Recovery Of Skin Barrier Function Research Articles

Gold nanobipyramids-based laser-activated sealants for effective skin sealing and repair

Anisotropic gold nanostructures have gained increased attention for biomedical applications because of their remarkable optical properties. An emerging type of gold nanostructure—gold nanobipyramids (AuNBP)—has been shown to exhibit superior absorption properties compared to conventionally used gold nanoparticles, which makes them attractive for photothermal applications. We generated a high-shape-purity dispersion of AuNBP using a seed-mediated method and embedded them as photothermal conversion agents in a silk fibroin matrix to investigate their efficacy in photothermal sealing of incisional wounds in immunocompetent mice. These AuNBP-doped laser-activated sealants, or AuNBP-LASE were able to absorb near-infrared laser energy and convert it to heat, thereby inducing transient hyperthermia in the wound and the surrounding tissue. This photothermal conversion facilitated rapid sealing of the skin tissue by the AuNBP-LASE, which resulted in faster functional recovery of skin barrier function compared to nylon sutures at the early stages of repair. Further, the biomechanical properties of the healing skin closed with AuNBP-LASE those of intact skin more rapidly compared to incisions approximated with sutures. Histology studies indicated higher penetration of the LASE within the volume of the incision in skin tissue, lower scab formation, and a similar epidermal gap compared to conventional suturing. These results demonstrate that AuNBP-LASEs can be effective as wound approximation devices for photothermal sealing.

Basophils Play a Protective Role in the Recovery of Skin Barrier Function from Mechanical Injury in Mice

Physical trauma disrupts skin barrier function. How the skin barrier recovers is not fully understood. We evaluated in mice the mechanism of skin barrier recovery following mechanical injury inflicted by tape stripping. Tape stripping disrupted skin barrier function as evidenced by increased trans epidermal water loss. We show that tape stripping induces IL-1, IL-23 and TCRγδ+ dependent upregulation of cutaneous Il17a and Il22 expression. We demonstrate that IL-17A and IL-22 induce epidermal hyperplasia, promote neutrophil recruitment, and delay skin barrier function recovery. Neutrophil depletion improved the recovery of skin barrier function and decreased epidermal hyperplasia. scRNAseq and flow cytometry analysis of skin cells revealed basophil infiltration into tape stripped skin. Basophil depletion upregulated Il17a expression, increased neutrophil infiltration, and delayed skin barrier recovery. Comparative analysis of genes differentially expressed in tape stripped skin of basophil depleted mice and Il17a-/- mice, indicated that basophils counteract the effects of IL-17A on the expression of epidermal and lipid metabolism genes important for skin barrier integrity. Our results demonstrate that basophils play a protective role by downregulating Il17a expression following mechanical skin injury, thereby counteracting the adverse effect of IL-17A on skin barrier function recovery and suggest novel interventions to accelerate this recovery.

Suppressive effect of Yokukansan on glutamate released from canine keratinocytes.

Canine atopic dermatitis (CAD) is caused by skin barrier dysfunction due to allergen exposure. Excessive glutamate release in the skin is associated with delayed skin barrier function recovery and epidermal thickening and lichenification. Treatment with Yokukansan (YKS), a traditional Japanese medicine, reduces dermatitis severity and scratching behavior in NC/Nga mice by decreasing epidermal glutamate levels. However, the association between canine keratinocytes and glutamate and the mechanism by which YKS inhibits glutamate release from keratinocytes remains unknown. We aimed to investigate glutamate release from canine progenitor epidermal keratinocytes (CPEKs) and the inhibitory effect of YKS on this release. We also explored the underlying mechanism of YKS to enable its application in CAD treatment. Glutamate produced from CPEKs in the medium at 24 hours was measured. The measurement conditions varied in terms of cell density and YKS concentration. CPEKs were treated with a glutamate receptor antagonist (MK-801), a glutamate transporter antagonist (THA), and a glutamate dehydrogenase inhibitor (epigallocatechin gallate; EGCG), and the inhibitory effect of YKS, YKS + THA, MK-801, and EGCG on this release was determined. MK-801 and glutamate dehydrogenase inhibitor were tested alone, and THA was tested in combination with YKS. Finally, glutamine incorporated into CPEKs at 24 hours was measured using radioisotope labeling. CPEKs released glutamate in a cell density-dependent manner, inhibited by YKS in a concentration-dependent manner. Moreover, YKS reduced the intracellular uptake of radioisotope-labeled glutamine in a concentration-dependent manner. No involvement of glutamate receptor antagonism or activation of glutamate transporters was found, as suggested by previous studies. In addition, EGCG could inhibit glutamate release from CPEKs. Our findings indicated that glutamate release from CPEKs could be effectively inhibited by YKS, suggesting the utility of YKS in maintaining skin barrier function during CAD. In addition, CPEKs are appropriate for analyzing the mechanism of YKS. However, we found that the mechanism of action of YKS differs from that reported in previous studies, suggesting that it may have had a similar effect to EGCG in this study. Further research is warranted to understand the exact mechanism and clinical efficacy in treating CAD.

The Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Function Recovery Effects of Schisandra chinensis in Mice with Atopic Dermatitis.

Background and Objectives: The fruit of Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill. is widely used medicinally to treat coughs, asthma, exhaustion, eczema, and pruritus in Northeast Asian countries, including Korea, China, and Japan. This study was designed to investigate the effects of S. chinensis on dermatitis in mice with calcipotriol (MC-903)-induced atopic dermatitis (AD), and its effects on skin barrier dysfunction was also investigated. Materials and Methods: The inhibitory effects of an ethanolic extract of S. chinensis (EESC) on skin lesions, water content, water-holding capacity (WHC), histopathological abnormalities, and inflammatory cytokine and chemokine levels were evaluated in mice with AD induced by MC903. Results: Topical EESC ameliorated skin lesions, reduced skin water content, and increased MC903-induced WHC. EESC also prevented MC-903-induced histopathological abnormalities such as epidermal disruption, hyperkeratosis, spongiotic changes, and immune cell infiltration in inflamed tissue. Moreover, topical EESC reduced MC-903-induced levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP)-1, and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP). Furthermore, unlike dexamethasone, EESC did not reduce the spleen/body weight ratio. Conclusions: These results suggest that S. chinensis can be used as an alternative to external corticosteroids and that its anti-inflammatory and skin barrier dysfunction-restoring effects are related to the downregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, such as TNF-α, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, and TSLP.

Multilamellar ceramide core-structured microvehicles with substantial skin barrier function recovery.

This study introduces a multilamellar ceramide core-structured microvehicle platform for substantial skin barrier function recovery. Our approach essentially focused on fabricating bacterial cellulose nanofiber (BCNF)-enveloped ceramide-rich lipid microparticles (CerMPs) by solidifying BCNF-armored oil-in-water Pickering emulsions. The oil drops consisted of Ceramide NP (a phytosphingosine backbone N-acylated with a saturated stearic acid) and fatty alcohols (FAs) with a designated stoichiometry. The thin BCNF shell layer completely blocked the growth of ceramide molecular crystals from the CerMPs for a long time. The CerMP cores displayed a multilamellar structure wherein the interlayer distance and lateral packing could be manipulated using FAs with different alkyl chain lengths. The CerMPs remarkably lowered the trans-epidermal water loss while restoring the structural integrity of the epidermis in damaged skin. The results obtained herein highlight that the CerMP system provides a practical methodology for developing various types of skin-friendly formulations that can strengthen the skin barrier function.

Molecular Mechanisms of Luteolin Against Atopic Dermatitis Based on Network Pharmacology and in vivo Experimental Validation.

To undercover the underlying mechanisms of luteolin against atopic dermatitis (AD), clinically characterized by recurrenteczematous lesionsandintenseitching, based on network pharmacology, molecular docking and in vivo experimental validation. TCMSP, STITCH and SwissTargetPrediction databases were utilized to screen the corresponding targets of luteolin. Targets related to AD werecollected from DisGeNET, GeneCards and TTD databases. PPI network of intersection targets was constructed through STRING 11.0 database andCytoscape3.9.0 software. GO and KEGG enrichment analysis were performed to investigate the critical pathways of luteolin against AD. Further, the therapeutic effects and candidate targets/signaling pathways predicted from network pharmacology analysis were experimentally validated in a mouse model of AD induced by 2, 4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB). A total of 31 intersection targets were obtained by matching 151 targets of luteolin with 553 targets of AD. Among all, 20 core targets were identified by PPI network topology analysis, including IL-6, TNF, IL-10, VEGFA, IL-4, etc., and molecular dockingindicated that luteolin binds strongly to these core targets. KEGGpathway enrichmentanalysissuggested that the intersected targets were significantly enriched in IL-17 signaling pathway, Th17 cell differentiation, Th1 and Th2 cell differentiation, JAK/STAT signaling pathway, etc. The in vivo experiment validated that luteolin could alleviate AD-like skin symptoms, as evidenced by the lower SCORADscore, the reduced infiltration of mast cells and the recovery of skin barrier function. Furthermore,luteolin restored immune balance by regulating the production ofTh1/Th2/Th17-mediated cytokines, which were both the predicted core targets. Moreover, luteolin inhibited the phosphorylation of JAK2 and STAT3 in the lesional skin. Together, the present study systematically clarifies the ameliorative effects and possible molecular mechanisms of luteolin against AD through the combination of network pharmacology and experimental validation, shedding light on the future developmentand clinical application of luteolin.

Acute skin barrier disruption alters the secretion of lamellar bodies via the multilayered expression of ABCA12

BackgroundThe skin barrier consists of multiple lipid-enriched layers, which are characterized by lamellar repeated structures within the intercellular space. Sodium lauryl sulfate is a well-known substance that can disrupt the skin barrier. The mechanisms underlying the barrier repair process, especially the influence of topical sodium lauryl sulfate treatment on lipid transport in the barrier recovery phase, remain unresolved. ObjectiveTo understand the process of reconstruction of the intercellular lipid layer of the skin after acute barrier disruption by sodium lauryl sulfate treatment in vivo. MethodsFemale hairless mice were treated with 3 % sodium lauryl sulfate. Transepidermal water loss measurement, histopathological analysis, and gene expression analysis were performed from 1 to 288 h after the topical application of sodium lauryl sulfate. Western blot analysis, immunofluorescence staining, and transmission electron microscopy analysis were performed to examine the expression level of ATP-binding cassette, sub-family A, member 12 (ABCA12), and the secretion level of lamellar bodies. ResultsWe observed rapid hyper-keratinization at the stratum corneum and the subsequent concurrent secretion of lamellar bodies into the intercellular space of the stratum corneum during the process of skin barrier recovery. ABCA12 expression associated with lipid transportation into lamellar bodies was transiently upregulated and observed in multiple layers in the upper epidermis, especially in the stratum granulosum. ConclusionThe skin reacts appropriately to maintain its barrier function by first initiating hyper-keratinization and then increasing lamellar body secretion. Activation of ABCA12 is an essential factor for the recovery of skin barrier function.

A moisturizer formulated with glycerol and propylene glycol accelerates the recovery of skin barrier function after experimental disruption in dogs.

BackgroundMoisturizers are foundational therapies for human atopic dermatitis. In veterinary medicine, the use of moisturizers has been recommended by an expert committee to alleviate skin dryness that would occur, for example, in canine atopic dermatitis (cAD). However, little is known regarding the effects of moisturizers on the skin barrier.Hypothesis/ObjectivesTo investigate the effects of a moisturizer on skin barrier recovery in a canine model of chronic mechanical barrier disruption.AnimalsSix healthy beagle dogs maintained in a laboratory setting.Methods and materialsA model of chronic skin barrier disruption was simulated by tape stripping on both sides of the thorax. The moisturizer then was applied twice daily for one week to one side of the thorax, while the other hemithorax was left untreated. The effects were evaluated by measurement of transepidermal water loss (TEWL) at various times during skin barrier recovery, and by histological assessment of the disrupted skin one week after moisturizer application.ResultsOverall, TEWL was reduced, epidermal thickness was lower, stratum corneum thickness was greater and the intensity of the dermal inflammatory infiltrate was reduced for treated sites.Conclusions and clinical importanceThese results suggest a potential benefit of the moisturizer for improving skin barrier function, which is frequently altered in chronic inflammatory dermatoses such as cAD.

740 Time course measurements of ultraviolet-induced skin biophysical properties

Ultraviolet (UV) irradiation induces acute responses of sunburn and tanning, as well as long-term damages such as photocarcinogenesis and photoaging. Erythema and pigmentation are known as the most prominent acute UV responses, however, comprehensive skin biophysical changes after UV irradiation have rarely been studied. The aim of this study was to investigate dose-dependent acute effects of UV irradiation by time course changes of skin biophysical properties. 13 healthy women, with Fitzpatrick’s skin type II or III, were participated. UV doses of 0.75 (suberythemogenic dose), 1, 2 (high dose) Minimal Erythema Dose (MED) were irradiated on their back using a solar simulator, based on the preliminary determined MED. Quantitative skin biophysical properties, including melanin, erythema, transepidermal water loss, hydration, skin color and blood flow were evaluated at every 4 hours until 28 hours after irradiation. As a result, they represented different patterns with critical point of change and restoration during 28 hours. Melanin, erythema, a∗ and skin blood flow significantly increased, whereas skin barrier function, hydration, L∗ and b∗ significantly decreased when compared to non-irradiation site. Several parameters showed the lower threshold doses than visual assessment of minimal erythema formation. Regarding UV dose, the extent of change increased as the irradiation dose increased. Also, most skin parameters changed even in suberythemogenic dose. In conclusion, we found out the dose-dependent change of skin biophysical properties after acute UV irradiation with time. It is meaningful as comprehensive skin biophysical changes of short-term photodamage were identified, and they could be adopted as new quantitative parameters for objective measurement of UV protection by sunscreens. We also suggest the development of skincare products that help skin barrier function recovery after UV exposure. Furthermore, based on the results of suberythemogenic dose reflecting non-extreme UV exposure in real life, it is concluded that efficient daily UV protection is essential.

An insight into the molecular mechanism of the temporary enhancement effect of isopulegol decanoate on the skin

Chemical enhancers are widely used to facilitate drug permeation in transdermal drug delivery system (TDDS) and the effect of chemical enhancers is desired to be temporary. Though temporary enhancement effect of chemical enhancers has been widely discussed, there is still a lack of knowledge about the molecular mechanism of temporary enhancement effect. Using the skin permeation of flurbiprofen as a probe, the temporary enhancement effect of isopulegol decanoate (ISO-10) was evaluated with in vitro permeation experiment and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). In addition, molecular mechanism of skin recovery was explored with skin retention of ISO-10, attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), molecular dynamic (MD) simulation and transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Temporary enhancement effect of ISO-10 was observed by the permeation of flurbiprofen after the treatment of 180min. Furthermore, temporary enhancement effect of ISO-10 on the diffusion of intercellular lipid in the stratum cornuem (SC) was observed by ATR-FTIR, molecular dynamic (MD) simulation. The SC barrier function recovered with the existence of ISO-10 in the lipid bilayer as indicated by the retention study and TEWL. In conclusion, the lipid bilayer accepted the enhancer as a new component to form a new stable arrangement, resulted the recovery of the skin barrier function. This work processed a novel mechanism of the recovery of skin barrier function after the addition of chemical enhancers.

Isolation and structural characterization of glucosylceramides from Ethiopian plants by LC/APCI-MS/MS

Chronic skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis and aged skin are characterized by defective skin barrier and dryness which are associated with reduced levels of skin ceramides (CERs). The beneficial effects of plant-derived CERs for skin hydration and skin barrier recovery have been shown in several studies. Although plenty of glucosylceramide (GlcCER)-based dietary supplements meant for skin barrier improvement have been marketed, there are limited commercial sources of plant GlcCERs. In an attempt to explore alternative GlcCER sources, a reversed phase LC–MS/MS method with atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) interface was developed for separation and structural identification of GlcCERs isolated from three plants. The GlcCERs were extracted from the seeds of grass pea (Lathyrus sativus L.), Ethiopian mustard (Brassica carinata) and haricot bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) and purified by column chromatography and preparative LC–MS. The individual GlcCER species were further separated and qualitatively analyzed by LC/APCI-MS/MS. The amount of GlcCERs in each plant was quantified by HPTLC. All GlcCER species detected in the three plants consisted of C18 di/trihydroxy sphingoid bases amide linked with hydroxy fatty acids (C14-C24). The trihydroxy SBs were acylated with very long chain FAs (C22-C24). The major GlcCERs derived from grass pea, Ethiopian mustard and haricot bean are composed of sphingenine (d18:1) linked to hydroxypalmitic acid (h16:0), 4-hydroxy-8-sphingenine (t18:1) coupled with hydroxynervonic acid (h24:1) and sphingadienine (d18:2) joined with h16:0, respectively. The GlcCERs contents in haricot bean (161.2mg/kg) and grass pea (130.0mg/kg) were found to be higher compared to Ethiopian mustard (71.8mg/kg). This qualitative and quantitative information suggests that the two plants of the Fabaceae family (haricot bean and grass pea) are potential alternative sources of GlcCERs for their use in products meant for the recovery of skin barrier function. The LC/APCI-MS/MS method described here has proven to be reliable for the screening of other potential plants containing GlcCERs.

Induction of epidermal damage by tape stripping to evaluate skin mildness of cleansing regimens for the premature epidermal barrier.

Previous works indicate a compromised skin model may be a possible surrogate for premature, undeveloped skin. This study was performed to investigate the use of a current model as a surrogate test design. Serial tape stripping on the volar forearms of adult female volunteers (n=36) was used to "thin" the stratum corneum. The forearm sites received intensive applications of different wiping options that exaggerated the exposures to cleansers that might be experienced by an infant in a neonatal intensive care unit. The recovery of skin barrier function during the wiping regimen, measured by transepidermal water loss (TEWL), was used as the primary indicator of the mildness of the cleansing options. Measurements of TEWL were made prior to the first wash on days 1-4, on day 5 and on day 8. Erythema was graded as a secondary endpoint. There was an early and sustained distinction in rates of skin barrier recovery between the washcloth and water treatment, and the two wipes treatments (P<0.05). Areas submitted to the wipes treatments showed recovery rates similar to that of the tape-stripped untreated site, indicating that the use of disposable wipes led to minimal perturbation of the recovery process. By contrast, cleansing with a cotton washcloth and water markedly perturbed the repair process compared with all other conditions (P<0.05). This model shows promise as a possible surrogate model for assessing the mildness of skin cleansing products for the care of premature infants.

297 Vitamin D like activity of peony flower extract and effect on skin barrier function

In 2012, the International Osteoporosis Foundation has reported that one of three subjects is lack of vitamin D in developing and developed countries and it is a serious problem in the world. The problem is caused by modern lifestyle which people try to avoid UV rays, because vitamin D is made by UV rays in skin. It has been reported that vitamin D is related to bone formation for a long time and nowadays it is getting clear that vitamin D is also related to skin barrier function, therefore it has a possibility that chronic dry and rough skin is caused by lack of vitamin D. In this study, we measured blood vitamin D levels of the subjects and divided them into lack and sufficiency of vitamin D groups with the standard value of 20ng/mL, then prepared dry and rough skin in each group by closed patch of sodium dodecyl sulfate solution. As a result, we found that especially lack of vitamin D group (n=3) tended to be easier to prepare dry and rough skin and more difficult to recover than sufficiency of vitamin D group (n=3). Next, we screened for natural component which has vitamin D like activity binding to vitamin D receptor and activating vitamin D receptor transcriptional activity by reporter assay and finally discovered that peony flower extract has vitamin D like activity with about 5-fold (p<0.01) efficiency compared to control. We also found that peony flower extract increased expressions of claudin and occludin proteins which are components of tight junction to regulate skin barrier function with about 1.5-fold (p<0.01) efficiency compared to control in keratinocytes. When we performed continuous applying test of peony flower extract for the above-mentioned subjects, we found that peony flower extract had remarkable improvement effect on dry and rough skin of lack of vitamin D group by a skin barrier function recovery. In this way, these results suggest that vitamin D is related to dry and rough skin closely and peony flower extract improves chronic dry and rough skin by a skin barrier function recovery effect with vitamin D like activity.

Effect of a 308-nm excimer laser on atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions in NC/Nga mice.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common inflammatory skin disease that can affect all age groups. It has a relapsing course, which dramatically affects the quality of life of patients. A 308-nm excimer laser has been reported to be a safe and effective treatment for inflammatory skin diseases, although the range of potential application has not been fully explored. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic effects of a 308-nm laser on AD-like skin lesions in NC/Nga mice. Dermatophagoides farinae-exposed NC/Nga mice with a clinical score of 12 were treated with either a 308-nm excimer laser or narrowband-UVB (NB-UVB). The effects of the 308-nm excimer laser were evaluated by dermatitis scores, skin histology, skin barrier function, and immunological parameters, including IgE and Th2-mediated cytokines. The 308-nm excimer laser significantly reduced the severity of skin lesions and decreased the total serum levels of IgE and Th2-mediated cytokines. The excimer laser also significantly reduced the inflammatory cellular infiltrate into AD-induced skin lesions. Moreover, treatment with the 308-nm excimer laser led to recovery of skin barrier function in AD-induced skin lesions. The 308-nm excimer laser can be considered a valid and safe therapeutic option for the treatment of localized AD. Lasers Surg. Med. 48:629-637, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Efficacy of IPL device combined with intralesional corticosteroid injection for the treatment of keloids and hypertrophic scars with regards to the recovery of skin barrier function: A pilot study

Background: Keloids and hypertrophic scars are prevalent and psychologically distressful dermatologic conditions. Various treatment modalities have been tried but without complete success by any one method. Objective: We evaluated the efficacy of a combination of intense pulsed light (IPL) device and intralesional corticosteroid injection for the treatment of keloids and hypertrophic scars with respect to the recovery of skin barrier function. Methods: Totally 52 Korean patients were treated by the combined treatment at 4–8-week intervals. Using digital photographs, changes in scar appearance were assessed with modified Vancouver Scar Scale (MVSS), physicians’ global assessment (PGA) and patient's satisfaction score. In 12 patients, the stratum corneum (SC) barrier function was assessed by measuring transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and SC capacitance. Results: Most scars demonstrated significant clinical improvement in MVSS, PGA and patient's satisfaction score after the combined therapy. A significant decrease of TEWL and elevation of SC capacitance were also documented after the treatment. Conclusion: The combination therapy (IPL + corticosteroid injection) not only improves the appearance of keloids and hypertrophic scars but also increases the recovery level of skin hydration status in terms of the skin barrier function.

Effect of Herbs Grown in Korea on Recovery of Skin Barrier Function in Atopic Dermatitis

Effect of Herbs Grown in Korea on Recovery of Skin Barrier Function in Atopic Dermatitis

Randomised double-blind placebo-controlled study of the effect of Lactobacillus paracasei NCC 2461 on skin reactivity

In recent decades, the prevalence of subjects with reactive skin has considerably increased in industrialised countries. 50% of women and 30% of men report cutaneous discomfort classified under reactive/sensitive skin. Several topical approaches have been proposed, in particular through improvement of galenic forms or protection of epidermal surface. We propose to act differently, deeply from inside the body via an innovative nutritional approach. To this purpose, Lactobacillus paracasei NCC 2461 (ST11) was selected because of its specific beneficial skin properties discovered in in vitro studies, i.e. diminution of neurogenic inflammation and promotion of the recovery of skin barrier function. We designed a randomised double-blind placebo-controlled clinical study with a two-month supplementation in two female treatment groups (n=32 per group). A capsaicin test was performed to monitor the time course of skin sensitivity. Moreover, transepidermal water loss was assessed to analyse the rate of skin barrier function recovery; dryness of the leg and roughness of the cheeks was investigated by a dermatologist as well as by self-assessment. The results of the present clinical trial show that oral supplementation with the probiotic decreases skin sensitivity and increases the rate of barrier function recovery. Thus, the data provide evidence that daily intake of ST11 could improve reactive skin condition.

Hydrogel-Forming Microneedles Increase in Volume During Swelling in Skin, but Skin Barrier Function Recovery is Unaffected

We describe, for the first time, quantification of in-skin swelling and fluid uptake by hydrogel-forming microneedle (MN) arrays and skin barrier recovery in human volunteers. Such MN arrays, prepared from aqueous blends of hydrolyzed poly(methylvinylether/maleic anhydride) (15%, w/w) and the cross-linker poly(ethyleneglycol) 10,000 Da (7.5%, w/w), were inserted into the skin of human volunteers (n = 15) to depths of approximately 300 μm by gentle hand pressure. The MN arrays swelled in skin, taking up skin interstitial fluid, such that their mass had increased by approximately 30% after 6 h in skin. Importantly, however, skin barrier function recovered within 24 h after MN removal, regardless of how long the MN had been in skin or how much their volume had increased with swelling. Further research on closure of MN-induced micropores is required because transepidermal water loss measurements suggested micropore closure, whereas optical coherence tomography indicated that MN-induced micropores had not closed over, even 24 h after MN had been removed. There were no complaints of skin reactions, adverse events, or strong views against MN use by any of the volunteers. Only some minor erythema was noted after patch removal, although this always resolved within 48 h, and no adverse events were present on follow-up.

Evaluation of new phospholipid MPCE finishing agent for polyester

Phospholipid polymer having zwitterion polar group and cell membrane structure is known as highly biocompatible and its functionality of skin care effect was already verified. In this study, new biocompatible multi-functional textile finishing agents based on phospholipid 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPCE) copolymer was developed and applied to polyesters to characterize the functionalities of the finishing agents. Also the biocompatibilities and skin care properties of the MPCE finishing agents were confirmed by single-dose patch test and skin barrier function recovery test.

850 nm light-emitting-diode phototherapy plus low-dose tacrolimus (FK-506) as combination therapy in the treatment of dermatophagoides farinae-induced atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions in NC/Nga mice

BackgroundLight emitting diode (LED) phototherapy is an effective alternative for the treatment of inflammatory skin disorders. Tacrolimus (FK-506) is a potent immunomodulating agent, which has been used to treat AD. Combination therapy is often used in the treatment of AD to improve therapeutic efficacy or to reduce the dose of each drug. ObjectiveTo investigate the therapeutic efficacy of monotherapy with either 850nm LED phototherapy or low-dose FK-506, and combination therapy in dermatophagoides farina (Df)-induced AD-like skin lesions in NC/Nga mice. MethodsThe Df-induced NC/Nga mice with a clinical score of 7 were used for treatment with LED (10 and 25J/cm2) alone, low-dose FK-506 (1mg/kg) or in combination. The synergistic effects of combined therapy were evaluated by dermatitis scores, skin histology, skin barrier function, and immunological parameters, such as IgE, NO, Th2-mediated cytokines and chemokines. ResultsCombination therapy with 850nm (25J/cm2) LED and low-dose FK-506 showed a significant reduction in the severity of skin lesions. Combined therapy decreased in the serum level of IgE, NO, and in the splenic level of Th2-mediated cytokines and chemokines. Combination therapy significantly also reduced the inflammatory cellular infiltrate into the skin lesions. Moreover, combination therapy led to recovery of skin barrier function in the skin lesions. ConclusionsThe use of combination of LED phototherapy and low-dose immunosuppressant improved Df-induced AD-like skin lesions in an NC/Nga mouse model by dominantly reducing IgE, NO, suppressing Th2-mediated immune responses, and inhibiting inflammatory cells, as well as improving skin barrier function.