis on ovarian function enhancement and skin elasticity repair in rats with premature aging. The premature aging rat model was established by using an experimental animal model. Then Zuogui pills were injected into the rats with premature aging, and the images were detected by an optical microscope. Then, through the analysis of artificial intelligence medical images, the image data is analyzed to evaluate the indicators of ovarian function. Through optical microscope image detection, we observed that the Zuogui pill played an active role in repairing ovarian tissue structure and increasing the number of follicles in mice, and Zuogui pill also significantly increased the level of progesterone in the blood of mice. Most of the ZGP-induced outcomes are significantly dose-dependent.

Ultra-Hypofractionated Whole Breast Radiotherapy with Automated Hybrid-VMAT Technique: A Pilot Study on Safety, Skin Toxicity and Aesthetic Outcomes.

The most prevalent treatment-related side effect related to adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) for breast cancer is acute skin toxicity in the irradiated area. The purpose of this single-institution pilot study is to provide preliminary clinical results on the feasibility and safety of a breast ultra-hypofractionated radiation treatment delivered using an automated hybrid-VMAT technique. Skin damage was assessed both with clinical examination and objectively using a Cutometer equipment. Patients received 26 Gy to the whole breast and 30 Gy to the tumoral bed in 5 fractions using an automated hybrid-VMAT approach with the option for the breath hold technique if necessary. Acute and late toxicities were clinically evaluated at baseline, 1- and 6-months after treatment using the CTC-AE v.5.0 scale. An instrumental evaluation of the skin elasticity was performed using a Cutometer® Dual MP580. Two parameters per patient, R0 (the total skin firmness) and Q1 (the elastic recovery), were registered at the different timelines. From June 2022 to January 2024, 30 patients, stage T1-T2, N0 were enrolled in the study. Four out of 30 (13.3%) patients reported G2 acute skin toxicities. At 6 months, G2 late toxicity was registered in 3 patients (10%). A total of 2160 measures of R0 and Q1 were recorded. At 1 month after treatment, no correlation was found between measured values of R0 and Q1 and clinical evaluation. At 6 months after treatment, clinical late toxicity ≥1 was strongly associated with decreased R0 and Q1 values ≥24% (p = 0.003) and ≥18% (p = 0.022), respectively. Ultra-hypofractionated whole-breast radiotherapy, when supported by advanced treatment techniques, is both feasible and safe. No severe adverse effects were observed at any of the different timeframes. Acute and late skin toxicities were shown to be lower in contrast to data presented in the literature.

Downregulation of carnitine acetyltransferase by promoter hypermethylation regulates ultraviolet-induced matrix metalloproteinase-1 expression in human dermal fibroblasts

BackgroundOverexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation accelerates skin aging, resulting in wrinkle formation, reduced skin elasticity, and hyperpigmentation. UV irradiation induces increased matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) that degrade collagen in the extracellular matrix. Skin aging is also accompanied by epigenetic alterations such as promoter methylation by DNA methyltransferases, leading to the activation or suppression of gene expression. Although carnitine acetyltransferase (CRAT) is implicated in aging, the effect of UV on the expression of CRAT and regulatory mechanisms of UV-induced MMP-1 expression remain unknown. ObjectiveWe investigated changes in CRAT expression upon UV irradiation and its effect on MMP-1 expression. MethodsPrimary human dermal fibroblasts were UV irradiated with either control or 5-AZA-dC. CRAT knockdown or overexpression was performed to investigate its effect on MMP-1 expression. The mRNA level was analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR, and protein level by western blotting. ResultsThe expression of CRAT was decreased in UV-irradiated human skin in vivo and in human dermal fibroblasts in vitro. CRAT was downregulated upon UV irradiation by hypermethylation, and treatment with 5-Aza-2′-deoxycytidine, a DNA methyltransferase inhibitor, reversed UV-induced downregulation of CRAT. CRAT knockdown activated the JNK, ERK, and p38 MAPK signaling pathways, which increased MMP-1 expression. Stable overexpression of CRAT alleviated UV-induced MMP-1 induction. ConclusionCRAT downregulation caused by promoter hypermethylation may play an important role in UV-induced skin aging via upregulation of MMP-1 expression.

Design and validation of a DMA-inspired device for in-vivo measurement of human skin mechanics: a finite element analysis approach

Abstract This study introduces a novel method for measuring the mechanical properties of human skin in-vivo, inspired by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). We designed and applied a DMA-like device to living human skin and validated its functionality through finite element analysis (FEA) on an ideally elastic skin model. The device features multiple testing modes, including horizontal movement in both same and opposite directions with optional pre-stretching. Stress-strain behaviours obtained from FEA align with initial setup parameters, serving as powerful tools for further research into the mechanical properties of skin. This method is expected to have potential significance in biomechanical theory, clinical, and healthcare applications.