Gene Profiling of Cannabis-sativa-mediated Apoptosis in Human Melanoma Cells.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Malignant melanoma is an aggressive skin cancer, accounting for the majority of skin cancer deaths. Prognosis is often poor and finding effective treatment remains a challenge. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are main bioactive components of Cannabis sativa plant extracts that have been shown to exert anti-tumor effects. In this study, we aimed to perform gene expression analysis of human melanoma A375 cells following stimulation with C. sativa extracts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Gene expression profiles of A375 human melanoma and Vero (control) cell lines were evaluated by RNA sequencing and quantitative real-time PCR. RESULTS: Flow cytometry showed that the THC+CBD cannabis fractions induced apoptosis on A375 cells. Induction of apoptosis was accompanied by a notable up-regulation of DNA damage inducible transcript 3 (DDIT), nerve growth factor receptor (NGFR), colony-stimulating factor 2 (CSF2), growth arrest and DNA damage inducible beta (GADD45B), and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) genes and down-regulation of aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator 2 (ARNT2), cyclin E2 (CCNE2), integrin subunit alpha 9 (ITGA9), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and E2F transcription factor 1 (E2F1) genes. Treatment of A375 cells with the THC+CBD fraction inhibited the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 signaling pathway, which regulates melanoma cell proliferation. We showed that the THC+CBD combination disrupted melanoma cell migration. CONCLUSION: Use of C. sativa-derived extracts containing equal amounts of THC and CBD is proposed as a potential treatment of melanoma.

Effects of a fractional picosecond 1,064 nm laser for the treatment of dermal and mixed type melasma.

BACKGROUND: Picosecond laser is a novel modality for pigmented skin disorders with extremely short pulse duration. Little is known about the effects of the picosecond laser in melasma. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of fractional picosecond 1,064 nm laser in melasma treatment. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective, randomized, assessor-blinded, intra-individual split face comparative study. METHODS: Female subjects with melasma were enrolled and received fractional picosecond 1,064 nm laser plus 4% hydroquinone cream on one randomly assigned side of the face; the results were compared to the use of hydroquinone cream only on the contralateral side. The modified melasma area severity index (mMASI) score, melanin index by Mexameter MX18®, participant satisfaction score by quartile rating scale, and the quality of life by the dermatology life quality index (DLQI) were evaluated over 12 weeks. RESULTS: Thirty female subjects completed the protocol. The mean (± standard deviation, SD) mMASI score at the 12-week visit was significantly reduced in the picosecond laser-treated areas compared to controls (3.52 ± 1.4 and 4.18 ± 2.03 respectively; p = 0.035). No differences were observed in the mean Mexameter melanin index, participant satisfaction score, and DLQI score. The observed adverse effects included transient mild erythema and mild skin desquamation. CONCLUSION: The addition of fractional picosecond 1,064 nm laser to 4% hydroquinone was effective and significantly better than 4% hydroquinone alone for the treatment of melasma.

Comparison of a fractional bipolar radiofrequency device and a fractional erbium-doped glass 1,550-nm device for the treatment of atrophic acne scars: a randomized split-face clinical study.

BACKGROUND: A fractional erbium-doped glass 1,550-nm and a fractional bipolar radiofrequency (RF) device are effective in the treatment of atrophic acne scars. OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical effectiveness and side effects of fractional bipolar RF with those of fractional erbium-doped glass in atrophic acne scars treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty Thai subjects with atrophic acne scars received three split-face monthly treatments, one side with fractional bipolar RF and the other with fractional erbium-doped glass. Three independent physicians and patients evaluated improvement in acne scars 4 weeks after the last treatment. Side effects were also recorded after each treatment. RESULTS: The study found significant improvement in acne scars after treatment with fractional bipolar RF and with a fractional erbium-doped glass device without a statistically significant difference between the two devices. The side effects of both devices were pain, transient facial erythema, and scab formation. The pain score with fractional erbium-doped glass was higher than that with fractional bipolar RF, but duration of scab shedding was shorter. One case had postinflammatory hyperpigmentation on only the side treated with fractional erbium-doped glass. CONCLUSION: Fractional bipolar RF and fractional erbium-doped glass have similar effectiveness for the treatment of atrophic acne scars.