Duo photoprotective effect via silica-coated zinc oxide nanoparticles and Vitamin C nanovesicles composites.

OBJECTIVE: Zinc Oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) are used widely in nowadays personal care products, especially sunscreens, as a protector against UV irradiation. Yet, they have some reports of potential toxicity. Silica is widely used to cage ZnO NPs to reduce their potential toxicity. Vitamin C derivative, Magnesium Ascorpyl Phosphate (MAP), is a potent antioxidant that can efficiently protect human skin from harmful impacts of UV irradiation and oxidative stress. The combination of silica coated ZnO NPs and MAP nanovesicles could have potential synergistic protective effect against skin photodamage. METHODS: Silica coated ZnO NPs and MAP nanovesicles (ethosomes and niosomes) were synthesized, formulated, and evaluated as topical gels. These gel formulations were evaluated in mice for their photoprotective effect against UV irradiation through histopathology and immuno-histochemistry study. Split-face clinical study was conducted to compare the effect of application of silica coated ZnO NPs either alone or combined with MAP nanovesicles. Their photoprotective action was evaluated, using Antera 3D® camera, for melanin level, roughness index and wrinkles depth. RESULTS: Silica coated ZnO NPs when combined with MAP nanovesicles protected mice skin from UV irradiation and decreased the expression of the proinflammatory cytokines, NF-κB. Clinically, silica coated ZnO NPs, alone or combined with MAP nanovesicles, could have significant effect to decrease melanin level, roughness index and wrinkles depth with higher effect for the combination. CONCLUSION: A composite of silica coated ZnO NPs and MAP nanovesicles could be a promising cosmetic formulation for skin protection against photodamage signs such as hyperpigmentation, roughness, and wrinkles.

Assessment of vascular patterns during the treatment of psoriatic patients using narrow-band ultraviolet B phototherapy by the dermoscope.

BACKGROUND: Phototherapy is a traditional treatment for psoriasis and patients using it for a long time may be exposed to cumulative toxicity, so dermatologists need continuously diagnostic tools that help in monitoring the disease progression. OBJECTIVES: To detect dermoscopic changes with the improvement of skin in patients with chronic plaque psoriasis on narrow-band ultraviolet B phototherapy and evaluate the role of dermoscopy in monitoring the patients. METHODS: Narrowband ultraviolet B phototherapy was prescribed to thirty (30) patients with chronic plaque psoriasis for three months according to their disease condition. Psoriasis area and severity index (PASI score) were calculated, and dermoscopic evaluation was done at the first visit (W0), after 6 weeks, and after 12 weeks of beginning the phototherapy. RESULTS: According to PASI score calculations, a significant correlation was found between changes in the vessel patterns and the improvement that occurred during the treatment sessions in psoriatic lesions, whereas the patients with globular blood vessels were significantly associated with weak clinical results. CONCLUSION: Dermoscopy is a rapid, simple tool to predict the response of psoriatic patients to phototherapy using vascular pattern assessment.

Can Serum Fetuin-A be Used as a Marker for Cardiovascular Involvement in Psoriatic Patients?

Background: Psoriasis is a systemic inflammatory disorder. It is associated with increased risk of developing other chronic health diseases such cardiovascular disorders. Fetuin A is a glycoprotein that is present in blood serum. It may prevent vascular calcification by forming calciprotien particles; which are formed from their attachment with phosphate and calcium complexes. Aim: The aim of this study was to measure serum Fetuin A in Psoriatic patients and correlate its level with cardiac events and risks in these patients using CT calcium (Ca) scoring. Patients and Methods: 24 psoriatic patients (healthy without apparent cardiac risks to detect subclinical events if present) and 24 age and sex matched controls were tested for serum Fetuin A and underwent coronary calcium scoring by multidetector computed tomography (CT) scan. Psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) score for each patient was measured and was correlated with serum Fetuin A and CT calcium (Ca) scoring. Serum Fetuin A was compared between cases and controls and was correlated with coronary calcium score. Results: There was highly statistically significant decrease in serum Fetuin A level in psoriatic group compared to control group (P-value < .001). There was highly statistically significant negative correlation between calcium score and the level of serum Fetuin A (P-value < .001). No statistically significant correlation was found between the serum level of Fetuin A and the psoriasis severity. Conclusion: Serum Fetuin A is a simple, easy diagnostic tool to evaluate subclinical atherosclerosis in psoriatic patients.