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Antioxidant activity of topically applied lycopene
Abstract
Ultraviolet (UV) rays cause depletion of the antioxidant substances contained in the epidermis. This is the rationale for the use of topical antioxidant substances.
We studied the protective activity against UV radiation of a product based on lycopene and a product containing a mixture of vitamins E and C. Photostimulation was applied with a solar simulator and the cutaneous response was evaluated instrumentally.
The lycopene-based product had a much greater protective ability than the product containing the mixture of vitamins.
Lycopene has suitable characteristics to be used successfully in the prevention of cutaneous damage by free radicals. Its antioxidant ability is probably due to its high reductive power.
... [1,2] Due to its chemical structure, LYC is responsible for giving a reddish coloration to many foods such as tomatoes, pink grapefruit, red guava, watermelon and papaya been tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum) ingestion the main source of LYC in the human diet. [1,3,4] Although LYC from tomatoes can be widely used as a food colorant, searches shows that LYC could suffer degradation during processing, affecting the product final quality. [1,3,5] LYC degradation occur mainly by isomerization and oxidation processes. ...
... [1,3,4] Although LYC from tomatoes can be widely used as a food colorant, searches shows that LYC could suffer degradation during processing, affecting the product final quality. [1,3,5] LYC degradation occur mainly by isomerization and oxidation processes. LYC from tomatoes and tomato-based foods appear essentially in trans-configuration. ...
... [6,7] LYC has several pharmacological properties, such as antioxidant, cardioprotective, hypocholesterolemic, antineophasic, photoprotective, antidiabetic and antimicrobial activity. [3,[8][9][10][11] LYC uses in therapy is limited due to its insolubility in aqueous solvents, resulting in low bioavailability, however this fact can be circumvented by the drug incorporation in delivery nanosystems. [1,[12][13][14] In this way, the design of new nanocarriers for controlled LYC delivery comprises an few exploited and very interesting way to overcome drawbacks such as unspecific and uncontrolled delivery, low bioavailability, low stability in aqueous media, decrease of LYC bioactivity and changes in its pharmacology properties. ...
Lycopene (LYC), a natural compound responsible for the red color of some fruits like pink grapefruit, red guava, watermelon, papaya and, mainly, present in tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum). LYC has been extensively studied because of its various pharmacological properties such as antioxidant, cardioprotective, hypocholesterolemic, antineophasic, photoprotection, antidiabetic and antimicrobial activity. However, LYC uses in therapy is limited due to its insolubility in aqueous solvents, resulting in low bioavailability and stability. In order to overcome these drawbacks, it is essential to use of organic nanocarriers for LYC controlled release. Up to now, the description of LYC-loaded organic nanocarriers are scarce, mainly related to organic nanosystems based on lipid nanostructures such as nanoemulsions (NE), liposomes (LP), niosomes (NI), nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) and solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN). Taking into account the development of new formulations, is indispensable the use of sensitive and suitable analytical methods previously validated. Among the analytical methods described here, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) stands out due to its good accuracy, precision and desirable detection limit. In this review, we highlights the main biological and physicochemical properties of LYC, as well as LYC-based organic nanocarriers for controlled drug delivery and the analytical methods described in literature to determine LYC in any kind of matrix.
... It is liposoluble and has 11 conjugated and two nonconjugated double bonds (4). This carotenoid has the ability to neutralize reactive oxygen species, especially the singlet oxygen ( 1 O 2 ), thereby inhibiting the oxidative stress effects in the epidermis caused by UV rays (5). Skin aging is caused by both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. ...
... Because free radicals cause the reduction of antioxidant substances in the skin, topical antioxidants, such as carontenoids and lycopene in particular, can be successfully used to diminish or even avoid skin aging (5). Carotenoids are natural lipophilic pigments widely distributed in nature that have diverse biological functions and health benefits, acting as antioxidants, hormonal precursors, pigments, and essential components in photosynthesis. ...
... The analytical curve was obtained from the preparation of increasing concentrations of analytical lycopene standard carried out in triplicate. An R 2 value of 0.99925 was obtained according Equation 5. ...
Lycopene is a carotenoid found in tomatoes with potent antioxidant activity. The aim of the study was to obtain an extract containing lycopene from four types of tomatoes, validate a quantification method for the extracts by HPLC, and assess its antioxidant activity. Results revealed that the tomatoes analyzed contained lycopene and antioxidant activity. Salad tomato presented the highest concentration of this carotenoid and antioxidant activity. The quantification method exhibited linearity with a correlation coefficient of 0.9992. Tests for the assessment of precision, accuracy, and robustness achieved coefficients with variation of less than 5%. The LOD and LOQ were 0.0012 and 0.0039 μg/mL, respectively. Salad tomato can be used as a source of lycopene for the development of topical formulations, and based on performed tests, the chosen method for the identification and quantification of lycopene was considered to be linear, precise, exact, selective, and robust.
... This means that lycopene may have regenerative effects on irradiated cells, potentially contributing to the repair of photodamage caused by UV radiation [70]. Andreassi at al. (2004) conducted a study where 10 healthy volunteers (women and men, 20-42 years old, phototypes II and III) had gel formulations applied to their forearms. One group received gel with lycopene (at a concentration of 3 mg/cm 2 ), while another one received gel with vitamins C and E. After 30 min, the treated areas were irradiated with a UV lamp. ...
... One group received gel with lycopene (at a concentration of 3 mg/cm 2 ), while another one received gel with vitamins C and E. After 30 min, the treated areas were irradiated with a UV lamp. The study found that the lycopene-based product provided better protection, which confirms that it is a valuable antioxidant [71]. Stahl et al. (2001) carried out a study on 8 men and 14 women aged 26-67 (phototype II). ...
The skin, as an external organ, protects the entire body against harmful external factors. One of these factors is ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which in excessive amounts can lead to premature skin aging, DNA damage, and even skin cancer. Therefore, it is worth supporting skin protection not only with commercially available preparations, but also with a proper diet. Consuming certain vegetables and applying them topically may reduce the effects of UV radiation. The aim of the review was to collect information on the effects of vegetables and their compounds on the skin when used externally or included in the diet. This review summarizes studies on vegetables, such as broccoli, cucumber, kale, tomato, and carrot, which have shown significant activity in skin photoprotection. Additionally, it outlines the bioactive substances present in these vegetables and their effects.
... It has been marketed for its role as moisturizer as well as keratolytic. However, supportive studies are lacking [57] • Oatmeal (Avena sativa) baths for soothing rashes have been part of nursing practice since decades and are considered to be highly reliving to the patient [55] • Bioflavonoids, i.e., plant derived polyphenols are being promoted as topical antioxidants. As a result, they have found a suitable place as an additive to the moisturizers. ...
... However, how far they are useful in relieving the oxidant stress of the skin is yet to be proved. [57] 2. Antioxidants [58] : Are the agents which inhibit oxidation of ingredients by reacting with free radicals and blocking the chain reaction. Typical antioxidants are tocopherols (Vitamin E), butylated hydroxytoluene, and alkyl gallates. ...
Moisturizers are an important part of a dermatologist's armamentarium although little is written and well, a less is truly known about them. There is a cornucopia of projected skin products in the market whose real scientific role is not proven. These products although at times are regarded as mere cosmetics but have a well-known role in many skin disorders. Adequate knowledge about their mechanism of action, dosage, usage, and adverse effects is must for a dermatologist in this era. This article aims to bring forth the ever hidden facts of the much-hyped moisturizers. It is probably the first of its kind covering all aspects of moisturizers ranging from basic science to clinical usage, a subject that receives a short shrift in the current dermatological text.
... Lycopene has been proved a potent antioxidant that sequesters free radicals and prevents various diseases, such as cardiovascular disorders, cancer, and photo-damage [13,14]. A previous study revealed that lycopene-containing formulations demonstrated much higher protection than the products with multivitamins [17]. Hence, it is significant to fabricate lycopene-based topical formulation. ...
Carotenoids, including lycopene, are promising antioxidants that sequester free radicals and counterbalance oxidative stress, preventing cardiovascular diseases, cancer, photo-damage, and decelerating aging. Fabricating the antioxidant effective and stable topical formulations with efficient skin penetration and preserving their activity by minimizing the oxidative damage due to ionization, pH extremes, high storage temperature, and metal ions, has been challenging. Herein, we developed a lycopene-based topical emulgel and investigated its impact on biophysical parameters of human skin using non-invasive in vivo techniques and sensory evaluation for consumer acceptability to bottleneck the demerits of conventional formulations. The results demonstrated that the designed formulation significantly enhanced the skin hydration and elasticity, p-value < 0.05, whereas erythema, melanin and sebum contents were considerably reduced, p-value < 0.05, when compared with placebo formulation over 12 weeks. These findings were attributed to the potent antioxidant potential of lycopene that was preserved in the stable formulation, halting the cascade of free radical-related subsequent reactions in the skin. To the best of our knowledge, there is no report about the topical effects of lycopene-based emulgel in human volunteers. Besides, the average scores by the volunteers concerning sensory evaluation at the end of the 12th week of the study indicated that the formulation will be commercially acceptable by the consumers. We believe that formulation will be valuable commercially in promoting the treatment of topical infections, such as acne, and oxidative stress-related skin disorders, and decelerating the aging process.
... It has been used as a moisturizer and keratolytic in the market (25). Pure solutions of allantoin are used for ulcer treatment. ...
: Chronic wound healing remains a complicated issue in the world's scientific health society. Alterations in the human body conditions such as biochemical, immunological, and physiological states may lead to non-healing wounds, making the treatment an insurmountably long and expensive procedure. Diabetes mellitus disposes the body to many complicated conditions while preventing diabetic wounds away from the normal wound-healing process. As topical administration is a favorable route of treating wounds, here, in this article, different topical materials and their roles are briefly reviewed.
... Lycopene in its original form is a lyophilic drug [3]. Lycopene-based product had a much greater protective ability from photodamage than the product containing the mixture of vitamins and lycopene has suitable characteristics to be used successfully in the prevention of cutaneous damage by free radicals [4]. The antioxidant ability of lycopene was probably due to its high reductive power. ...
Objective: The objective of the present investigation was to design and evaluate a gel containing lycopene loaded colloidal microparticles. Methods: The lycopene loaded colloidal microparticles were successfully prepared by Cloud point technique to form colloids using Tween 40 and Tween 60 surfactant solution and then incorporated into microparticles by solvent evaporation method using polymer like HPMC and ethyl cellulose. These colloidal microparticles were evaluated for particle size (PS), drug loading (DL), entrapment efficiency (EE), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Further, these colloidal microparticles were incorporated into a topical formulation i.e., gel. This topical formulation was then evaluated for macroscopic examination, viscosity, drug content, spreadability, antioxidant activity, in vitro permeation and release kinetics. Results: Colloidal microparticles were successfully prepared and the particle size, drug loading and entrapment efficiency were found to be 249.45±14.2 μm, 49.8±0.96 % and 93.4±0.26 % respectively. FTIR study depicted no chemical interaction between pure drug lycopene and other excipients. The topical formulation showed sustained release and followed Korsmeyer-Peppas release kinetics model. Conclusion: The sustained release topical formulation of lycopene was successfully prepared using Tween 40 and Tween 60 surfactant solution and combination of HPMC and ethyl cellulose and evaluated for several parameters.
... Lycopene protects the skin against UV damage [61] through the downregulation of epidermal ornithine decarboxylase activity, the maintenance of cell proliferation at normal levels and the prevention of DNA damage from apoptosis blockage (in particular by blocking caspase-3 of apoptotic pathway) [62]. Topical delivery of lycopene contained in a microemulsion is a convenient way to increase lycopene delivery to the skin and the antioxidant activity in the tissue [63]. ...
The increased consumer awareness towards hazards related with sun exposure has given a boost in the cosmetics industry and particularly the sun care market. Human skin is continually being threatened by the UV irradiation present in sunlight and acute UV exposure leads to skin photoaging. Cosmetic and/or dermatological applications include several bioactive compounds that contribute to the regulation of epidermal homeostasis by providing protection against solar radiation and improving the antioxidant activity of epidermis. Plant extracts are sources of active ingredients with intense therapeutic properties, and the topical application or oral intake of these compounds could ameliorate skin condition. Nowadays, there is a growing demand for the application of the bioactive agents contained in agro-industrial byproducts in sun care products, since many of them have shown promising properties as skin photoprotectants. However, well-conducted clinical studies are required to prove their safety and efficacy before they could be regularly used. Environmentally friendly extraction and sustainable techniques are therefore under examination for recovering such compounds from agro-industrial byproducts and converting them into innovative high-value natural ingredients used in cosmetic formulations.
... Among all carotenoids, the antioxidant activity of lycopene is the strongest, so that it reveals an excellent physiological activity. The content of lycopene in human body is closely correlated with the occurrence and development of cancers and many chronic diseases [6][7][8][9][10]. Although lycopene is widely distributed in nature, its content is still 1 3 limited. ...
To investigate the effect of ultra-fine pulverization technology on properties of tomato peel residues, a series of analytical techniques including laser particle size analysis, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray energy-dispersive spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, zeta potential and antioxidant activity assay have been applied to comparative analysis of particle size distribution, specific surface area, microstructure, absorption intensity ratio of chemical functional groups, stability and solubility of dispersion solution, in vitro antioxidative activity and other biological activities of the powder samples prepared from tomato peel residues subjected to ultra-fine pulverization. The results showed that the structure and cell wall of the ultra-fine powder (300 mesh powder) prepared from tomato peel residues revealed more serious damage when compared with the coarse powder (80 mesh powder), the smaller diameter of the 300 mesh powder was reduced by 10 times, but the specific surface area of the 300 mesh powder was increased by four times when compared with the 80 mesh powder; meanwhile, the relative content of each functional group with high absorption intensity was higher than that in 80 mesh powder prepared from tomato peel residues; in addition, the dispersion stability of 300 mesh powder from tomato peel residues was better than that of 80 mesh powder in aqueous solution. Moreover, in vitro antioxidant activity of ultra-fine power was significantly higher than that of the coarse power. This study may help for tomato in deep processing.
... Substances able to prevent cutaneous damages by free radicals are widely studied 1 . In this context, natural antioxidants such as green-tea polyphenols 2-4 , resveratrol 5,6 , quercetin 7 , and lycopene 8 , among others, are objects of research for this purpose. ...
Considering the antioxidant activity of the Trichilia catigua extract (TCE), the aim of the current study was to develop and characterize W/O/W multiple emulsions containing different vegetable oils as a platform to deliver a TCE. The extract displayed antioxidant activity (IC50) of 4.59 mg/mL and total phenol content (TPC) of 50.84%. Formulations were prepared by the phase-inversion emulsification method and analyzed for morphological appearance, pH, conductivity, droplet size and distribution, content of active, rheological properties, in vitro release, skin permeation, and stability. Formulations prepared with canola oil were selected and displayed regular morphology, mean diameter 2.77 mm (without TCE), 3.07 mm with 0.5% and
3.23 mm with 1.0% TCE. Rheometry (flow) showed pseudoplastic behavior with minimal thixotropy for both systems. TCE could be released from emulsions containing 1.0% and 0.5% TCE in a controlled manner for 16 and 23 h, respectively. The emulsions allowed good retention of TCE in the skin (stratum corneum, epidermis, and dermis). In a 180-d assessment of accelerated chemical stability, TPC was more reduced for the emulsions at 40 ºC; other parameters remained stable. Multiple emulsions containing TCE were developed, exhibited good characteristics, and may be considered for future investigations as anti-aging formulations for the skin.
... Lycopene contains many double-conjugated bonds, which can trap singlet oxygen and react with free radicals [121]. It is up to 10-fold more efficient at quenching singlet oxygen than -tocopherol orcarotene [122]. This antioxidant protects skin against acute and potentially longer-term photodamage [123]. ...
Topically applied natural antioxidants can be an effective treatment for inhibiting oxidative damage and photoaging of the skin. Due to the barrier function of the stratum corneum (SC), it is necessary to use an enhancement approach to promote the cutaneous absorption of natural antioxidants. Some factors that should be considered when developing delivery systems for natural antioxidants include increased solubility, enhanced storage stability, improved permeability and bioavailability, skin targeting, and minimal side effects. This review describes the skin delivery systems for natural antioxidant permeation that have been developed during the last decade. The antioxidants introduced include vitamins, polyphenols, and carotenoids. Various types of formulations are employed to improve the skin penetration of the antioxidants, such as hydrogels, cyclodextrin, microemulsions, nanoparticles, liposomes and niosomes. This review focuses on the introduction of natural antioxidants used in skin protection, the mechanisms of antioxidant activity on the skin, and formulation designs for enhancing absorption and efficacy.
... Research has shown that compounds such as polyphenolic agents can scavenge oxidative radicals and reduce skin damage. Some studies on topically applied antioxidant drugs have confirmed the above findings and have demonstrated that photodamage decreases when the skin is supplemented with antioxidants [14][15][16]. ...
A new strategy was designed to evaluate the antioxidant effectiveness of five topically applied polyphenols following skin penetration profiles. The antioxidants were the following polyphenol derivatives: Epicatechin, Resveratrol, Rutin, Quercetin, and Trolox which was used as the reference antioxidant. The hydrophilic / lipophilic character of these compounds was evaluated, and their antioxidant activity was measured by the DPPH(•) method. The percutaneous absorption of these polyphenols was obtained by an in vitro methodology using porcine skin biopsies. This methodology involves the quantification of the antioxidants present in each specific skin layer to evaluate antioxidant effectiveness. The antioxidant activity in each skin layer was also determined by the DPPH(•) method. The results indicated that lipophilic antioxidants (Epicatechin, Resveratrol, Quercetin and Trolox) penetrated deeper into the skin layers, whereas a more hydrophilic compound, Rutin, remained on the skin surface. The antioxidant evaluation of each skin compartment suggested that Resveratrol and Rutin were the most effective topically applied compounds in view of their antioxidant activity and their skin penetration profile.
... This association of extracts modulates -endorphin, enkephalin, CGRP, substance P, IL-1␣, TNF-␣ and IL-10 levels in normal human keratinocytes in basal conditions, as well as under conditions of acute or chronic exposure to UV radiation Dieamant et al. (2008) Lycopene a Employed in several formulations for topical use, lycopene shows hight therapeutic potential to recover epidermal antioxidants lost as a result of UV exposure and, in addition, acts to protect the skin from damage caused by UV. Lycopene was also found to work as a preventive agent by inhibiting the activity of epidermal ornithine decarboxylase, reducing inflammation, maintaining cell proliferation at normal levels and, possibly, preventing damage to DNA from apoptosis blockage (in particular by inhibition of caspase-3), after exposure to UVB Andreassi et al. (2004), Fazekas et al. (2003 Mangifera indica L. extract ...
... Readings of TEWL were registered in g/m 2 .h during 2 min after 30 s probe equilibration on the skin (Maia Campos et al., 2006;Gaspar and Maia Campos, 2003;Andreassi et al., 2004). The UV-induced skin barrier damage, assessed by TEWL measurements, is due to abnormalities in the structures related to corneocytes adhesion and to disruption of the epidermal permeability barrier function (Meguro et al., 1999). ...
The beneficial photoprotective effects of topical formulations containing combined extracts of Ginkgo biloba (GB) and green tea (GT) have not been investigated. The present study aims to assess the photoprotective effects of topical formulations containing GB and GT combined or not by applications on the dorsal skin of hairless mice prior to UVA/B irradiation. After 20 h, skin barrier damage (TEWL), erythema, histological alterations and sunburn cell formation were evaluated. The results showed that only extract supplemented formulations protected the skin against the UV-induced damage. Formulations containing GB provided total protection of the skin barrier function avoiding UV radiation damage such as TEWL and erythema and were more effective than those containing GT. However, it is suggested that formulations containing combined GB and GT may provide substantial photoprotective effects since different aspects of skin damage were influenced by each extract.
The term cosmeceutical refers to a category of skincare products that are purported to have active ingredients whose physiological or pharmacological actions are capable of inducing cosmetic enhancements to the skin. Given a demand for brighter, healthier, younger‐appearing skin, and relatively limited regulatory control, thousands of different cosmeceutical formulations have found their way onto store shelves and onto the skin of hopeful consumers, despite a lack of scientific evidence. This chapter summarizes new and old, common and rare cosmeceutical ingredients; their uses and side effects; and the science, where available, behind the claims.
Di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is commonly used as a plasticizer in plastic products, and due to its unique chemical composition, it frequently dissolves and enters the environment. Lycopene as a natural carotenoid has been shown to have powerful antioxidant capacity and strong kidney protection. This study aimed to investigate the role of the interplay between oxidative stress and the classical pyroptosis pathway in LYC alleviating DEHP-induced renal injury. ICR mice were given DEHP (500 mg/kg/d or 1000 mg/kg/d) and/or LYC (5 mg/kg/d) for 28 days to explore the underlying mechanisms of this hypothesis. Our results indicated that DEHP caused the shedding of renal tubular epithelial cells, increased the content of kidney injury molecule-1 (Kim-1) and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) in the tissue, the decrease of antioxidant activity markers and the increase of oxidative stress indexes. It is gratifying that LYC alleviates DEHP-induced renal injury. The expression of nuclear factor erythrocyte 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and its downstream target genes is improved in DEHP induced renal injury through LYC mediated protection. Meanwhile, LYC supplementation can inhibit DEHP-induced Caspase-1/NLRP3-dependent pyroptosis and inflammatory responses. Taken together, DEHP administration resulted in nephrotoxicity, but these changes ameliorated by LYC may through crosstalk between the Nrf2/Keap-1/NLRP3/Caspase-1 pathway. Our study provides new evidence that LYC protects against kidney injury caused by DEHP.
Carotenoids possess strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions in addition to a plethora of other properties. These actions of carotenoids are primarily due to their structure which dictate their functions. Because of their protective potential in disease states, carotenoids are associated with prevention and/or treatment of various neurological diseases. In this chapter, the role(s) of carotenoids in various neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, mild cognitive impairment, neurological trauma, brain tumor, schizophrenia, depression, Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis, have been reviewed. A number of studies report associations of low levels of carotenoids with higher likelihood of neurological diseases. Other investigations describe beneficial and protective effects of pharmacological or dietary interventions which lead to enhancement of carotenoids levels in the body. However, further validation of these beneficial actions is required both in clinical and animal studies. Development of good animal models of neurological diseases will help.
Skin is a larger protective organ of the body, which not only acts as barrier but also depicts health status, age, appeal and attractiveness. It has many structures which work collectively to perform all its functions. We are what we eat, so nutrition plays important role in judgmental view of skin and research studies regarding dietary and topical intervention of various nutrients are in progress for a healthy skin. Among these dietary factors carotenoids have gained the attention of researchers, nutraceutical and cosmetic industries. Various studies have demonstrated the role of carotenoids (β-carotene, lycopene, lutein, canthaxanthin, asthaxanthin, phytoene, phytofluene and Dihydroxy-isorenieratene) in protection of skin from hazardous factors hindering the beauty and protective functions of skin. Layers of skin (mainly epidermis and dermis) have varying quantity of these carotenoids and can be measured invasively and non-invasively using different techniques. Furthermore different factors including diet, topical application, seasons, stress factors, radiations and production of free radicals can affect the levels of carotenoids in skin. Various diseases can be prevented by supplementing the skin (systemically or topically) with appropriate amounts of carotenoids. Most of the shielding effects of carotenoids are attributed to their free radical quenching activities. Moreover, these are also involved in immunomodulatory and altered enzyme activities. Carotenoids give skin a yellowish tone, which along with other pigmenting substances give skin an acceptable and attractive appearance. The studies show promising effects of carotenoids for various skin diseases but more intervention based research is needed to validate the results on human subjects.
Cosmeceuticals have biologically active ingredients and show beneficial results. However, they may not be US FDA approved. Most cosmeceuticals are made of extracts from marine algae, fruits, herbs, and other botanicals, and these ingredients may be existing already. There are a number of topical antiaging cos‐meceuticals that patients can use depending on their needs. Also known as fruit acids, alpha‐hydroxy acids (AHAs) are a group of chemical compounds that consist of a carboxylic acid substituted with a hydroxyl group on the adjacent carbon. The cosmetic and the pharmaceutical market is flooded with lightening products each claiming to be the best, but with limited clinical evidence to support their claim. Botanicals are active compounds that are isolated from plants. The potential concerns could be the lack of proper testing for efficacy. There are many false claims made, and products are highly priced.
Beta-carotene is the major provitamin A carotenoid of nutritional relevance followed by alpha-carotene, lycopene, beta-cryptoxanthin, lutein, zeaxanthin and others from more than 600 known carotenoids taken up from fruit and vegetables. About 50 to 60 of these have provitamin A activity (1,2). The bioavailability of beta-carotene is highly variable and depends on various factors like the amount of carotenoids, the food source, dietary factors like fat content and type as well as inter-individual differences in absorption (3-5). There was no evidence of toxicity found so far (6). The uptake of carotenoids by the skin might additionally be influenced by cigarette smoking and UV-light (7,8).
Over a lifetime, the epidermal layer of skin changes in structure and functionality, which contributes to the appearance of the clinical signs that characterize cutaneous aging, such as the appearance of wrinkles and pigmentation disorders, hydration dysfunction, and even cancer development. The search for effective treatments should consider the main biological functions of the epidermis affected by aging, including cell renewal and barrier integrity, antioxidant mechanisms and response to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, water-ion balance, and epidermal defense mechanisms. Several natural extracts and isolated compounds have been suggested in the literature as antiaging agents. However, a critical evaluation is essential to understand their mechanisms of action and how they could contribute to the development of promising therapeutic alternatives, in particular for the specific case of epidermal aging.
Over a lifetime, the epidermal layer of skin changes in structure and functionality, which contributes to the appearance of the clinical signs that characterize cutaneous aging, such as the appearance of wrinkles and pigmentation disorders, hydration dysfunction, and even cancer development. The search for effective treatments should consider the main biological functions of the epidermis affected by aging, including cell renewal and barrier integrity, antioxidant mechanisms and response to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, water-ion balance, and epidermal defense mechanisms. Several natural extracts and isolated compounds have been suggested in the literature as antiaging agents. However, a critical evaluation is essential to understand their mechanisms of action and how they could contribute to the development of promising therapeutic alternatives, in particular for the specific case of epidermal aging.
Hand eczema is common and multifactorial. A wide range of approaches is available for the management of the condition, in which moisturizing creams or emollients are important treatment adjuncts, both in the acute phase and to prevent outbreaks of eczema. However, moisturizers contain a great variety of ingredients that have different effects on the skin, some of which may be deleterious. The products can be regulated as pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and cosmetics.
The first-generation moisturizers were occlusive emollients based on petrolatum to reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and to allow the epidermis to heal itself. The second-generation moisturizers contained humectants to bind water and lipids for temporary barrier improvement. Today’s “regular” moisturizers offer occlusive and humectant activity. The future products have occlusive and humectant properties and will contain ingredients for stimulating barrier repair based upon different dry syndromes. Products that not only diminish dryness symptoms but also repair the skin barrier and prevent barrier disruption would be the most valuable moisturizers. Thus, more evidence on their effectiveness compared to no treatment and compared to a reference or placebo is needed.
The term “cosmeceuticals”, suggested by Kligman more than 20 years ago, refers to topical products that lie in a gray zone where they are viewed as having both pharmaceutical and cosmetic properties [1]. Although the neologism was innovative and relevant, it was rejected from the US Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act that, according to the 1938s US Congress, labels as drug every substance for use in the diagnosis, cure, treatment or prevention of disease, and as cosmetic any product intended for beautifying and promoting attractiveness. In spite of this, the term cosmeceuticals has recently been gaining increasing popularity, as the term cosmetic seems to be restrictive for those substances that have druglike beneficial effects. On the other hand, the “cosmeceuticals” concept has caused a lot of confusion, because of similar neologisms such as neutraceuticals and/or neoceuticals. Actually, in USA and Canada, most cosmeceuticals are regulated as over the counter (OTC) products, while in Europe they are considered as cosmetics. Only in Japan, a new class of products, called quasi-drugs, has been created [2].
Chicken and turkey sperm contains high amounts of PUFAs and spontaneous peroxidation occurs during in vitro storage. For this reason, the addition of antioxidant to diluent takes special interest in the improvement of commercial extenders. The effects of lycopene added to fowl sperm was the object of this study. Semen of 13 roosters, from 36th to 43rd week of age, was collected and pooled. Fresh semen was evaluated at 0 h time and 4 aliquots of 500μL were diluted to 2×109 sperm/mL by diluent Lake or Lake and lycopene at different concentrations (500μg/mL, 250μg/mL and 100μg/mL) and stored at 13/14°C in a water bath for 24 h. Motility, forward progressive motility and viability were evaluated at 1 h, 6 h and 24 h. Sperm motility and forward progressive motility were not significantly (P > 0.05) affected by lycopene inclusion. For 500μg/mL treatment the viability parameter was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than for Lake or Lake with 250μg/mL and higher for Lake with 100μg/mL. Besides, among the treatments the 500μg/mL of lycopene reduced the viability loss between 6 h and 24 h of incubation. The results of the present study suggest positive effects of lycopene supplementation to extender on fowl sperm survival during liquid storage.
The majority of cellular and molecular mechanisms of chronological and extrinsic skin aging have been the subject of excellent quality studies and therefore are well known. However, some aspects remain not well elucidated and controversial. On the other hand, the search for treatments for prevention, control and reversion of photoaging has been of great interest. Some available studies have been conducted without the appropriate scientific design. Many anti-aging active substances are incorporated to cosmeceutical products which are considered between cosmetics and drugs. As they are OTC products, their registration is easier than drugs with no need to be submitted to randomized controlled clinical trials. In general they do not cause serious adverse events since their concentrations are much lower than the demonstrated effective in pre-clinical studies. Also many of them do not have a proven action that can interfere with any of the known skin aging mechanisms. They may bring some advantage but it is impossible to be sure that they will do exactly what the "Cosmeceutical" Industry promises. It depends on the dermatologist sense to decide when and which of these products will honestly promote benefit to the patient. This article is a revision of known skin aging mechanisms and active substances of the cosmeceuticals introduced on market in the last years.
Traditional remedies and preparation used for the treatment of skin, or the folk preparations used for healing skin diseases are known to be as Cosmeceuticals and cosmetics. The desire of gook looking and to be beautiful gave a huge market for the cosmetics. This is not a new tradition for human to look good; it has been a long ancient follow through for both the sexes to be presentable by beauty. For now, the desire of both the sexes to look younger than there age, to be fare and charming have directly increased the demand of herbal cosmetics as well as of the Cosmeceuticals in the market. The herbal formulations have been the first choice of the customers. For the reason of being less side effective and thought to be more potent than the synthetic formulations. There has been a long use of turmeric and sandalwood to be applied of face for fairness and freshness. As like many other herbs are used in daily life to be called as cosmetics and the preparation from them to be called as Cosmeceuticals. The above article is an effort to describe clearly both the terms and the relation between them. INTRODUCTION: Cosmeceuticals term was first used by Raymond Reed founding member of U.S Society of Cosmetics Chemist at 1961. He actually used the word to explain the active and science based cosmetics 1, 2 . The above term was further coined used and popularized by Dr Albert Kligman in the year 1984 to refer the substances that exert both cosmetic and therapeutic benefits. With the increase of prescription from tretinoin used for anti wrinkle preparation the term "Cosmeceuticals" gained the ideology as a cosmetic that has or is purposed to have medical properties.
Feral populations of autumn olive (Elaeagnus umbellata Thunb) exist throughout the eastern United States. The plants are tolerant of a wide range of environmental conditions and thrive on poor soils. In 2001, researchers published evidence that the red berries of autumn olive have a high carotenoid content, and particularly high levels of lycopene (30-70 mg/100g). Lycopene has powerful antioxidant properties, making it of interest for nutraceutical use, and also provides natural red color for food use. Managed plantings consisting of three cultivars and four wild selections were established in Maryland to evaluate genotypes and management practices for potential commercial fruit production. Annual productivity of autumn olive ranged from 0.5 to 15 kg/plant. Mechanical harvesting was accomplished using a commercial blueberry harvester on plants that had been pruned for mechanical harvest. Berries were high in soluble solids and acidity, similar to blueberries and blackberries, but somewhat astringent. Approximately 10% of the total berry weight is in the seed. Lycopene content differed among genotypes ranging from 33.6 mg/100 g to 55.3 mg/100 g for 'Delightful' and USMD3, respectively. The productivity under low-input management, and the possibility for machine harvest indicate that autumn olive may be a commercially viable crop, especially on low-fertility and sandy soils that may be unsuitable for other agricultural uses. Differences in yield and fruit lycopene content indicate an opportunity for selecting genotypes superior for fruit production.
Tomato is the principal source of lycopene, a carotenoid with high antioxidant activity which can be used topically as a phytocosmetic to combat skin aging. The aim of this study was to get a lycopene-rich extract from salad tomato pulp. The extract was analyzed using UV/vis spectroscopy, thin layer chromatography and high performance liquid chromatography. Oxidant activity was analyzed using the free radical DPPH method. The presence of lycopene in the salad tomato was confirmed. It was present in the apolar fraction rich in carotenoids, which was 96.70% lycopene. In the evaluation of the antioxidant activity, using the radical DPPH, the extract showed activity (IC50 = 0,311 mg/mL). We conclude that the salad tomato can be used as a source of antioxidants for topic use.
This experimental work aimed to develop a simple, fast, economic and environmental friendly process for the extraction of lycopene from tomato and incorporate this lycopene-rich-extract in ultradeformable vesicular nanocarriers suitable for topical application. The lycopene extraction was carried out without a co-solvent for 30 min. The extracts were analyzed and incorporated in transfersomes and ethosomes. These formulations were characterized and the cellular uptake was observed by confocal microscopy. Dermal delivery of lycopene formulations was tested in vitro and in vivo conditions. Lycopene extraction proved to be quite safe and selective. The vesicular formulation was uptaken by the cells being more concentrated around the nucleus. Lycopene formulations epicutaneous application decreased anthralin-induced ear swelling by 97% and 87%, in a non-statistically different manner from the positive control. These results support that the lycopene-rich extract may be a good alternative to the expensive commercial lycopene to be incorporated in advanced topical delivery systems.
The skin is a very complex organ, continuously exposed to physical, chemical and microbiological agents. Enzymes as well as low-molecular weight antioxidants are present in the cutaneous tissue to counterbalance the deleterious effect caused by an oxidative stress and thus maintain homeostasis. Antioxidants such as vitamins C and E, carotenoids, and extracts with these properties have been extensively used for treatment of pathologies and skin aging prevention. We review here different mechanisms that can interfere in the redox equilibrium of the skin, as well as the chemical reactions involved in these processes. Moreover, we discuss the importance of endogenous or exogenous antioxidants that can be acquired from the diet or from oral or topical administration, and methodologies that have been developed to evaluate their efficacy.
IntroductionOxidants And AntioxidantsNatural Antioxidants (Phytoantioxidants)Measuring Antioxidant CapacityClinical Studies Of Nutritional And Topical AntioxidantsFrom The Plate To The Jar To The Stratum CorneumMultiple Phytoantioxidants In Cosmetics: A Case StudyConclusions And PerspectivesReferences
Cutaneous delivery of combinations of antioxidants offers the possibility of enhanced protection against UV-radiation. In this study, we investigated the potential of sugar-based microemulsions containing monoglycerides to promote simultaneous cutaneous delivery of lycopene and ascorbic acid, and increase tissue antioxidant activity. Lycopene and ascorbic acid were incorporated (0.04% and 0.2% (w/w), respectively) in decylglucoside-based microemulsions containing isopropyl myristate mixed with monocaprylin (ME-MC), monolaurin (ME-ML) or monoolein (ME-MO) as oil phase. The microemulsions increased lycopene delivery into porcine ear skin by 3.3- to 8-fold compared to a drug solution. The effect of microemulsions on ascorbic acid cutaneous delivery was more modest (1.5-3-fold), and associated with an approximately 2-fold increase in transdermal delivery. According to their penetration-enhancing ability, the microemulsions were ranked ME-MC>ME-MO>ME-ML. This superiority of ME-MC coincided with a stronger effect in decreasing skin electrical resistance. After 18 h of treatment, the viability of bioengineered skin treated with ME-MC was 2.2-times higher compared to Triton-X100 (moderate irritant), demonstrating that ME-MC is less cytotoxic. Skin treatment with ME-MC containing both antioxidants increased the tissue antioxidant activity by 10.2-fold, but no synergism between the antioxidants was observed.
The human organism has developed a protection system against the destructive effect of free radicals. The aim of the present study was to investigate the extent of exogenous stress factors such as disinfectant and IR-A radiation on the skin, and their influence on the kinetics of carotenoids distribution during the recovery process. Ten healthy volunteers were assessed with resonance spectroscopy using an Argon-laser at 488 nm to excite the carotenoids in vivo. Additionally, Raman-confocal-micro-spectroscopy measurements were performed using a model 3510 Skin Composition Analyzer with spatially resolved measurements down to 30 μm. The measurements were performed at a baseline of 20, 40, 60, and 120 min after an external stressor consisting either of water-filtered infrared A (wIRA) with 150 mW∕cm(2) or 1 ml∕cm(2) of an alcoholic disinfectant. Both Raman methods were capable to detect the infrared-induced depletion of carotenoids. Only Raman-microspectroscopy could reveal the carotenoids decrease after topical disinfectant application. The carotenoid-depletion started at the surface. After 60 min, recovery starts at the surface while deeper parts were still depleted. The disinfectant- and wIRA-induced carotenoid depletion in the epidermis recovers from outside to inside and probably delivered by sweat and sebaceous glands. We could show that the Raman microscopic spectroscopy is suited to analyze the carotenoid kinetic of stress effects and recovery.
Environmental factors like air pollutants, radiation of the sun and stress factors such as illness, smoking, or alcohol abuse produce free radicals in the human tissue as well as in the skin. Free radicals serve as the main cause for premature skin aging. Additionally, they also contribute towards immunosuppression and the formation of skin diseases including cancer. The human organism has developed a protection system against the destructive action of free radicals by means of the antioxidant network. In the present study, the interaction of free radicals and carotenoid antioxidants in the human skin under in vivo conditions was investigated and summarized. The measurement of carotenoids in human skin was performed in vivo using resonance Raman spectroscopy.
The influence of stress factors on human skin induces the production of free radicals. Free radicals react immediately with antioxidants contained in the skin, giving rise to their depletion and with the surrounding molecules, resulting in their damage, disorganization and even destruction. High amounts of free radicals are produced in the upper skin layers, i.e. mainly in the epidermis, subsequent to sun irradiation. Irradiation of the skin in the infra-red (IR) range of the spectra, applied at physiological doses, can produce free radicals. The magnitude of destruction of antioxidants, such as carotenoids, can serve as a marker of the extent of the stress factor, characterized by the quantity of produced free radicals. In this study, measurements on the degradation of cutaneous carotenoids following IR skin irradiation of 12 healthy volunteers (skin type II), with two IR sources (standard infrared radiator = SIR and water filter infrared = wIRA) were taken using resonance Raman spectroscopy. Topical application of the antioxidant beta-carotene (2 mg/cm(2) ) provided protection for the human skin when exposed to IR radiation. The magnitude of the degradation of dermal carotenoids after IR irradiation was significantly higher for SIR than for wIRA irradiation, for both non-treated and cream-treated skin areas. The amount of destroyed carotenoids after IR irradiation was higher in the case of pretreatment with beta-carotene than for the untreated skin, indicating that the superficial part of antioxidants is most important for protecting against external stressors. The direct comparison of beta-carotene content was significantly higher for the cream-treated compared to untreated areas for all pairs: baseline, wIRA, after wIRA, baseline SIR and after SIR. Additionally, topically applied carotenoids as a single antioxidant component are less stable than the carotenoids in the skin incorporated by nutrition and accumulated in a mixture with different antioxidant substances. Resonance Raman spectroscopy can be used for the non-invasive measurements of carotenoids, which can be rated as marker substances of redox processes.
Since its initial approval by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 20 years ago for the treatment of strabismus, hemifacial spasm, and blepharospasm in adults, botulinum toxin (BTX) has become one of the most frequently requested products in cosmetic rejuvenation around the world. After years of clinical success and consistent safety in the upper face, the use of BTX has expanded and evolved to include increasingly complicated indications. In the hands of adept injectors, the focus has shifted from the treatment of individual dynamic rhytides to shaping, contouring, and sculpting, alone or in combination with other cosmetic procedures, to enhance the aesthetic appearance of the face. Although recent reports have questioned the safety of BTX, 25 years of therapeutic and over 20 years of cosmetic use has demonstrated an impressive record of safety and efficacy when used appropriately by experienced injectors.
Cosmeceuticals are topically applied products that are more than merely cosmetic, yet are not true drugs that have undergone rigorous placebo controlled studies for safety and efficacy. There are many review articles that outline the theoretical biologic and clinical actions of these cosmeceuticals and their various ingredients. This article reviews how to incorporate various cosmeceuticals into the treatment regime of patients, depending on the diagnosis and therapies chosen. The practical application of when, why, and on whom to use different products will enable dermatologists to improve the methodology of product selection and, ultimately, improve patient's clinical results.
Adding volume to the aging face is a notion that has come into vogue as of late but is, however, not a new idea. With the advent of miro-liposuction techniques, there is renewed interest in the use of aspirated fat. Commercial fillers have a valuable place in the cosmetic surgeon's armamentarium and offer immediate volume correction with a more modest financial commitment. Nevertheless, the standardization of fat grafting techniques marks an exciting shift in facial aesthetics with the ability to correct all aspects of the aging face with safe, natural, and lasting results.
Similar to other antiaging procedures like Botox, skin rejuvenation, and facial plastic surgery, spider vein therapy is seen as a way to reverse the signs of aging. This article will introduce the clinician to this issue and describe treatment, which may be accomplished with the same lasers used for laser hair reduction.
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is an FDA-approved photo therapy for the treatment of a variety of conditions such as acne and hirsutism. It utilizes the principle of selective photothermolysis. Photothermolysis allows a specific wavelength to be delivered to a chromophore of a designated tissue while leaving the surrounding tissue unaffected. The results of IPL are similar to that of laser treatments but it offers the advantage of a relative low cost. It is a safe and rapid treatment with minimal discomfort to the patient.
Laser aesthetic procedures have substantially increased in popularity for both women and men over the past several years. As public awareness grows, so does the demand for the safe and effective delivery of these services. Gynecologists and other primary care providers are offering laser aesthetic procedures to meet their own patient demand.
We compared the ability of pure lycopene (Lyco) versus lycopene phytocomplex (LycoC) to induce apoptosis in vitro. We found that LycoC, but not Lyco, was able to trigger apoptosis in HL60 cells, as documented by subdiploid DNA content and phosphatidylserine exposure. LycoC-induced apoptosis was associated with reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and loss of mitochondrial transmembrane potential, suggesting that LycoC triggered apoptosis via a mitochondrial pathway. We also verified the redox state of cells by measuring glutathione (GSH) content, but only a small percentage of cells showed GSH depletion, suggesting that the loss of GSH may be a secondary consequence of ROS generation. Moreover, LycoC pretreatment effectively increased apoptosis induced by photodynamic therapy (PDT), a mode of cancer treatment using a photosensitizer and visible light. LycoC pretreatment was even more potent in improving PDT than pretreatment with ascorbic acid or alpha-tocopherol (or the two combined). Our results demonstrate that LycoC has a stronger cytotoxic effect than Lyco and is a better source of agents able to trigger apoptosis in HL60 cells and improve the efficacy of PDT in vitro.
The stability of ascorbic acid, ascorbyl palmitate and magnesium ascorbyl phosphate (VC-PMG) in both standard solutions and topical formulations was investigated by direct RP-HPLC analysis after sample dilution with a suitable aqueous-organic solvent mixture. The results showed that, whereas the two vitamin C derivatives were more stable than ascorbic acid, the ascorbyl esters showed significant differences. Esterification with palmitic acid in 6 position did not prevent hydrolysis of the molecule, either in solution or in emulsion; only the special preparation of products with high viscoelastic properties was able to reduce the typical behaviour of this compound. Conversely, the introduction of the phosphoric group in 2 position protected the molecule from break-up of the enediol system, confirming VC-PMG as a very stable derivative of vitamin C that may be easily used in various types of cosmetic products.
Human studies have convincingly demonstrated pronounced photoprotective effects of 'natural' and synthetic antioxidants when applied topically before UVR exposure. Particularly with respect to UVB-induced skin damage such as erythema formation, the photoprotective effects of antioxidants are significant when applied in distinct mixtures in appropriate vehicles. Topical application of such combinations may result in a sustained antioxidant capacity of the skin, possibly due to antioxidant synergisms. And, since UVA-induced skin alterations are believed to be largely determined by oxidative processes [26], topical administration of antioxidants might be particularly promising [27, 28]. In fact, topical application of antioxidants or antioxidant mixtures resulted in a remarkable increase in the minimal dose to induce immediate pigment darkening after UVA exposure [18, 23] and diminished the severity of UVA-induced photodermatoses [22] in humans. In conclusion, regular application of skin care products containing antioxidants may be of the utmost benefit in efficiently preparing our skin against exogenous oxidative stressors occurring during daily life. Furthermore, sunscreening agents may also benefit from combination with antioxidants resulting in increased safety and efficacy of such photoprotective products [11, 29].
Currently available kwowledge on 1)the presence and physiological distribution of natural antioxidants in skin 2)their response to oxidative environmental stressors 3)the photoprotective potential of topically applied antioxidants.
Pulse radiolysis studies have been used to determine the electron-transfer rate constants between various pairs of carotenoids, one of which is present as the radical cation. These dietary carotenoids include those of importance to vision, namely zeaxanthin and lutein. These results have suggested the order of relative ease of electron transfer between six carotenoids. Additional experiments, involving electron transfer between astaxanthin (ASTA), β-apo-8‘-carotenal (APO), and vitamin E (TOH), lead to the following order in terms of relative ease of electron transfer for the seven carotenoid radical cations studied: astaxanthin > β-apo-8‘-carotenal > canthaxanthin > lutein > zeaxanthin > β-carotene > lycopene, such that lycopene is the strongest reducing agent (the most easily oxidized) and astaxanthin is the weakest, and the radical cations of the visual carotenoids, lutein (LUT) and zeaxanthin (ZEA), are reduced by lycopene (LYC) but not by β-carotene (β-CAR). Work on 7,7‘-dihydro-β-carotene (77DH) and vitamin E allows us to better understand the interaction of the vitamin E radicals with carotenoids.
VITAMIN E (α-tocopherol) and vitamin C (ascorbic acid) react
rapidly with organic free radicals, and it is widely accepted that the
antioxidant properties of these compounds are responsible in part for
their biological activity1-5. Tissue vitamin C levels are
often considerably greater than those of vitamin E, for example in liver
the values are approximately 2 mM and 0.02 mM, respectively.
Nevertheless, vitamin E is considerably more lipophilic than vitamin C,
and in biomembranes has been found to be the more potent antioxidant,
particularly with respect to lipid peroxidation; penetration to a
precise site in the membrane may be an important feature of the
protection against highly reactive radicals6. Tappel has
suggested that the two vitamins act synergistically, vitamin E acting as
the primary antioxidant and the resulting vitamin E radical then
reacting with vitamin C to regenerate vitamin E7. We now
report direct observation of this interaction, which we feel may be an
important feature in the maintenance of vitamin E levels in tissues.
Ultraviolet radiation damage to the skin is due, in part, to the generation of reactive oxygen species. Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) functions as a biological co-factor and antioxidant due to its reducing properties. Topical application of vitamin C has been shown to elevate significantly cutaneous levels of this vitamin in pigs, and this correlates with protection of the skin from UVB damage as measured by erythema and sunburn cell formation. This protection is biological and due to the reducing properties of the molecule. Further, we provide evidence that the vitamin C levels of the skin can be severely depleted after UV irradiation, which would lower this organ's innate protective mechanism as well as leaving it at risk of impaired healing after photoinduced damage. In addition, vitamin C protects porcine skin from UVA-mediated phototoxic reactions (PUVA) and therefore shows promise as a broad-spectrum photoprotectant.
Dermatologists have long tried to quantify skin color and had few results until the advent of tristimulus colorimetry. With the Minolta colorimeter, quantification of skin color has become a simple matter: skin color can be measured rapidly, noninvasively, and reproducibly. The instrument, which can be used by paramedical staff, provides data that lend themselves for comparison, irrespective of where they are collected. The instrument has enabled definition of the range of physiologic values of skin color, and has revealed marked variations between exposed and nonexposed skin. Constitutional skin color characterizes an individual's phenotype better than facultative skin color and is highly indicative of vulnerability to sunlight. It is therefore a parameter for predicting the immediate and delayed response to light stimulation. On the practical level, colorimetric skin color values can be used to study pigmentation capacity, to program photochemotherapy, and to predict the risk of, and prevent, actinic cancer. Colorimetry can be used to quantify the intensity of erythema of spontaneous and experimental lesions. It has been used to monitor the efficacy of anti-inflammatory treatment of psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. It has also been used in the study of reactions induced by physical and allergic stimuli. Finally, colorimetry is useful in cosmetology for choosing appropriate sunscreens, for studying the effect of depigmentation products, and for determining the delicacy of detergents, and in any other situation that requires the measurement of parameters correlated with skin color that cannot be appreciated by visual observation.
The protective effect of magnesium-L-ascorbyl-2-phosphate (MAP) on cutaneous photodamage such as lipid peroxidation and inflammation induced by ultraviolet B (UVB) exposure (290-320 nm, max. 312 nm) was investigated using hairless mice. When MAP was administered intraperitoneally to mice at a dose of 100 mg of ascorbic acid (AS) per kg body weight base immediately before irradiation (15 kj/m2), the expected increases in thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) formation in skin and serum sialic acid, indices of lipid peroxidation and inflammatory reaction, respectively, were significantly reduced. However, the expected decrease in the level of cutaneous AS was unchanged. Similar results were observed for animals given 100 mg of AS-Na per kg body weight before UVB irradiation. When MAP was administered intracutaneously immediately before irradiation, the expected UVB-induced increases in TBARS and sialic acid were again significantly prevented. Ascorbic acid-Na had a less protective effect than intracutaneous MAP administration. The cutaneous AS level was significantly higher in the MAP-treated mice than in the controls, and the UVB-induced decrease in tissue AS was prevented by intracutaneous MAP administration. These results suggest that MAP protects against UVB irradiation-induced lipid peroxidation and inflammation in cutaneous tissue, regardless of the drug administration route. We found, in an in vitro experiment, that MAP was converted to AS as it crossed the epidermis, but that AS-Na did not pass through the epidermis. Furthermore, MAP was also converted to AS in serum. These results suggest that the protective effect of MAP on UVB-induced cutaneous damage is due to conversion of MAP to AS.
The degree to which antioxidant loss occurs in human skin after UV irradiation is unknown, as is the cascade of events that might occur. We have, therefore, evaluated a tissue culture model of human skin for its usefulness for studying oxidative injury by UV-irradiation. Human skin equivalents, a tissue culture model, were irradiated using a full solar UV spectrum (UVA and UVB, 280-400 nm) (0 to 16.8 J/cm2, 0-12 minimal erythemal dose, MED), then incubated from 1 to 24 h. Ubiquinol was the most UV-light sensitive antioxidant and was depleted by 2.1 J/cm2 (1.5 MED, p < .004); ubiquinone decreased with 4.2 J/cm2 (3 MED, p < .0007). A linear decrease in alpha-tocopherol occurred--approximately 1.7 pmol tocopherol/cm2 surface were destroyed per J/cm2 UV-light. Urate was depleted by irradiation with 8.4 J/cm2 (6 MED), while ascorbate was depleted by 16.8 J/cm2 (12 MED). Cellular protein carbonyls and lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage into the medium were only increased at 1 h incubation following exposure to 16.8 J/cm2 (12 MED). At 24 h incubation, PGE2 was increased in the medium of cells exposed to UV-irradiation at 0.35 J/cm2 (0.25 MED) compared with sham-exposed cells (p < .04); higher UV exposures lead to significant increases in both PGE2 (p < .001) and LDH (p < .001) in the medium. In conclusion, human skin equivalents respond to suberythemal levels of UV-irradiation by increasing production of PGE2; higher levels of UV-irradiation (at least 1 MED) were needed to deplete cellular antioxidants and induce immediately detectable oxidative damage.
Carotenoids are abundant in many fruits and vegetables and they play diverse roles in photobiology, photochemistry and medicine. This review concerns the reactivity of carotenoids with singlet oxygen and the interaction of carotenoids with a range of free radicals. Mechanisms associated with the anti- and pro-oxidant behaviour of carotenoids are discussed including carotenoid interactions with other anti-oxidants.
As the outermost barrier of the body, the stratum corneum (SC) is frequently and directly exposed to a pro-oxidative environment, including ultraviolet solar radiation (UVR). Therefore, we hypothesized that the SC is susceptible to UVR induced depletion of vitamin E, the major lipophilic antioxidant. To test this, we investigated (i) the susceptibility of SC tocopherols to solar simulated UVR in hairless mice, (ii) the baseline levels and distribution patterns of tocopherols in human SC, and (iii) the impact of a suberythemogenic dose of solar simulated UVR on human SC tocopherols. SC tocopherol levels were measured by high performance liquid chromotography analysis of SC extracts from tape strippings. In murine SC, overall tocopherol concentrations were determined, whereas in human SC, 10 consecutive layers were analyzed for each individual. The results on SC tocopherols demonstrated (i) their concentration dependent depletion by solar simulated UVR in hairless mice; (ii) a gradient distribution within untreated human SC, with the lowest levels at the surface (alpha-tocopherol 6.5 +/- 1.4 pmol per mg, and gamma-tocopherol 2.2 +/- 1.3 pmol per mg) and the highest levels in the deepest layers (alpha-tocopherol 76 +/- 12 pmol per mg, and gamma-tocopherol 7.9 +/- 3.7 pmol per mg, n = 10; p < 0.0001); and (iii) the depletion of tocopherols in human SC by a single suberythemogenic dose of solar simulated UVR (alpha-tocopherol by 45%, and gamma-tocopherol by 35% as compared with controls; n = 6; both p < 0.01). These results demonstrate that the SC is a remarkably susceptible site for UVR induced depletion of vitamin E.
The carotenoids as antioxidants – a review
- R Edge
- Dj Mcgarvey
- Tg Truscott
Edge R, McGarvey DJ, Truscott TG. The carotenoids as antioxidants – a review. J Photochem Photobiol B 1997; 41 : 189 – 200.
The carotenoids as antioxidants -a review
- R Edge
- D J Mcgarvey
- T G Truscott
Edge R, McGarvey DJ, Truscott TG. The carotenoids as antioxidants -a review. J Photochem Photobiol B 1997; 41 : 189 -200.
Antioxidant defence systems in skin
- J J Thiele
- F Dreher
- L Packer
Thiele JJ, Dreher F, Packer L. Antioxidant defence systems in skin.
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