Identification of a possible susceptibility locus for UVB-induced skin tanning phenotype in Korean females using genomewide association study.

A two-stage genomewide association (GWA) analysis was conducted to investigate the genetic factors influencing ultraviolet (UV)-induced skin pigmentation in Korean females after UV exposure. Previously, a GWA study evaluating ~500 000 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 99 Korean females identified eight SNPs that were highly associated with tanning ability. To confirm these associations, we genotyped the SNPs in an independent replication study (112 Korean females). We found that a novel SNP in the intron of the WW domain-containing oxidoreductase (WWOX) gene yielded significant replicated associations with skin tanning ability (P-value = 1.16 × 10(-4) ). To understand the functional consequences of this locus located in the non-coding region, we investigated the role of WWOX in human melanocytes using a recombinant adenovirus expressing a microRNA specific for WWOX. Inhibition of WWOX expression significantly increased the expression and activity of tyrosinase in human melanocytes. Taken together, our results suggest that genetic variants in the intronic region of WWOX could be determinants in the UV-induced tanning ability of Korean females. WWOX represents a new candidate gene to evaluate the molecular basis of the UV-induced tanning ability in individuals.

A validation study to find highly correlated parameters with visual assessment for clinical evaluation of cosmetic anti-cellulite products.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: There has been growing interest in cellulite on parts of the body; however, no objective assessment has been specifically established. This study aims to demonstrate an optimized method by comparing the existing assessments of cellulite. METHODS: In Test 1, for subjects of 20 healthy females who have cellulite, we measured volume and roughness of cellulite using fringe projection method, roughness using replica method, dermo-subcutaneous interface length and subcutaneous thickness using ultrasonography and skin temperature using infrared ray, elasticity and blood flow. In Test 2, we applied an anti-cellulite cosmetic to 28 subjects for 6 weeks and observed if they have any changes. RESULTS: In Test 1, the effective parameter that is the most correlated with visual assessment was volume of skin measured using fringe projection method (r = 0.780). Dermo-subcutaneous interface length (r = 0.355) and subcutaneous thickness (r = 0.502) measured using ultrasonography followed in order. In Test 2, after applying a tested product, the correlation coefficient of volume of skin, of dermo-subcutaneous interface length and of subcutaneous thickness are 0.409 (P = 0.000), 0.275 (P = 0.016) and 0.311 (P = 0.012) respectively. CONCLUSION: We conclude that visual assessment, volume of skin (cavities), dermo-subcutaneous interface length and subcutaneous thickness are optimized methods for assessing an effect of cosmetics on cellulite.

The Safety and Efficacy of 1-Monoeicosapentaenoin Isolated from the Trebouxiophyceae Micractinium on Anti-Wrinkle: A Split-Face Randomized, Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Clinical Study.

The skin aging process is governed by intrinsic and extrinsic factors causing skin wrinkles, sagging, and loosening. The 1-monoeicosapentaenoin (1-MEST) is a component isolated from Micractinium, a genus of microalgae (Chlorophyta, Trebouxiophyceae). However, the anti-wrinkle effects of 1-MEST are not yet known. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-wrinkle effects of 1-MEST in vitro and in clinical trials. The cytotoxicity of 1-MEST was investigated in vitro using the MTS assay in human epidermal keratinocytes (HEKs). Expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 and MMP-9 was determined by ELISA in HEKs irradiated with UVB after treatment with 1-MEST. A split-face randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of 1-MEST. The study evaluated wrinkle parameters and visual assessment, self-efficacy and usability questionnaires, and adverse events. The study showed that the 1-MEST was not cytotoxic in HEKs, suppressed MMP-1 secretion and MMP-9 protein expression in HEKs irradiated with UVB. The wrinkle parameters and mean visual assessment score were significantly decreased in the test group after 12 weeks and differed from the control group. There were no significant differences in efficacy and usability. Adverse effects were also not observed. The 1-MEST showed anti-wrinkle properties to slow down or prevent skin aging.

Wrinkle reduction using a Sasang constitutional medicine-based topical herbal cream in So-eum subjects: A split-face randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Skin aging is caused by exogenous and endogenous factors and is commonly manifested as wrinkling, sagging, and looseness of the skin. The herbal extract including Zingiber officinale Roscoe, Atractylodes chinensis (Bunge) Kodiz, Curcuma longa L., and Cinnamomum cassia (L.) J.Presl (ZACC extract), is widely used for So-eum (SE) Sasang constitutional type individuals. This study aimed to examine the protective effects of the ZACC extract against skin aging in 21 SE type subjects. METHODS: The safety and clinical efficacy of herbal cream were evaluated after application on human skin in a split-face randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. The Sasang Constitution Analysis Tool (SCAT) was used to select 21 SE type subjects, who applied herbal cream and placebo cream for 12 weeks. Visual assessment, wrinkle parameters, questionnaires, and skin safety were evaluated. RESULTS: The visual assessment score was decreased by using of the herbal cream, but there were no significant differences between groups. Among the wrinkle parameters, R1 (skin roughness) and R4 (smoothness depth) values were significantly improved after the application of the herbal cream compared to those observed after application of the placebo cream for 12 weeks. No significant differences were observed in evaluation of the product efficacy and usability by questionnaires. There were no adverse dermatologic reactions in the SE type subjects during the evaluation period. CONCLUSION: The ZACC herbal cream may be used to prevent or slow skin aging, including wrinkle formation, in SE type individuals.

Clinical evaluation of the safety and efficacy of a timosaponin A-III-based antiwrinkle agent against skin aging.

BACKGROUND: Timosaponin A-III (TA-III) is known to exist in the medicinal herb of Anemarrhena asphodeloides as one of major chemical components. AIMS: The photoprotective properties of TA-III on UVB-exposed HaCaT cells were evaluated on the antiwrinkle effects and skin safety in terms of clinical trial. METHODS: The level of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMPs), and pro-inflammatory cytokines were measured in HaCaT cells following UVB irradiation. To evaluate the clinical safety of an agent containing 0.25% of TA-III for use on human skin. Female subjects (n = 21) between the ages of 43 and 55 who met the criteria for subject selection were selected. They were beginning to form or had already formed wrinkles. RESULTS: UVB irradiation increased MMP-1 expression and pro-inflammatory cytokines. These increases were attenuated by TA-III pretreatment of UVB-exposed HaCaT cells. We found that the agent containing 0.25% of TA-III ameliorated skin wrinkling. A comparison between groups showed that wrinkle parameters were significantly reduced after 12 weeks of product use (P < 0.05). According to skin safety result, TA-III showed no dermatological toxicity was found in participants. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, TA-III could provide protection against photoaging and daily application of TA-III for 12 weeks significantly reduced signs of facial aging by limiting wrinkle formation.

Clinical Evidence of Effects of Lactobacillus plantarum HY7714 on Skin Aging: A Randomized, Double Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study.

The beneficial effects of probiotics are now widely reported, although there are only a few studies on their anti-aging effects. We have found that Lactobacillus plantarum HY7714 (HY7714) improves skin hydration and has anti-photoaging effects, and in the present study, we have further evaluated the anti-aging effect of HY7714 via a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. The trial included 110 volunteers aged 41 and 59 years who have dry skin and wrinkles. Participants took 1 × 10(10) CFU/day of HY7714 (probiotic group) or a placebo (placebo group) for 12 weeks. Skin hydration, wrinkles, skin gloss, and skin elasticity were measured every 4 weeks during the study period. There were significant increases in the skin water content in the face (p < 0.01) and hands (p < 0.05) at week 12 in the probiotic group. Transepidermal water loss decreased significantly in both groups at weeks 4, 8, and 12 (p < 0.001 compared with baseline), and was suppressed to a greater extent in the face and forearm in the probiotic group at week 12. Volunteers in the probiotic group had a significant reduction in wrinkle depth at week 12, and skin gloss was also significantly improved by week 12. Finally, skin elasticity in the probiotic group improved by 13.17% (p < 0.05 vs. controls) after 4 weeks and by 21.73% (p < 0.01 vs. controls) after 12 weeks. These findings are preliminary confirmation of the anti-aging benefit to the skin of L. plantarum HY7714 as a nutricosmetic agent.