Protective Properties of Botanical Extracts against 5G Radiation-induced Damage to Human Skin, as Demonstrated in Preliminary Data from a Keratinocyte Cell Culture Model.

BACKGROUND: Next-generation 5G communication technology involves increasing use of 3-100 GHz wireless bands in population centers. Though still non-ionizing, this implies higher radiation energy vs. existing bands. The range is also shorter, needing more numerous emitters, closer to the user-resulting in higher electromagnetic energy exposure. With no universal consensus regarding exposure risks, there is some concern among the public and the scientific community, following indications that 5G radiation can impact immune function, trigger inflammatory responses, and influence expression of genes affecting protein folding, oxidative stress, tissue/extracellular matrix (ECM) matrix turnover, and more. This work aims at identifying botanical extracts for protection of human skin from these impacts, based on a preliminary cell culture-based model. METHODS: We irradiated human epidermal keratinocytes at 6 GHz, evaluating effects on Interleukin1-α (IL1-α), a key inflammatory cytokine; TIMP metallopeptidase inhibitor 1 (TIMP1), shown to inhibit collagenase; Angiopoietin-like protein 4 (ANGPLT4), which plays a role in wound healing and epidermal differentiation; and S100 calcium-binding protein A9 (S100A9), involved in immune recruitment during injury, by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunostaining. We next used this model to identify substances able to mitigate the effects of 5G irradiation, through the evaluation of the influence of treatment by one of several botanical extracts on the observed effects of 5G irradiation. RESULTS: After a remarkably short 1-h exposure, clear effects on keratinocyte function were observed: increased inflammatory cytokine IL1-α; reduced collagenase inhibitor TIMP1; increased wound healing/differentiation facilitator ANGPLT4; and increased SA100A9, involved in immune recruitment during injury. On this basis, we then showed the protective effects of selected botanical extracts, capable of reducing the increase in IL1-α induced by 5G exposure, possibly in part due to anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties of compounds present in these extracts. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show a clear influence of 5G irradiation on the keratinocytes, possibly indicating injury and damage responses. What's more, we showed how these preliminary data can be used to identify botanical extracts capable of offering some protection against these effects for users of 5G technology, e.g., when employed as active ingredients in protective cosmetic applications.

Targeting inflammation and pro-resolving mediators with Anetholea anisita extract to improve scalp condition.

OBJECTIVE: A critical and often-overlooked factor that may give rise to dandruff and oily hair is the intrinsic quality of the scalp stratum corneum (SC), which is often unbalanced and susceptible to external aggressions. Addressing the inflammation element of unhealthy scalp plays an important role in promoting healthy-looking and feeling hair. Although specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators (SPMs) have been studied in the skin to end the inflammation process and promote tissue regeneration, no studies have been provided in the scalp. This study aims to investigate SPMs expression and its role in improving scalp integrity and consequently improving hair appearance using an Anetholea anisita extract. METHODS: The effect of Anetholea anisita extract was investigated in vitro on human follicle dermal papilla cells (HFDPC), evaluating its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties by fluorescence staining and ELISA, respectively. Ex vivo measurement of the volume of human scalp sebaceous glands was performed using X-ray microtomography (micro-CT). The extract was then clinically tested on a population of dandruff sufferers presenting oily hair. Volunteers' sebum was collected on the scalp and analysed by LC-MS/MS or ELISA to identify SPMs and pro-inflammatory markers. Scalp integrity was assessed by measuring the pH and the TEWL. Sebum production, dandruff and hair gloss were also evaluated. RESULT: Anetholea anisita extract reduced IL-8 and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in HFDPC. Interestingly, this extract also decreased the volume of sebaceous glands as revealed by micro-CT. This result was confirmed in vivo by a decrease in sebum production in volunteers. Moreover, SPMs were analysed and detected in the scalp for the first time. An increase in Lipoxin B4 (LxB4) and Resolvin D1 and D2 (RvD1 and RvD2) was observed after Anetholea anisita treatment as well as decrease in pro-inflammatory sebum mediators expression such as PGE2, LTB4 and IL-8. Consequently, the scalp barrier was reinforced as observed through improved transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and skin surface pH, reducing dandruff and improving hair health. CONCLUSION: The present results suggest the potential of cosmetic applications of Anetholea anisita extract to improve scalp health by targeting inflammation pathways to decrease dandruff and improve hair condition.

OBJECTIF: Un facteur important et peu étudié pouvant mener à l'apparition des pellicules ou des cheveux gras est la qualité intrinsèque du stratum corneum (SC) du cuir chevelu, souvent déséquilibré et susceptible aux agressions. L'inflammation joue un rôle clé dans l'état de santé du cuir chevelu et par conséquent du cheveu. Les médiateurs lipidiques pro-résolution (SPMs) ont été étudiés dans la peau pour mettre fin au processus inflammatoire et promouvoir la régénération des tissus. Cependant, aucune étude n'avait été réalisée sur le cuir chevelu. Cette étude vise donc à étudier l'expression des SPMs et leurs rôles dans l'amélioration de l'intégrité du cuir chevelu et de l'apparence des cheveux en utilisant un extrait de Anetholea anisita. MÉTHODES: Les propriétés antioxydantes et anti-inflammatoires de l'Anetholea anisita ont été étudiées in vitro sur les cellules papillaires folliculaires dermiques humaines (HFDPC) par fluorescence et ELISA. La mesure ex vivo du volume des glandes sébacées du cuir chevelu humain a été réalisée par microtomographie à rayons X (micro-CT). L'extrait a ensuite été cliniquement testé sur des volontaires présentant des pellicules et des cheveux gras. Le sébum des volontaires a été prélevé sur le cuir chevelu et analysé par LC-MS/MS ou ELISA pour identifier les SPMs et les marqueurs pro-inflammatoires. L'intégrité du cuir chevelu a ensuite été évaluée en mesurant le pH et la perte en eau transépidermique. La production de sébum, les pellicules et la brillance des cheveux ont également été évalués. RÉSULTATS: L'extrait d'Anetholea anisita a réduit la production d'IL-8 et d'espèces réactives oxygénées sur HFDPC. Cet extrait a également diminué le volume des glandes sébacées. Ce résultat a été confirmé in vivo avec une diminution de la production de sébum chez les volontaires. De plus, les SPMs ont été analysés et détectés pour la première fois sur le cuir chevelu. Une augmentation de la Lipoxine B4 (LxB4) ainsi que des Resolvines D1 et D2 (RvD1 et RvD2) a été observée après le traitement par Anetholea anisita en plus d'une diminution de l'expression des médiateurs pro-inflammatoires tels que PGE2, LTB4 et IL-8. Par conséquent, la barrière du cuir chevelu a été renforcée comme observé avec une diminution de la PIE et un ajustement pH de la surface du scalp, réduisant les pellicules et améliorant la santé des cheveux. CONCLUSION: Les résultats obtenus montrent qu'un extrait d'Anetholea anisita permet d'améliorer la santé du cuir chevelu en ciblant les voies de l'inflammation et de la résolution permettant ainsi de renforcer la barrière du cuir chevelu, pour diminuer les pellicules et améliorer l'état des cheveux.

A Dunaliella salina Extract Counteracts Skin Aging under Intense Solar Irradiation Thanks to Its Antiglycation and Anti-Inflammatory Properties.

Glycation, and the resulting buildup of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), is recognized as a key driver of cumulative skin damage and skin aging. Dunaliella salina is a halophile microalga adapted to intense solar radiation through the production of carotenoids. We present a natural supercritical CO2 extract of Dunaliella salina rich in the colorless carotenoids phytoene and phytofluene. The extract exhibited antiglycation and anti-inflammatory activities in ex vivo testing, showing strongly reduced formation of N-ε-carboxy-methyl-lysine with exposure to methylglyoxal, reduced AGE receptor levels, and significantly reduced interleukins 6 and 8. In a placebo-controlled clinical study under intense solar exposure, the extract significantly reduced the skin's glycation scores and its sensitivity to histamine; key skin aging parameters were also significantly improved vs. placebo, including wrinkle counts and spots. These results demonstrate the value of this Dunaliella salina extract, rich in colorless carotenoids, as an antiglycative, anti-inflammatory, and antiaging active ingredient, including in high-irradiation contexts.

Preliminary Data on the Safety of Phytoene- and Phytofluene-Rich Products for Human Use including Topical Application.

The colorless carotenoids phytoene and phytofluene are comparatively understudied compounds found in common foods (e.g., tomatoes) and in human plasma, internal tissues, and skin. Being naturally present in common foods, their intake at dietary levels is not expected to present a safety concern. However, since the interest in these compounds in the context of many applications is expanding, it is important to conduct studies aimed at assessing their safety. We present here results of in vitro cytotoxicity and genotoxicity studies, revealing no significant cytotoxic or genotoxic potential and of short- and long-term human in vivo skin compatibility studies with phytoene- and phytofluene-rich tomato and Dunaliella salina alga extracts, showing a lack of irritancy or sensitization reactions. These results support the safe use of phytoene- and phytofluene-rich products in human topical applications.

Bimodal system (luminophore and paramagnetic contrastophore) derived from Ln(III) complexes based on a bipyridine-containing macrocyclic ligand.

The synthesis of a new 15-membered polyaza-macrocyclic ligand L3H3, which is based on a 2,2'-bipyridine moiety and a diethylenetriaminetriacetic acid core, is reported. The lanthanide chelates of this octadentate ligand were programmed for bimodal probes, luminescent agents (Sm, Eu, Tb, Dy), and magnetic resonance imaging agents (Gd3+). The neutral 1:1 complexes with these Ln3+ ions were prepared and studied in aqueous solution by luminescence and NMR techniques. The main photophysical characteristics of these complexes (i.e., the absorption and luminescence spectra, the metal-centered lifetimes, and the overall luminescence yields, Phi) were measured. In addition, the role played by nonradiative pathways (vibrational energy transfer involving coordinated water molecules, involvement of ligand-to-metal charge-transfer excited states, or metal --> ligand back transfer) is discussed. The L3.Eu and L3.Tb complexes show very bright luminescence when photoexcited from the lowest-energy absorption band of the bipyridine chromophore. The luminescence quantum yields in an air-equilibrated water solution at room temperature are 0.10 and 0.21, respectively, despite the presence of one water molecule in the first coordination sphere of the metal ion. NMR data show that L3.Gd contains also one H2O molecule in the inner sphere. The proton longitudinal relaxivity, r1, of this complex is 3.4 s(-1) mM(-1) (0.47 T, 310 K) and the rotational correlation time, tau(R), is 57 ps (310 K). These values are comparable to those of the clinically used Gd-DTPA. Interestingly, the water exchange rate between the coordination site and the bulk solvent is slow (tau(M) = 3.5 micros at 310 K). The presence of water molecules in the second sphere and in rapid exchange with the solvent is discussed. Finally, it was found by luminescence and NMR experiments that these lanthanide complexes are stable versus transmetalation by several cations (especially Ca2+ and Zn2+) at physiological pH and have no interaction with blood proteins.

Rational design of lipid for membrane protein crystallization.

The lipidic cubic phase has been used to grow crystals of membrane proteins for high-resolution structure determination. However, the original, so-called, in meso method does not work reliably at low temperatures, where proteins are generally more stable, because the hosting lipid turns solid. The need existed therefore for a lipid that forms the cubic phase and that supports crystal growth at low temperatures. We created a database of phase diagrams and used it to design such a lipid. X-ray diffraction showed that the new lipid exhibits designed phase behavior. Further, it produces diffraction quality membrane protein crystals by the in meso method at 6 degrees C. This demonstrates that lipidic materials, like their protein counterparts are amenable to rational design. The same approach as used in this study should find application in extending the range of membrane proteins crystallizable by the in meso method and in tailoring transport of cubic phases for controlled delivery and uptake.