Tyrosinase Synthesis Research Articles

Xanthomonas fuscans subsp. fuscans — a Pathogen of Small Brown Spot of Legumes

Xanthomonas fuscans subsp. fuscans is known as an obligate phytopathogen — the pathogen of small brown spot of beans that gradually expands the range of host plants and spreads worldwide on legumes. The review provides data on the problems of the pathogen’s systematics and its change depending on the new research and improvement of methods for studying biological properties. Historical data on the first stages of isolation of X. fuscans subsp. fuscans from bean and new stages of its spread and isolation from soybean in Ukraine, after which the pathogen moved from the monophage to polyphage status within the same plant family. The importance of X. fuscans subsp. fuscans as a potentially dangerous phytopathogen, as evidenced by the presence of its samples in many collections of living microorganisms in the world and the quarantine status of the pathogen in a number of European countries are underlined. It has been shown that the phytopathogen X. fuscans subsp. fuscans does not differ significantly from other xanthomonads in terms of its cultural, morphological, physiological, and biochemical properties, especially those that cause diseases of leguminous plants. At the same time, the only but the main feature of this bacterial culture is emphasized — the increased amount and activity of the intracellular enzyme tyrosinase, which distinguishes X. fuscans from all other bacterial phytopathogens and not only among xanthomonads. The variants of the stage of synthesis of tyrosinase and melanin in bacteria, due to which the black-brown pigment is formed, and the lack of research on the pathway of tyrosinase synthesis in phytopathogenic bacteria, in particular X. fuscans subsp. fuscans, are analized. The data on genotypic properties of X. fuscans subsp. fuscans, its affinity with other pathogens of the genus Xanthomonas that cause diseases of leguminous plants, and the possible role of the phenomenon of «horizontal gene transfer» in their affinity along with differences in biological properties are considered. The analyzed literature indicates the potential danger of the causative agent of small brown spot of legumes and the need for constant monitoring of the spread and study of its biological properties to develop methods for controling the spread of X. fuscans subsp. fuscans.

Cultural and Morphological Features of Trametes versicolor (Polyporaceae) Growth on Wood Hydrolyzes Containing Media

Background. Trametes versicolor is a representative of basidiomycota, whose biologically active compounds are used in medicine and industry, so the search for active producers capable of growing on industrial waste and the study of new ways of intensification of growth and synthesis of metabolites are relevant task. Objective. Investigation of the effect of Fagales sawdust extracts on growth, morphological characteristics, and induction of synthesis of oxidizing enzymes by macromycetes of the species T. versicolor in surface culture. Methods. The objects of research were 5 strains of T. versicolor, which were cultivated on the synthetic agarized Norcrans media on Petri dishes. The influence of the sawdust extracts of 3 tree species, which acted as a basis for research media, was studied. The following cultural indicators were investigated: colony size, radial growth rate, and growth rate. The research also covered the study of macromycetes' morphological characteristics and the ability of Fagales sawdust extracts to induce the synthesis of oxidative enzymes. Results. It is established that growth on media with the addition of birch extract is more intense: the radial growth rate is 11.2–13.6 mm/day, while for beech and oak, the growth rate ranges from 11.6–13.1 and 11.5–12.6 mm/day respectively. The highest growth value on all media is recorded for T. versicolor 353. The value of the growth rate on the medium with birch sawdust extracts varied in the range 15.8–92.1, for medium with beech extracts – 19.4–46.1, with oak extracts – 15.5–46,7, and the highest growth value was recorded during the cultivation of T. versicolor 5299. The beech and oak sawdust extracts intensified the synthesis of laccase, peroxidase, and tyrosinase, which was strongly expressed in T. versicolor 353, so it was chosen for further experiments with submerged cultivation. Conclusions. Birch, beech, and oak sawdust extracts can be used to increase the accumulation of T. versicolor biomass while beech and oak sawdust extracts are preferable for the intensification of the synthesis of oxidase-type enzymes.

Full-length transcriptome sequencing analysis reveals differential skin color regulation in snakeheads fish Channa argus

Albinism is a genetic disorder caused by a series of genetic abnormalities that result in a decrease in melanin. Golden yellow snakehead fish (GCAS) has been discovered while the Channa argus (CAS) breeding, but the genetic mechanism that causes its albinism is not known. Transcriptome sequencing and comparison of CAS and GCAS skin using Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) technology to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of snakehead albinism.27.1 G clean reads and 26,198 full-length non-redundant sequences were generated via ONT sequencing. Overall, 8079 new transcripts and 7231 genes were identified by comparing and analyzing redundant removed transcripts and known reference genome annotations. The results of DEGs analysis showed that a total of 59 transcripts were differentially expressed in the two groups, including 22 up-regulated transcripts and 37 down-regulated transcripts. Five causative genes associated with albinism have been identified, including TYR (Tyrosinase) and SOX10 (SRY-box transcription factor 10) (tyrosinase synthesis and metabolism), S-100 (S100 calcium binding protein A1) (melanin production), NLRC3 (NLR family CARD domain containing 3) (disease immunity) are significantly down-regulated in GCAS, while RhoGEFs expression (melanin synthesis) is up-regulated. Protein interaction analysis revealed that GAPDH (Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase) is the top hub gene in the regulation of skin color in C.argus. In addition, the skin of snakehead fish is regulated by metabolic (GAPDH), immune [(Tumor protein p53 (TP53), C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 8 (CXCL8), SRC proto-oncogene, non-receptor tyrosine kinase (SRC), CD274] and neural [(Notch receptor 1 (NOTCH1), C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12)] related genes to achieve differences in skin color. These findings in understanding the process by which albinism in fish develops.

Chemical Composition of Impatiens textori Miq. Flower Absolute and Its Potential Wound Repair and Anti-Melanogenesis-Promoting Activities in Skin Cells.

Impatiens textori Miq. (ITM; family Balsaminaceae) is a traditional medicinal plant with many biological activities, which include anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-pruritic properties. However, it remains to be determined whether ITM affects biological activities in the skin. Thus, we investigated the effects of ITM flower absolute (ITMFAb) extract on the biological activities of skin, especially those related to skin wound repair and whitening. ITMFAb was extracted with hexane, and its composition was determined through GC/MS. The biological activities of ITMFAb on HaCaT keratinocytes and B16BL6 melanoma cells were analyzed using a water-soluble tetrazolium salt, 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine incorporation, a Boyden chamber, an ELISA, a sprouting assay, and by immunoblotting. These analyses were performed in a range of ITMFAb concentrations that did not inhibit the viability of the cells (HaCaT, ≤400 µg/mL; B16BL6, ≤200 µg/m). Forty components were identified in ITMFAb. ITMFAb stimulated proliferation, migration, sprout outgrowth, and type I and IV collagen synthesis and upregulated the activations of ERK1/2, JNK, p38 MAPK, and AKT in HaCaT cells. In addition, ITMFAb attenuated the serum-induced proliferation of B16BL6 cells. ITMFAb inhibited melanin synthesis, tyrosinase activity, and expressions of MITF and tyrosinase in α-MSH-exposed B16BL6 cells. These findings indicate that ITMFAb has beneficial effects on wound repairing and whitening-linked responses in the skin and suggest the potential use of ITMFAb as a natural material for the development of skin wound repair and whitening agents.

Ligularia fischeri ethanol extract: An inhibitor of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone-stimulated melanogenesis in B16F10 melanoma cells.

Ligularia fischeri is a perennial herb isolated from plants of the Asteraceae family. Ligularia fischeri is distributed throughout Korea, Japan, eastern Siberia, and China. The aim of this study is to examine the intracellular inhibitory effect of Ligularia fischeri ethanol extract on melanin synthesis and expression of tyrosinase and tyrosinase-related protein 1 and 2. In addition, we analyzed the mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway and microphthalmia-associated transcription factor in alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone-stimulated B16F10 melanoma cells. To assess the inhibition of melanogenesis in alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone-stimulated B16F10 melanoma cells, the expression of melanogenesis-related genes was investigated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, while western blotting was performed to determine protein expression levels. We confirmed that the ethanol extract of Ligularia fischeri inhibited melanin synthesis in vitro by decreasing tyrosinase and tyrosinase-related protein 1 and 2 expression. Furthermore, we revealed that tyrosinase expression was regulated by the suppression of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor expression and activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase phosphorylation. The ethanol extract of Ligularia fischeri inhibited melanogenesis by activating extracellular signal-regulated kinase phosphorylation and suppressing microphthalmia-associated transcription factor and tyrosinase expression. Ligularia fischeri ethanol extract may be used as an effective skin whitening agent in functional cosmetics.

REVIEW ARTICLE ON TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR MELASMA

Melasma is an acquired ,chronic pigmentary disorder that predominantly is seen over the sun exposed areas of the face[1]. It can be regarded as a dysfunction in human melanogenesis [2] and results from increased activity of melanocytes [3], increased melanocytes, melanin, melanosomes and increase in synthesis of tyrosinase[4]

Preparation and Evaluation of Nanostructured Lipid Carrier for Topical Delivery of Velutin: Synthetic Tyrosinase Inhibitor.

The purpose of this study is to produce nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC) that can solubilize poorly water-soluble velutin and verify an improved tyrosinase synthesis inhibition. A solubility test for velutin was conducted. Cetyl palmitate and caprylic/capric triglyceride were selected as solubilizer. The lipid matrix was produced using the ultrasound dispersion method. The morphology and size distribution of the produced NLC was analyzed through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS), and the release and tyrosinase inhibition of velutin was evaluated through the Franz diffusion cell method and tyrosinase inhibition assay. Lipid matrix nanoparticles showed an average size of approximately 250 nm and polydispersity of 0.2, and it was confirmed that the velutin incorporated within nanoparticles sustained release at a constant rate over 36 hours. Due to extremely low aqueous solubility, the tyrosinase synthesis inhibition of velutin suspension was 0%, and the value of velutin incorporated within the NLC formulation was greatly improved 56.5% (40 μg/mL). As a result, it was verified that lipid-based NLC nanoparticles are an efficient formulation for the topical delivery of poorly water-soluble flavonoids such as velutin.

PRP4 Promotes Skin Cancer by Inhibiting Production of Melanin, Blocking Influx of Extracellular Calcium, and Remodeling Cell Actin Cytoskeleton.

Pre-mRNA processing factor 4B (PRP4) has previously been shown to induce epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and drug resistance in cancer cell lines. As melanin plays an important photoprotective role in the risk of sun-induced skin cancers, we have investigated whether PRP4 can induce drug resistance and regulate melanin biosynthesis in a murine melanoma (B16F10) cell line. Cells were incubated with a crucial melanogenesis stimulator, alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone, followed by transfection with PRP4. This resulted in the inhibition of the production of melanin via the downregulation of adenylyl cyclase-cyclic adenosine 3′,5′-monophosphate (AC)–(cAMP)–tyrosinase synthesis signaling pathway. Inhibition of melanin production by PRP4 leads to the promotion of carcinogenesis and induced drug resistance in B16F10 cells. Additionally, PRP4 overexpression upregulated the expression of β-arrestin 1 and desensitized the extracellular calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR), which in turn, inhibited the influx of extracellular Ca2+ ions. The decreased influx of Ca2+ was confirmed by a decreased expression level of calmodulin. We have demonstrated that transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily C member 1 was involved in the influx of CaSR-induced Ca2+ via a decreasing level of its expression. Furthermore, PRP4 overexpression downregulated the expression of AC, decreased the synthesis of cAMP, and modulated the actin cytoskeleton by inhibiting the expression of Ras homolog family member A (RhoA). Our investigation suggests that PRP4 inhibits the production of melanin in B16F10 cells, blocks the influx of Ca2+ through desensitization of CaSR, and modulates the actin cytoskeleton through downregulating the AC–cAMP pathway; taken together, these observations collectively lead to the promotion of skin carcinogenesis.

Melanin synthesis and regulation in vivo and commonly used melanin inhibitors from natural products and traditional Chinese medicine

Melanin is an important factor affecting human skin color. This study defines its synthetic pathways and regulatory pathways have the practical significance for the treatment of diseases caused by pigmentation problems, such as chloasma. Besides, it also provides a theoretical basis for screening out melanin inhibitors and developing whitening and freckle products. At present, the melanin inhibitors used in whitening and freckle products mainly come from natural products and traditional Chinese medicine. This article first introduces the melanin biosynthesis pathway with tyrosinase as the core, defines the synthesis, transport and catalytic activity of tyrosinase as the three key factors affecting melanin synthesis, and then reviews two common types of melanin inhibitors, namely tyrosinase synthesis inhibitors and tyrosinase inhibitors derived from natural products and traditional Chinese medicine. This article provides guidance for the development of new melanin inhibitors, and puts forward the idea for combining and synergizing inhibitors according to different mechanisms, in order to develop new whitening formulas.

Effective Compounds From Caesalpinia sappan L. on the Tyrosinase In Vitro and In Vivo

Caesalpinia sappan L. has been used as an herbal medicine to treat skin damage as a facial cleanser. In this study, 8 known compounds (1-8), (3 R,4 S)-3-(3′,4′-hydroxybenzyl)-3,4-dihydro-2″,3″-dimethyl-3 H-[1,3]dioxolo [4,5-c]chromen-7-ol (1), brazilin (2), protosappanin A (3), protosappanin C (4), protosappanin B (5), caesalpin J (6), sappanone B (7), and sappanchalcone (8), were isolated from the 70% ethanol extract of C. sappan. The effects of 8 compounds and extracts of C. sappan on tyrosinase were assayed in vitro and in vivo. The results indicated that compounds 1, 2, 4, and 7 had activating effects on the tyrosinase. The experiments of enzyme kinetics showed that compounds 3 and 6 were competitive inhibitors on tyrosinase, while compound 6 was anticompetitive inhibitor. The 70% ethanol extract of C. sappan could reduce the contents of tyrosinase in rat serum, ie, the 70% ethanol extracts of C. sappan could inhibit the formation of melanin in vivo. Compounds 2, 3, 5, and 6 promoted the formation of tyrosinase in rat serum, while compound 7 inhibited the synthesis of tyrosinase in rat serum.

A mixture of seaweed extracts and glycosaminoglycans from sea squirts inhibits \u03b1-MSH-induced melanogenesis in B16F10 melanoma cells

BackgroundIn the present study, the skin-whitening effects of a marine-sourced mixture that includes a fucoidan-rich extract of Undaria pinnatifida (UPEF), a phlorotannin-rich extract of Ecklonia cava (ECE), and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) from sea squirt skin were investigated.MethodsThe whitening effects of the mixture and its components were evaluated by measuring the inhibition of mushroom tyrosinase and melanin synthesis in alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH)-stimulated B16F10 melanoma cells.ResultsEach component alone markedly inhibited mushroom tyrosinase in a dose-dependent manner, and in α-MSH-stimulated B16F10 cells, they inhibited melanin synthesis and were cytotoxic. However, the whitening effects of UPEF, ECE, and GAGs in combination were greater than those of each component alone. A mixture in the ratio of 4:5:1 (UEG-451) showed the strongest activity without cytotoxicity. Further study suggested that UEG-451 inhibits α-MSH-stimulated melanogenesis in B16F10 cells by downregulating tyrosinase and tyrosinase-related proteins, such as TRP-1 and TRP-2, via the inhibition of MITF expression.ConclusionsThese results suggest that mixing the different components at optimum ratios might be an effective way to improve their bioactivities and reduce toxicity and that UEG-451 possesses strong whitening effects that could be used in the cosmetic industry.

Effects of Galgeungyulpitang on Cellular Production of Melanin and Elastase

Background: This study was designed to investigate the potential effects of Galgeungyulpitang for whitening and elasticity treatment by examining its effect on melanoma cells. Methods: The effects of Galgeungyulpitang on B16/F10 melanoma cell viability, production of melanin, tyrosinase and elastase, were investigated. Cell viability was measured by colorimetric assay that assesses cell metabolic activity (MTT assay). Melanin was measured by Hosei’s method, tyrosinase was measured by Yogi’s method and elastase was measured by James’s method. Results: At concentrations higher than 500 μg/mL Galgeungyulpitang, cell viability was significantly reduced (p ≤ 0.05). At concentrations of 500 μg/mL and lower, morphological changes were not observed. The rate of melanin synthesis was significantly reduced to 73.49% ± 2.92% at a concentration of 500 μg/mL Galgeungyulpitang compared with untreated cells (p < 0.05). Extracellular tyrosinase production was not significantly decreased in vitro, however, intracellular tyrosinase production was significantly reduced to 76.06% ± 2.17% when treated with Galgeungyulpitang at a concentration of 500 μg/mL compared with the control (p < 0.05). Elastase Type 1 production was significantly reduced to 74.98% ± 3.24% and 69.62% ± 4.66% at concentrations of 250 and 500 μg/mL Galgeungyulpitang, respectively (p < 0.05). Elastase Type 4 production was significantly reduced to 72.77% ± 3.52% at concentrations of 250 and 500 μg/mL (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The results in this study showed that Galgeungyulpitang may inhibit melanin and tyrosinase synthesis, and inhibit elastase production, suggesting that Galgeungyulpitang may be potentially beneficial for skin whitening and loss of skin elasticity treatments.

Synthesis and structure-activity relationship of tyrosinase inhibiting novel bi-heterocyclic acetamides: Mechanistic insights through enzyme inhibition, kinetics and computational studies

The present research was designed for the selective synthesis of novel bi-heterocyclic acetamides, 9a-n, and their tyrosinase inhibition to overwhelm the problem of melanogenesis. The structures of newly synthesized compounds were confirmed by spectral techniques such as 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and EI-MS along with elemental analysis. The inhibitory effects of these bi-heterocyclic acetamides (9a-n) were evaluated against tyrosinase and all these molecules were recognized as potent inhibitors relative to the standard used. The Kinetics mechanism was analyzed by Lineweaver-Burk plots which explored that compound, 9h, inhibited tyrosinase competitively by forming an enzyme-inhibitor complex. The inhibition constants Ki calculated from Dixon plots for this compound was 0.0027 µM. The computational study was coherent with the experimental records and these ligands exhibited good binding energy values (kcal/mol). The hemolytic analysis revealed their mild cytotoxicity towards red blood cell membranes and hence, these molecules can be pondered as nontoxic medicinal scaffolds for skin pigmentation and related disorders.

Improvement of Lentigines by Oral Crocetin Administration and Examination of Its Mechanism of Action

We investigated the effect of crocetin, a carotenoid present in the fruits of Gardenia jasminoides, on the improvement of lentigines in the skin and examined its mechanism of action. Subjects consumed an experimental meal consisting of a drink containing 7.5 mg of crocetin daily after dinner for 8 weeks. We examined the effects of oral ingestion of crocetin on the improvement of the size of lentigines on the skin. In an epidermis model in which crocetin was added at concentrations of 1 μg/mL and 2 μg/mL and cultured for 14 days, melanin was significantly suppressed compared with the control. Investigation of the mechanism of action via a cultured human epidermis model and cultured pigment cells revealed that crocetin decreased melanocortin receptor subtype 1 of melanocytes at the messenger ribonucleic acid level and inhibited the stimulatory action of melanocytes via melanocyte-stimulating hormone. The results of the study concluded that crocetin inhibits melanin synthesis by controlling the synthesis of tyrosinase and tyrosinase-related protein-1 via the suppression of melanocortin receptor subtype 1 expression.

Hexane Extract of Kaempferia galanga L. Suppresses Melanogenesis via p38, JNK and Akt

Kaempferia galanga L . is one of the plants in Zingiberaceae family. It is used by people in many regions of Asia and Africa for relieving toothache, abdominal pain, muscular swelling and rheumatism. Tyrosinase is a key enzyme for melanogenesis, and hyperpigmentation is associated with abnomal accumulation of melanin pigment. This study aimed to investigate the inhibition of melanogenesis by hexane extract of Kaempferia galanga L. (HKG) in B16F10 melanoma cells. Cell-free tyrosinase, melanin contents, intracellular tyrosinase activity and western blot analysis were performed to elucidate the effects on anti-melanogenesis. Cytotoxicity of the extracts was measured using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and determined the concentration of 12.5, 25 ㎍/ml. HKG significantly inhibited to activities of intracellular tyrosinase and melanin synthesis in the absence or presence of α-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH) with dose-dependent manner. And HKG inhibited the expression of tyrosinase, tyrosinase-related protein 1 (TRP-1) and tyrosinase-related protein 2 (TRP-2), regardless of the presence or absence of α-MSH. HKG also down–regulated phosphorylation of p38 and JNK, and up–regulated phosphorylation of Akt. These effects were not related to its cytotoxicity action. These results indicate that HKG has the potential to be a useful therapeutic agent for treating hyperpigmentation disorders and as a beneficial additive in whitening agents in cosmetics industry.

Advances in the medication treatment of melasma

Melasma is a common acquired pigmentation disorder in clinic.The etiology of melasma remains unknown,and there is still no satisfying therapy.Medication treatment is the primary therapy for melasma at present,which mainly inhibits melanogenesis via suppressing tyrosinase synthesis,preventing melanosome transport to keratinocytes,and accelerating epidermal turnover.Tyrosinase inhibitors are the most widely used medication,whereas there is still no enough evidence for the application of plant extracts in the treatment of melasma.Treatment principles of melasma mainly include utilization of definitely effective therapy as well as safe and appropriate maintenance regimens.Further insights into the pathogenesis of melasma and the advent of genetic engineering therapy may provide new ideas for the treatment of melasma. Key words: Chloasma; Drug therapy, combination

Eupafolin, a skin whitening flavonoid isolated from Phyla nodiflora, downregulated melanogenesis: Role of MAPK and Akt pathways

Ethnopharmacological relevanceIn hyperpigmentation disorders marked by melanin overproduction in the skin, including melisma and freckles, melanogenesis is caused by tyrosinase overexpression. Natural medicinal resources, like Phyla nodiflora, a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, have been used for a long time to management of dermatological conditions, such as skin inflammation and melanogenesis. Eupafolin, a functional flavonoid isolated from Phyla nodiflora, is an herbal tea constituent and possesses anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities. However, molecular mechanisms of eupafolin-mediated antimelanogenesis remain unknown. We thus focused on its antimelanogenesis effects in B16F10 mouse melanoma cells. Material and methodsB16F10 cells were treated with eupafolin (0.01, 0.1, 1, and 10μM) in a dose-escalation-dependent manner for the determination of melanin, tyrosinase activity and melanogenesis protein levels by ELISA or western blot analysis. ResultsEupafolin treatment significantly reduced cellular melanin content and tyrosinase activity in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.05), and no cytotoxic effects were observed. Eupafolin was associated with reduction in the levels of phospho-cAMP response element-binding protein and microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF), and downregulation of tyrosinase synthesis and tyrosinase-related protein expression, leading to inhibit melanin production. In addition, eupafolin significantly induced the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK, whereas the decreased effect was observed in the phosphorylation of Akt. Moreover, inhibitors of these signals recovered or attenuated the inhibitory effects of eupafolin on melanogenesis. ConclusionsOur results seem that inhibition of Akt and activation of phospho-ERK or p38 MAPK may lead to the suppression of melanogenesis in eupafolin-treated B16F10 mouse melanoma cells.

Fluvastatin Influences Hair Color in C57Bl/6 Mice

Our recent in vitro experiments suggest that fluvastatin may influence tyrosinase (key enzyme of melanogenesis) synthesis. The aim of the present study was to verify those findings in experiments, in vitro, in melanoma cell line, and in vivo, in mice. The expression of tyrosinase in B16F10 melanoma cell line, after induction of melanogenesis by UVB irradiation, was examined by Western blot analysis. Afterwards, the effect of fluvastatin on melanin synthesis in hair follicles of C57Bl/6 mice was investigated. The expression of tyrosinase was reduced in the presence of fluvastatin. In mice after anagen induction over the dorsal skin, gel containing fluvastatin in various concentrations was injected subcutaneously, while in part of control groups of mice, gel with placebo was injected. In addition, gel with fluvastatin was injected to four week-old mice (mice in first postnatal anagen) without anagen induction. In extension, injections of gel with fluvastatin or placebo were performed in mice without anagen induction (but after first postnatal anagen). In part of study group of mice (mice after anagen induction and injection of fluvastatin) regrowth of depigmented hair was observed, while in all control groups (mice after injection of placebo), such hair depigmentation over the skin area was not found. In conclusion, this study, for the first time, shows that fluvastatin might affect melanin synthesis in vivo.

Multiple Approaches Towards Decolorization and Reuse of a Textile Dye (VB-B) by a Marine Bacterium Shewanella decolorationis

Textile dye Victoria Blue-B (VB-B) was approached in two different ways: one to get rid of the color for its easy disposal to the environment, and the other is to reuse the decolorized water for coloring the same dye. Shewanella decolorationis (MBTD16) isolated from Dona Paula Bay, identified by 16S rRNA gene and its action over decolorization was monitored by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, UV–Vis spectrum, and a color scanner. Dye removal index increased L*, a*, and b* to 91.585, −2.856, and −0.132 against 62.29, −4.93, and −20.75 within 42 h as a first report. A maximum extent of decolorization (94.83 %) could be achieved with minimum dye concentration of 50 mg L−1. The colored water treated by free and immobilized bacterial cells tested to reuse (VB-B dye) could give 35–50 % more color than the original. Process parameters optimized to achieve maximum decolorization indicated pH 7, temperature 32 ± 2 °C, inoculum size 8 % with co-substrates of glucose and yeast extract 5 g L−1 for its supremacy. Synthesis of lignin peroxidase and tyrosinase augmented in strain S. decolorationis only after being exposed into the dye signifies the enzymes in decolorization, and it was confirmed through one-way ANOVA. Results obtain by this work could suggest that S. decolorationis can be used very well to decolorize the textile dye, and the same water could be recycled to get back its original color by adding around half the quantity of dye. Thus, by the use of water, dye and pollution levels could be minimized.

Enhancement of gene expression and melanin production of human tyrosinase gene loaded in elastic cationic niosomes

Disturbance in the synthesis of tyrosinase might be one of the major causes of vitiligo. The enhancement of tyrosinase gene expression and melanin production by loading the plasmid in elastic cationic niosomes was investigated in tyrosinase gene knocked out human melanoma (M5) cells and in tyrosine-producing mouse melanoma (B(16) F(10) ) cells. Niosomes composed of Tween 61/cholesterol/dimethyl dioctadecyl ammonium bromide at 1:1:0.5 molar ratio were prepared by the freeze-dried empty liposomes method. The thin lipid film was redissolved in distilled water or 25% ethanol to obtain the non-elastic or elastic cationic niosomes, respectively. The maximum loading of the plasmid in non-elastic and elastic niosomes was 130 and 100 µg per 16 mg of the niosomal contents, respectively. The plasmid-loaded elastic cationic niosomes exhibited high specific tyrosinase activity of 1.66 and 1.50 fold in M5 cells and 6.81 and 4.37 fold in B(16) F(10) cells compared with the free plasmid and the plasmid-loaded non-elastic cationic niosomes, respectively. This study has demonstrated not only the enhancement of the expression of human tyrosinase gene by loading in elastic cationic niosomes, but also the potential application of this gene delivery system for the further development of vitiligo gene therapy.