Macrophage phenotype is determinant for fibrosis development in keloid disease.

Keloid refers to a fibroproliferative disorder characterized by an accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) components at the dermis level, overgrowth beyond initial wound, and formation of tumor-like nodule areas. Treating keloid is still an unmet clinical need and the lack of an efficient therapy is clearly related to limited knowledge about keloid etiology, despite the growing interest of the scientific community in this pathology. In past decades, keloids were often studied in vitro through the sole prism of fibroblasts considered as the major effector of ECM deposition. Nevertheless, development of keloids results from cross-interactions of keloid fibroblasts (KFs) and their surrounding microenvironment, including immune cells such as macrophages. Our study aimed to evaluate the effect of M1 and M2 monocyte-derived macrophages on KFs in vitro. We focused on the effects of the macrophage secretome on fibrosis-related criteria in KFs, including proliferation, migration, differentiation, and ECM synthesis. First, we demonstrated that M2-like macrophages enhanced the fibrogenic profile of KFs in culture. Then, we surprisingly founded that M1-like macrophages can have an anti-fibrogenic effect on KFs, even in a pro-fibrotic environment. These results demonstrate, for the first time, that M1 and M2 macrophage subsets differentially impact the fibrotic fate of KFs in vitro, and suggest that restoring the M1/M2 balance to favor M1 in keloids could be an efficient therapeutic lever to prevent or treat keloid fibrosis.

In Vitro Wound Healing Potential of a Fibroin Film Incorporating a Cannabidiol/2-Hydroxypropyl-ß-cyclodextrin Complex.

This study aimed to develop a film dressing prepared by incorporating a complex of cannabidiol and 2-hydroxypropyl-ß-cyclodextrin (CBD/HP-ß-CD) into a fibroin-based film and to investigate its wound healing capabilities. The fibroin from silkworm cocoons exhibited a total protein content of 96.34 ± 0.14% w/w and a molecular weight range of 25 to 245 kDa. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) revealed the presence of characteristic amide peaks (I, II, and III) in the isolated fibroin. The CBD/HP-ß-CD complex, prepared with a molar ratio of 1:2 (CBD to HP-ß-CD), had 81.5 ± 1.2% w/w CBD content, as determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). X-ray diffraction (XRD) and FTIR analyses demonstrated successful encapsulation of CBD's hydrophobic aromatic rings by HP-ß-CD. Blending the fibroin solution with the CBD/HP-ß-CD complex produced a transparent, slightly yellowish film. Mechanical testing revealed a tensile strength of 48.67 ± 2.57 MPa and a % elongation at a break of 1.71 ± 0.21%. XRD and FTIR analyses showed distinctive crystalline and chemical structures of the film. In subsequent in vitro experiments with normal human dermal fibroblasts, the film demonstrated potential for wound healing. An increase in cell division (G2/M phase) was observed compared to the fibroin film without the CBD/HP-ß-CD complex. Additionally, fibroblasts treated with the film exhibited enhanced cell migration in a scratch assay and increased expression of vascular endothelial growth factor protein compared to the control group. Overall, these findings underscore the film's potential for enhancing wound healing outcomes.

Porous Poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) Hydrogel Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering: Influence of Crosslinking Systems and Silk Sericin Concentration on Scaffold Properties.

Tailored porous structures of poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA) and silk sericin (SS) were used to create porous hydrogel scaffolds using two distinct crosslinking systems. These structures were designed to closely mimic the porous nature of the native extracellular matrix. Conventional free radical polymerization of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) was performed in the presence of different concentrations of SS (1.25, 2.50, 5.00% w/v) with two crosslinking systems. A chemical crosslinking system with N'N-methylene bisacrylamide (MBAAm) and a physical crosslinking system with dimethylurea (DMU) were used: C-PHEMA/SS (crosslinked using MBAAm) and C-PHEMA/pC-SS (crosslinked using MBAAm and DMU). The focus of this study was on investigating the impact of these crosslinking methods on various properties of the scaffolds, including pore size, pore characteristics, polymerization time, morphology, molecular interaction, in vitro degradation, thermal properties, and in vitro cytotoxicity. The various crosslinked networks were found to appreciably influence the properties of the scaffolds, especially the pore sizes, in which smaller sizes and higher numbers of pores with high regularity were seen in C-PHEMA/1.25 pC-SS (17 ± 2 µm) than in C-PHEMA/1.25 SS (34 ± 3 µm). Semi-interpenetrating networks were created by crosslinking PHEMA-MBAAm-PHEMA while incorporating free protein molecules of SS within the networks. The additional crosslinking step involving DMU occurred through hydrogen bonding of the -C=O and -N-H groups with the SS, resulting in the simultaneous incorporation of DMU and SS within the PHEMA networks. As a consequence of this process, the scaffold C-PHEMA/pC-SS exhibited smaller pore sizes compared to scaffolds without DMU crosslinking. Moreover, the incorporation of higher loadings of SS led to even smaller pore sizes. Additionally, the gelation time of C-PHEMA/pC-SS was delayed due to the presence of DMU in the crosslinking system. Both porous hydrogel scaffolds, C-PHEMA/pC-SS and PHEMA, were found to be non-cytotoxic to the normal human skin dermal fibroblast cell line (NHDF cells). This promising result indicates that these hydrogel scaffolds have potential for use in tissue engineering applications.

Is Spheroid a Relevant Model to Address Fibrogenesis in Keloid Research?

Keloid refers to a fibro-proliferative disorder characterized by an accumulation of extracellular matrix at the dermis level, overgrowing beyond the initial wound and forming tumor-like nodule areas. The absence of treatment for keloid is clearly related to limited knowledge about keloid etiology. In vitro, keloids were classically studied through fibroblasts monolayer culture, far from keloid in vivo complexity. Today, cell aggregates cultured as 3D spheroid have gained in popularity as new tools to mimic tissue in vitro. However, no previously published works on spheroids have specifically focused on keloids yet. Thus, we hypothesized that spheroids made of keloid fibroblasts (KFs) could be used to model fibrogenesis in vitro. Our objective was to qualify spheroids made from KFs and cultured in a basal or pro-fibrotic environment (+TGF-ß1). As major parameters for fibrogenesis assessment, we evaluated apoptosis, myofibroblast differentiation and response to TGF-ß1, extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis, and ECM-related genes regulation in KFs spheroids. We surprisingly observed that fibrogenic features of KFs are strongly downregulated when cells are cultured in 3D. In conclusion, we believe that spheroid is not the most appropriate model to address fibrogenesis in keloid, but it constitutes an efficient model to study the deactivation of fibrotic cells.

Beneficial Effects of a Blended Fibroin/Aloe Gel Extract Film on the Biomolecular Mechanism(s) via the MAPK/ERK Pathway Relating to Diabetic Wound Healing.

In diabetic patients, the process of wound healing is usually delayed or impaired. A diabetic environment could be associated with dermal fibroblast dysfunction, reduced angiogenesis, the release of excessive proinflammatory cytokines, and senescence features. Alternative therapeutic treatments using natural products are highly demanded for their high potential of bioactive activity in skin repair. Two natural extracts were combined to develop fibroin/aloe gel wound dressing. Our previous studies revealed that the prepared film enhances the healing rate of diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). Moreover, we aimed to explore its biological effects and underlying biomolecular mechanisms on normal dermal, diabetic dermal, and diabetic wound fibroblasts. Cell culture experiments showed that the γ-irradiated blended fibroin/aloe gel extract film promotes skin wound healing by enhancing cell proliferation and migration, vascular epidermal growth factor (VEGF) secretion, and cell senescence prevention. Its action was mainly linked to the activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinases/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MAPK/ERK) signaling pathway known to regulate various cellular activities, including proliferation. Therefore, the findings of this study confirm and support our previous data. The blended fibroin/aloe gel extract film displays a biological behavior with favorable properties for delayed wound healing and can be considered as a promising therapeutic approach in the treatment of diabetic nonhealing ulcers.

Anti-Melanogenesis Activity of Crocodile (Crocodylus siamensis) White Blood Cell Extract on Ultraviolet B-Irradiated Melanocytes.

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation generates a range of biological effects in the skin, which includes premature skin aging, hyperpigmentation, and cancer. Therefore, the development of new effective agents for UV-related skin damage remains a challenge in the pharmaceutical industry. This study aims to test the inhibitory effect of crocodile white blood cell (cWBC) extract, a rich source of bioactive peptides, on ultraviolet B (UVB)-induced melanocyte pigmentation. The results showed that cWBC (6.25-400 µg/mL) could inhibit tyrosinase without adduct formation by 12.97 ± 4.20% on average. cWBC pretreatment (25-100 µg/mL) had no cytotoxicity and reduced intracellular melanin to 111.17 ± 5.20% compared with 124.87 ± 7.43 for UVB condition. The protective role of cWBC pretreatment against UVB was exhibited by the promotion of cell proliferation and the prevention of UVB-induced morphological change as observed from F actin staining. The decrease of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor expression levels after cWBC pretreatment might be a mechanism by which cWBC suppresses UVB-induced pigmentation. These results suggest that cWBC could be beneficial for the prevention of UVB-induced skin pigmentation.

Effect of cysteamine hydrochloride-loaded liposomes on skin depigmenting and penetration.

Skin hyperpigmentation is caused by an excessive production of melanin. Cysteamine, an aminothiol compound physiologically synthetized in human body cells, is known as depigmenting agent. The aim of this study was to evaluate the depigmenting activity and skin penetration of liposome formulations encapsulating cysteamine hydrochloride. First, cysteamine hydrochloride-loaded liposomes were prepared and characterized for their size, polydispersity index, zeta potential and the encapsulation efficiency of the active molecule. The stability of cysteamine hydrochloride in the prepared liposome formulations in suspension and freeze-dried forms was then assessed. The in vitro cytotoxicity of cysteamine and cysteamine-loaded liposome suspensions (either original or freeze-dried) was evaluated in B16 murine melanoma cells. The measurement of melanin and tyrosinase activities was assessed after cells treatment with free and encapsulated cysteamine. The antioxidant activity of the free and encapsulated cysteamine was evaluated by the measurement of ROS formation in treated cells. The ex vivo human skin penetration study was also performed using Franz diffusion cell. The stability of cysteamine hydrochloride was improved after encapsulation in liposomal suspension. In addition, for the liposome re-suspended after freeze-drying, a significant increase of vesicle stability was observed. The free and the encapsulated cysteamine in suspension (either original or freeze-dried) did not show any cytotoxic effect, inhibited the melanin synthesis as well as the tyrosinase activity. An antioxidant activity was observed for the free and the encapsulated cysteamine hydrochloride. The encapsulation enhanced the skin penetration of cysteamine hydrochloride. The penetration of this molecule was better for the re-suspended freeze-dried form than the original liposomal suspension where the drug was found retained in the epidermis layer of the skin.

Prevention by the Natural Artocarpin of Morphological and Biochemical Alterations on UVB-Induced HaCaT Cells.

Natural substances have gained considerable attention for skin protection against UV light reactions. Artocarpus altilis plant's heartwood extract is comprised of artocarpin as a major substance, already known for its interesting biological attributes as an antimicrobial, an anti-inflammatory, an antioxidant, and a melanogenesis inhibitor. The present work clarified the mechanism of natural artocarpin (NAR) with a purity of approximately 99% against the effects of UVB-induced HaCaT keratinocyte apoptosis. The indicated results showed that NAR suppresses free radical production (ROS and nitrite) and apoptosis-related molecule activation (caspase-3, p-p53, p-p38, and NF-κB p65) and secretion (TNF-α). Additionally, NAR prevented structural damages (nuclei condensation and fragmentation, apoptotic body formation, impaired cell adherence and round cell shape, disruption of F-actin filament, and clustering of cell death receptor CD95/Fas) and biophysical changes (plasma membrane rigidification). Thus, NAR acts directly from scavenging free radicals generated by UV and indirectly by suppressing morphological and biochemical UV-induced cell damages. Its biological effects are mainly attributed to antioxidant and antiapoptotic properties. Taken together, NAR could be considered as an effective natural product for photoprotective formulations.

Photoprotective Potential of the Natural Artocarpin against In Vitro UVB-Induced Apoptosis.

Apoptosis, a well-known pattern of programmed cell death, occurs in multicellular organisms not only for controlling tissue homeostasis but also for getting rid of severely damaged cells in order to protect the redundant growth of abnormal cells undergoing cancerous cells. The epidermis of the human skin, composed largely of keratinocytes (KCs), is renewed continuously. Therefore, KCs apoptosis plays a critical role in the maintenance of epidermis structure and function. However, regulated cell death can be disturbed by environmental factors especially ultraviolet radiation (UV) B, leading to the formation of sunburn cells (KCs undergoing UVB-induced apoptosis) and impairing the skin integrity. In the present study, we firstly reported the potential of the natural artocarpin (NAR) to regulate UVB-induced human KCs apoptosis. The NAR showed antilipid peroxidation with an IC50 value of 18.2 ± 1.6 µg/mL, according to TBARS assay while the IC50 value of trolox, a well-known antioxidant, was 7.3 ± 0.8 µg/mL. For cell-based studies, KCs were pretreated with 3.1 µg/mL of the NAR for 24 hr and then exposed to UVB at 55 mJ/cm2. Our data indicated that the NAR pretreatment reduces UVB-induced oxidative stress by scavenging free radicals and nitric oxide and therefore prevents reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species- (RNS-) mediated apoptosis. The NAR pretreatment has been shown also to reduce the UVB-induced cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer (CPD) lesions by absorbing UVB radiation and regulating the cell cycle phase. Additionally, the NAR pretreatment was found to modulate the expression of cleaved caspases-3 and 8 that trigger different signalling cascades leading to apoptosis. Thus, these results provide a basis for the investigation of the photoprotective effect of the NAR isolated from A. altilis heartwood and suggest that it can be potentially used as an agent against UVB-induced skin damages.

Development and validation of a simple method for the extraction of human skin melanocytes.

Primary melanocytes in culture are useful models for studying epidermal pigmentation and efficacy of melanogenic compounds, or developing advanced therapy medicinal products. Cell extraction is an inevitable and critical step in the establishment of cell cultures. Many enzymatic methods for extracting and growing cells derived from human skin, such as melanocytes, are described in literature. They are usually based on two enzymatic steps, Trypsin in combination with Dispase, in order to separate dermis from epidermis and subsequently to provide a suspension of epidermal cells. The objective of this work was to develop and validate an extraction method of human skin melanocytes being simple, effective and applicable to smaller skin samples, and avoiding animal reagents. TrypLE™ product was tested on very limited size of human skin, equivalent of multiple 3-mm punch biopsies, and was compared to Trypsin/Dispase enzymes. Functionality of extracted cells was evaluated by analysis of viability, morphology and melanin production. In comparison with Trypsin/Dispase incubation method, the main advantages of TrypLE™ incubation method were the easier of separation between dermis and epidermis and the higher population of melanocytes after extraction. Both protocols preserved morphological and biological characteristics of melanocytes. The minimum size of skin sample that allowed the extraction of functional cells was 6 × 3-mm punch biopsies (e.g., 42 mm2) whatever the method used. In conclusion, this new procedure based on TrypLE™ incubation would be suitable for establishment of optimal primary melanocytes cultures for clinical applications and research.

Effects of Repeated UVA Irradiation on Human Skin Fibroblasts Embedded in 3D Tense Collagen Matrix.

Skin photoaging is caused by cumulative UVA exposure that leads to dermal matrix alterations associated with impaired fibroblast functions. In this study, we evaluated the effects of repeated UVA irradiation on mechanically stressed fibroblasts which were embedded in 3D tense collagen matrix. By comparison to 2D monolayer culture, we investigated the expressions of alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) cytoskeleton and α2 subunit of integrin receptors, as well as the collagen metabolism, focusing to MMP-1 and collagen type-I expressions. We found that UVA exposure reduces collagen levels in both culture conditions. However, concerning integrin α2 and α-SMA expression, UVA irradiation had no effect on 2D culture, whereas in tense 3D culture, it had an inhibitory effect. In UVA-irradiated 3D culture, fibroblasts acquired elongated shape and lost their dynamic interaction with collagen fibers through a decrease in integrin α2 and α-SMA. Fibroblast responses to UVA irradiation were different in 2D versus 3D environment, highlighting the importance of collagen environment in the regulation of mechanical activities. The behavior of fibroblast upon mechanical stimulation closely mimics stressed extracellular environment. The model of UVA-irradiated fibroblasts cultured in tense 3D collagen gel illustrated the in vivo situation of both mechanically stressed and photoaged human skin.

Assessment of the efficacy of a new complex antisensitive skin cream.

BACKGROUND: Sensitive skin is frequently complaint in dermatology consultation with cutaneous manifestations such as stinging, redness, dryness, and burning sensation that affect the quality of life. Its pathogenesis is mainly related to dysfunction of neurosensory, skin barrier, and also immune activity. The treatment is generally based on continuous and topical therapy by nonirritating complex. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the antisensitive function of a new complex cream composed by Yunnan Portulaca oleracea extract, Prinsepia utilis oil, beta-glucan, and sodium hyaluronate extracted from mushroom. METHODS: A randomized double-blind and self-control study was conducted on 20 selected volunteers with sensitive skin. Subjects applied the test cream to 1 side of the face, and the control cream (tolerance-extreme cream) to the other side of the face, twice daily over 28 days. Evaluations were performed at baseline and at 28 days. Expert clinical grading of facial skin including dryness, roughness, desquamation, and erythema was assessed. Subject self-assessment questionnaires, digital photography and noninvasive bioinstrumentation of hydration, transepidermal water loss, lipid index, skin texture, and wettability were also included in the study. RESULTS: Products were well tolerated. For all parameters studied, no significant difference was observed between test and control creams. Results showed that test cream provided a statistically significant improvement in clinical grading scores for dryness, roughness, and erythema at 28 days compared to baseline. In addition, statistically significant improvement of skin hydration and texture parameters (eg, smoothness and roughness) was demonstrated. Volunteers' questionnaire revealed self-perceived benefits consistent with expert visual grading. CONCLUSION: This study confirmed the effectiveness and tolerance of the new complex cream in subjects with sensitive skin. The test cream could serve as a daily care moisturizer for face.

Sponge like microparticles for drug delivery and cosmeto-textile use: Formulation and human skin penetration.

This unique work is targeted to achieve three main goals: i) to enhance the aqueous solubility of three specifically selected hydrophobic active agents, ii) to prepare such polymeric biodegradable microparticles which can encapsulate actives-cyclodextrin complexes and iii) to functionalize a polyamide base textile with active loaded microparticles and active-cyclodextrin loaded microparticles. To achieve this objective, biodegradable cationic microparticles were prepared via double emulsion solvent evaporation process and were loaded with hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin based complexes of Indomethacin, α-tocopheroland Lauryl Isoquinolinium Bromide during the formulation process. Inclusion complex based particles were evaluated for their morphology, size distribution, zeta potential, skin penetration aptitude and adsorption onto a selected textile. It was observed that active-cyclodextrin complex encapsulation do not affect the morphology, size and zeta potential of the microparticles as well as adsorption of the microparticles onto textile remains unaltered. However such active-cyclodextrin complex encapsulated particles provided the enhancement in the aqueous solubility of hydrophobic agents and also provided prolonged release formulations.

Precise role of dermal fibroblasts on melanocyte pigmentation.

Dermal fibroblasts are traditionally recognized as synthesizing, remodeling and depositing collagen and extracellular matrix, the structural framework for tissues, helping to bring thickness and firmness to the skin. However, the role of fibroblasts on skin pigmentation arouses concern recently. More is known about the interactions between epidermal melanocytes and keratinocytes. This review highlights the importance of fibroblast-derived melanogenic paracrine mediators in the regulation of melanocyte activities. Fibroblasts act on melanocytes directly and indirectly through neighboring cells by secreting a large number of cytokines (SCF), proteins (DKK1, sFRP, Sema7a, CCN, FAP-α) and growth factors (KGF, HGF, bFGF, NT-3, NRG-1, TGF-ß) which bind to receptors and modulate intracellular signaling cascades (MAPK/ERK, cAMP/PKA, Wnt/ß-catenin, PI3K/Akt) related to melanocyte functions. These factors influence the growth, the pigmentation of melanocytes via the expression of melanin-producing enzymes and melanosome transfer, as well as their dendricity, mobility and adhesive properties. Thus, fibroblasts are implicated in both skin physiological and pathological pigmentation. In order to investigate their contribution, various in vitro models have been developed, based on cellular senescence. UV exposure, a major factor implicated in pigmentary disorders, may affect the secretory crosstalk between dermal and epithelial cells. Therefore, identification of the interactions between fibroblasts and melanocytes could provide novel insights not only for the development of melanogenic agents in the clinical and cosmetic fields, but also for a better understanding of the melanocyte biology and melanogenesis regulation.

An In Vitro Model for Fibroblast Photoaging Comparing Single and Repeated UVA Irradiations.

The current method for efficient evaluation of antiphotoaging compounds is an in vitro skin culture model using a single ultraviolet A (UVA) irradiation of fibroblasts. However, skin photoaging is caused by repeated exposure to UVA radiation. The objective of this study was to develop an appropriate model for in vitro skin photoaging by comparing the different effects of single (5 J cm-2 ) and repeated exposures (5 J cm-2 × 3 times) of fibroblasts to UVA irradiation. Our results demonstrated that a single and repeated exposure to UVA irradiation had different effects on fibroblasts. In the single UVA-irradiated group, collagen lattice contraction and the protein levels of type I procollagen and matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) increased, while the levels of fibronectin and alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) were unchanged, compared to levels in the non-UVA-irradiated group (control). In contrast, repeated UVA exposure significantly induced G0/G1 cell cycle arrest, reduced collagen lattice contraction and type I procollagen and fibronectin expression, and increased MMP-1 expression. There was no difference in α-SMA expression when comparing repeatedly irradiated and non-UVA-irradiated fibroblasts. Our findings clearly indicate that repeated UVA irradiation of cells induces malfunctions found in photoaged skin and is an appropriate in vitro skin model of photoaging.

Polycaprolactone Based Nanoparticles Loaded with Indomethacin for Anti-Inflammatory Therapy: From Preparation to Ex Vivo Study.

PURPOSE: This work focused on the preparation of polycaprolactone based nanoparticles containing indomethacin to provide topical analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect for symptomatic treatment of inflammatory diseases. Indomethacin loaded nanoparticles are prepared for topical application to decrease indomethacin side effects and administration frequency. Oppositely to already reported works, in this research non-invasive method has been used for the enhancement of indomethacin dermal drug penetration. Ex-vivo skin penetration study was carried out on fresh human skin. METHODS: Nanoprecipitation was used to prepare nanoparticles. Nanoparticles were characterized using numerous techniques; dynamic light scattering, SEM, TEM, DSC and FTIR. Regarding ex-vivo skin penetration of nanoparticles, confocal laser scanning microscopy has been used. RESULTS: The results showed that NPs hydrodynamic size was between 220 to 245 nm and the zeta potential value ranges from -19 to -13 mV at pH 5 and 1 mM NaCl. The encapsulation efficiency was around 70% and the drug loading was about 14 to 17%. SEM and TEM images confirmed that the obtained nanoparticles were spherical with smooth surface. The prepared nanoparticles dispersions were stable for a period of 30 days under three temperatures of 4°C, 25°C and 40°C. In addition, CLSM images proved that obtained NPs can penetrate the skin as well. CONCLUSION: The prepared nanoparticles are submicron in nature, with good colloidal stability and penetrate the stratum corneum layer of the skin. This formulation potentiates IND skin penetration and as a promising strategy would be able to decline the side effects of IND.

Artocarpin-enriched (Artocarpus altilis) Heartwood Extract Provides Protection Against UVB-induced Mechanical Damage in Dermal Fibroblasts.

This study aimed to evaluate the protective effect of artocarpin-enriched (Artocarpus altilis) heartwood extract on the mechanical properties of UVB-irradiated fibroblasts. Human skin fibroblasts were pretreated with 50 µg/mL-1 extract and later irradiated with UVB (200 mJ/cm-2 ). They were then cultured within three-dimensional of free-floating and tense collagen lattices. The pretreatment of fibroblasts with the extract prior to UVB radiation showed cells protection against UVB-induced suppression of α-SMA expression, fibroblast migration and contraction. These results reveal that the extract prevents mechanical damages induced by UVB irradiation in fibroblast-embedded collagen lattices, and therefore, has a potential as a natural photo-protectant.

Submicron polycaprolactone particles as a carrier for imaging contrast agent for in vitro applications.

Fluorescent materials have recently attracted considerable attention due to their unique properties and high performance as imaging agent in biomedical fields. Different imaging agents have been encapsulated in order to restrict its delivery to a specific area. In this study, a fluorescent contrast agent was encapsulated for in vitro application by polycaprolactone (PCL) polymer. The encapsulation was performed using modified double emulsion solvent evaporation technique with sonication. Fluorescent nanoparticles (20 nm) were incorporated in the inner aqueous phase of double emulsion. A number of samples were fabricated using different concentrations of fluorescent contrast agent. The contrast agent-containing submicron particle was characterized by a zetasizer for average particle size, SEM and TEM for morphology observations and fluorescence spectrophotometer for encapsulation efficiency. Moreover, contrast agent distribution in the PCL matrix was determined by confocal microscopy. The incorporation of contrast agent in different concentrations did not affect the physicochemical properties of PCL particles and the average size of encapsulated particles was found to be in the submicron range.

Artocarpus altilis heartwood extract protects skin against UVB in vitro and in vivo.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Artocarpus altilis (Moreceae) has been widely used as a traditional folk medicine in Southeast Asia for the treatment of many diseases, including skin disorders, such as ulcers and dermatitis. AIM OF THE STUDY: The present study aimed to investigate the ability of an artocarpin-enriched extract to prevent ultraviolet radiation B-induced photodamage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The content of artocarpin in the extract was determined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). A DPPH assay was used to evaluate the free radical scavenging activity of the extract, which was compared with those of l-ascorbic acid and α-tocopherol. Cytotoxicity and proliferation of cells treated with the extract were determined using XTT and BrdU assays, respectively. Human skin fibroblasts and keratinocytes were pretreated with the extract for 24h and later irradiated with ultraviolet radiation B at 128 J/cm(2). The levels of TNF-α and IL-6 released from ultraviolet radiation B-irradiated keratinocytes and, MMP-1 and type-I procollagen produced by ultraviolet radiation B-irradiated fibroblasts were measured by ELISA and/or western blotting. The hairless skin of male mice (outbred ICR) was treated with the extract or l-ascorbic acid solution prior to exposure to ultraviolet radiation B irradiation. The dose of ultraviolet B irradiation was consecutively increased to 18, 36, 54, and 72 J/cm(2) at weeks 1-4, 4-7, 7-10, and 10-12, respectively. The epidermal thickness and collagen content in the skin of ultraviolet radiation B-irradiated mice were evaluated. RESULTS: The extract concentration of 50 µg/mL was not toxic and did not inhibit the proliferation of fibroblasts. The pretreatment of fibroblasts with 50 µg/mL extract prior to ultraviolet radiation B irradiation attenuated MMP-1 production but did not affect type-I procollagen production. The extract also decreased the ultraviolet radiation B-induced production of TNF-α and IL-6 in keratinocytes. Moreover, the topical administration of the extract suppressed epidermal thickening and collagen loss in chronically ultraviolet radiation B-exposed skin in mice. CONCLUSIONS: The experimental study revealed that A. altilis extract suppresses structural alterations in skin damaged by ultraviolet radiation B irradiation. This suppression was, at least partially, mediated by decrease in MMP-1 production in fibroblasts and TNF-α and IL-6 productions in keratinocytes.

Effects of topical corticosteroids on cell proliferation, cell cycle progression and apoptosis: in vitro comparison on HaCaT.

Topical-corticosteroids are mainly used for the treatment of inflammatory or hyperproliferative skin diseases. The in vivo assay to rank topical-corticosteroids potency, based on the skin blanching, is not adapted to compare their anti-proliferative efficacy. We have compared the antiproliferative effect of six topical-corticosteroids on a model of hyperproliferant keratinocytes (HaCaT). Betamethasone-dipropionate; clobetasol-propionate; betamethasone-valerate; desonide; hydrocortisone-butyrate and hydrocortisone-base, at different concentrations (10(-8)-10(-4)M) have been compared. HaCaT proliferation has been evaluated by MTT-assay and the mechanism of the death was evaluated by annexin V/propidium iodide staining and cell cycle phases analysis. Topical corticosteroids reduced cell growth in a dose-dependent manner. At 10(-4)M, betamethasone dipropionate was the most antiproliferative compound while hydrocortisone-butyrate was the less. Hydrocortisone-base which is usually considered as the less potent topical-corticosteroids showed a clear cytotoxic effect. Betamethasone-dipropionate and betamethasone-valerate induced more apoptosis than necrosis whereas the reverse has been observed for other topical-corticosteroids. All topical-corticosteroids, except clobetasol-propionate, arrested cell cycle mainly in G2-phase. Clobetasol-propionate arrested cell cycle in S-phase population. At 10(-8)M, topical-corticosteroids induced HaCaT proliferation. In terms of antiproliferative effect at 10(-4)M, we propose to rank topical corticosteroids as follow: betamethasone-dipropionate>desonide≥betamethasone-valerate=hydrocortisone-base=clobetasol-propionate>hydrocortisone-butyrate. This classification differs from the current ranking, based on the vasoconstrictive effect, but is more adapted for hyperproliferative disease treatment.