A novel deformable liposomal hydrogel loaded with a SREBP-1-inhibiting polypeptide for reducing sebum synthesis in golden hamster model.

Excessive sebum is the major factor involved in the pathophysiology of seborrheic diseases. Chemical medicines can result in mild to severe side effects. Polypeptides with much less side effects make them ideal for reducing sebum synthesis. Sterol regulatory element-binding proteins-1 (SREBP-1) is necessary for the biosynthesis of sterols. A SREBP-1-inhibiting polypeptide (SREi), which competitively inhibits the ubiquitination of Insig-1 so as to suppress the activation of SREBP-1 was selected as an active ingredient and formulated into skin topical preparations. The SREi anionic deformable liposomes contained sodium deoxycholate (SDCh) at the concentration of 4.4 mg/mL (SREi-ADL3) and SREi-ADL3 in 0.3% (w/v) carbomer hydrogel (SREi-ADL3-GEL) were prepared and characterized. The SREi-ADL3 presented a high entrapment efficiency of 92.62 ± 6.32%, a particle size of 99.54 ± 7.56 nm and a surface charge of -19.18 ± 0.45 mV. SREi-ADL3-GEL exhibited a sustained release behavior, a higher stability, a much more cellular uptake ability and transdermal absorption. In vivo golden hamster model confirmed that SREi-ADL3-GEL presented the strongest inhibitory effect on sebaceous gland growth and sebum synthesis by down-regulating the mRNA and protein expression of SREBP-1, fatty acid synthase (FAS) and acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase 1 (ACC1). As confirmed by histological analysis, only a small amount of sebaceous gland lobes with the lightest staining intensity and the smallest dyeing area could be observed in the SREi-ADL3-GEL group. Taken together, SREi-ADL3-GEL displayed potential applications in sebum excessive production related diseases.

Barrier function-related genes and proteins have an altered expression in acne-involved skin.

BACKGROUND: Acne vulgaris provides a unique disease setting in which a prominent skin inflammation is coupled with the overproduction of lipid-rich sebum. OBJECTIVES: Our goal was to evaluate the expression of barrier molecules in papular acne skin samples obtained from untreated patients and compare those to the results of healthy and of papulopustular rosacea-involved ones at the mRNA and protein levels. In addition, we aimed to assess the effects of various sebum composing lipids on the expression of proteins involved in barrier formation in keratinocytes. METHODS: Available microarray data sets of papular acne and papulopustular rosacea-affected skin samples were re-analysed with a focus on epidermal barrier-related pathways. Immunohistochemistry was performed to detect barrier molecules in the interfollicular regions of human acne and healthy skin samples. Protein levels of barrier-related genes were measured by western blot in samples of HaCaT keratinocytes treated with selected lipids. RESULTS: Meta-analysis of whole transcriptome data sets revealed that barrier-related pathways are significantly affected in acne vulgaris skin samples. While an altered expression of key molecules in maintaining barrier functions such as filaggrin, keratin 1, involucrin, desmoglein 1, kallikrein 5 and 7, was also observed at the protein levels, our data demonstrated that sebum composing lipids may selectively modify the levels of epidermal barrier-related molecules. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that although not as prominently as in the dry papulopustular rosacea skin, the epidermal barrier in the interfollicular region may be damaged also in the lipid-rich skin samples of papular acne. Furthermore, our findings indicating diverse regulatory effects of various sebum lipids on the expression of barrier molecules in keratinocytes suggest, that they may influence the moisturization of the skin as well. Altogether, our findings could have implications in the development of sebum-modulating anti-acne therapies and even in the care of symptom-free skin.

Development of an Efficient Extraction Methodology to Analyse Potential Inflammatory Biomarkers from Sebum.

INTRODUCTION: Proteins, such as cytokines and chemokines, are present in varying concentrations in a range of biofluids, with an important signalling role in maintaining homeostasis. Commercial tapes have been employed to non-invasively collect these potential biomarkers in sebum from the skin surface to examine their concentrations in conditions including acne, atopic dermatitis, and pressure ulcers. However, the identification of robust biomarker candidates is limited by the low abundance of specific proteins extracted by current methodologies. Therefore, this study was designed to develop an optimized extraction method for potential inflammatory biomarkers in sebum collected with Sebutapes. METHODS: Commercial tapes (Sebutapes) coated with synthetic sebum were used to systematically evaluate the effects of chemical and mechanical stimuli on extraction efficiency. Varying concentrations of high- and low-abundance biomarkers (IL-1α, IL-6, IL-8, INF-γ, TNF-α, and IL-1RA) were used to spike the synthetic sebum samples. Methodological variables included different surfactants, mechanical stimuli, and buffer volume. Extraction efficiency was estimated using immunoassay kits from the extracted buffer. RESULTS: The results revealed that the use of a surfactant, i.e., ß-dodecyl maltoside, in addition to the mechanical stimuli, namely, sonication and centrifugation, resulted in an increased recovery of cytokines, ranging from 80% for high-abundant cytokines, such as IL-1α and IL-1RA, and up to 50% for low-abundance cytokines, including TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-8. Compared to previous methods, the new extraction protocol resulted in between a 1.5-2.0-fold increase in extraction efficiency. CONCLUSION: The study revealed that there was a high degree of variability in the extraction efficiency of different cytokines. However, improved efficiency was achieved across all cytokines with selective surfactants and mechanical stimuli. The optimised protocol will provide means to detect low levels of potential biomarkers from skin surface, enabling the evaluation of local changes in pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines present in different skin conditions.

30% supramolecular salicylic acid peels effectively treats acne vulgaris and reduces facial sebum.

BACKGROUND: Acne is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with high incidence and recurrence. AIM: To study the efficacy of 30% supramolecular salicylic acid (SSA) in the treatment of acne, especially its effect on facial sebum secretion and the skin barrier. METHODS: Chemical peeling treatment with SSA using self-contrast was performed every 2 weeks for a total of four treatments in 25 patients. VISIA photographs and skin parameter measurements were recorded at every treatment, with a 2-week follow-up after the last treatment. We performed skin biopsy and immunohistochemical staining to detect sterol response element-binding proteins (SREBPs), fatty acid synthase (FAS), and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2), which are important factors involved in the regulation of sebum metabolism. RESULTS: The global acne-grading system (GAGS) score of patients with acne decreased with 30% SSA treatment. The sebum level in the nose (p < 0.001), chin (p < 0.001), left cheek (p < 0.05), and right cheek (p < 0.05) improved significantly with increasing number of treatments. The T-zone sebum level (p < 0.001) improved more than the U-zone (p < 0.01). The VISIA index porphyrin score also reduced (p < 0.001). Skin hydration (p < 0.001), transepidermal water loss (TEWL) (p < 0.05), and pH value (p < 0.01)-reflecting the skin barrier-were also improved. Immunohistochemistry showed decreased expression of SREBPs, FAS, and COX2. CONCLUSION: Peels with 30%SSA effectively treated acne and reduced facial sebum secretion without damaging the skin barrier. Reduction of sebum showed cumulative effect, which suggests that multiple 30%SSA chemical peels are beneficial to acne patients.

A Randomized, Double-Blinded Study Evaluating the Safety and Efficacy of AbobotulinumtoxinA Injections for Oily Skin of the Forehead: A Dose-Response Analysis.

BACKGROUND: AbobotulinumtoxinA has been investigated for applications beyond facial rhytides, including the treatment of oily skin. OBJECTIVE: The authors sought to investigate the optimal number of units and the duration of abobotulinumtoxinA for the treatment of oily skin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study included 50 male and female subjects that got either 0, 15, 30, or 45 units of abobotulinumtoxinA injected into their forehead. For the 6 months after treatment, subjects were evaluated for the effectiveness of the treatment in decreasing the oiliness of their skin and the duration of this effect. RESULTS: Subjects in the treatment groups that received either 30 or 45 units of neurotoxin experienced a significant reduction in oily skin. This effect was present for the 6-month duration of the study. No treatment-related adverse events were reported during this study, and both subjects and investigators reported a high level of satisfaction with the treatment. CONCLUSION: Thirty or 45 units of abobotulinumtoxinA are safe and effective doses in treating oily skin for improved cosmetic appearance.

Effect of Genetic Polymorphisms of Human SLC22A3 in the 5'-flanking Region on OCT3 Expression and Sebum Levels in Human Skin.

BACKGROUND: Human organic cation transporter 3 (OCT3,SLC22A3) mediates the uptake of many important endogenous substances and basic drugs, and has been identified as one of the transporters that are highly expressed in human skin. However, the mechanisms responsible for variability in mRNA expression, and the role of SLC22A3 in human skin is not clear. OBJECTIVE: We examined the effects of the single nucleotide polymorphisms ofSLC22A3 on the variability in SLC22A3 expression and sebum levels in humans. METHODS: Immunostaining of OCT3 in human skin was performed. We analyzed the association of promoter variants with the SLC22A3 mRNA expression levels in human skins. Luciferase, knockdown, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), electrophoretic mobility shift assay were employed to investigate transcriptional regulation of SLC22A3 expression. Effects of the identified variant on sebum levels were evaluated in healthy volunteers. RESULTS: Immunohistochemistry revealed marked expressions of OCT3 in the basal epidermis, sebaceous glands, hair follicles, and sweat glands of human skin. SLC22A3 mRNA levels were significantly lower in skin samples with homozygotes for -1603A/A than in those for -1603 G/G. The analysis of p53 binding to -1603 G > A in the promoter ofSLC22A3 suggested that -1603 G > A down-regulates SLC22A3 gene expression by decreased p53 binding in the vicinity of the -1603 site. In humans, squalene levels in samples from the back at the baseline were significantly lower in homozygotes for -1603A/A than in those for -1603 G/G. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the genetic variant contributes to the variability of expression and activities of OCT3 in human skin.

Oily sensitive skin: A review of management options.

BACKGROUND: Due to the ever-increasing demands for the personalized care, people seek for the tailored management according to the accurate identification of their skin type. The Baumann Skin Type Indicator, which was proposed by Leslie Baumann, is composed of four parameters: oily or dry, resistant or sensitive, pigmented or nonpigmented, and wrinkled or tight. Among these, oily sensitive skin experiences significant discomfort and resists ordinary treatment. AIMS: In this article, we will review the clinical manifestations, underlying pathogenesis and recommendations on treatment options that may be utilized to help patients with oily sensitive skin. PATIENTS/METHODS: Literature search was conducted using PubMed. The literature concerning Baumann Skin Type Indicator and oily sensitive skin type were considered. RESULTS: Oily sensitive (OS)-type skin is a complex of oily and sensitive skin that causes significant discomfort and undergoes stubborn resistance to treatments. Sebum dysfunction and hypersensitivity may play a key role in the development of sensitive skin. Considering the pathogenesis of OS-type skin, treatment should focus on both seborrhea and hypersensitivity. CONCLUSION: Clinicians can effectively treat the oily sensitive skin by understanding underlying pathogenesis of it. Further investigations are necessary to reach a consensus on the basic pathophysiology and optimal management guidelines for oily sensitive skin.

Chronic occupational exposure to lead leads to significant mucocutaneous changes in lead factory workers.

BACKGROUND: Chronic lead toxicity is a worldwide public health problem. Lead possesses deleterious effects on many organ systems. However, little is known regarding its clinical and biophysical effects on the skin. OBJECTIVE: To investigate mucocutaneous signs and biophysical property changes in skin after chronic lead toxicity. METHODS: One hundred and eighty-seven patients who were car battery workers participated in the study. Complete history and physical examination were performed. Blood was collected for laboratory analyses. Thorough skin examination by dermatologists was carried out in 134 subjects. Additionally, 96 patients with blood lead levels (BLL) >70 µg/dL were further evaluated for skin elasticity, sebum content, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), hydration, pH and pigmentation. An equal number of age-, sex- and skin-type-matched subjects were recruited as controls. RESULTS: The mean BLL of all subjects was 74.15 ± 11.58 µg/dL. The most frequently observed signs were gingival brown pigmentation in 112 (83.6%), gingivitis in 111 (82.8%) and lead line in 66 (49.3%) patients. The lead line was found in subjects with significantly higher BLLs (adjusted mean difference 6.45, 95% CI 2.30-10.60 µg/dL, P = 0.003) and in association with gingivitis (adjusted OR 7.32, 95% CI 2.08-25.74, P = 0.002). Mean BLL of the patients who underwent biophysical assessment was 82.77 ± 9.80 µg/dL. Patients exhibited a statistically significant lower skin hydration observed by corneometer as well as elasticity. The adjusted ORs of having dry skin and lower elasticity were 15.32 (95% CI 4.41-53.24), P < 0.001) and 1.96 (95% CI 1.06-3.60), P = 0.031), respectively. These differences were not significant for sebum content, TEWL, pH and pigmentation. CONCLUSION: Importantly, even in normal-appearing skin, level of hydration and elasticity decreased in lead-intoxicated patients. These results suggest that lead might possess harmful effects on the skin at measurable levels.

Homeostasis of the sebaceous gland and mechanisms of acne pathogenesis.

BACKGROUND: Sebaceous glands (SGs) are appendages of mammalian skin that produce a mixture of lipids known as sebum. Acne vulgaris is an exceptionally common skin condition, characterized by elevated sebum production, altered sebum composition, and the formation of infundibular cysts, called comedones. Comedo-associated SGs are atrophic, suggesting that comedo formation involves abnormal differentiation of progenitor cells that generate the SG and infundibulum: the 'comedo switch'. Understanding the biological processes that govern SG homeostasis promises to highlight potential aetiological mechanisms underlying acne and other SG-associated skin disorders. RESULTS: In this review, we discuss the clinical data, genetic mouse models and in vitro research that have highlighted major hormones, paracrine factors, transcription factors and signalling pathways that control SG homeostasis. These include, but are not limited to androgens, progestogens and oestrogens; retinoids; receptor tyrosine kinases such as ErbB family receptors, fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 and insulin/insulin-like growth factor 1 receptors; peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ; aryl hydrocarbon receptor; and the Wnt signalling pathway. Where possible, the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which these regulatory factors control SG biology are indicated, along with considerations as to how they might contribute to acne pathogenesis. CONCLUSIONS: Future research should seek to establish the relative importance, and causative relationships, of altered sebum production, sebum composition, inflammation and abnormal differentiation of sebaceous progenitors to the process of comedo formation in acne. Such an understanding will allow for therapeutic targeting of regulatory factors that control SG homeostasis, with the aim of treating acne.

Salicylic acid treats acne vulgaris by suppressing AMPK/SREBP1 pathway in sebocytes.

Acne vulgaris is a prevalent cutaneous disease characterized by a multifactorial pathogenic process including hyperseborrhea, inflammation, over-keratinization of follicular keratinocytes and Propionibacterium acnes (P acnes) overgrowth. Salicylic acid (SA), a beta-hydroxy acid, is frequently used in the treatment of acne. SA has been found to decrease skin lipids and to possess anti-inflammatory properties. However, few studies have elucidated the mechanisms and pathways involved in such treatment of acne. In this study, we initially investigated the anti-acne properties of SA in human SEB-1 sebocytes. Treatment with SA decreased sebocyte lipogenesis by downregulating the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/sterol response element-binding protein-1 (SREBP-1) pathway and reduced inflammation by suppressing the NF-κB pathway in these cells. Salicylic acid also decreased the cell viability of SEB-1 by increasing apoptosis via the death signal receptor pathway. Subsequently, histopathological analysis of a rabbit ear acne model after application of SA for three weeks confirmed that SA suppressed the levels of cytokines and major pathogenic proteins around acne lesions, which supports the mechanisms suggested by our in vitro experiments. These results initially clarified that therapeutic activities of SA in acne vulgaris treatment could be associated with the regulation of SREBP-1 pathway and NF-κB pathway in human SEB-1 sebocytes.

From pathogenesis of acne vulgaris to anti-acne agents.

Acne vulgaris is a cutaneous chronic inflammatory disorder with complex pathogenesis. Four factors play vital roles in acne pathophysiology: hyperseborrhea and dysseborrhea, altered keratinization of the pilosebaceous duct, Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes) and inflammation. The main hormones responsible for the development of acne vulgaris include androgens, insulin and insulin-like growth factor-1. Other factors involved in this process are corticotropin-releasing hormone, α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone and substance P. Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway, phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway, mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway, adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase pathway and nuclear factor kappa B pathway participate in the modulation of sebocyte, keratinocyte and inflammatory cell (e.g. lymphocytes, monocytes, macrophages, neutrophils) activity. Among all the triggers and pathways mentioned above, IGF-1-induced PI3K/Akt/Forkhead box protein O1/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) C1 pathway is the most important signaling responsible for acne pathogenesis. Commonly used anti-acne agents include retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, antibiotics and hormonal agents (e.g. spironolactone, combination oral contraceptive and flutamide). New approaches including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ modifier, melanocortin receptor antagonists, epigallocatechin-3-gallate, metformin, olumacostat glasaretil, stearoyl-CoA desaturase inhibitor omiganan pentahydrochloride, KDPT, afamelanotide, apremilast and biologics have been developed as promising treatments for acne vulgaris. Although these anti-acne agents have various pharmacological effects against the diverse pathogenesis of acne, all of them have a synergistic mode of action, the attenuation of Akt/mTORC1 signaling and enhancement of p53 signal transduction. In addition to drug therapy, diet with no hyperglycemic carbohydrates, no milk and dairy products is also beneficial for treatment of acne.

Assessment of Skin Physiology Change and Safety After Intradermal Injections With Botulinum Toxin: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Split-Face Pilot Study in Rosacea Patients With Facial Erythema.

BACKGROUND: Botulinum toxin (BTX) has been used cosmetically with good clinical efficacy and tolerable safety. OBJECTIVE: This randomized, double-blind, split-face clinical study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of intradermal BTX in patients with rosacea. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-four participants were enrolled and randomly given intradermal injections of BTX and normal saline in both cheeks. Clinician Erythema Assessment (CEA) score, Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS) score, skin hydration, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), melanin content, erythema index, elasticity, and sebum secretions were evaluated at baseline and 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks. RESULTS: On the BTX-treated side, the CEA score significantly decreased and the GAIS score significantly increased. The erythema index decreased at Weeks 4 and 8. Skin elasticity was improved at Weeks 2 and 4 and skin hydration, at Weeks 2, 4, and 8. However, TEWL and sebum secretion did not show significant differences. CONCLUSION: Intradermal BTX injections reduced erythema and rejuvenated the skin effectively and safely in patients with rosacea.

Enhancement of lipid content and inflammatory cytokine secretion in SZ95 sebocytes by palmitic acid suggests a potential link between free fatty acids and acne aggravation.

A relationship between acne and free fatty acids (FFAs) has been suggested recently. However, the effects of FFAs on sebaceous glands are still largely unknown. At the same time, the role of FFAs during chronic inflammation is well established. Considering that FFAs are also a major component of sebum, it is likely that changes in FFA affect both the synthesis of sebum and the inflammatory response in sebaceous glands. In this study, we examined a hypothesis that FFAs increase the production of sebum and induce inflammation in the sebaceous glands. We found that treatment of SZ95 sebocytes with exogenously applied palmitic acid (PA), a major saturated FFA, induced a significant increase in intracellular lipid levels. Moreover, PA treatment also increased the expression and secretion of the proinflammatory cytokines in SZ95 sebocytes. We also found that Toll-like receptors were required for the inflammatory response triggered by PA. The results of our study strengthen the notion about the link between acne and FFAs and suggest the mechanism underlying this relationship. Our results serve as a foundation for future work that will explore the association between FFA and acne and pave way to the development of novel treatment options for acne.

Comparison of novel dual mode vs conventional single pass of a 1450-nm diode laser in the treatment of acne vulgaris for Korean patients: A 20-week prospective, randomized, split-face study.

BACKGROUND: Although a 1450-nm diode laser has been shown to be effective for acne, the conventional high-energy stamp-only regimen is often associated with pain and hyperpigmentation, especially for dark-skinned individuals. AIMS: To evaluate whether the novel dual regimen has clinical advantages for acne treatments compared with conventional regimen in Asian patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-four Korean patients with facial acne were treated with a 1450-nm diode laser through a 20-week, randomized, split-face study. The patients were treated with three consecutive sessions at 4-week intervals. One half of the face received a dual regimen consisting of low-fluence stamping mode (5-6 J/cm2 ) for inflammatory acne lesions only, followed by 4-5 passes of moving mode for the full face. The other side received a single-pass treatment of conventional high-fluence stamp mode (14-15 J/cm2 ). Evaluations for acne, sebum secretion measurements, and safety profiles were performed. RESULTS: At the final 12-week follow-up evaluations, the dual-mode side demonstrated better improvements in both inflammatory and noninflammatory lesion counts, acne severity assessments, and reduction in sebum secretion compared with stamp-only side. Subjective satisfaction for the improvement for acne, seborrhea, and texture correlated well with objective assessments. In addition, degrees of pain and treatment-related side effects were remarkably decreased in the novel dual mode. CONCLUSION: This novel dual regimen of the 1450-nm laser demonstrated improved efficacies for acne and seborrhea with satisfactory safety profiles. Therefore, this regimen would be a viable option for acne treatments either as monotherapy or as combination therapy.

Current Concepts in Acne Pathogenesis: Pathways to Inflammation.

Acne is a disease of pilosebaceous inflammation. Pivotal in pathogenesis are the roles of hormones (insulin, insulin-like growth factor-1, androgens), Propionibacterium acnes, lipogenesis, and a proinflammatory lipid profile. Innate immune responses are induced through interaction with toll-like receptors and inflammasome activation initially and subsequently through adaptive immune activation. These insights into pathogenic inflammatory pathways can translate into novel therapeutic approaches for acne. Semin Cutan Med Surg 37(supp3):S60-S62 ©2018 published by Frontline Medical Communication.

The investigation of the relationships of demodex density with inflammatory response and oxidative stress in rosacea.

The relationships of demodex density with systemic oxidative stress, inflammatory response, and clinical severity in rosacea are not clear. This study aimed to (a) analyze the levels of systemic oxidative stress, antioxidant capacity, inflammatory parameters, and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in systemic circulation in patients with rosacea, (b) identify the relationship between mite density and both oxidative stress and inflammation, and (c) investigate the role of photoaging and sebum secretion in etiopathogenesis. Forty patients with rosacea and 40 age-, sex-, and skin phenotype-matched healthy volunteers were included in the study. Clinical disease severity of the patients was determined. Sebum levels were measured in both the groups, and photoaging was evaluated. Reflectance confocal microscopy was used to calculate demodex density. Serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidant capacity (TOC), myeloperoxidase (MPO), MMP-1, MMP-9, arylesterase (ARES), interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), paraoxonase-1 (PON-1), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels were also analyzed. The patients with rosacea had significantly higher serum TOC and lower TAC levels (p < 0.001). The serum ARES and PON-1 levels were significantly lower (p = 0.045 and p < 0.001, respectively); however, the serum levels of MMP-1, MMP-9, IL-1ß and MPO were higher in the patient group. Demodex parameters were higher in the patient group compared to the control group. There was no significant correlation between the number of mites and disease severity. In addition, the number of mites was not correlated with the serum levels of TAC, TOC, OSI, MPO, MMP-1, MMP-9, ARES, PON-1, TNF-α, and IL-1ß. However, sebum levels were directly proportional to the number of mites. Photoaging severity was similar between the patients and control subjects. The changing sebaceous microenvironment in rosacea leads to an increase in the number of demodex mites. However, increased demodex density does not alter disease severity, level of oxidative stress, or inflammation. Although none of the patients with rosacea had any underlying systemic disease, patients' systemic oxidative stress and inflammation parameters were found high in systemic circulation. It is assumed that the patients with rosacea are more prone to systemic diseases.

Molecular Interactions of Different Steroids Contributing to Sebum Production. Review.

Considerable progress has been made in learning about the physiology and biochemistry of the sebaceous glands and several of the diseases that affect this component of the skin. Of these diseases, acne has particular importance. It is associated with adolescence, and because of the hormonal changes that take place in this stage, when it is severe it can cause depression. Moreover, in a considerable proportion of acne sufferers both adolescent and adult, it can produce tumors and deformation of the sebaceous glands. This seriously affects the sufferers to the point where it may limit their professional activities because they do not want to be seen in public. Several important issues from classic studies on the sebaceous gland will be reviewed in this document to report the state of the art of current treatments for the pathology of these glands. The sebaceous gland is an intracrine organ, capable of synthesizing and metabolizing different steroidal hormones. The role of each of the enzymes involved in these processes of the skin will be analyzed. The presence of different hormone receptors in the scientific literature will be also reviewed, due to the role of the sebaceous gland in lipogenesis at different ages. We also describe the mechanism of action of androgens and progestins in relation to coregulators recruited for lipogenesis in this gland. We propose several new steroidal compounds based on their mechanism of action to block lipogenesis in the sebaceous glands. These molecules offer potential for new treatment options for skin diseases.

Phytocosmeceutical formulation development, characterization and its in-vivo investigations.

Several plants found rich in flavonoid, polyphenols, and antioxidants reported antiaging, oppose inflammation and carcinogenic properties but have rarely been applied in dermatology. The present study was an active attempt to formulate a stable phytocosmetic emulsion system loaded with 2% pre-concentrated Prosopis cineraria bark extract, aiming to revive facial skin properties. In order to obtain potent therapeutic activities, we first prepared extracts of stem, leaves, and bark and screen them on basis of phenolic, flavonoids contents and antioxidant, antibacterial, lipoxygenase and tyrosinase inhibition activities. Furthermore, cytocompatibility of the extract was also determined prior starting in vivo investigations. Then the in vivo performance of 2% bark extract loaded emulsion formulation was determined by using non-invasive probe cutometer and elastometer with comparison to base formulation. The preliminary experiment showed that bark extract has a significant amount of phenolic and flavonoid compounds with eminent antioxidant potential. Furthermore, indicated an efficient antibacterial, lipoxygenase, and tyrosinase enzyme inhibition activities. Importantly, the bark extract did not induce any toxicity or apoptosis, when incubated with HaCat cells. Moreover, the in vivo results showed the formulation (size 3 µm) decreased the skin melanin, erythema and sebum contents up to 2.1-,2.7-and 79%, while increased the skin hydration and elasticity up to 2-folds and 22% as compared to the base, respectively. Owing to enhanced therapeutic effects the phytocosmetic formulation proved to be a potential skin whitening, moisturizer, anti-acne, anti-wrinkle, anti-aging therapy and could actively induce skin rejuvenation and resurfacing.

Unilateral acne after facial palsy

Abstract: We describe a case of unilateral acne which appeared after an episode of facial nerve palsy. An 18-year-old female patient presented with papules and pustules predominantly located on the side where the facial paralysis occurred. The patient suffered right facial paralysis, which was treated with prednisone and kinesiotherapy with massages, electrostimulation, and infrared light. Two weeks later, acne lesions appeared in the area affected by the paralysis. As suggested in other cases of paralysis, including cases of Parkinson's disease and spinal cord injury, an increased sebum excretion rate and the immobility of the affected area are most likely what caused the unilateral acne lesions.

UV-selective face cream (Acne RA-1,2) in acne patients: clinical study of its effects on epidermal barrier function, sebum production, tolerability and therapy adherence.

BACKGROUND: General skin care recommendations such as the use of moisturizers and products with adequate photoprotection are important components of management for acne patients to complement the medical regimen. This study aimed to evaluate the real-life clinical effects of a novel UV-selective face cream (Acne RA-1,2, Meda Pharma, Solna, Sweden) on acne, epidermal barrier function, sebum production, adherence and tolerability when used together with pharmacological acne treatment. METHODS: Forty patients receiving pharmacological acne treatment applied Acne RA-1,2 once-daily for three months. Investigator's Global Assessment of acne, trans-epidermal water loss, sebum production and tolerability were assessed at one and three months. RESULTS: After 3 months, there was a 38% significant clinical improvement in mean Investigator Global Assessment score (3.4 to 2.1), a 29% significant reduction in trans-epidermal water loss (13.2 to 9.4 g/h/m2), and a 17% significant decrease in sebum production vs. baseline (234.6 to 195.6 µg/cm2; all P<0.01). One hundred percent of patients reported complete adherence to pharmacological therapy over the summer of the study vs. 52.5% in the previous summer. About 87.5% of patients considered their acne improved over the summer of the study, vs. 55.0% in the previous summer. Pruritus, erythema, dryness and total tolerability symptom scores were significantly reduced after 3 months vs. baseline (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Acne RA-1,2 is a useful daily adjunct to pharmacological therapy as it helps to mitigate the irritation these therapies cause, increasing adherence to therapy, and leading to a clinical improvement in acne and epidermal barrier function and a decrease in sebum production.