Improvement of acne vulgaris by topical fullerene application: unique impact on skin care

A regulatory compliant short-term oral toxicity study of soluble [60]fullerenes in rats

Thirty-eight years after its discovery, the safety of [60]fullerene (C60), the most abundant fullerene with many potential applications, particularly in oxidative stress-related medicine, remains controversial. This is mainly due to the alleged dangers of C60 nanomaterial, which are regularly supported by some publications. While several academic studies have confirmed the safety of C60 in various experimental models, it is well known that C60 aggregates can carry toxic elements. Meanwhile, countless websites offer C60-oily solutions to consumers, without any regulatory consideration. Therefore, an officially certified toxicity study is urgently needed to avoid any public health problems. In this context, we report on the first certified short-term oral toxicity study of soluble C60, designed according to the guidelines of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, with a deviation in the duration (2 weeks instead of 4 weeks) accepted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The results of this study, conducted in an independent accredited European Laboratory, clearly show that C60 in soluble form (0.8 mg/ml of extra virgin olive oil), administered at the highest possible dose of 3.8 mg/kg body weight/day, did not cause any adverse effects in rats after 14 days of daily oral administration. This report should settle the debate on the acute oral toxicity of C60 and pave the way for further preclinical studies. The study is accompanied by a comprehensive report that includes documentation of the raw data.

Carbon Nanomaterial-Based Hydrogels as Scaffolds in Tissue Engineering: A Comprehensive Review

Carbon-based nanomaterials (CBNs) are a category of nanomaterials with various systems based on combinations of sp2 and sp3 hybridized carbon bonds, morphologies, and functional groups. CBNs can exhibit distinguished properties such as high mechanical strength, chemical stability, high electrical conductivity, and biocompatibility. These desirable physicochemical properties have triggered their uses in many fields, including biomedical applications. In this review, we specifically focus on applying CBNs as scaffolds in tissue engineering, a therapeutic approach whereby CBNs can act for the regeneration or replacement of damaged tissue. Here, an overview of the structures and properties of different CBNs will first be provided. We will then discuss state-of-the-art advancements of CBNs and hydrogels as scaffolds for regenerating various types of human tissues. Finally, a perspective of future potentials and challenges in this field will be presented. Since this is a very rapidly growing field, we expect that this review will promote interdisciplinary efforts in developing effective tissue regeneration scaffolds for clinical applications.

Efficacy and safety of silymarin containing antioxidant serum as an adjuvant treatment of mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris: A prospective, open-label pilot study

BACKGROUND

Silymarin is the active component of milk thistle, which has antioxidant properties by scavenging free radicals and potential comedolytic properties.

AIMS

This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of 0.5% silymarin-loaded antioxidant serum (SAS) used to treat mild-to-moderate acne.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A prospective, open-label pilot study was conducted. We enrolled 22 Korean acne patients who applied the 0.5% SAS on the whole face twice daily while continuing the current anti-acne medications. Grade of acne severity, individual lesion counts, sebum output levels, skin erythema, and melanin pigmentation were assessed.

RESULTS

After a 4-week application, the modified Global Acne Grading Score (mGAGS), Global Evaluation Acne (GEA) scale, and the acne lesion counts were significantly decreased. Sebum secretion, skin pigmentation, and erythema were also reduced during the study period, yet only the melanin pigmentation index reached statistical significance. Subgroup analysis revealed that the patients who took the low-dose oral isotretinoin during the study period showed more noticeable improvements in skin sebum output and melanin pigmentation. Additionally, no adverse event was associated with using the 0.5% SAS.

CONCLUSION

The 0.5% silymarin-containing antioxidant formulation improved acne's clinical severity and related skin biophysical parameters.

Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects of Liposoluble C60 at the Cellular, Molecular, and Whole-Animal Levels

Introduction

Liposoluble carbon-60 (C60) has potential applications in many fields, including cosmetics, medical devices, and medicine, but its specific mechanism of action remains unclear. This study explored whether liposoluble C60 could be delivered to human organs, tissues, and cells through blood, extracellular fluid, and cell culture fluid and whether it exerts anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects at the molecular, cellular, and whole-animal levels.

Methods

At the cellular level, we mixed C60 dissolved in grape seed oil with cell culture medium containing 10% serum and investigated its effects on tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) release, migration, phagocytosis, respiratory burst, and apoptosis in freshly isolated human neutrophils. At the molecular level, we mixed a trace amount of C60 dissolved in grape seed oil with aqueous and ethanolic solutions and studied its antioxidant effect. At the animal level, we investigated the inhibitory effect of C60 on the serum inflammatory marker C-reactive protein (CRP) in beagle dogs after oral administration of C60 dissolved in grape seed oil.

Results

The results showed that the trace amount of C60 dissolved in grape seed oil significantly inhibited TNF-α release, cell migration, phagocytosis, and respiratory burst in freshly isolated human neutrophils. In addition, the trace amount of C60 dissolved in grape seed oil had a significant scavenging effect on superoxide free radicals and 1,1-diphenyl-2-trinitrophenylhydrazine free radicals. Oral administration of C60 dissolved in grape seed oil markedly reduced the level of the serum inflammatory marker CRP in beagle dogs.

Conclusion

In summary, a trace amount of hydrophobic C60 in hydrophilic media effectively produced anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in cells and animals. C60 dissolved in grape seed oil is a novel anti-inflammatory and antioxidant drug candidate.

Carbon-Based Nanomaterials for Bone and Cartilage Regeneration: A Review

As the main load-bearing structure in the human body, bone and cartilage are susceptible to damage in sports and other activities. The repair and regeneration of bone and articular cartilage have been extensively studied in the past decades. Traditional approaches have been widely applied in clinical practice, but the effect varies from person to person and may cause side effects. With the rapid development of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, various biomaterials show great potential in the regeneration of bone and cartilage. Carbon-based nanomaterials are solid materials with different structures and properties composed of allotropes of carbon, which are classified into zero-, one-, and two-dimensional ones. This Review systemically summarizes the different types of carbon-based nanomaterials, including zero-dimensional (fullerene, carbon dots, nanodiamonds), one-dimensional (carbon nanotubes), and two-dimensional (graphenic materials) as well as their applications in bone, cartilage, and osteochondral regeneration. Current limitations and future perspectives of carbon-based nanomaterials are also discussed.

Nanotechnology-based formulations toward the improved topical delivery of anti-acne active ingredients

Introduction: Acne vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder that affects an extremely concerning percentage of teenagers (ca. 85%), gathering serious negative impacts on the social life and psychological well-being of individuals. Conventional topical formulations for acne show low tolerability and side effects, such as skin irritation, leading to a decrease in the user's adherence to therapy. Nanotechnology-based formulations were developed as new strategies for topical acne management, particularly to overcome the difficulties associated with conventional treatments.Areas covered: This paper presents a critical analysis of reviewed nanosized anti-acne technological strategies, strongly supporting controlled active ingredient release, improved skin permeation, and lower skin irritation. An updated regulatory framework, considering the promising applications in nanomedicine, and the toxicity of these nanosystems are also addressed.Expert opinion: Nanosystems evidence several advantages, attending to the possibility of controlled active ingredient release, better skin permeation, and lower skin irritation. However, novel nanotechnological strategies for acne treatment and care can lead to new side effects, but also environmental nano pollution. Little is known about the toxicology of these nanotechnology-based formulations, therefore, as future trends, more studies should be conducted to assure the consumers' health and environmental safety.

Current Advances of Nanocarrier Technology-Based Active Cosmetic Ingredients for Beauty Applications

Nanocarrier technology has been effectively applied to the development of drug delivery systems to overcome the limitations of traditional preparation. Its application has been extended to various pharmaceutical fields from injection preparation to oral preparation and external preparation, and now it has appeared in the field of cosmetics for beauty applications. The widespread influence of nanocarrier in the cosmetics industry is due to the fact that nanocarrier can effectively promote the percutaneous penetration and significantly increase skin retention of active components in functional cosmetics. Meanwhile, nanocarrier can effectively improve the water dispersion of insoluble active cosmetic ingredients, enhance the stability of efficacy components and achieve the codelivery of diverse cosmetics active ingredients. In this review, we summarized the current progress of nanocarrier technology in the functional cosmetics, including the types and the routes of dermal/transdermal drug delivery nanocarriers used in the functional cosmetics, the mechanism of nanocarriers promoting the percutaneous penetration of active cosmetic ingredients, the application and efficacy evaluation of different active cosmetic ingredients in nanocarriers and discussing the potential risks to human. This will provide a useful reference for the further development of nanocarriers in the field of functional cosmetics.

Therapies with Antioxidant Potential in Psoriasis, Vitiligo, and Lichen Planus

Oxidative stress plays an important pathogenetic role in many chronic inflammatory diseases, including those of dermatological interest. In particular, regarding psoriasis, vitiligo, and lichen planus, excess reactive oxygen species and a decline in endogenous antioxidant systems are observed. In this regard, treatments with antioxidant properties could be appropriate therapeutic options. To date, clinical trials in dermatology on these treatments are limited. We reviewed the available studies on the efficacy of antioxidant therapies in psoriasis, vitiligo, and lichen planus. The role of herbal derivatives, vitamins, and trace elements was analyzed. The antioxidant properties of conventional therapies were also evaluated. Data from the literature suggest that antioxidants might be useful, but available studies on this topic are limited, heterogeneous, not completely standardized, and on small populations. Furthermore, in most cases, antioxidants alone are unable to induce significant clinical changes, except perhaps in mild forms, and must be used in conjunction with standard drug treatments to achieve measurable results. Further studies need to be conducted, considering larger populations and using internationally validated scales, in order to compare the results and clinical efficacy.

Developments and challenges in dermatology: an update from the Interactive Derma Academy (IDeA) 2019

The 2019 Interactive Derma Academy (IDeA) meeting was held in Lisbon, Portugal, 10-12 May, bringing together leading dermatology experts from across Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Over three days, the latest developments and challenges in relation to the pathophysiology, diagnosis, evaluation and management of dermatological conditions were presented, with a particular focus on acne, atopic dermatitis (AD) and actinic keratosis (AK). Interesting clinical case studies relating to these key topics were discussed with attendees to establish current evidence-based best practices. Presentations reviewed current treatments, potential therapeutic approaches and key considerations in the management of acne, AK and AD, and discussed the importance of the microbiome in these conditions, as well as the provision of patient education/support. It was highlighted that active treatment is not always required for AK, depending on patient preferences and clinical circumstances. In addition to presentations, two interactive workshops on the diagnosis and treatment of sexually transmitted infections/diseases (STIs/STDs) presenting to the dermatology clinic, and current and future dermocosmetics were conducted. The potential for misdiagnosis of STIs/STDs was discussed, with dermoscopy and/or reflectance confocal microscopy suggested as useful diagnostic techniques. In addition, botulinum toxin was introduced as a potential dermocosmetic, and the possibility of microbiome alteration in the treatment of dermatological conditions emphasized. Furthermore, several challenges in dermatology, including the use of lasers, the complexity of atopic dermatitis, wound care, use of biosimilars and application of non-invasive techniques in skin cancer diagnosis were reviewed. In this supplement, we provide an overview of the presentations and discussions from the fourth successful IDeA meeting, summarizing the key insights shared by dermatologists from across the globe.

Evaluation of the C60 biodistribution in mice in a micellar ExtraOx form and in an oil solution

The article is devoted to the study of the pharmacokinetics of fullerene C₆₀ in oil and micellar forms, analysis of its content in blood, liver, lungs, kidneys, heart, brain, adrenal glands, thymus, testicles, and spleen. The highest accumulation of C₆₀ was found in the liver and adrenal glands. As a result of the studies carried out, it was shown that the bioavailability of C₆₀ in the micellar form is higher than that in an oil solution.

Biomass-derived nanocarbon materials for biological applications: challenges and prospects

Biomass-derived nanocarbons (BNCs) have attracted significant research interests due to their promising economic and environmental benefits. Following their extensive uses in physical and chemical research domains, BNCs are now growing in biological applications. However, their practical biological applications are still in their infancy, requiring critical evaluations and strategic directions, which are provided in this review. The carbonization of biomass sources and major types of BNCs are introduced, encompassing carbon nanodots, nanofibres, nanotubes, and graphenes. Next, essential biological uses of BNCs, antibacterial/antibiofilm materials (nanofibres and nanodots) and bioimaging agents (predominantly nanodots), are summarized. Furthermore, the future potential of BNCs, for designing wound dressing/healing materials, water and air disinfection platforms, and microbial electrochemical systems, is discussed. We reach the conclusion that a crucial challenge is the structural control of BNCs. Furthermore, a key knowledge gap for realizing practical biological applications is the lack of systematic comparisons of BNCs with nanocarbons of synthetic origin in the current literature. Although we did not attempt to perform an exhaustive literature survey, the evaluation of the existing results indicates that BNCs are promising as easily accessible materials for various biomedically and environmentally relevant applications.

Plant cell culture extract of Cirsium eriophorum with skin pore refiner activity by modulating sebum production and inflammatory response

Facial pore enlargement is considered a significant esthetic and health concern in skincare cosmetics. The pores fulfill the critical function of keeping the skin surface hydrated and protected against microbial infections. The hyperseborrhea, the stress factors, and the hormonal triggers can cause pore size enlargement, causing higher susceptibility of the skin to microbe aggressions and inflammatory reactions. Thus, reducing excessive sebum production and keeping functional pores are two of the most requested activities in skincare cosmetics. A Cirsium eriophorum cell culture extract was investigated for its role in sebum regulation, stratum corneum desquamation, and anti-inflammation. The extract was able to regulate essential markers associated with sebum secretion and pore enlargements, such as the enzyme 5α-reductase, which plays a central role in sebum production, and the trypsin-like serine protease Kallikrein 5, which promotes skin exfoliation and antimicrobial response. Moreover, the extract showed a sebum-normalizing and pore refining activity in individuals having seborrheic or acne-prone skins, suggesting a role of the C. eriophorum extract in rebalancing altered skin conditions responsible for pore enlargement.

Recent advances in nanocarrier-loaded gels: Which drug delivery technologies against which diseases?

The combination of pharmaceutical technologies can be a wise choice for developing innovative therapeutic strategies. The association of nanocarriers and gels provides new therapeutic possibilities due to the combined properties of the two technologies. Gels support the nanocarriers, localize their administration to the target tissue, and sustain their release. In addition to the properties afforded by the gel, nanocarriers can provide additional drug sustained release or different pharmacokinetic and biodistribution profiles than those from nanocarriers administered by the conventional route to improve the drug therapeutic index. This review focuses on recent (over the last ten years) in vivo data showing the advances and advantages of using nanocarrier-loaded gels. Liposomes, micelles, liquid and solid lipid nanocapsules, polymeric nanoparticles, dendrimers, and fullerenes are all nanotechnologies which have been recently assessed for medical applications, such as cancer therapy, the treatment of cutaneous and infectious diseases, anesthesia, the administration of antidepressants, and the treatment of unexpected diseases, such as alopecia.

Molecular dynamics simulation study of translocation of fullerene C60 through skin bilayer: effect of concentration on barrier properties

The molecular level permeation mechanism of fullerenes and its derivatives through human skin could open a vast area for designing novel nanoparticles for cosmetics and drug delivery applications. In this study, we report the permeation mechanism of pristine fullerene C₆₀ for the first time through the skin lipid layer, as determined via prolonged unconstrained and constrained coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations. The skin layer was modelled as an equimolar ratio of ceramides, cholesterol and free fatty acids. It was observed that at lower concentrations fullerenes formed small clusters (3 or 5 molecules) in the aqueous phase, which further spontaneously permeated inside the bilayer and remained dispersed inside the bilayer interior. On the other hand, at higher concentrations fullerenes aggregated in the aqueous layer, penetrated in that form and remained aggregated in the bilayer interior. Lower concentrations of fullerenes did not induce significant structural changes in the bilayer, whereas at higher concentrations undulations were observed. The permeability of fullerene molecules was found to be concentration-dependent and was explained in terms of their free energy of permeation (thermodynamics) and diffusivity (dynamics). On the basis of the aggregation and dispersion of fullerenes, an optimum fullerene concentration was determined, which could be used for drug delivery and cosmetic applications.

Protective effects of polyvinylpyrrolidone-wrapped fullerene against intermittent ultraviolet-A irradiation-induced cell injury in HaCaT cells

To identify compounds that suppress UV irradiation-induced oxidative stress in the skin, various types of antioxidants have been studied. Polyvinylpyrrolidone-entrapped fullerene (C60/PVP) is known as a powerful antioxidant that exerts a cytoprotective effect against UV irradiation-induced cell injury in human skin cells and skin models. However, the effects of the alternate attractive C60/PVP feature, persistent antioxidant ability, on cytoprotection have rarely been ascertained. In this study we therefore investigated the efficacies of C60/PVP using an intermittently repeated UVA irradiation model wherein human keratinocytes were repeatedly exposed to UVA five times every 1h and compared the cytoprotective effects with those provided by ascorbic acid-2-O-phosphate-disodium salt (APS) and α-tocopherol (α-Toc). Our results demonstrated that C60/PVP yielded prominent cytoprotective effects against intermittently repeated UVA irradiation-induced injuries in a dose-dependent manner and suppressed intracellular superoxide anion radical (O2(-)) generation both during and after the repeated UVA irradiation. Additionally, C60/PVP also repressed the intermittent UVA irradiation-induced apoptosis via suppression of chromatin condensation and caspase-3/7 activation. Furthermore, the observed cytoprotective effects were superior to the effects of the typical antioxidants APS and α-Toc. These data suggest that C60/PVP might function as a potent cosmetic antioxidant against the effects of repeated and prolonged UVA irradiation through its persistent antioxidative property.

A comparative study on the in vitro cytotoxic responses of two mammalian cell types to fullerenes, carbon nanotubes and iron oxide nanoparticles

The present study was designed to evaluate and compare the time- and dose-dependent cellular response of human periodontal ligament fibroblasts (hPDLFs), and mouse dermal fibroblasts (mDFs) to three different types of nanoparticles (NPs); fullerenes (C₆₀), single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and iron (II,III) oxide (Fe₃O₄) nanoparticles via in vitro toxicity methods, and impedance based biosensor system. NPs were characterized according to their morphology, structure, surface area, particle size distribution and zeta potential by using transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller, dynamic light scattering and zeta sizer analyses. The Mössbauer spectroscopy was used in order to magnetically characterize the Fe₃O₄ NPs. The hPDLFs and mDFs were exposed to different concentrations of the NPs (0.1, 1, 10, 50 and 100 μg/mL) for predetermined time intervals (6, 24 and 48 h) under controlled conditions. Subsequently, NP exposed cells were tested for viability, membrane leakage and generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species. Additional to in vitro cytotoxicity assays, the cellular responses to selected NPs were determined in real time using an impedance based biosensor system. Taken together, information obtained from all experiments suggests that toxicity of the selected NPs is cell type, concentration and time dependent.

Current application of phytocompound-based nanocosmeceuticals for beauty and skin therapy

Phytocompounds have been used in cosmeceuticals for decades and have shown potential for beauty applications, including sunscreen, moisturizing and antiaging, and skin-based therapy. The major concerns in the usage of phyto-based cosmeceuticals are lower penetration and high compound instability of various cosmetic products for sustained and enhanced compound delivery to the beauty-based skin therapy. To overcome these disadvantages, nanosized delivery technologies are currently in use for sustained and enhanced delivery of phyto-derived bioactive compounds in cosmeceutical sectors and products. Nanosizing of phytocompounds enhances the aseptic feel in various cosmeceutical products with sustained delivery and enhanced skin protecting activities. Solid lipid nanoparticles, transfersomes, ethosomes, nanostructured lipid carriers, fullerenes, and carbon nanotubes are some of the emerging nanotechnologies currently in use for their enhanced delivery of phytocompounds in skin care. Aloe vera, curcumin, resveratrol, quercetin, vitamins C and E, genistein, and green tea catechins were successfully nanosized using various delivery technologies and incorporated in various gels, lotions, and creams for skin, lip, and hair care for their sustained effects. However, certain delivery agents such as carbon nanotubes need to be studied for their roles in toxicity. This review broadly focuses on the usage of phytocompounds in various cosmeceutical products, nanodelivery technologies used in the delivery of phytocompounds to various cosmeceuticals, and various nanosized phytocompounds used in the development of novel nanocosmeceuticals to enhance skin-based therapy.

The role of topical dermocosmetics in acne vulgaris

Acne is a common chronic inflammatory disease and treatment modalities based on acne severity are well established. The role of dermocosmetics in dermatology, and in particular acne, is becoming more important as more research elucidates the mechanisms of action of products in the pathogenesis of acne. Dermocosmetics have the potential to be used as monotherapy or in combination with medical treatment. Therefore, it has become important for dermatologists to understand dermocosmetics to effectively and appropriately advise patients on their use. The objective of this review was to provide new insights into the role of traditional and novel ingredients in dermocosmetics for the treatment of acne, based on the authors' objective assessment of the published literature. The type of products discussed include: those which have a sebostatic effect, such as topical antioxidants and niacinamide; agents targeting abnormal keratinization, such as salicylic acid, lipo-hydroxy acid, alpha-hydroxy acids, retinol-based products and linoleic acid; agents targeting Propionibacterium acnes, such as lauric acid; and anti-inflammatory agents such as nicotinamide, alpha-linolenic acid and zinc salts. Despite the scientific advances in understanding these cosmetic ingredients, there still remains a lack of rigorous controlled studies in this area.

Comparison of process parameter optimization using different designs in nanoemulsion-based formulation for transdermal delivery of fullerene

This research aims to formulate and to optimize a nanoemulsion-based formulation containing fullerene, an antioxidant, stabilized by a low amount of mixed surfactants using high shear and the ultrasonic emulsification method for transdermal delivery. Process parameters optimization of fullerene nanoemulsions was done by employing response surface methodology, which involved statistical multivariate analysis. Optimization of independent variables was investigated using experimental design based on Box–Behnken design and central composite rotatable design. An investigation on the effect of the homogenization rate (4,000–5,000 rpm), sonication amplitude (20%–60%), and sonication time (30–150 seconds) on the particle size, ζ-potential, and viscosity of the colloidal systems was conducted. Under the optimum conditions, the central composite rotatable design model suggested the response variables for particle size, ζ-potential, and viscosity of the fullerene nanoemulsion were 152.5 nm, −52.6 mV, and 44.6 pascal seconds, respectively. In contrast, the Box–Behnken design model proposed that preparation under the optimum condition would produce nanoemulsion with particle size, ζ-potential, and viscosity of 148.5 nm, −55.2 mV, and 39.9 pascal seconds, respectively. The suggested process parameters to obtain optimum formulation by both models yielded actual response values similar to the predicted values with residual standard error of <2%. The optimum formulation showed more elastic and solid-like characteristics due to the existence of a large linear viscoelastic region.

Physicochemical characterization and thermodynamic studies of nanoemulsion-based transdermal delivery system for fullerene

Fullerene nanoemulsions were formulated in palm kernel oil esters stabilized by low amount of mixed nonionic surfactants. Pseudoternary phase diagrams were established in the colloidal system of PKOEs/Tween 80 : Span 80/water incorporated with fullerene as antioxidant. Preformulation was subjected to combination of high and low energy emulsification methods and the physicochemical characteristics of fullerene nanoemulsions were analyzed using electroacoustic spectrometer. Oil-in-water (O/W) nanoemulsions with particle sizes in the range of 70–160 nm were formed. The rheological characteristics of colloidal systems exhibited shear thinning behavior which fitted well into the power law model. The effect of xanthan gum (0.2–1.0%, w/w) and beeswax (1–3%, w/w) in the estimation of thermodynamics was further studied. From the energetic parameters calculated for the viscous flow, a moderate energy barrier for transport process was observed. Thermodynamic study showed that the enthalpy was positive in all xanthan gum and beeswax concentrations indicating that the formation of nanoemulsions could be endothermic in nature. Fullerene nanoemulsions with 0.6% or higher xanthan gum content were found to be stable against creaming and flocculation when exposed to extreme environmental conditions.

Current and future evidence-based acne treatment: a review

INTRODUCTION

Current acne treatment guidelines, as well as, treatment efficacy, safety, tolerability and patient preferences must all be considered in determining appropriate treatment regimes. Literature can assist physicians' evidence-based recommendations according to these factors.

AREAS COVERED

To determine the current and future direction of pharmacotherapy for treatment of acne, a PubMed search was conducted to identify all clinical trials involving the treatment of acne from 2009 to 2012. A total of 65 publications met inclusion criteria and were reviewed. Literature was heavily focused on the efficacy and tolerability of topical combination therapies and supported their use compared with monotherapy. A few studies on topical antiandrogens and antioxidants showed an alternative approach to targeting acne. Studies on oral monotherapy provided some evidence for the use of pulsed azithromycin for acne in adolescents. Literature also supports the use of low-dose isotretinoin for moderate acne, which was comparable in efficacy to high-dose regimes and better tolerated.

EXPERT OPINION

Combination acne therapy, whether it be combination topical therapy or combination oral and topical therapy, is well supported by recent studies. Given the multifactorial pathogenesis of acne and the hurdles of adherence to treatment, we anticipate greater development of and reliance on combination acne products in the future.

Uncontrolled variability in the extinction spectra of C60 nanoparticle suspensions

To properly investigate the environmental transport, fate, and impact of fullerene C60 nanoparticles (nC60), it is necessary to reproducibly obtain nC60 suspensions and to accurately determine their concentration ([C60]). The results in the present study, however, clearly illustrate that the production of nC60 via extended mixing and via sonication are highly stochastic top-down processes subject to widely divergent end points. nC60 suspensions exhibit variable characteristics (e.g., [C60], average particle size, size distribution, etc.) that make it challenging, if not impossible, to acquire reproducible UV-vis extinction spectra. The mass extinction coefficient, which is the absorptivity of a suspension with [C60] = 1 mM obtained by normalizing UV-vis spectra by the mass concentration of C60 in the suspension, decreases with a given suspension's hydrodynamic diameter, whereas the particle extinction coefficient, which is the absorptivity of a suspension containing one mole of nC60 nanoparticles with the same size distribution as the target suspension and calculated based upon the suspension nanoparticle size distribution, increases with its number weighted average diameter. Other spectroscopic properties of nC60 (e.g., absorbance bandwidth, position of absorption maximum, and relative extinction intensity) also change with average particle size. As a result of the extant variability between samples, when UV-vis spectra are employed to calculate or represent [C60] for fullerene nanoparticle suspensions, extreme care must be taken and other colloidal properties of this suspension must be measured to obtain an accurate result.

Sebusuppressive efficacy of the antioxidant bis-ethylhexyl hydroxydimethoxy benzylmalonate in the treatment of oily and blemished skin

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of 2% bis-ethylhexyl hydroxydimethoxy benzylmalonate (HDBM; RonaCare(®) AP) as an active ingredient in the treatment of oily and blemished skin. This study was carried out as a randomized, placebo-controlled, single-blind study on 44 test subjects with blemished skin over a period of 8 weeks. Sebum measurement, skin inflammation/redness scoring by an expert, photographic documentation and a self-assessment with regard to skin improvement, and tests of skin compatibility and galenic characteristics were performed. Treatment with 2% HDBM resulted in a significant reduction of sebum excretion and showed efficacy against inflamed/red lesions also shown by photographic documentation. Efficacy and galenic performance of 2% HDBM were judged to be superior to the placebo emulsion. Additionally, 2% HDBM was well tolerated; approximately 80% of the test subjects rated the compatibility as good to very good.

Induction of different reactive oxygen species in the skin during various laser therapies and their inhibition by fullerene

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is one of the mechanisms of laser irradiation in the skin, and there are beneficial and detrimental aspects to this reaction. Detrimental side effects after laser treatments, such as redness and pigmentation, can be reduced by using anti-oxidants.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Electron spin resonance (ESR) analysis using a free radical trapping agent revealed that different free radicals, including hydroxyl ((·) OH) and superoxide anion (O 2-) radicals, were generated in the skin of hairless mice by irradiation with intense pulsed light (IPL), plasma, and radio frequency lasers.

RESULTS

Generation of O 2- and (·) OH radicals was significantly inhibited in a dose-dependent fashion by fullerene and fullerene did not have any pro-oxidant effects as no radical adduct signal was detected. Although ROS can increase expression of COX-2 mRNA, an inflammatory marker, laser-induced COX-2 expression was significantly suppressed by the antioxidant activity of fullerene. In addition, imaging analysis of human skin has shown that erythema-associated redness caused by laser-induced inflammation is inhibited by fullerene gel.

CONCLUSION

These data suggest that laser-induced inflammation is suppressed by the ROS-scavenging activity of fullerene and that application of fullerene is effective against oxidative skin damage caused by laser irradiation. Thus, fullerene has potential as an after-care therapy following laser irradiation of the skin.

Preparation and characterization of stable aqueous higher-order fullerenes

Stable aqueous suspensions of nC₆₀ and individual higher fullerenes, i.e. C₇₀, C₇₆ and C₈₄, are prepared by a calorimetric modification of a commonly used liquid-liquid extraction technique. The energy requirement for synthesis of higher fullerenes has been guided by molecular-scale interaction energy calculations. Solubilized fullerenes show crystalline behavior by exhibiting lattice fringes in high resolution transmission electron microscopy images. The fullerene colloidal suspensions thus prepared are stable with a narrow distribution of cluster radii (42.7 ± 0.8 nm, 46.0 ± 14.0 nm, 60 ± 3.2 nm and 56.3 ± 1.1 nm for nC₆₀, nC₇₀, nC₇₆ and nC₈₄, respectively) as measured by time-resolved dynamic light scattering. The ζ-potential values for all fullerene samples showed negative surface potentials with similar magnitude ( - 38.6 ± 5.8 mV, - 39.1 ± 4.2 mV, - 38.9 ± 5.8 mV and - 41.7 ± 5.1 mV for nC₆₀, nC₇₀, nC₇₆ and nC₈₄, respectively), which provide electrostatic stability to the colloidal clusters. This energy-based modified solubilization technique to produce stable aqueous fullerenes will likely aid in future studies focusing on better applicability, determination of colloidal properties, and understanding of environmental fate, transport and toxicity of higher-order fullerenes.

Clinical implications of lipid peroxidation in acne vulgaris: old wine in new bottles

Acne vulgaris is a common dermatological disorder, one that is frequently associated with depression, anxiety and other psychological sequelae. In recent years there has been an increasing focus on the extent to which oxidative stress is involved in the pathophysiology of acne. Emerging studies have shown that patients with acne are under increased cutaneous and systemic oxidative stress. Indeed, there are indications that lipid peroxidation itself is a match that lights an inflammatory cascade in acne. The notion that lipid peroxidation is a 'starter gun' in acne is not a new one; here we review the nearly 50-year-old lipid peroxidation theory and provide a historical perspective to the contemporary investigations and clinical implications.

In addition, we present a novel hypothesis in which lipid peroxidation may be priming an increased susceptibility to co-morbid depression and anxiety in those with acne. The emerging research on the systemic burden of oxidative stress in acne sheds further light on the brain-skin axis. The recent findings also suggest potential avenues of approach for the treatment of acne via specific nutrients, dietary modifications, oral and topical interventions.