Protective effect and mechanism of lycium barbarum polysaccharide against UVB-induced skin photoaging.

BACKGROUND: Cellular senescence can be categorized into two main types, including exogenous and endogenous aging. Photoaging, which is aging induced by ultraviolet (UV) radiation, significantly contributes to exogenous aging, accounting for approximately 80% of such cases. Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) is a class of antioxidant enzymes, with SOD2 being predominantly localized in the mitochondrial matrix. Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) inhibits SOD2 activity by acetylating the key lysine residues on SOD2. Sirtuin3 (SIRT3), the principal mitochondrial deacetylase, enhances the anti-oxidant capacity of SOD2 by deacetylating. Lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP) is the main bioactive component extracted from Lycium barbarum (LB). It has been reported to have numerous potential health benefits, such as anti-oxidation, anti-aging, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic properties. Furthermore, LBP has been shown to regulate hepatic oxidative stress via the SIRT3-SOD2 pathway. The aim of this study was to construct a UVB-Stress-induced Premature Senescence (UVB-SIPS) model to investigate the protective effects and underlying mechanisms of LBP against UVB-induced skin photoaging. METHODS: Irradiated with different UVB doses to select the suitable dose for constructing the UVB-SIPS model. Cell morphology was observed using a microscope. The proportion of senescent cells was assessed by senescence-associated ß-galactosidase (SA-ß-gal) staining. Cell viability was studied using the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8). Intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were observed using flow cytometry and an inverted fluorescence microscope. Expression of γ-H2AX was investigated using flow cytometry. Western blot (WB) was used to verify the expression of senescence-associated proteins (p21, p53, MMP-1, and MMP-3). Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbnent Assay (ELISA) was used to measure pro-inflammatory cytokines levels (IL-6, TNF-α). WB was also used to analyze the expression of SIRT3, SOD2, and Ac-SOD2, and a specific kit was employed to detect SOD2 activity. RESULTS: Our results suggested that the UVB-SIPS group pre-treated with LBP exhibited a reduced proportion of cells positive for SA-ß-gal staining, mitigated production of intracellular ROS, an amelioration in γ-H2AX expression, and down-regulated expression of senescence-associated proteins and pro-inflammatory cytokines as compared to the UVB-SIPS group. Moreover, in contrast to the control group, the UVB-SIPS group showed regulated SIRT3 expression and SOD activity, elevated Ac-SOD2 expression and an increased ratio of Ac-SOD2/SOD2. However, the UVB-SIPS group pre-treated with LBP showed an upregulation of SIRT3 expression and enhanced SOD activity, a reduction in AC-SOD2 expression, and a decreased ratio of AC-SOD2/SOD2, compared to the untreated UVB-SIPS group. Additionally, the photo-protective effect of LBP was diminished following treatment with 3-TYP, a SIRT3-specific inhibitor. This study suggested that LBP, a natural component, exhibits anti-oxidant and anti-photoaging properties, potentially mediated through the SIRT3-SOD2 pathway.

Efficacy of photodynamic therapy combined with cross-punch technique for the treatment of keloid.

OBJECTIVE: Keloids are characterized by abnormal activation of fibroblasts and excessive collagen deposition. Keloids are notoriously difficult to treat effectively due to their high recurrence rate after therapy. Our study explored the use of the punch technique in conjunction with photodynamic therapy, a novel approach that may swiftly reduce keloid volume, promote collagen remodeling, mitigate inflammation and enhance the wound healing process. METHODS: In our study, we conducted a retrospective analysis of 47 keloid patients who were treated with cross-punch technique combined with photodynamic therapy (punch+PDT group), compared them with a control group of 42 patients who received cross-punch therapy alone (punch group). The visual Analog Scale (VAS) scoring system, the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) questionnaire and the subjective scoring of patients were implemented to assess the improvement rate at baseline (month 0) and 12-month follow-up (month 12). RESULTS: The results demonstrated significant enhancements in both VAS scores and DLQI scores on month 12 when compared with those on month 0. Notably, the subjective scoring indicated a marked difference, with 93.62 % of patients in the punch+PDT group and 59.52 % in the punch group reporting good or excellent improvement. CONCLUSION: Patients in the punch+PDT group had a significant improvement rate than those in the punch group.

Exploring the influencing factors on acne, melasma, and rosacea: A case-control study in China.

BACKGROUND: The severity and treatment response of acne, melasma, and rosacea may be influenced by various currently unclear internal and external factors. This study aimed to provide evidence to the influencing factors for the mentioned conditions through a real-world case-control study. METHODS: An online survey consisting of 60 questions was implemented, collecting information on demographics, socioeconomics, genetic factors, lifestyle habits, environmental exposures, and skin care behaviors. Then we constructed univariate and multivariate logistic regressions. Furthermore, we analyzed the dose-response relationship between exposure and outcome. RESULTS: A total of 399 individuals, including 94 acne patients, 107 melasma patients, and 91 rosacea patients were included. Acne and melasma were positively correlated with screen time (acne: odds ratio [OR]: 2.24, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.25-4.02; melasma: OR: 1.59, 95% CI: 1.09-2.31), while exercise exerted a protective effect on both acne (OR: 0.31, 95% CI: 0.13-0.77) and melasma (OR: 0.42, 95% CI: 0.22-0.80) in a dose-response relationship. In addition, males were associated with an elevated risk of acne (OR: 6.62, 95% CI: 1.01-43.26). Aging (OR: 1.15, 95% CI: 1.07-1.24) and irregular bowel movements (OR: 2.99, 95% CI: 1.11-8.08) were independent risk factors for melasma. Rosacea was positively associated with BMI (OR: 1.17, 95% CI: 1.01-1.35). CONCLUSION: In our study, we highlighted exercise as an independent protective factor for both acne and melasma in a dose-response trend. Inversely, extended use of electronic equipment was independently associated with higher risks of acne and melasma. Rosacea, however, was more likely to be related with BMI.

No Evidence of Causal Association Between Atopic Dermatitis and Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma: A Bidirectional Two-Sample Mendelian Randomization Study.

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) can present with open-angle glaucoma, but powerful evidence to support their causal relationship is absent. Objective: To investigate the causal association of AD with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). Methods: A bidirectional 2-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study was performed with the software R. Results: Eighteen single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were used in the forward MR analysis with AD as exposure. The inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method produced a result that genetically predicted AD was not associated with POAG (odds ratio [OR] = 1.10, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.95-1.27, P = 0.215). Fifty-one SNPs were used in the reverse MR analysis with POAG as exposure. The IVW method yielded a result that genetically predicted POAG was not correlated with AD (OR = 0.98, 95% CI: 0.95-1.01, P = 0.191). The bidirectional causal effect estimates were consistent with supplementary MR methods (MR-Egger, weighted median, simple mode, and weighted mode). The sensitivity analysis showed stable results. Conclusions: This bidirectional 2-sample MR study did not give evidence of causal association between AD and POAG.

Maslinic acid attenuates UVB-induced oxidative damage in HFF-1 cells.

BACKGROUND: Oxidative damage is one of the major mechanisms of ultraviolet B (UVB)-induced damage to the skin. Maslinic acid (MA) is a natural compound of pentacyclic triterpene acids. It has been proved to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the effects of MA on oxidative damage in human foreskin fibroblast cells (HFF-1) and the potential molecular mechanisms. METHODS: A specific dose of UVB radiation was used to induce oxidative damage in HFF-1. Based on this, we performed measurements of cell proliferation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, antioxidant enzyme activity, inflammation-related mediators, and NF-κB nuclear localization with or without the addition of MA. RESULTS: MA significantly promoted cell proliferation viability at 10 and 20 µM. The addition of MA 24 h before UVB irradiation was more effective at enhancing cell proliferation and also produced lower ROS levels compared to co-cultured fibroblasts and MA for 24 h after irradiation. However, there was no statistically significant difference between groups at concentrations of 10 and 20 µM. The pretreatment group with MA had elevated superoxide dismutase and catalase activities, decreased IL-6 generation, and lowered mRNA levels of IL-6, TNF-α and MMP3 in comparison with the UVB-irradiated group without additional MA. Meanwhile, the nuclear translocation of NF-κB and the degradation of IκB were inhibited by MA pretreatment. CONCLUSION: Taken together, these findings suggest that MA may alleviate UVB-induced oxidative damage in HFF-1 by inhibiting the nuclear translocation of NF-κB.

Clinical observation and analysis of skin reactions caused by COVID-19 vaccination.

The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination is now an essential strategy for controlling the COVID-19 epidemic. This study included 132 cases of adverse skin reactions after the injection of COVID-19 vaccination from January 2021 to January 2022. The rate of adverse skin reactions after the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd doses of the COVID-19 vaccine were 52%, 40%, and 8% of total adverse skin reactions, respectively. The Urticaria-like rash was the most common manifestation of all adverse skin reactions, accounting for 40.15% of all adverse reactions. The Eczema-like rash was 27.27%. The rates of adverse skin reactions after vaccination with the COVID-19 vaccine in patients with a previous skin disease was 12.12%. Other rare skin adverse reactions after COVID-19 vaccination included herpes zoster, pityriasis rosea, erythema multiforme, chickenpox, herpes simplex, psoriasis, erythrodermatitis, arthus reaction, lichen planus recurrence, measles-like rash, frostbite rash, seborrhea, and vitiligo. There were 23 cases of adverse skin reactions in the same individual after two doses of COVID-19 vaccine. There were three cases of adverse skin reactions in the same person after three doses of the vaccine. Treatment measures are mostly mild regimens, such as oral antihistamines, compounded glycopyrrolate and topical weak to moderately potent corticosteroid creams. The total duration of these skin adverse reactions ranged from 2 weeks to 1 month.

Hesperetin attenuates UVA-induced photodamage in human dermal fibroblast cells.

BACKGROUND: Ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation causes skin damage. Recently, natural compounds have become an interest to protect skin from UV-induced photodamages. METHODS: In this study, we investigated the protective effects of hesperetin, a citrus flavonoid, on UVA-induced oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and photoaging. RESULTS: Our results showed that hesperetin increased the cell viability, suppressed the intracellular ROS levels, and decreased the expression of MMPs including MMP-1 and MMP-3, pro-inflammatory cytokines including IL-6 and COX-2 in UVA-irradiated HDFs. Besides, hesperetin exerted an anti-apoptotic effect by increasing expression of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 and decreasing expression of pro-apoptotic protein Bax. Moreover, these anti-photodamage effects were mediated by inhibition of ERK, p38/AP-1, and NF-κb/p65 phosphorylation. CONCLUSION: Therefore, hesperetin may be useful in the prevention of UVA-induced skin damage.