[Effect of Jingtian compound on the delay of skin aging]

In order to study whether Jingtian compound extracted from herbs could delay the process of skin aging, the skin on the back of Guinea pigs (6 and 15 months old) were shaved topically and applied with and without 0.5% Jingtian compound for 30 days by self-control design. The possible alterations caused by Jingtian compound were observed by histological and biochemical techniques. Results showed that the number and the activity of fibroblast in dermis was increased prominently compared with the control. The activities of superoxide dismutase, glutathion peroxidase and the hydroxyproline level of acid soluble collagen in dermis were enhanced, and the malondialdehyde content was inhibited concomitantly. It is suggested that Jingtian compound might play a protective role on skin aging.

The evaluation of skin friction using a frictional feel analyzer

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Sensory evaluation is an important factor for cosmetic products. Several devices for the measurement of sensory properties have been developed in recent years. The objective here is to measure skin surface friction using these devices and examine the correlation with other physiological parameters in order to evaluate the potential of physical measurement of tactile sensation.

METHODS

A KES-SE Frictional Analyzer, a commercial device for measurement of surface frictional characteristics, was used in this study. An arm holder was added to this device for measurement on the human forearm. The frictional coefficient (MIU) and its mean deviation (MMD) were used as the parameter to indicate surface friction. The moisture content in the stratum corneum was measured with a Corneometer CM825, the transepidermal water loss with a Tewameter TM210, the viscoelastic properties of the skin with a Cutometer SEM575 and the skin surface pattern by observing the negative replica using silicon rubber.

RESULTS

The MIU was not influenced by load; however, it was increased due to water application on the skin. The relationship between MIU and the moisture content in the stratum comeum, between MMD and skin surface pattern and between MMD and viscosity of both normal human forearm skin and SDS (sodium dodecyl sulfate)-induced dry skin were confirmed by statistical analysis in a test on human subjects. There was also a correlation between either MIU or MMD and sensory evaluation in the morning after the application of moisturizing products.

CONCLUSION

Human skin surface friction was measured by using a KES-SE Frictional Analyzer. Judging from the correlation between either MIU or MMD and sensory evaluation, we considered this instrumental analysis to be useful for evaluating the tactile impression of human skin.

Estimation of endotoxin-like substances in deep seawater by using bioassay

Deep seawater has recently been under trial as a fundamental material for mineral water, food, face lotion and an efficacious reagent for the cure of atopic dermatitis in Japan. However, little is known about the biologically effective substances, including toxic compounds in deep seawater. In this study, we investigated the effects of deep seawater on the function of murine macrophages in vitro, and examined the endotoxin-like substances in seawater. Mitochondrial activity and NO production in macrophage cells cultured with stimulants were enhanced in a depth dependent manner by pretreatment with deep seawater. In addition, fractions from deep seawater, enriched by hydrophobic column chromatography, activated the macrophage cells much more than the corresponding fractions from surface seawater. Furthermore, the effects of the fractions on macrophage cells remained significant, even with the addition of polymyxin B. which is a specific inhibitor of endotoxins. These results indicate that endotoxins and unknown substances, which affect macrophage functions, exist in a depth dependent manner in seawater.

[NMF and cosmetology of cutaneous hydration]

In the stratum corneum, the water binds to the intracellular hygroscopic and hydrosoluble substances called "natural moisturizing factors" or NMF. These "natural moisturizing factors" contained in the corneocytes are formed during epidermal differentiation and may represent up to 10 p. cent of the corneocyte mass. They are principally amino acids, carboxylic pyrrolidone acid, lactic acid, urea, glucose and mineral ions. Keratinization plays an important part in the formation of NMF that exhibit strong osmotic potential attracting the water molecules. The binding of water to NMF is the static aspect of cutaneous hydration. The second, dynamic, aspect is related to the selective permeability of the stratum corneum and to its lipid barrier properties, the permeability of which depends on the integrity and nature of the inter-corneocyte lipids and their lamellar organization between the cells. In these conditions, hydration cosmetics rely on two concepts that can be isolated or associated: the supply of hydrophilic substances to the stratum corneum, capable of attracting and retaining water (moisturizer) or capable of restoring the barrier in order to restore normal water loss or of protecting it against aggression (occlusive).

Evaluation of commonly used tribal and traditional remedies in Saudi Arabia

There are several compounds used in traditional prescriptions and as cosmetics, among several tribes in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Nothing pertinent in the literature exists regarding the components and health hazards of these compounds. There are no health education programs to warn the community especially high-risk populations (such as sickle cell anemia and diabetes mellitus patients) of the hazards involved in the use of the traditional preparations. Tradition and folk medicine continue to be used in many developing countries, including the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. For physicians who are not accustomed to dealing with this entity, particularly when the patients are children, the presentation of an infant with multiple scars can be an upsetting event. It is unlikely that such native medical practices will disappear in a short time. The objective of this review is to highlight the importance of this entity for physicians and practitioners to understand the treatment and the perception of the patient or their relatives. The review also provides our experience in evaluating the plant remedies which were used by our patients.

A modified cup scrub method for assessing the antibacterial substantivity of personal cleansing products

An improved in vivo method for evaluating the antibacterial substantivity or residual effectiveness of bar soaps and other personal cleansing products is presented. The effectiveness of an antibacterial bar soap containing 1.5% 3, 4, 4'-trichlorocarbanilide (TCC) versus its soap vehicle was evaluated under simulated conditions considered optimal for bacterial growth, proliferation, and possible infection. A washout period to clear the skin of any antimicrobial agents previously used was followed by a treatment period in which the subjects washed one of their forearms with the antibacterial soap and the other forearm with the soap vehicle. Either immediately or 24 hours following the final wash, three test sites on both forearms were inoculated with S. aureus and occluded with Hill Top Chamber patches. At intervals of 30 minutes, two hours and five hours, the patches were removed. The bacteria on the skin were harvested using the Williamson-Kligman scrub technique (1,2) to determine the number of surviving CFUs at each time period. The method successfully demonstrated that sufficient TCC had remained on the skin for 24 hours after the final wash to effectively inhibit the growth of S. aureuso on the skin for as long as five hours after inoculation.

The production of poly-(gamma-glutamic acid) from microorganisms and its various applications

This review article deals with the chemistry and biosynthesis of poly-(gamma-glutamic acid) (gamma-PGA) produced by various strains of Bacillus. Potential applications of gamma-PGA as thickener, cryoprotectant, humectant, drug carrier, biological adhesive, flocculant, or heavy metal absorbent, etc. with biodegradability in the fields of food, cosmetics, medicine and water treatments are also reviewed.

Dynamic hairspray analysis. II. Effect of polymer, hair type, and solvent composition

A texture analyzer was employed to study the properties of hairspray resins by measuring a number of mechanical parameters of hair modified by them. Hairset stiffness, stiffness retention at high humidity, and duration and magnitude of polymer film tackiness during drying were the properties employed to characterize fixative-treated hair. They were investigated for formulations containing ethyl ester of PVM/MA copolymer, butyl ester of PVM/MA copolymer, vinyl caprolactam/PVP/dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate copolymer, VA/butyl maleate/isobornyl acrylate copolymer, and polymer blends such as poly(methylvinylether) (PMVE) - ethyl ester of PVM/MA copolymer. It was demonstrated that the properties of hair treated with a fixative are affected by the concentration and molecular weight of a polymer, low-molecularweight additives that can modify the mechanical, surface, or interfacial properties of a polymer film, and the presence of water in the formulation. It was also shown, that the type of hair employed, such as virgin, untreated hair or hair damaged by bleaching, can also have an effect on the performance of a given hairspray formulation. For compositions based on blends of PMVE and ethyl ester of PVM/MA copolymer, the employed method demonstrated the sensitivity of the properties of polymer blends to the presence of a hydrophilic component such as PMVE.

Trends in the musk xylene concentrations in plasma samples from the general population from 1992/1993 to 1998 and the relevance of dermal uptake

OBJECTIVES

Musk xylene (MX), an environmentally important nitromusk compound, is used in different fragrances and soaps as substitute for natural musk. MX is known to occur in breast milk and plasma samples from the general population. Biological monitoring was carried out to study the change in MX concentrations in plasma from the general population over a period of about 6 years.

METHODS

Forty-one human plasma samples from the general population were collected and analyzed in 1998. The MX concentrations in plasma were compared with those in samples collected from the general population in 1992/1993. In order to study possible routes of exposure, we also analyzed perfumes (n = 8), various body-care products (n = 17), and detergents (n = 5) in the households from the persons who were exposed in 1998. The body-care products or the detergents were used every day or at least 3 -4 times per week.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

A remarkable decrease in MX levels was found on comparing the values from 1992,1993 and 1998. In 1998 12% (five out of 41) of the samples analyzed yielded positive results for MX (median: <0.1 microg/l, range: <0.1-0.29 microg/l), while in 1993 MX was found in 92% (66 out of 72) of the samples (median: 0.24 microg/l, range: <0.1- 1.12 microg/l). The observed decrease is explained by the discontinued use of MX in detergents in Germany since 1993. As a consequence, no MX could be found in the investigated detergents in the present study. However, MX could be analyzed in at least one perfume and/or perfumed bodycare product of the exposed individuals. The concentrations were in the range between 8.8 and 28.8 mg/kg in the investigated products. Because other confounding factors, e.g. diet and occupational exposure, could be excluded, the results point to the possibility that MX can be taken up through the skin. However, the small number of investigated persons limits this assumption.

Inhibition of human glutathione S-transferase P1-1 by tocopherols and alpha-tocopherol derivatives

alpha-Tocopherol inhibits glutathione S-transferase P1-1 (GST P1-1) (R.I.M. van Haaften, C.T.A. Evelo, G.R.M.M. Haenen, A. Bast, Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 280 (2001)). In various cosmetic and dietary products alpha-tocopherol is added as a tocopherol ester. Therefore we have studied the effect of various tocopherol derivatives on GST P1-1 activity. It was found that GST P1-1 is inhibited, in a concentration dependent manner, by these compounds. Of the compounds tested, the tocopherols were the most potent inhibitors of GST P1-1; the concentration giving 50% inhibition (IC(50)) is <1 microM. The esterified tocopherols and alpha-tocopherol quinone also inhibit the GST P1-1 activity at a very low concentration: for most compounds the IC(50) was below 10 microM. RRR-alpha-Tocopherol acetate lowered the V(max) values, but did not affect the K(m) for either 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene or GSH. This indicates that the GST P1-1 enzyme is non-competitively inhibited by RRR-alpha-tocopherol acetate. The potential implications of GST P1-1 inhibition by tocopherol and alpha-tocopherol derivatives are discussed.

Should this team be saved?

As far as anyone could tell, Vigor Skin Care's star was rising, mostly on the strength of Ageless Vigor, its new line of enriched skin cleansers and cosmetics. In fact, this evening, the three employees responsible for developing the product line were slated to receive the parent company's highest award for performance. But CEO Peter Markles knew that despite the accolades, the business unit--and its "fearsome threesome"--had hit a rough patch in recent months. When Peter took the reins four years ago, Vigor Skin Care was the sleeping dog of the health-and-beauty industry; his challenge was to rejuvenate the maturing business. He knew a turnaround would require equal parts discipline, politics, and creativity--so he pulled together a team that could address those needs. Peter relied on Sandy Fryda, Vigor's longtime marketing director, to help him navigate the tricky political waters at headquarters. And he tapped 30-year-old Josh Bartola, a maverick contributor to Vigor Skin Care's research group, for his independent spirit and new product ideas. Their all-consuming, intensely collaborative efforts resulted in the successful Ageless Vigor line. Then reality set in. The team found the day-to-day operations of manufacturing Ageless Vigor, for all their necessity and urgency, a bit tedious. Peter felt relegated to troubleshooting distribution problems. Josh was having meetings with executives from another division who were actively recruiting the wunderkind. And Sandy was simply on the verge of burnout. Tonight, at the award ceremony, there would be speeches and applause and toasts. But tomorrow, Peter would have to face the question: Should he try to salvage the Ageless Vigor team? Four commentators offer their advice in this fictional case study.

Complications of eyelash and eyebrow tattooing: reports of 2 cases of pigment fanning

Eyelash and eyebrow tattooing are commonly performed procedures that have a very low rate of reported complications. We describe one case of infraorbital pigmentation after eyelash tattooing and another of periorbital pigmentation after eyebrow tattooing. Although most complications related to eyelash and eyebrow tattooing, including pigment fanning, have been reported by ophthalmologists, pigment fanning is also of concern to dermatologists.

Safety assessment of propyl paraben: a review of the published literature

Propyl paraben (CAS no. 94-13-3) is a stable, non-volatile compound used as an antimicrobial preservative in foods, drugs and cosmetics for over 50 years. It is an ester of p-hydroxybenzoate. Propyl paraben is readily absorbed via the gastrointestinal tract and dermis. It is hydrolyzed to p-hydroxybenzoic acid, conjugated and the conjugates are rapidly excreted in the urine. There is no evidence of accumulation. Acute toxicity studies in animals indicate that propyl paraben is relatively non-toxic by both oral and parenteral routes, although it is mildly irritating to the skin. Following chronic administration, no-observed-effect levels (NOEL) as high as 1200-4000 mg/kg have been reported and a no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) in the rat of 5500 mg/kg is posited. Propyl paraben is not carcinogenic, mutagenic or clastogenic. It is not cytogenic in vitro in the absence of carboxyesterase inhibitors. The mechanism of propyl paraben may be linked to mitochondrial failure dependent on induction of membrane permeability transition accompanied by the mitochondrial depolarization and depletion of cellular ATP through uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation. Sensitization has occurred when medications containing parabens have been applied to damaged or broken skin. Parabens have been implicated in numerous cases of contact sensitivity associated with cutaneous exposure, but high concentrations of 5-15% in patch testing are needed to elicit reaction in susceptible individuals. Allergic reactions to ingested parabens have been reported, although rigorous evidence of the allergenicity of ingested paraben is lacking.

Serratia liquefaciens bloodstream infections from contamination of epoetin alfa at a hemodialysis center

BACKGROUND

In a one month period, 10 Serratia liquefaciens bloodstream infections and 6 pyrogenic reactions occurred in outpatients at a hemodialysis center.

METHODS

We performed a cohort study of all hemodialysis sessions on days that staff members reported S. liquefaciens bloodstream infections or pyrogenic reactions. We reviewed procedures and cultured samples of water, medications, soaps, and hand lotions and swabs from the hands of personnel.

RESULTS

We analyzed 208 sessions involving 48 patients. In 12 sessions, patients had S. liquefaciens bloodstream infections, and in 8, patients had pyrogenic reactions without bloodstream infection. Sessions with infections or reactions were associated with higher median doses of epoetin alfa than the 188 other sessions (6500 vs. 4000 U, P=0.03) and were more common during afternoon or evening shifts than morning shifts (P=0.03). Sessions with infections or reactions were associated with doses of epoetin alfa of more than 4000 U (multivariate odds ratio, 4.0; 95 percent confidence interval, 1.3 to 12.3). A review of procedures revealed that preservative-free, single-use vials of epoetin alfa were punctured multiple times, and residual epoetin alfa from multiple vials was pooled and administered to patients. S. liquefaciens was isolated from pooled epoetin alfa, empty vials of epoetin alfa that had been pooled, antibacterial soap, and hand lotion. All the isolates were identical by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. After the practice of pooling epoetin alfa was discontinued and the contaminated soap and lotion were replaced, no further S. liquefaciens bloodstream infections or pyrogenic reactions occurred at this hemodialysis facility.

CONCLUSIONS

Puncturing single-use vials multiple times and pooling preservative-free epoetin alfa caused this outbreak of bloodstream infections in a hemodialysis unit. To prevent similar outbreaks, medical personnel should follow the manufacturer's guidelines for the use of preservative-free medications.