Epidermal Components Research Articles

Low Dose Ultraviolet B Irradiation Increases Hyaluronan Synthesis in Epidermal Keratinocytes via Sequential Induction of Hyaluronan Synthases Has1–3 Mediated by p38 and Ca2+/Calmodulin-dependent Protein Kinase II (CaMKII) Signaling*

Hyaluronan, a major epidermal extracellular matrix component, responds strongly to different kinds of injuries. This also occurs by UV radiation, but the mechanisms involved are poorly understood. The effects of a single ultraviolet B (UVB) exposure on hyaluronan content and molecular mass, and expression of genes involved in hyaluronan metabolism were defined in monolayer and differentiated, organotypic three-dimensional cultures of rat epidermal keratinocytes. The signals regulating the response were characterized using specific inhibitors and Western blotting. In monolayer cultures, UVB increased hyaluronan synthase Has1 mRNA already 4 h postexposure, with a return to control level by 24 h. In contrast, Has2 and Has3 were persistently elevated from 8 h onward. Silencing of Has2 and especially Has3 decreased the UVB-induced accumulation of hyaluronan. p38 and Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II pathways were found to be involved in the UVB-induced up-regulation of Has2 and Has3 expression, respectively, and their inhibition reduced hyaluronan deposition. However, the expressions of the hyaluronan-degrading enzymes Hyal1 and Hyal2 and the hyaluronan receptor Cd44 were also up-regulated by UVB. In organotypic cultures, UVB treatment also resulted in increased expression of both Has and Hyal genes and shifted hyaluronan toward a smaller size range. Histochemical stainings indicated localized losses of hyaluronan in the epidermis. The data show that exposure of keratinocytes to acute, low dose UVB increases hyaluronan synthesis via up-regulation of Has2 and Has3. The simultaneously enhanced catabolism of hyaluronan demonstrates the complexity of the UVB-induced changes. Nevertheless, enhanced hyaluronan metabolism is an important part of the adaptation of keratinocytes to radiation injury.

THE SENSE ORGANS IN THE SKIN OF THE HEAD OF SQUAMATA (REPTILIA)

ABSTRACT Tactile sense organs in the skin of the head of 42 species belonging to several squamate families are described. These sense organs always consist of a dermal and an epidermal component. Six different types of these sense organs are distinguished. The sloughing cycle of the epidermal component of the sense organs occurs principally in the same manner as it does in the epidermis. The phenomenon of “persisting cells,” which occurs in some families, is discussed. Number and distribution of the organs are not considered.

Abstract 1208: Discovery of a previously undescribed cutaneous T-cell neoplasm with chromosomal rearrangements of 6p25.3.

Abstract Background: Cutaneous T-cell neoplasms display markedly heterogeneous clinical behavior despite often similar pathologic features. For example, transformed mycosis fungoides (tMF) has a poor prognosis and requires intensive therapy whereas lymphomatoid papulosis (LyP) is an indolent lymphoproliferative disorder with spontaneously resolving lesions. These entities have overlapping histologic features and no molecular tools currently exist to aid in subclassification. Methods: We identified 11 T-cell neoplasms with histologic appearances distinct from previously described cutaneous T-cell neoplasms but with features overlapping those of both tMF and LyP. The phenotypic and genetic characteristics of the tumors were studied using immunohistochemistry and fluorescence in situ hybridization, respectively. Clinical data on presentation, treatment, evolution of the lesions, and follow-up were obtained. Results: All patients were older adults (mean age, 75 yr; range, 67-88 yr; 9M:2F). Clinical presentations were similar, with papulonodular skin lesions (0.3-1.0 cm) restricted to a single body area in all but two patients. Histologically there was an extensive atypical lymphoid infiltrate in the epidermis and a dermal tumor containing large transformed cells with numerous mitotic figures and apoptotic bodies. All tumors had a T-cell phenotype and expressed CD30 in both dermal and epidermal components. No case expressed ALK. Most cases had a high proliferative rate (>80%) by Ki67 staining. FISH analysis demonstrated rearrangements of the DUSP22-IRF4 locus on 6p25.3 in all cases. No patient had evidence of systemic disease on imaging studies. In 4 untreated patients, papules began to regress spontaneously a few weeks after presentation, with complete resolution within a month or two. Seven patients were treated with local excision (with or without cryotherapy) or radiotherapy. All non-excised lesions ultimately regressed. All patients were alive at last follow-up (median, 21 mo; range, 7-150 mo). Cutaneous recurrences occurred in 5 patients. At last follow-up only 1 patient had active lesions, which were confined to the presenting site. The remaining 10 patients had been disease-free from 2 to 32 months. Conclusions: Despite pathologic features mimicking an aggressive lymphoma, the benign clinical course observed in all 11 patients suggests these cases represent a newly recognized subtype of LyP. These neoplasms are characterized by 6p25.3 rearrangements, representing the first recurrent genetic abnormality identified in LyP. In contrast, we previously have shown absence of these rearrangements in tMF. Distinction of LyP from tMF is critical in this older patient population unlikely to tolerate intensive therapy. Thus, detection of 6p25.3 rearrangements represents a new tool for molecular classification of cutaneous T-cell neoplasms. Citation Format: Andrew L. Feldman, Laszlo J. Karai, Marshall E. Kadin, Eric D. Hsi, Jason C. Sluzevich, Rhett P. Ketterling, Ryan A. Knudson. Discovery of a previously undescribed cutaneous T-cell neoplasm with chromosomal rearrangements of 6p25.3. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1208. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-1208

Clinical and Dermoscopic Characteristics of Desmoplastic Melanomas

To describe and analyze the clinical and dermoscopic characteristics of desmoplastic melanoma (DM) as a function of pathologic subtype and phenotypic traits. Retrospective case series. Eight high-risk dermatology clinics. Patients with DM confirmed by histopathologic analysis whose records included a high-quality dermoscopic image. Clinical, dermoscopic, and histopathologic features of DM. A total of 37 DM cases were identified. The majority of patients had fair skin, few nevi, and no history of melanoma. Lentigo maligna was the most frequent subtype of melanoma associated with DM. The most frequent clinical presentation of DM was a palpable and/or indurated lesion located on sun-exposed skin. Forty-three percent of cases were classified as pure DM, and 57% as mixed DM. Pure DM lesions were thicker than mixed DM lesions (4.10 vs 2.83 mm) (P = .22) and were less likely to have an associated epidermal non-DM component (63% vs 100%) (P = .004). Dermoscopically, DMs had at least 1 melanoma-specific structure, the most frequent being atypical vascular structures. Peppering was more frequently seen in pure DM (44% in pure DM vs 24% in mixed DM) (P = .29). In contrast, crystalline structures, polymorphous vessels, and vascular blush were more commonly seen in mixed DM. Though DM can be difficult to diagnose based on clinical morphologic characteristics alone, dermoscopy has proved to be a useful aid during the evaluation of clinically equivocal lesions or those lesions with a benign appearance. The most common dermoscopic clues observed in DMs included atypical vascular structures, peppering, and occasionally other melanoma-specific structures.

In vivo benefits of a compound that modulates basal epidermal niche components during aging or following solar stress

In vivo benefits of a compound that modulates basal epidermal niche components during aging or following solar stress

Arabidopsishomeodomain-leucine zipper IV proteins promote stomatal development and ectopically induce stomata beyond the epidermis

The shoot epidermis of land plants serves as a crucial interface between plants and the atmosphere: pavement cells protect plants from desiccation and other environmental stresses, while stomata facilitate gas exchange and transpiration. Advances have been made in our understanding of stomatal patterning and differentiation, and a set of 'master regulatory' transcription factors of stomatal development have been identified. However, they are limited to specifying stomatal differentiation within the epidermis. Here, we report the identification of an Arabidopsis homeodomain-leucine zipper IV (HD-ZIP IV) protein, HOMEODOMAIN GLABROUS2 (HDG2), as a key epidermal component promoting stomatal differentiation. HDG2 is highly enriched in meristemoids, which are transient-amplifying populations of stomatal-cell lineages. Ectopic expression of HDG2 confers differentiation of stomata in internal mesophyll tissues and occasional multiple epidermal layers. Conversely, a loss-of-function hdg2 mutation delays stomatal differentiation and, rarely but consistently, results in aberrant stomata. A closely related HD-ZIP IV gene, Arabidopsis thaliana MERISTEM LAYER1 (AtML1), shares overlapping function with HDG2: AtML1 overexpression also triggers ectopic stomatal differentiation in the mesophyll layer and atml1 mutation enhances the stomatal differentiation defects of hdg2. Consistently, HDG2 and AtML1 bind the same DNA elements, and activate transcription in yeast. Furthermore, HDG2 transactivates expression of genes that regulate stomatal development in planta. Our study highlights the similarities and uniqueness of these two HD-ZIP IV genes in the specification of protodermal identity and stomatal differentiation beyond predetermined tissue layers.

Primary Dermal Melanoma in a 19-Year-Old Asian Man

Primary dermal melanoma (PDM) is a distinct subtype of solitary dermal melanoma (SDM) defined as a dermal malignancy confined to the dermis or subcutaneous tissues without an epidermal component and other primary melanomas. It is rarely reported in the literature and has a low incidence rate (<1%) in the population with melanoma and an apparently excellent prognosis. In the Asian population, the incidence is even lower; only one Japanese woman has ever been reported. We report a young Taiwanese man with PDM and review the possible pathogenesis.

Treating atopic dermatitis: safety, efficacy, and patient acceptability of a ceramide hyaluronic acid emollient foam

Advances in current understanding of the pathophysiology of atopic dermatitis have led to improved targeting of the structural deficiencies in atopic skin. Ceramide deficiency appears to be one of the major alterations in atopic dermatitis and the replenishment of this epidermal component through topically applied ceramide based emollients appears to be safe, well tolerated, and effective. Recently a ceramide hyaluronic acid foam has become commercially available and increasing evidence supports its safety and efficacy in patients who suffer from atopic dermatitis.

In vivo quantification of epidermis pigmentation and dermis papilla density with reflectance confocal microscopy: variations with age and skin phototype

Reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) may help to quantify variations of skin pigmentation induced by different stimuli such as UV radiation or therapeutic intervention. The objective of our work was to identify RCM parameters able to quantify in vivo dermis papilla density and epidermis pigmentation potentially applicable in clinical studies. The study included 111 healthy female volunteers with phototypes I-VI. Photo-exposed and photo-protected anatomical sites were imaged. The effect of age was also assessed. Four epidermis components were specifically investigated: stratum corneum, stratum spinosum, basal epidermal layer and dermo-epidermal junction. Laser power, diameter of corneocytes and upper spinous keratinocytes, brightness of upper spinous and interpapillary spinous keratinocytes, number of dermal papillae and papillary contrast were systematically assessed. Papillary contrast measured at the dermo-epidermal junction appeared to be a reliable marker of epidermis pigmentation and showed a strong correlation with skin pigmentation assessed clinically using the Fitzpatrick's classification. Brightness of upper spinous and interpapillary spinous keratinocytes was not influenced by the skin phototype. The number of dermal papillae was significantly lower in subjects with phototypes I-II as compared with darker skin subjects. A dramatic reduction in the number of dermal papillae was noticed with age, particularly in subjects with fair skin. The method presented here provides a new in vivo investigation tool for quantification of dermis papilla density and epidermal pigmentation. Papillary contrast measured at the dermo-epidermal junction may be selected as a marker of skin pigmentation for evaluation in clinical studies.

The Loss of Hoxa5 Function Causes Estrous Acyclicity and Ovarian Epithelial Inclusion Cysts

Hox genes encode transcription factors that play essential roles during embryo morphogenesis and organogenesis. Expression of several Hox members persists at the adult age, indicating a wide spectrum of action from embryonic to postnatal life. In the present study, we reported that in adult mice, the Hoxa5 gene shows a dynamic expression profile in the ovary that depends on the estrous cycle, the gestational status, and the age of the female, suggesting that Hoxa5 may have distinct physiological functions in the ovary. Consistent with a role for Hoxa5 in ovarian function, Hoxa5(-/-) nulliparous females exhibit precocious puberty and an early onset of estrous acyclicity. They show a prolonged estrous cycle with increased metestrus-diestrus length, a phenotype that worsens with age. Older mutant females also develop ovarian epithelial inclusion cysts reminiscent of human endosalpingiosis. Immunolabeling studies suggest that these cysts originate from the ovarian surface epithelium, a source of epithelial ovarian carcinomas. Staining of the Hoxa5(-/-) ovarian cysts by the ovarian cancer markers paired box gene 8 (PAX8) and Wilms' tumor 1 (WT1) further strengthens the notion that these cysts may constitute preneoplastic lesions. Moreover, the deregulation of the estrous cycle and the presence of ovarian epithelial cysts in Hoxa5(-/-) older females correlate with a reduced expression of specific epidermal growth factor receptor signaling components, namely Egfr, Areg, and Btc. Altogether, our data unveil that Hoxa5, a stroma-specific gene, plays a significant role in ovarian biology and may be involved in ovarian cancer predisposition.

Ichthyin/NIPAL4 localizes to keratins and desmosomes in epidermis and Ichthyin mutations affect epidermal lipid metabolism

Autosomal recessive congenital ichthyosis (ARCI) is a group of disorders characterized by abnormal desquamation of the skin and a disrupted epidermal water barrier. Ichthyin/NIPAL4 gene mutations have been identified in a subgroup of ARCI patients, but the role of ichthyin in epidermis remains elusive. In order to obtain new insights concerning the characteristics of ichthyin and the ARCI pathogenesis, we studied the expression and localization of ichthyin and related epidermal components in cultured keratinocytes and skin sections from patients with Ichthyin mutations and healthy controls. We observed an up-regulation of Ichthyin mRNA levels after in vitro differentiation of keratinocytes from both a patient with Ichthyin mutations and controls. Confocal and electron microscopy analyses of immunolabeled skin sections revealed that ichthyin localizes to desmosomes and keratins in both patients with mutant Ichthyin and controls, with an increased immunolabeling in patients. Nile red lipid analysis of skin sections exposed intra-cellular lipid accumulations in cells of the granular and cornified layers in patients but not in controls, consistent with the pathognomonic lipid membrane structures previously identified in epidermis from patients. Our combined findings indicate that ichthyin is associated with keratins and desmosomes in epidermis and is involved in lipid metabolism, possibly through processing of lamellar bodies. These results provide new clues to the understanding of the epidermal water barrier and the pathogenesis in ARCI.

Prognostic value of lymphogenic micrometastases in gastric cancer

Lymph node metastasis-negative (N0) cases were immunohistochemically studied on paraffin-embedded tissue sections with antibodies against epidermal cytokeratin components, such as Keratin, Pan Ab-1 (Clone AE1/AE3). Micrometastases were found in 18.8% of lymph nodes N0 cases (109/580). There was a reduction in relapse-free survival in patients with lymphogenic micrometastases (p = 0.17).

Lymphoid Enhancer-binding Factor-1 (LEF1) Interacts with the DNA-binding Domain of the Vitamin D Receptor

Ligand-independent actions of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) are required for normal post-morphogenic hair cycles; however, the molecular mechanisms by which the VDR exerts these actions are not clear. Previous studies demonstrated impaired regulation of the canonical Wnt signaling pathway in primary keratinocytes lacking the VDR. To identify the key effector of canonical Wnt signaling that interacts with the VDR, GST pulldown studies were performed. A novel interaction between the VDR and LEF1 (lymphoid enhancer-binding factor-1) that is independent of β-catenin was identified. This interaction is dependent upon sequences within the N-terminal region of the VDR, a domain required for VDR-DNA interactions and normal hair cycling in mice. Mutation of specific residues within the N-terminal region of the VDR not only abrogated interactions between the VDR and LEF1 but also impaired the ability of the VDR to enhance Wnt signaling in vdr(-/-) primary keratinocytes. Thus, this study demonstrates a novel interaction between the VDR and LEF1 that is mediated by the DNA-binding domain of the VDR and that is required for normal canonical Wnt signaling in keratinocytes.

Effects of Serum-Free Culture at the Air–Liquid Interface in a Human Tissue-Engineered Skin Substitute

Previous studies have reported that well-defined culture conditions can improve keratinocytes terminal differentiation and reproducibility. The aim of our study was to compare skin substitutes cultured in a complete medium with those cultured in a serum-free medium at the air-liquid interface to optimize the self-assembly method. Skin substitutes, cultured in a serum-free medium over 7, 14, and 21 days, were compared with others cultured in a complete medium (5% serum) over the complete culture period. Masson's Trichrome staining showed that the substitutes cultured in a serum-free medium generated a well-developed and differentiated epidermis. Immunolabeling analyses between the substitutes cultured without serum and those cultured in complete serum showed similar expression of epidermal differentiation markers, dermo-epidermal junction, and dermal extracellular matrix components. On the basis of our Attenuated Total Reflectance-Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) results, the skin substitutes cultured in serum-free condition over 21 days of culture at the air-liquid interface showed lower frequencies of the CH(2) symmetric mode of vibrations, which means a better lipid organization of the stratum corneum. No significant difference in hydrocortisone penetration was observed between serum-free medium substitutes and the controls. Results demonstrate that the absence of serum does not compromise the characteristics of the skin substitutes observed in this study.

Different Patterns of Expression of the erbB Family of Receptor Tyrosine Kinases in Common Nevi, Dysplastic Nevi, and Primary Malignant Melanomas: An Immunohistochemical Study

erbB receptors contribute to tumor formation and progression. Variable expression of erbB1, erbB2, and erbB3 has been reported in nevi and melanomas; erbB4 has hardly been investigated. We examined the expression of all 4 erbB receptors in common and dysplastic nevi and melanomas. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues of 100 melanomas, 27 common nevi, and 23 dysplastic nevi were immunostained with antibodies against the 4 erbB receptors. erbB3 and erbB4 showed stronger positivity in nevi than in melanomas, and in common than in dysplastic nevi. Staining pattern was more orderly in nevi than in melanomas. Common nevi showed more prominent membranous staining for erbB3 than dysplastic nevi followed by melanomas. In melanomas, greater thickness was associated with more widespread erbB2 and erbB3 staining in the vertical than in the radial growth phase, and in the dermal than in the epidermal component. Higher mitotic counts were associated with more widespread and intense erbB2 expression in the vertical growth phase than in the radial growth phase and in the dermal than in the epidermal component. Melanomas with more widespread erbB2 staining had heavier lymphocytic infiltrates. erbB1 expression was negligible in all groups. erbB2, erbB3, and erbB4 are expressed in all subtypes of melanocytic lesions, but with quantitative and qualitative differences. Receptor expression seems to decrease and to become less mature and orderly with tumor progression. The complex patterns of erbB receptor expression in melanocytic lesions warrant further investigation.

Single locus affects embryonic segment polarity and multiple aspects of an adult evolutionary novelty

BackgroundThe characterization of the molecular changes that underlie the origin and diversification of morphological novelties is a key challenge in evolutionary developmental biology. The evolution of such traits is thought to rely largely on co-option of a toolkit of conserved developmental genes that typically perform multiple functions. Mutations that affect both a universal developmental process and the formation of a novelty might shed light onto the genetics of traits not represented in model systems. Here we describe three pleiotropic mutations with large effects on a novel trait, butterfly eyespots, and on a conserved stage of embryogenesis, segment polarity.ResultsWe show that three mutations affecting eyespot size and/or colour composition in Bicyclus anynana butterflies occurred in the same locus, and that two of them are embryonic recessive lethal. Using surgical manipulations and analysis of gene expression patterns in developing wings, we demonstrate that the effects on eyespot morphology are due to changes in the epidermal response component of eyespot induction. Our analysis of morphology and of gene expression in mutant embryos shows that they have a typical segment polarity phenotype, consistent with the mutant locus encoding a negative regulator of Wingless signalling.ConclusionsThis study characterizes the segregation and developmental effects of alleles at a single locus that controls the morphology of a lineage-specific trait (butterfly eyespots) and a conserved process (embryonic segment polarity and, specifically, the regulation of Wingless signalling). Because no gene with such function was found in the orthologous, highly syntenic genomic regions of two other lepidopterans, we hypothesize that our locus is a yet undescribed, possibly lineage-specific, negative regulator of the conserved Wnt/Wg pathway. Moreover, the fact that this locus interferes with multiple aspects of eyespot morphology and maps to a genomic region containing key wing pattern loci in different other butterfly species suggests it might correspond to a 'hotspot' locus in the diversification of this novel trait.

The StrataTest® human skin model, a consistent in vitro alternative for toxicological testing

Three-dimensional in vitro skin models provide an alternative to animal testing for assessing tissue damage caused by chemical or physical agents and for the identification and characterization of agents formulated to mitigate this damage. The StrataTest® human skin model made with pathogen-free NIKS® keratinocyte progenitors is a fully-stratified tissue containing epidermal and dermal components that possesses barrier function as determined by measurements of electrical impedance. Independent batches of skin tissues responded consistently to known chemical irritants even after refrigerated storage for up to 7 days. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) were detected after exposure of skin tissues to ozone, cigarette smoke or ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. Pretreatment with the antioxidant parthenolide-depleted (PD)-Feverfew extract prevented cigarette smoke-induced or UV irradiation-mediated increases in ROS. Interleukin (IL)-1α and IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA) secretion increased in a dose dependent manner following UV irradiation but cytokine release was abrogated by pretreatment with a UVA/UVB sunscreen. Similarly, immunohistochemical detection showed increased thymidine dimer formation in UV-irradiated skin tissue that was prevented with sunscreen pretreatment. These results demonstrate that the StrataTest® human skin model is broadly applicable to a wide range of in vitro toxicological assays.

Primary Cutaneous Nevoid Melanoma With Homer-Wright Rosettes: A Hitherto Unrecognized Variant with Immunohistochemical and Ultrastructural Study

We report a case of cutaneous nevoid melanoma manifesting as a growing and pruritic pigmented lesion of the back in a 43-year-old woman. The lesion measured 1.2 cm in its largest dimension. The salient microscopic features were discrete dermal nests of palisading tumor cells and a central fibrillary tangled core. Other features were microscopically consistent with melanoma: irregular tumor cell nesting associated with upward migration of melanocytes and consumption of the epidermal component, lack of maturation, expansile growth pattern, and a tendency to confluence of the dermal nests. No prominent mitotic activity was recognized. Breslow thickness was 1.3 mm. Tumor cells were positive for HMB45, Melan A, tyrosinase, and S100 protein. The MIB-1/ki-67 proliferative index was 2%. Histologic examination of a biopsy sample from the axillary sentinel lymph node was positive for small foci of melanocytic cells measuring 0.04 mm in their largest dimension.

Pagetoid Reticulosis After Radiotherapy of Primary Cutaneous Anaplastic Large-Cell Lymphoma

We describe a 60-year-old man with a history of primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma on the chest, who presented with a new scaly red plaque on the same site 11 years after radiation therapy. Histological examination revealed a dense epidermotropic infiltrate of atypical mononuclear cells consistent with pagetoid reticulosis. Immunohistochemistry revealed the infiltrate to be CD4, CD8, and CD30. Remarkably, all the atypical cells were strongly CD30, and furthermore, the CD30 cells were found exclusively in the epidermis. In the initial cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma lesion, the CD4, CD8, and focally CD30 atypical cells were well confined within the dermis with no epidermal component. To our knowledge, the present case seems to be the first description of pagetoid reticulosis presenting at the site of a previously treated dermal anaplastic large cell lymphoma. This case also represents an extreme presentation of epidermotropism and CD30 expression in pagetoid reticulosis.

Coenzyme Q10 protects against oxidative stress‐induced cell death and enhances the synthesis of basement membrane components in dermal and epidermal cells

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), which has both energizing and anti-oxidative effects, is also reported to have antiaging action, e.g., reducing the area of facial wrinkles. However, the mechanism of its anti-aging activity is not fully established. Here, we examined the effect of CoQ10 on human dermal and epidermal cells. CoQ10 promoted proliferation of fibroblasts but not keratinocytes. It also accelerated production of basement membrane components, i.e., laminin 332 and type IV and VII collagens, in keratinocytes and fibroblasts, respectively; however, it had no effect on type I collagen production in fibroblasts. CoQ10 also showed protective effects against cell death induced by several reactive oxygen species in keratinocytes, but only when its cellular absorption was enhanced by pretreatment of the cells with highly CoQ10-loaded serum. These results suggest that protection of epidermis against oxidative stress and enhancement of production of epidermal basement membrane components may be involved in the antiaging properties of CoQ10 in skin.