Intense Pigmentation Research Articles

Resistance of a Halobacterium salinarum isolate from a solar saltern to cadmium, lead, nickel, zinc, and copper.

The current study focuses on the tolerance of a strain of Halobacterium salinarum isolated from Sfax solar saltern (Tunisia) towards cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu) by using agar dilution methods in complex and minimal media. The results showed the least inhibitory metals based on Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MICs) were lead (MIC = 4.5mM), cadmium (MIC = 4mM), and nickel (MIC = 2.5mM) in complex medium. The MICs of these metals were more inhibitory (MIC < 2mM) in the other tested media. The archaeal strain revealed a high sensitivity for copper and zinc, with MICs below 0.5mM for both metals. Growth kinetics in complex and minimal media showed the strain to be more sensitive to the metals in liquid media than in solid media. The growth kinetic assays indicated the presence of selected heavy metals resulted in a lower growth rate and lower total cell mass relative to the control. Despite that cadmium and lead are nonessential and have no nutrient value, they were the most tolerated metals by H. salinarum strain. In addition, pigment intensity in the strain was inhibited by the presence of the heavy metals relative to the control.

Variation in nutritional quality of pigmented rice varieties under different water regimes

ABSTRACT This study evaluated grain anthocyanin, zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe) concentrations, and grain yield of eleven purple rice varieties (PP1–PP11) grown under wetland (W+) and aerobic conditions (W0) in 2 years. There was a significant variation in the concentrations of anthocyanin, Zn and Fe, by water regime and year among the varieties with a wide range of anthocyanin (1–117 mg 100 g−1) and narrower ranges of Zn (19–41 mg kg−1) and Fe (6–19 mg kg−1) concentrations. The nutritional quality in aerobic grown rice was lower than wetland grown among the varieties with higher levels of anthocyanin (>40 mg 100 g−1), Zn (>30 mg kg−1) and Fe (>15 mg kg−1), with smaller effects of water among varieties in the lower quality ranges. The lowering of anthocyanin in aerobic grown rice was observed in the two varieties of the upland ecotype that were highest in anthocyanin concentration, as well as some wetland varieties. The grain yield (1.4–6.7 Mg ha−1) was associated negatively with grain Zn concentration (r = −0.50, P ≤ 0.001), but not with grain Fe (r = −0.14, NS0.05) or anthocyanin (r = −0.27, NS0.05). The anthocyanin concentration in the purple rice increased with Zn concentration (r = 0.57, P ≤ 0.001). Wetland condition was shown to be more favorable than aerobic culture for intense pigmentation in the production of purple rice, as well as higher Zn and Fe concentrations.

Randomized double-blind vehicle controlled study of the effects of topical acetyl zingerone on photoaging.

Acetyl zingerone (AZ), a derivative of the phytochemical zingerone from Zingiber officinale (ginger), is a novel compound that is purported to have antiaging properties. The objective of this clinical study was to assess the role of acetyl zingerone in its ability to improve the appearance of facial skin wrinkles, redness, pigmentation, and photoaging was assessed. Thirty-one healthy participants (age 44±7years) were randomized in blinded fashion to apply either 1% AZ or placebo, consisting of the vehicle base cream, to the full face twice daily for 8weeks with a total of 3 visits. Signs of photoaging, including wrinkles, dyspigmentation, and redness were assessed with facial image analysis photography and software. There was a significant decrease in average wrinkle severity (P=.019; Mean=-25.7% change), total wrinkle volume (P=.003; Mean=-30.1% change), pigment intensity (P=.021; Mean=-25.6% change), and redness intensity (P=.035; Mean=-20.7% change) in the AZ group by 8weeks compared with the placebo. No significant itching, burning, or stinging was noted by study participants. There was also no significant difference between both groups in the clinical assessment of scaling, erythema, hypopigmentation, or hyperpigmentation. Topical AZ improves photodamage and decreases the appearance of wrinkles, dyspigmentation, and redness intensity when compared to placebo (vehicle) formulation. Acetyl zingerone is well tolerated with daily use.

Role of ambient wavelength, shell size and pigmentation intensity in the heating of Mediterranean Theba pisana (Eupulmonata: Helicidae)

ABSTRACT Theba pisana is a polymorphic land snail widely used in ecophysiological research on the biological significance of solar irradiation. We investigated whether, taking size into account, differently pigmented morphs of a Mediterranean population of T. pisana influence the snails’ heating under different wavelengths. We used a laboratory set-up comprising light-emitting diodes emitting visible light of defined wavelengths and quantified shell heating using high-resolution thermography. Shell pigmentation was quantified densitometrically. There were significant effects of both shell size and light wavelength, such that small snails heated more than large ones over 15 min, and blue light (470 nm) raised temperature more than green light (525 nm). Pigmentation alone did not show significance, but a trend towards higher temperature with increasing pigmentation was evident. Despite the observed significances and trends, we could only explain at most 4.67% of variation in shell heating by multiple regression modelling. However, the light intensity used in this experiment was low and the pigmentation intensity of the shells varied, at most, by a factor of 2. This suggests the actual temperature of a snail depends not only on the tested variables, but also on the multifactorial action of a number of unknown, perhaps intrinsic physiological parameters.

Impact of the sexual abstinence period on the production of seminal reactive oxygen species in patients undergoing intrauterine insemination: A randomized trial.

To evaluate whether the duration of sexual abstinence has impact on oxidative stress in semen samples. Oxidative reaction was tested for different levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by nitro blue tetrazolium assay in 90 patients with the diagnosis of unexplained or male factor infertility that were grouped into 3 groups as 0-2 (group 1), 3-4 (group 2) and >4 days (group 3) of duration of sexual abstinence. Subsequently, the remaining semen was prepared by gradient method for ovarian stimulation and intrauterine insemination (IUI) cycles to compare pregnancy rates in terms of different levels of ROS and different abstinence periods. Increased staining pigment intensity was related to higher level of ROS in >4 days' group as compared to groups 0-2 and 3-4 days (70% vs 43.3% and 50%, P = 0.013 and P = 0.014, respectively). Pregnancy rates significantly decrease with prolonged abstinence period (26.7%, 16.7% and 6.7% in groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively, P = 0.039). Progressive motile sperm count after gradient method of sperm preparation for IUI was highest in 3-4 days of abstinence period than shorter and longer abstinence groups. Longer duration of sexual abstinence causes higher oxidative stress and decreases pregnancy rates in IUI cycles.

Applications of Prodigiosin Extracted from Marine Red Pigmented Bacteria Zooshikella sp. and Actinomycete Streptomyces sp.

This study is aimed to determine the distribution, diversity and bioprospecting aspects of marine pigmented bacteria (MPB) isolated from pristine Andaman Islands, India. A total of 180 samples including seawater, sediment, marine plants, invertebrates, and vertebrates were collected and investigated for isolating pigmented bacteria. Results revealed that sediment, invertebrates, and seawater samples were colonized with a greater number of pigmented bacteria pertains to 27.9 × 103 CFU/mL, 24.1 × 103 CFU/mL and 6.7 × 103 CFU/mL respectively. Orange (21.6 × 103 CFU/mL) and red (8.0 × 103 CFU/mL) MPB were predominant than other pigmented bacteria. Fourteen potential MPB were selected based on their intense pigmentation and tested for bioactive nature and food colorant applications. Out of 14, two red pigmented strains BSE6.1 & S2.1 displayed potential multifaceted applications, such as antibacterial, antioxidant, food colorant, and staining properties. Brown pigmented strains CO8 and yellow pigmented strain SQ2.3 have displayed staining properties. Chemical characterization of red pigment using TLC, HP-LC, GC-MS, FT-IR and 1H-NMR analysis revealed prodigiosin as a main chemical constituent. Pure form of prodigiosin compound fractions obtained from both the strains displayed effective antibacterial activity against different human pathogens. MIC and MBC assays revealed that S2.1 requires 300 µg and 150 µg, respectively, and BSE6.1 require 400 µg concentrations of pigment compound for complete inhibition of S. aureus subsp. aureus. On the basis of 16S rRNA sequence analysis, strains S2.1 and BSE6.1 were identified as Zooshikella sp. and Streptomyces sp. and assigned under the GenBank accession numbers: MK680108 and MK951781 respectively.

Genomic and Clinicopathologic Characteristics of PRKAR1A-inactivated Melanomas: Toward Genetic Distinctions of Animal-type Melanoma/Pigment Synthesizing Melanoma.

Melanocytic tumors with inactivation of protein kinase A regulatory subunit-α (PRKAR1A) have large oval nuclei and intense pigmentation. Historically, these tumors have been categorized under various names, including epithelioid blue nevus, pigmented epithelioid melanocytoma (PEM) and animal-type melanoma. Although a subset of PEM harbor BRAF activating mutations and biallelic inactivation of PRKAR1A, there are only a few reports of melanomas, or of tumors with genomic alterations beyond those of PEMs. Herein, we describe the clinicopathologic and genetic features of 8 melanomas and tumors that lack PRKAR1α expression by immunohistochemistry but do not fit with conventional PRKAR1A-inactivated melanocytomas. These tumors tended to affect younger patients than conventional melanomas (median age=38 y) and presented as dark brown/black papules and nodules. Histopathologically, they demonstrated nodularity, sometimes in a background of conventional melanoma, and large vesicular nuclei with prominent nucleoli. With the exception of 1 case, the mitotic index was not significantly elevated. Immunohistochemically, all cases showed loss of PRKAR1α and of p16 expression. Seven tumors underwent massively parallel short read (next-generation) sequencing of a panel of 480 cancer-associated genes. Five tumors demonstrated truncating mutations of PRKAR1A and the 2 in which such mutations were not identified demonstrated loss of heterozygosity of the PRKAR1A locus. Four of the tumors harbored BRAF V600E mutations, and 1 harbored a FAM39B-BRAF gene fusion. Another harbored a GNA11 activating mutation. A MAP kinase activating mutation was not identified in the remaining case. Four tumors displayed TERT promoter mutations and chromosomal copy number changes supporting the diagnosis of melanoma. Two cases without these alterations and were classified as "high-grade PRKAR1A-inactivated melanocytomas". The 1 case with widespread metastases demonstrated mutations in TP53 and RB1. Overall, we provide the first genetic characterization of PRKAR1A-inactivated melanomas, discuss the differential diagnosis of heavily pigmented epithelioid melanocytic neoplasms, and propose a new nomenclature for such tumors.

The use of 4% hydroquinone, 0.1% tretinoin, and 0.1% betamethasone creams to prevent hyperpigmentation of split-thickness skin grafts in Long-Evans rats.

The increase in the pigmentation of skin grafts during the healing process is a cosmetic problem. There are a variety of medical and surgical treatment options for skin graft darkening. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of topical hydroquinone, tretinoin, and betamethasone application on hyperpigmentation of skin grafts. A skin defect was created on the backs of 17 Long-Evans rats, and a 2×2cm split-thickness skin graft was sutured. After 15days, eight rats in the treatment group were treated with application of hydroquinone, tretinoin, and betamethasone cream, while nine rats in the control group were not treated. Visual evaluation was performed on days 45 and 75 using the Melasma Severity Scale (MSS), and histological evaluation was performed on day 75 using S100 and Masson Fontana (MF) staining. The Mann-Whitney U test was used for statistical analysis. Mean MSS values of the treatment group on days 45 were significantly lower compared to the control group (P=.036). On day 75, the mean MSS score of the treatment group was also lower; however, the difference was not statistically significant (P=.302). Histological evaluation of S100 and MF staining scores of the treatment group showed fewer melanocytes and fewer pigments in epidermis (P=.009 and P=.002, respectively). This study showed that topical application of hydroquinone, tretinoin, and betamethasone reduced the hyperpigmentation, number of melanocytes, and melanin pigment intensity that developed on the rat skin graft models. Clinical studies are needed to assess whether a similar effect could be observed with human skin grafts.

Pigment Intensity in Dogs is Associated with a Copy Number Variant Upstream of KITLG.

Dogs exhibit a wide variety of coat color types, and many genes have been identified that control pigment production, appearance, and distribution. Some breeds, such as the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever (NSDTR), exhibit variation in pheomelanin pigment intensity that is not explained by known genetic variants. A genome-wide association study comparing light red to dark red in the NSDTR identified a significantly associated region on canine chromosome 15 (CFA 15:23 Mb–38 Mb). Coverage analysis of whole genome sequence data from eight dogs identified a 6 kb copy number variant (CNV) 152 kb upstream of KITLG. Genotyping with digital droplet PCR (ddPCR) confirmed a significant association between an increased copy number with the dark-red coat color in NSDTR (p = 6.1 × 10−7). The copy number of the CNV was also significantly associated with coat color variation in both eumelanin and pheomelanin-based Poodles (p = 1.5 × 10−8, 4.0 × 10−9) and across other breeds. Moreover, the copy number correlated with pigment intensity along the hair shaft in both pheomelanin and eumelanin coats. KITLG plays an important role in melanogenesis, and variants upstream of KITLG have been associated with coat color variation in mice as well as hair color in humans consistent with its role in the domestic dog.

Larval body colour polymorphism in Helicoverpa armigera (hubner) populations across India

Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) is a widely distributed insect pest of high agricultural importance. This study comprehensively presents the morphological characterization of H. armigera populations from India, based on larval body colour patterns. Significant differences were observed among the populations in respect to frequency of occurrence of eleven distinct larval colour morphs. The characteristic pigmentation pattern on the lateral band of larvae was also found to be a variable trait, with the majority of individuals irrespective of geographical location, exhibiting no pigmentation on their lateral bands. A wide variation was also observed in the intensity of black pigmentation on the larval body, with the maximum recorded from the Coimbatore population. The dendrogram based on selected traits showed clear cut differentiation of studied populations into two major groups. Such variations can possibly be due to the existence of different subspecies among the Indian H. armigera populations.

Assessment of Parameters Influencing Physiologic Gingival Pigmentation Using a Novel Classification System

Background: Depigmentation has become an important treatment modality among the general population due to the growing esthetic concern about the pigmentation. Previous studies have not considered parameters such as anatomical distribution of gingiva, intensity of pigmentation, and skin color in their classification systems. The purpose of this study was to assess physiologic gingival pigmentation in individuals based on certain gingival parameters and their correlation with skin color for better treatment strategies using a new classification system. Methods: The study was carried out in Ragas Dental College using a cross-sectional design. A total of 112 female dental students were examined for skin color and gingival parameters. The facial gingiva of upper anterior teeth was assessed for gingival phenotype, intensity and distribution of pigmentation. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the data and the associations between variables were done using chi-square test (P < 0.05). Results: It was found that skin color has a significant association with the intensity of pigmentation (P = 0.0001). In both dark and fair skinned individuals, Class II pigmentation (47%, 23.2%) with thick phenotype (62.5%, 35%) was most prevalent. Dark-skinned individuals were also found to have a generalized distribution of melanin pigmentation (19%) with high intensity of pigmentation (28.5%) predominantly. Fair-skinned individuals had a patchy distribution of melanin pigmentation with low intensity of pigmentation (37%). Conclusions: The association of skin color with various parameters affecting gingival pigmentation can help in determining the depigmentation treatment strategies.

Thailandenes, Cryptic Polyene Natural Products Isolated from Burkholderia thailandensis Using Phenotype-Guided Transposon Mutagenesis.

Burkholderia thailandensis has emerged as a model organism for investigating the production and regulation of diverse secondary metabolites. Most of the biosynthetic gene clusters encoded in B. thailandensis are silent, motivating the development of new methods for accessing their products. In the current work, we add to the canon of available approaches using phenotype-guided transposon mutagenesis to characterize a silent biosynthetic gene cluster. Because secondary metabolite biosynthesis is often associated with phenotypic changes, we carried out random transposon mutagenesis followed by phenotypic inspection of the resulting colonies. Several mutants exhibited intense pigmentation and enhanced expression of an iterative type I polyketide synthase cluster that we term org. Disruptions of orgA, orgB, and orgC abolished the biosynthesis of the diffusible pigment, thus linking it to the org operon. Isolation and structural elucidation by HR-MS and 1D/2D NMR spectroscopy revealed three novel, cryptic metabolites, thailandene A-C. Thailandenes are linear formylated or acidic polyenes containing a combination of cis and trans double bonds. Variants A and B exhibited potent antibiotic activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Saccharomyces cerevisiae but not against Escherichia coli. One of the transposon mutants that exhibited an enhanced expression of org contained an insertion upstream of a σ54-dependent transcription factor. Closer inspection of the org operon uncovered a σ54 promoter consensus sequence upstream of orgA, providing clues regarding its regulation. Our results showcase the utility of phenotype-guided transposon mutagenesis in uncovering cryptic metabolites encoded in bacterial genomes.

Melanism protects alpine zooplankton from DNA damage caused by ultraviolet radiation.

Melanism is widely observed among animals, and is adaptive in various contexts for its thermoregulatory, camouflaging, mate-attraction or photoprotective properties. Many organisms exposed to ultraviolet radiation show increased fitness resulting from melanin pigmentation; this has been assumed to result in part from reduced UV-induced damage to DNA. However, to effectively test the hypothesis that melanin pigmentation reduces UV-induced DNA damage requires quantification of UV-specific DNA damage lesions following UV exposure under controlled conditions using individuals that vary in pigmentation intensity. We accomplished this using alpine genotypes of the freshwater microcrustacean Daphnia melanica, for which we quantified cyclobutane pyrimide dimers in DNA, a damage structure that can only be generated by UV exposure. For genotypes with carapace melanin pigmentation, we found that individuals with greater melanin content sustained lower levels of UV-induced DNA damage. Individuals with more melanin were also more likely to survive exposure to ecologically relevant levels of UV-B radiation. Parallel experiments with conspecific genotypes that lack carapace melanin pigmentation provide additional support for our conclusion that melanism protects individuals from UV-induced DNA damage. Finally, within-genotype comparisons with asexually produced clonal siblings demonstrate that melanin content influences DNA damage even among genetically identical individuals raised in the same environment.

Ultra-wide-field imaging of choroidal melanoma before and after proton beam radiation therapy.

Objective:To evaluate the imaging characteristics of choroidal melanoma before and after proton beam radiotherapy via Optos® ultra-wide-field scanning laser ophthalmoscopy.Methods:Retrospective, descriptive study of choroidal melanoma patients treated with proton beam radiotherapy. All patients underwent full clinical evaluation, including best-corrected visual acuity, ultrasound examination and ultra-wide-field scanning laser ophthalmoscopy imaging in the pseudo-colour (red and green channel) as well as auto-fluorescence mode. Tumours were classified and evaluated according to their location, size, presence of subretinal fluid, drusen, orange pigment and reflectance intensity in ultra-wide-field scanning laser ophthalmoscopy. Tumour sonographic (basal diameter, height) and ultra-wide-field scanning laser ophthalmoscopy imaging dimensions (maximal diameter) were documented.Results:A total of 39 eyes (38 patients) were followed for 24 months (range 6–48 months). Mean best-corrected visual acuity dropped from 20/40 to 20/63 after proton beam radiotherapy. There was no change in the imaging tumour characteristics during follow-up. Subretinal fluid changes were better detected in the autofluorescence compared to pseudo-colour mode. Mean tumour diameter did not significantly change in the ultra-wide-field scanning laser ophthalmoscopy although it did so in the ultrasound. No patient showed local tumour recurrence.Conclusion:The ultra-wide-field scanning laser ophthalmoscopy imaging characteristics of choroidal melanoma in the Optos® system do not significantly change after proton beam radiotherapy after a mean follow-up of 2 years.

On the evolutionary origin of Neotropical cavefish Ancistrus cryptophthalmus (Siluriformes, Loricariidae) based on the mitogenome and genetic structure of cave and surface populations

The evolutionary process of adaptation to the cave environment leads to extreme genetic, morphological, and physiological modifications commonly known as stygomorphism. The cave-dwelling armored catfish Ancistrus cryptophthalmus is a good model to understand the evolutionary processes of stygomorphism in the Neotropics as its ecology and morphology have been studied in detail. Interestingly, it has been found a non-stygomorphic epigean population named Ancistrus sp. This population is morphologically distinct to the hypogean population of A. cryptophthalmus as they present better-developed ocular structures and intense pigmentation. Here we used Illumina sequencing technology to produce partial genome sequences for specimens of Ancistrus sp. and A. cryptophthalmus; we also genotyped molecular markers from individuals of both species. Based on the high level of mitogenome similarity and metapopulation connectivity between the surface and cave populations, we suggest that the evolution of stygomorphisms observed in A. cryptophthalmus may be the result of morphologic modification, by natural selection, of Ancistrus sp. surface population to colonize the harsh cave environment.

Pollination and fruit set in two rewardless slipper orchids and their hybrids (Cypripedium, Orchidaceae): large yellow flowers outperform small white flowers in the northern tall grass prairie

Species with rewardless flowers often have low fruit to flower ratios, although wide temporal and spatial variation in fruiting success can occur. We compared floral phenotypes, insect visitors and fruiting success in four populations of the small white (Cypripedium candidum) and yellow (C.parviflorum) lady's slipper orchids and their hybrids near the northern extent of North America's tall grass prairie. Flower and fruit numbers were observed for two seasons on marked individuals (n=1811). Floral traits were measured on 82-140 individuals per taxon and analysed in relation to fruiting success. All insects found inside flowers were collected, inspected for pollen smears and measured for comparison to floral features. Among orchid taxa, C.candidum had the smallest flowers, lowest number and variety of insect visitors, and lowest fruit to flower ratios. These measures were intermediate in hybrids and highest in C.parviflorum, despite low flower numbers in the latter. Within orchid taxa, fruit number was positively related to flower number, but fruit to flower ratios decreased slightly, as would be expected if pollinators left unrewarding patches. Potential pollinators included the dipteran Odontomyia pubescens and hymenopterans Andrena spp., Apis mellifera and Lasioglossum zonulum. Cypripedium parviflorum had a reproductive advantage over C.candidum across multiple populations and years. Hybrids showed segregation for floral traits, and hybrid fruiting success increased with a deeper intensity of yellow pigment and larger escape routes for floral visitors. These same attributes likely contributed to the relatively high fruit set in C.parviflorum in the study region.

Effects of Temperature on the Growth and Anthocyanin Content of &lt;i&gt;Echeveria agavoides&lt;/i&gt; and &lt;i&gt;E. marcus&lt;/i&gt;

Few studies have reported how temperature influences growth and development of succulents, including anthocyanin production, which could fetch better prices in the market, and understanding the factors influencing such pigments would benefit farmers. The present study investigated the effect of temperature (10°C, 20°C, and 30°C) on the growth, development, and anthocyanin concentrations in Echeveria agavoides and E. marcus. In E. agavoides, similar growth performance was observed at 10°C and 20°C based on plant height and diameter. However, subjecting the species to a high temperature of 30°C resulted in a decrease in plant height. In E. marcus, optimal growth performance was observed at 20°C. Different temperatures did not significantly affect succulent quality and color hues. Only L* values were significantly different among the Hunter’s Lab values. Similar results were observed following anthocyanin and image analyses, both of which were not significantly affected by temperature. However, an intense red pigment was observed at 20°C compared with the green pigment observed at 10°C and 30°C based on the image analysis. The results suggest that temperature influences growth, development, and anthocyanin content of Echeveria succulents, and 20°C could be the optimal temperature for the cultivation of the species.

A COMBINATION OF FERMENTATION METHOD AND GERMINATED BROWN RICE (ORYZA SATIVA) TO ENHANCE ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF ANGKAK

This research aimed to enhance antioxidant activities of angkak by a combination of 2-step fermentation and germinated brown rice (Oryza sativa) (GBR). It was showed that an appropriate combined condition of germination time of brown rice and fermentation method of angkak was 48 hours and 2-step fermentation. The highest contents of reducing sugars used by M. purpureus were 99.43 % and the highest pigment intensity, monacolin K and GABA were 3,500.89 unit /g substrate, 99.75 and 154.19 mg/kg dry weight, respectively. Whereas, the lowest IC50 values of DPPH and ABTS were 0.07 and 0.06 mmol Trolox equivalent /mL, respectively. However, the citrinin contents of this product were 12.37 µg/kg dry weight, indicating not exceeded following the maximum allowance level in red fermented rice.

Targeted photosensitizer delivery: A prospective approach to vitiligo photochemotherapy

Aim. In this work, the authors set out to develop an effective method for the intrafollicular delivery of “Ammi majus fructuum furocumarines” photosensitizer (AMFF) followed by UVA irradiation (λ = 320–400 nm). Materials and methods. The proposed delivery method consists in using calcium carbonate particles acting as AMFF carriers. In vivo monitoring of hair follicle filling was carried out via optical coherence tomography, as well as by means of analyzing epilated hair using confocal laser scanning microscopy. Following the administration of free and encapsulated AMFF to three healthy volunteers, the character of UVA-induced skin pigmentation was registered under dermatoscopic examination. Results. The obtained results demonstrate a profuse filling of hair follicles with calcium carbonate particles, thus confirming the possibility of intrafollicular photosensitizer delivery. It was established that exposure to UVA irradiation causes intense pigment accumulation in the area of AMFF carrier administration. Conclusion. The proposed method of the targeted photosensitizer delivery allows photochemical therapy to be improved.

Metabolic and molecular analysis of nonuniform anthocyanin pigmentation in tomato fruit under high light

Pigment intensity and patterns are important factors that determine the nutritional and market values of tomato fruits. The acropetal manner of light-dependent anthocyanin accumulation with the highest levels at the stem end of the fruit makes Pro35S:BrTT8 tomato plants an ideal system for investigating the effects of light intensity on anthocyanin biosynthesis. Extensive transcript analyses indicate that anthocyanin pigmentation in Pro35S:BrTT8 plants under high light might be coordinately regulated by the exogenous protein BrTT8 and endogenous proteins SlAN2 and SlMYBL2. Furthermore, yeast two-hybrid assays showed that BrTT8 could interact efficiently with SlAN2, SlMYBL2, and SlAN11. Moreover, the physical interaction between BrTT8 and SlAN2 was validated by FRET. Simultaneous overexpression of SlAN2 and BrTT8 activated significant anthocyanin biosynthesis in infiltrated tobacco leaves. In addition, the ability of SlMYBL2 to suppress anthocyanin accumulation was also demonstrated in infiltrated tobacco leaves. Altogether, these results prove that tissue-specific assemblage of the heterogeneous MYB-bHLH-WD40 complex consisting of SlAN2, BrTT8 and SlAN11 triggers nonuniform anthocyanin accumulation in tomato fruit under high light. Additionally, it is proposed that a negative-feedback loop fulfilled by SlMYBL2 also participates in the regulation of anthocyanin production.