A viable <i>in vitro</i> excised human skin model was developed to accurately assess cutaneous delivery and metabolism of two ester type compounds; tetracaine (TC) and methyl salicylate (MS). This model could maintain the viability of fresh skin in diffusion cells for 24 hours. Skin viability was assessed using two methods; oxygen consumption measurement and confocal laser scanning microscopy. Two fluorescent probes, calcein AM and ethidium homodimer-1, were used as live and dead markers, respectively. General morphology and localization of nonspecific esterase activity in the skin samples from diffusion cell were checked histologically. Cutaneous delivery and metabolism of MS was evaluated with this viable skin model and compared to human skin homogenate model. A sensitive high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) assay using reversed phase ion pair was developed/refined to simultaneously analyze TC and its metabolite (4-BABA). Several factors affecting this HPLC system were identified. The limit of detection for TC and 4-BABA was 0.3 ng and 0.5 ng, respectively. The limit of quantitation for TC and 4-BABA was 10 ng and 5 ng, respectively. Linearity was in the range of 10-120 ng for TC and 5-60 ng for 4-BABA. MS was hydrolyzed to salicylic acid (SA) during absorption through fall thickness human breast skin in diffusion cells. The extent of MS hydrolysis was significantly higher in viable skin than in non viable. The extent of absorption of SA through viable and non viable skins was similar. In human skin homogenate, MS was hydrolyzed at the rate of 72.31 nmol/h/[mu]g protein while the hydrolysis in phosphate buffered saline was very low. TC hydrolysis in human skin homogenate was not extensive due to substrate inhibition. From the kinetic study of TC hydrolysis in human skin homogenate, Km was in the 11-28 [mu]M range and Vmax was in the 2.0-2.8 [mu]mol/h/[mu]g protein range. Temperature over 60°C substantially reduced esterase activity in both models therefore caution must be taken during preparation and handling of tissue samples to preserve esterase activity. The viable <i>in vitro</i> excised skin model will provide more accurate quantitation of skin metabolism and absorption of xenobiotics.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Western Australia, 2002.

京都大学 / 0048 / 新制・課程博士 / 博士(医学) / 甲第22342号 / 医博第4583号 / 新制||医||1042(附属図書館) / 京都大学大学院医学研究科医学専攻 / (主査)教授 松田 道行, 教授 松田 秀一, 教授 安達 泰治 / 学位規則第4条第1項該当 / Doctor of Medical Science / Kyoto University / DFAM

The positive effect of photobiomodulation in wound healing has previously been reported, however there is a considerable lack of knowledge regarding the molecular mechanisms involved, and no consensus on light parameters. Cytochrome c oxidase (CCO) is established as the main photoreceptor in cells, but light also induces nitric oxide (NO), production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and activation of ion channels. Emerging new molecular targets include the GPCRs opsins (OPNs) and the circadian clock transcription factors, cryptochromes (CRYs). Localisation of OPN1-SW, OPN3, OPN5, CRY1 and CRY2 was seen in female facial and abdominal human skin. Furthermore, expression of these photoreceptors was retained in primary epidermal keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts in culture; both cell types expressed OPN1-SW, OPN3, CRY1 and CRY2, at the mRNA and protein level. OPN2 was only expressed in cultured dermal fibroblasts, while in line with in situ expression, OPN5 was only expressed in cultured keratinocytes. The photoreceptor-expressing cultured epidermal keratinocytes demonstrated a dose- and wavelength- dependent response in both metabolic activity and cell migration in a scratch-wound assay. Specifically, low dose (2 J/cm2) blue light (447 nm) increased metabolic activity, but it did not impact keratinocyte migration. In contrast, high dose (30 J/cm2) blue light had no effect on metabolism, but inhibited migration of epidermal keratinocytes. Red light (655 nm) at 30 J/cm2 stimulated metabolic activity but did not modulate migration, while a higher dose of 60 J/cm2 had no effect on keratinocyte metabolic activity. In order to study OPN3 and CRY1 function, they were silenced in keratinocytes using siRNA; additionally 8 μM KL001 was used to stabilize CRY1. KL001 inhibited migration, and induced KRT1 and KRT10, an effect which was abrogated by knockdown of OPN3. Interestingly, knockdown of OPN3 upregulated CRY1 expression, while KL001 upregulated OPN3 expression, indicating a regulation by OPN3 of the molecular epidermal clock. Low levels of blue light increased early differentiation of epidermal keratinocytes, which was mediated by OPN3 and circadian clock mechanisms. However, low levels of blue light decreased keratinocyte DNA synthesis, which was mediated by circadian clock independently of OPN3. Translation of parameters ex vivo showed increasing re-epithelialisation and induction of OPN3 and CRY1 expression following exposure to 2 J/cm2 of blue light; however high doses of blue light inhibited re-epithelialisation. Red light, also increased re-epithelialisation, but had no effect on OPN3 or CRY1 expression. In conclusion, photoreceptors are expressed in human skin and they mediate DNA synthesis, migration and differentiation of epidermal keratinocytes. Furthermore, low dose of blue light interacts with OPN3 to induce epidermal differentiation, through the regulation of the circadian clock. A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms behind the photobiomodulation response in vitro will help to develop light based therapies for human wound healing. Interestingly, selected light parameters translated to human ex vivo skin showed a beneficial effect of low doses of blue (2 J/cm2) and red (30 J/cm2) light in re-epithelialisation. / Marie Curie ... the CLaSSiC project

Zinkoxid-Nanopartikel (ZnO-NP) finden in vielen Produkten des täglichen Verbrauchs Verwendung. Daten über die toxikologischen Eigenschaften von ZnO-NP werden kontrovers diskutiert. Die menschliche Haut ist in Bezug auf die ZnO-NP Exposition das wichtigste Kontakt-Organ. Intakte Haut stellt eine suffiziente Barriere gegenüber NP dar. Bei defekter Haut ist ein Kontakt zu den proliferierenden Stammzellen möglich, sodass diese als wichtiges toxikologische Ziel für NP darstellen. Das Ziel dieser Dissertation war die Bewertung der genotoxischen und zytotoxischen Effekte an humanen mesenchymalen Stammzellen (hMSC) durch niedrig dosierte ZnO-NP nach 24 stündiger Exposition, repetitiven Expositionen und im Langzeitversuch bis zu 6 Wochen. Zytotoxische Wirkungen von ZnO-NP wurden mit 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazoliumbromid-Test (MTT) gemessen. Darüber hinaus wurde die Genotoxizität durch den Comet-Assay bewertet. Zur Langzeitbeobachtung bis zu 6 Wochen wurde die Transmissionselektronenmikroskopie (TEM) verwendet. Zytotoxizität nach 24-stündiger ZnO-NP-Exposition war ab einer Konzentration von 50 µg/ml nachweisbar. Genotoxizität konnten bereits bei Konzentrationen von 1 und 10 µg/ml ZnO-NP beschrieben werden. Wiederholte Exposition verstärkte die Zyto-, aber nicht die Genotoxizität. Eine intrazelluläre NP-Akkumulation mit Penetration der Zellorganelle wurde bei einer Exposition bis zu 6 Wochen beobachtet. Die Ergebnisse deuten auf zytotoxische und genotoxisches Effekte von ZnO-NP hin. Bereits geringe Dosen von ZnO-NP können bei wiederholter Exposition toxische Wirkungen hervorrufen sowie eine langfristige Zellakkumulation. Diese Daten sollten bei der Verwendung von ZnO-NP an geschädigter Haut berücksichtigt werden. / Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NP) are widely used in many products of daily consumption. Data on the toxicological properties of the ZnO-NP used are discussed controversially. Human skin is the most important organ in terms of ZnO-NP exposure. Intact skin has been shown to provide an adequate barrier against NPs, while defective skin allows NP contact with proliferating cells. Among proliferating cells, stem cells are the main toxicological target for NPs. Therefore, the aim of this dissertation was to evaluate the genotoxic and cytotoxic effects of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC) by low-dose ZnO-NP after 24 hours of exposure, repetitive exposures and in long-term experiments up to 6 weeks. Cytotoxic effects of ZnO-NP were measured with 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide test (MTT). In addition, genotoxicity was assessed by the comet assay. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used for long-term observation after 6 exposure periods. The results of the study show that ZnO-NP has a cytotoxic effect starting at high concentrations of 50 µg/mL and could demonstrate genotoxic effects in hMSC exposed to 1 and 10 µg/ml ZnO-NP. Repeated exposure enhanced cytotoxicity but not genotoxicity. Intracellular NP accumulation with penetration of the cell organelles was observed at exposure up to 6 weeks. The results indicate the cytotoxic and genotoxic potential of ZnO-NP. Even small doses of ZnO-NP can cause toxic effects with repeated exposure and long-term cell accumulation. These data should be considered when using ZnO-NP on damaged skin.

No description available.

No / Electrically assisted skin delivery of liposomal estradiol; phospholipid as damage retardant.

No / The present invention relates to compositions and methods useful in studying or modulating melanin pigmentation in the skin. Particularly, the invention relates to compositions comprising a substance capable of modulating the activity or expression of ALK6 (SEQ ID 2) or Cdc42 which in turn are capable of modulation of the transfer of melanin from melanocytes to keratinocytes and potentially from keratinocytes to keratinocytes. The invention also relates to assays for identifying such compositions, and methods of modulating skin pigmentation.

No / Background  Vitiligo is an acquired, non-contagious depigmentation disorder involving a patchy loss of skin color. It often leads to stigmatization, embarrassment, and reduced quality of life (QoL) in adult patients. Little is known about children’s reactions. Objectives  This study aimed to explore disease-related QoL and experiences in a multinational group of children and adolescents. Methods  Quality of life, disease-related experiences and behavior, and sociodemographic data were examined in 24 boys and 50 girls (age range: 7–17 years) using the Children’s Dermatology Life Quality Index (CDLQI) and additional questions. Eighteen children without skin disorders served as age-, sex- and skin color-matched controls. Results  The mean disease duration was 3.5 years. The most common sites of onset were the trunk, legs, and head and neck. Overall, 35.1% of the 74 subjects reported a positive family history, 91.9% had visited a doctor, and 75.7% had received treatment. Two-thirds (66.2%) were distressed by their vitiligo, and 93.2% had experienced low-key stigmatization, 44.6% nasty comments, and 21.7% bullying. A total of 24.4% had concealed their disease, and 29.7% had avoided situations because of vitiligo. Frequency of stigmatization influenced avoidant behavior. Parents, particularly mothers, and friends were important sources of support. Patients and controls had similar numbers of friends and leisure time activities. The mean CDLQI score of the group was low (2.8). Higher CDLQI scores were related to stigmatization, hiding of white spots, facial depigmentation, avoidance of situations, and a vitiligo-negative family history. Conclusions  Disease-related stigmatization, negative experiences, and avoidant behavior affect QoL. Therefore, the CDLQI should be combined with other instruments to screen for disease burden. These results call for the careful evaluation of young patients with vitiligo.

No / Skin responds to environmental stressors via coordinated actions of the local neuroimmunoendocrine system. Although some of these responses involve opioid receptors, little is known about cutaneous proenkephalin expression, its environmental regulation, and alterations in pathology. The objective of this study was to assess regulated expression of proenkephalin in normal and pathological skin and in isolated melanocytes, keratinocytes, fibroblasts, and melanoma cells. The proenkephalin gene and protein were expressed in skin and cultured cells, with significant expression in fibroblasts and keratinocytes. Mass spectroscopy confirmed Leu- and Met-enkephalin in skin. UVR, Toll-like receptor (TLR)4, and TLR2 agonists stimulated proenkephalin gene expression in melanocytes and keratinocytes in a time- and dose-dependent manner. In situ Met/Leu-enkephalin peptides were expressed in differentiating keratinocytes of the epidermis in the outer root sheath of the hair follicle, in myoepithelial cells of the eccrine gland, and in the basement membrane/basal lamina separating epithelial and mesenchymal components. Met/Leu-enkephalin expression was altered in pathological skin, increasing in psoriasis and decreasing in melanocytic tumors. Not only does human skin express proenkephalin, but this expression is upregulated by stressful stimuli and can be altered by pathological conditions.