Evaluating the effect of ozone in UV induced skin damage

Combined exposure to UV and PM affect skin oxinflammatory responses and it is prevented by antioxidant mix topical application: Evidences from clinical study

BACKGROUND

Exposure to environmental stressors like particulate matter (PM) and ultraviolet radiation (UV) induces cutaneous oxidative stress and inflammation and leads to skin barrier dysfunction and premature aging. Metals like iron or copper are abundant in PM and are known to contribute to reactive oxygen species (ROS) production.

AIMS

Although it has been suggested that topical antioxidants may be able to help in preventing and/or reducing outdoor skin damage, limited clinical evidence under real-life exposure conditions have been reported. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the ability of a topical serum containing 15% ascorbic acid, 0.5% ferulic acid, and 1% tocopherol (CF Mix) to prevent oxinflammatory skin damage and premature aging induced by PM + UV in a human clinical trial.

METHODS

A 4-day single-blinded, clinical study was conducted on the back of 15 females (18-40 years old). During the 4 consecutive days, the back test zones were treated daily with or without the CF Mix, followed by with/without 2 h of PM and 5 min of UV daily exposure.

RESULTS

Application of the CF Mix prevented PM + UV-induced skin barrier perturbation (Involucrin and Loricrin), lipid peroxidation (4HNE), inflammatory markers (COX2, NLRP1, and AhR), and MMP9 activation. In addition, CF Mix was able to prevent Type I Collagen loss.

CONCLUSION

This is the first human study confirming multipollutant cutaneous damage and suggesting the utility of a daily antioxidant topical application to prevent pollution induced skin damage.

Multi-omics analysis to evaluate the effects of solar exposure and a broad-spectrum SPF50+ sunscreen on markers of skin barrier function in a skin ecosystem model

Sun exposure induces major skin alterations, but its effects on skin metabolites and lipids remain largely unknown. Using an original reconstructed human epidermis (RHE) model colonized with human microbiota and supplemented with human sebum, we previously showed that a single dose of simulated solar radiation (SSR) significantly impacted the skin metabolome and microbiota. In this article, we further analyzed SSR-induced changes on skin metabolites and lipids in the same RHE model. Among the significantly altered metabolites (log2-fold changes with p ≤ 0.05), we found several natural moisturizing factors (NMFs): amino acids, lactate, glycerol, urocanic acid, pyrrolidone carboxylic acid and derivatives. Analyses of the stratum corneum lipids also showed that SSR induced lower levels of free fatty acids and higher levels of ceramides, cholesterols and its derivatives. An imbalance in NMFs and ceramides combined to an increase of proinflammatory lipids may participate in skin permeability barrier impairment, dehydration and inflammatory reaction to the sun. Our skin model also allowed the evaluation of an innovative ultraviolet/blue light (UV/BL) broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (SPF50+). We found that using this sunscreen prior to SSR exposure could in part prevent SSR-induced alterations in NMFs and lipids in the skin ecosystem RHE model.

Tropospheric ozone effect on olfactory perception and olfactory bulb dopaminergic interneuron excitability

Ozone (O3) forms in the Earth's atmosphere, both naturally and by reactions of man-made air pollutants. Deleterious effects of O3 have been found in the respiratory system. Here, we examine whether O3 alters olfactory behavior and cellular properties in the olfactory system. For this purpose, mice were exposed to O3 at a concentration found in highly polluted city air [0.8 ppm], and the behavior elicited by social and non-social odors in habituation/dishabituation tests was assessed. In addition, the electrical responses of dopaminergic olfactory bulb (OB) neurons were also evaluated. O3 differentially compromises olfactory perception to odors: it reduces responses to social and non-social odors in Swiss Webster mice, while this effect was observed in C57BL/6 J mice only for some non-social odors. Additionally, O3 reduced the rate of spontaneous spike firing in periglomerular dopaminergic cells (PG-DA) of the OB. Because this effect could reflect changes in excitability and/or synaptic inputs, the ability of O3 to alter PG-DA spontaneous activity was also tested together with cell membrane resistance, membrane potential, rheobase and chronaxie. Taken together, our data suggest the ability of O3 to affect olfactory perception.

Feeding the Body Through the Skin: Ethosomes and Transethosomes as a New Topical Delivery System for Bioactive Compounds

Because the feeding of our body through the oral route can be associated with many drawbacks due to the degradation of natural molecules during transit in the gastrointestinal tract, a transdermal delivery strategy, usually employed in the pharmaceutical field, can present an effective alternative for delivery of bioactives and nutrients from foods. In this review, the chance to feed the body with nutritive and bioactive molecules from food through transdermal administration is discussed. Various nanotechnological devices employed for topical and transdermal delivery of bioactive compounds are described. In addition, mechanisms underlying their potential use in the delivery of nutritive molecules, as well as their capability to efficaciously reach the dermis and promote systemic distribution, are detailed.

Impact of climate change on atopic dermatitis: A review by the International Eczema Council

Atopic dermatitis (AD), the most burdensome skin condition worldwide, is influenced by climatic factors and air pollution; however, the impact of increasing climatic hazards on AD remains poorly characterized. Leveraging an existing framework for 10 climatic hazards related to greenhouse gas emissions, we identified 18 studies with evidence for an impact on AD through a systematic search. Most climatic hazards had evidence for aggravation of AD the impact ranged from direct effects like particulate matter-induced AD exacerbations from wildfires to the potential for indirect effects like drought-induced food insecurity and migration. We then created maps comparing the past, present, and future projected burden of climatic hazards to global AD prevalence data. Data are lacking, especially from those regions most likely to experience more climatic hazards. We highlight gaps important for future research: understanding the synergistic impacts of climatic hazards on AD, long-term disease activity, the differential impact on vulnerable populations, and how basic mechanisms explain population-level trends.

Diet and skin health: The good and the bad

The skin protects humans from pathogens, ultraviolet light, chemicals, mechanical, thermal, and physical injuries as well as hazardous substances. Other important roles of the skin include the regulation of several important physiological processes of the body, sensing stimuli, synthesis of vitamin D, and immune surveillance. However, aging, diseases and environmental conditions significantly change the skin's behavior and functioning. The treatment and prevention strategies for various skin diseases especially photoaging usually include topical treatment with medical cosmetology, active ingredients and other physical means of photoprotection. In recent times, however, there is an increasing consciousness about the role of diet and nutrition in skin health with certain dietary components emerging as an adequate alternative approach to alleviate and prevent both endogenous and exogenous aging symptoms. Therefore, this narrative review uniquely discusses the basic structure of the skin and also addresses common dermatological signs of damaged skin, the impacts of unhealthy diet habits on the skin, and the beneficial effects of some healthy diet habits on skin health. The information and data were collated from various literature databases and resources such as Science Direct, PubMed, Wiley, Springer, Taylor and Francis, Inflibnet, Scopus, Google, and Google Scholar using relevant keywords Medical Subject Headings (MeSH). In conclusion, diet and nutrition play essential roles in the optimum functioning of the human body, including the skin. Thus, certain diet habits such as less water intake, high-fat diet, refined sugar, and certain food additives are unhealthy and harmful to the skin while alternative healthy diet habits such as adequate water intake; consumption of antioxidants and polyphenolic-rich fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes; a low glycemic index diet; probiotics; and phytoestrogens should be adopted to enhance skin health.

Cutaneous Redox Senescence

Our current understanding of skin cell senescence involves the role of environmental stressors (UV, O3, cigarette smoke, particulate matter, etc.), lifestyle (diet, exercise, etc.) as well as genetic factors (metabolic changes, hormonal, etc.). The common mechanism of action of these stressors is the disturbance of cellular redox balance characterized by increased free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS), and when these overload the intrinsic antioxidant defense system, it can lead to an oxidative stress cellular condition. The main redox mechanisms that activate cellular senescence in the skin involve (1) the oxidative damage of telomeres causing their shortening; (2) the oxidation of proteomes and DNA damage; (3) an a in lysosomal mass through the increased activity of resident enzymes such as senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) as well as other proteins that are products of lysosomal activity; (4) and the increased expression of SASP, in particular pro-inflammatory cytokines transcriptionally regulated by NF-κB. However, the main targets of ROS on the skin are the proteome (oxi-proteome), followed by telomeres, nucleic acids (DNAs), lipids, proteins, and cytoplasmic organelles. As a result, cell cycle arrest pathways, lipid peroxidation, increased lysosomal content and dysfunctional mitochondria, and SASP synthesis occur. Furthermore, oxidative stress in skin cells increases the activity of p16INK4A and p53 as inhibitors of Rb and CDks, which are important for maintaining the cell cycle. p53 also promotes the inactivation of mTOR-mediated autophagic and apoptotic pathways, leading to senescence. However, these markers alone cannot establish the state of cellular senescence, and multiple analyses are encouraged for confirmation. An updated and more comprehensive approach to investigating skin senescence should include further assays of ox-inflammatory molecular pathways that can consolidate the understanding of cutaneous redox senescence.

Nutlin-3 Loaded Ethosomes and Transethosomes to Prevent UV-Associated Skin Damage

The skin's protective mechanisms, in some cases, are not able to counteract the destructive effects induced by UV radiations, resulting in dermatological diseases, as well as skin aging. Nutlin-3, a potent drug with antiproliferative activity in keratinocytes, can block UV-induced apoptosis by activation of p53. In the present investigation, ethosomes and transethosomes were designed as delivery systems for nutlin-3, with the aim to protect the skin against UV damage. Vesicle size distribution was evaluated by photon correlation spectroscopy and morphology was investigated by cryogenic transmission electron microscopy, while nutlin-3 entrapment capacity was evaluated by ultrafiltration and HPLC. The in vitro diffusion kinetic of nutlin-3 from ethosomes and transethosomes was studied by Franz cell. Moreover, the efficiency of ethosomes and transethosomes in delivering nutlin-3 and its protective role were evaluated in ex vivo skin explants exposed to UV radiations. The results indicate that ethosomes and transethosomes efficaciously entrapped nutlin-3 (0.3% w/w). The ethosome vesicles were spherical and oligolamellar, with a 224 nm mean diameter, while in transethosome the presence of polysorbate 80 resulted in unilamellar vesicles with a 146 nm mean diameter. The fastest nutlin-3 kinetic was detected in the case of transethosomes, with permeability coefficients 7.4-fold higher, with respect to ethosomes and diffusion values 250-fold higher, with respect to the drug in solution. Ex vivo data suggest a better efficacy of transethosomes to promote nutlin-3 delivery within the skin, with respect to ethosomes. Indeed, nutlin-3 loaded transethosomes could prevent UV effect on cutaneous metalloproteinase activation and cell proliferative response.

Exosomes from hypoxic pretreated ADSCs attenuate ultraviolet light-induced skin injury via GLRX5 delivery and ferroptosis inhibition

Accumulation studies have found that adipose-derived stem cell (ADSC) exosomes have anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory characteristics. The current study verified their therapeutic potential to elucidate mechanisms of ADSC exosome actions in ultraviolet B (UVB) light-induced skin injury. Exosomes were isolated from ADSCs and hypoxic pretreated ADSCs. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) was applied to characterize differential mRNA expression. A UV-induced mice skin injury model was generated to investigate therapeutic effects regarding the exosomes via immunofluorescence and ELISA analysis. Regulatory mechanisms were illustrated using luciferase report analysis and in vitro experiments. The results demonstrated that exosomes from hypoxic pretreated ADSCs (HExos) inhibited UVB light-induced vascular injury by reversing reactive oxygen species, inflammatory factor expression and excessive collagen degradation. NGS showed that HExos inhibits UV-induced skin damage via GLRX5 delivery, while GLRX5 downregulation inhibited the therapeutic effect of HExos on UV-induced skin damage. GLRX5 upregulation increased the protective Exo effect on UV-induced skin and EPC damage by inhibiting ferroptosis, inflammatory cytokine expression and excessive collagen degradation. Therefore, the data indicate that HExos attenuate UV light-induced skin injury via GLRX5 delivery and ferroptosis inhibition.

Vitamin C compounds mixture prevents skin barrier alterations and inflammatory responses upon real life multi pollutant exposure

Cutaneous tissues is among the main target of outdoor stressors such as ozone (O3 ), particulate matter (PM), and ultraviolet radiation (UV) all involved in inducing extrinsic skin aging. Only a few reports have studied the multipollutant interaction and its effect on skin damage. In the present work, we intended to evaluate the ability of pollutants such as O3 and PM to further aggravate cutaneous UV damage. In addition, the preventive properties of a cosmeceutical formulation mixture (AOX mix) containing 15% vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), 1% vitamin E (α-tocopherol) and 0.5% ferulic acid was also investigated. Skin explants obtained from three different subjects were exposed to 200 mJ UV light, 0.25 ppm O3 for 2 h, and 30 min of diesel engine exhaust (DEE), alone or in combination for 4 days (time point D1 and D4). The results showed a clear additive effect of O3 and DEE in combination with UV in terms of keratin 10, Desmocollin and Claudin loss. In addition, the multipollutant exposure significantly induced the inflammatory response measured as NLRP1/ASC co-localization suggesting the activation of the inflammasome machinery. Finally, the loss of Aquaporin3 was also affected by the combined outdoor stressors. Furthermore, daily topical pre-treatment with the AOX Mix significantly prevented the cutaneous changes induced by the multipollutants. In conclusion, this study is among the first to investigate the combined effects of three of the most harmful outdoor stressors on human skin and confirms that daily topical of an antioxidant application may prevent pollution-induced skin damage.

Lipid-Based Nanosystems for the Topical Application of Ferulic Acid: A Comparative Study

In this study, we examined and compared two different lipid-based nanosystems (LBNs), namely Transferosomes (TFs) and Monoolein Aqueous Dispersions (MADs), as delivery systems for the topical application of Ferulic Acid (FA), an antioxidant molecule derived from natural sources. Our results, as demonstrated through Franz-cell experiments, indicate that the LBNs produced with poloxamer 188 in their composition create a multilamellar system. This system effectively controls the release of the drug. Nonetheless, we found that the type of non-ionic surfactant can impact the drug release rate. Regarding FA diffusion from the MAD, this showed a lower diffusion rate compared with the TF. In terms of an in vivo application, patch tests revealed that all LBN formulations tested were safe when applied under occlusive conditions for 48 h. Additionally, human skin biopsies were used to determine whether FA-containing formulations could influence skin tissue morphology or provide protection against O₃ exposure. Analyses suggest that treatment with TFs composed of poloxamer 188 and MAD formulations might protect against structural skin damage (as observed in hematoxylin/eosin staining) and the development of an oxidative environment (as indicated by 4-hyroxinonenal (4HNE) expression levels) induced by O₃ exposure. In contrast, formulations without the active ingredient did not offer protection against the detrimental effects of O₃ exposure.Inizio modulo.

Topical Application of M89PF Containing Vichy Mineralising Water and Probiotic Fractions Prevents Cutaneous Damage Induced by Exposure to UV and O3

Purpose

Exposure of the skin to ultraviolet radiation (UV) or ozone (O₃) results in stressed skin, leading to the alteration of the skin physical barrier and defence functions. In this work, the preventive benefit of a dermocosmetic, M89PF, containing Vichy mineralising water, probiotic fractions, antioxidant vitamins and hyaluronic acid, in the alteration of skin physical barrier and skin defence functions after exposure to O₃ and UV, alone or combined, was assessed.

Methods

Untreated and treated (M89PF) skin explants were exposed to O₃, to UV rays or to O₃+UV. Immunofluorescence was performed for skin barrier, oxidative stress, and inflammatory markers after one and four days of exposure to the pollutants.

Results

M89PF significantly (p≤0.05) prevented the decrease of the expression level of different skin barrier markers, and significantly (p≤0.05) prevented the induction of OxInflammatory markers and inflammasome components by UV, O_3, or both combined.

Conclusion

M89PF prevents skin barrier damage, as well as oxidative stress and inflammatory markers induced by exposome factors, such as UV, O_3, or both combined.

Development of multifunctional sunscreens: Evaluation of physico-mechanical and film-forming properties

The exposome consists of several factors such as solar radiation and pollution, which can provoke skin damage and lead to premature skin aging. Thus, the use of multifunctional sunscreens is critical in order to prevent this damage. In addition, film formation is very important to reach the expected SPF. Within this context, the objective of the present study was to develop and evaluate the in vivo SPF, sensory, physico-mechanical, and film-forming properties of sunscreens containing a biopolymer from Tara and red algae. A clinical study of the film-forming effect and of skin hydration was performed by instrumental measurements and by biophysical and skin imaging techniques. The SPF of both formulations, with or without the biopolymer, was 45.6. This result was 10.09% higher than expected. higher than expected. However, the sunscreen added to the biopolymer showed better sensory and texture properties, significantly increased skin hydration and reduced transepidermal water loss. The film-forming property was observed by the analysis of Reflectance Confocal Microscopy images 2, 4, and 6 h after formulation application, and this result was more pronounced for the sunscreen added to the biopolymer. Thus, the film-forming property of the biopolymer was important for prolonging the skin barrier function due to film formation and to obtain more effective and multifunctional sunscreens that provide longer protection.

Cutaneous Nrf2-Keap1 pathway modulation by environmental factors: The Dead Sea area as a test case

The skin is constantly exposed to exogenous environmental stressors and has to cope with excessive oxidative stress and tissue damage. However, exposure to moderate environmental stressors may be beneficial for the cutaneous tissue and assist in protecting against oxidative damage via the enhanced activation of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2-Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Nrf2-Keap1) pathway. Such moderate stressors can be found in various locations around the globe. In this manuscript, we chose to focus on the Dead Sea (DS) area as a test case to study the effect of moderate stressors on the cutaneous tissue because of the unique combinations of moderate stressors in this area. The exceptional location of the DS at an altitude of -438 meters below sea level (the lowest place on earth) is responsible for its rare accumulation of moderate stressors such as high-water salinity, high atmospheric pressure, and unique solar radiation. In this manuscript, we hypothesized that the unique solar radiation in the DS area generates moderate oxidative stress in the skin leading to the induction of intracellular electrophiles, which in turn can activate the protecting Nrf2-Keap1 pathway. We showed that exposure of human skin organ culture from the same donor to solar radiation at the DS resulted in significant activation of the Nrf2-Keap1 pathway, induction of phase II enzymes, and lower apoptotic activity compared to a nearby location at a higher altitude (Jerusalem +700 m). This remarkable effect of activating the Nrf2 protecting pathway and the importance and characteristics of the solar irradiation at the DS is discussed.

Ultraviolet Light Protection: Is It Really Enough?

Our current understanding of the pathogenesis of skin aging includes the role of ultraviolet light, visible light, infrared, pollution, cigarette smoke and other environmental exposures. The mechanism of action common to these exposures is the disruption of the cellular redox balance by the directly or indirectly increased formation of reactive oxygen species that overwhelm the intrinsic antioxidant defense system, resulting in an oxidative stress condition. Altered redox homeostasis triggers downstream pathways that contribute to tissue oxinflammation (cross-talk between inflammation and altered redox status) and accelerate skin aging. In addition, both ultraviolet light and pollution increase intracellular free iron that catalyzes reactive oxygen species generation via the Fenton reaction. This disruption of iron homeostasis within the cell further promotes oxidative stress and contributes to extrinsic skin aging. More recent studies have demonstrated that iron chelators can be used topically and can enhance the benefits of topically applied antioxidants. Thus, an updated, more comprehensive approach to environmental or atmospheric aging protection should include sun protective measures, broad spectrum sunscreens, antioxidants, chelating agents, and DNA repair enzymes.

Oxidative-Stress-Sensitive microRNAs in UV-Promoted Development of Melanoma

Simple Summary

Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun is one of the most important modifiable risk factors for skin cancer. Melanoma is the most life-threatening type of skin cancer. UV-induced DNA damage and oxidative stress represent two main mechanisms that, directly and indirectly, contribute to melanomagenesis. In addition, an interplay of abnormally expressed microRNAs (miRNAs) and redox imbalance is a hallmark in several cancers, including melanoma. UV radiation can be the central hub between these two cellular aberrations, as it is able to stimulate both. Here, to gain new mechanistic insights into melanomagenesis and identify new therapeutic targets for the prevention and treatment of melanoma, we report current evidence suggesting a complex interaction between UV-promoted deregulation of redox-sensitive miRNAs and known signal-transduction pathways underlying malignant transformation of melanocytes to melanoma.

Abstract

Melanoma is the most aggressive and life-threatening form of skin cancer. Key molecular events underlying the melanocytic transformation into malignant melanoma mainly involve gene mutations in which exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation plays a prominent role. However, several aspects of UV-induced melanomagenesis remain to be explored. Interestingly, redox-mediated signaling and perturbed microRNA (miRNA) profiles appear to be interconnected contributing factors able to act synergistically in melanoma initiation and progression. Since UV radiation can promote both redox imbalance and miRNA dysregulation, a harmful crosstalk between these two key cellular networks, with UV as central hub among them, is likely to occur in skin tissue. Therefore, decoding the complex circuits that orchestrate the interaction of UV exposure, oxidative stress, and dysregulated miRNA profiling can provide a deep understanding of the molecular basis of the melanomagenesis process. Furthermore, these mechanistic insights into the reciprocal regulation between these systems could have relevant implications for future therapeutic approaches aimed at counteracting UV-induced redox and miRNome imbalances for the prevention and treatment of malignant melanoma. In this review, we illustrate current information on the intricate connection between UV-induced dysregulation of redox-sensitive miRNAs and well-known signaling pathways involved in the malignant transformation of normal melanocytes to malignant melanoma.

Photoprotective effects of sweet potato leaf polyphenols and caffeic acid against UV-induced skin-damage in BALB/C nude mice

This study aimed at clarifying the mechanism by which sweet potato leaf polyphenols (SPLPs) ameliorate ultraviolet (UV) radiation damage, using the BALB/c hairless female mouse model. The moisture and hydroxyproline (HYP) contents of the model mouse skin and the thickness of the epidermis and dermis were determined by staining and histological examination. Anti-oxidative enzyme activities, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and protein carbonyl content in skin tissue and serum were investigated. Expression of inflammatory markers and mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathways were evaluated. Topical caffeic acid at 30 mg kg^-1 most strongly inhibited the decrease in skin moisture, HYP content, and the thickening of the epidermis. Topical SPLP at 100 mg kg^-1 most significantly inhibited the dermal thickening, increased the activities of the superoxide dismutase, catalase as well as glutathione peroxidase, and decreased the content of serum MDA and protein carbonyls markedly. Furthermore, the topical SPLP suppressed the UV-induced rise in the inflammatory markers MMP-1, TNF-α, and NF-κB, and alleviated phosphorylation levels of the stress-signaling proteins JNK and p38. Thus, topical SPLP provided the best overall protection for mouse skin from UV-induced damage.

A dermocosmetic formulation containing Vichy volcanic mineralizing water, Vitreoscilla filiformis extract, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin E regenerates and repairs acutely stressed skin

The exposome has an impact on skin from life-long exposure. Acute short-term exposure to exposome stressors can also alter skin functions such as skin physical barrier and immune defenses, leading to skin dryness, sensitivity, flares of inflammatory skin conditions, or viral reactivations. Probiotics are defined as live microorganisms, which, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host. An extract produced by lysing Vitreoscilla filiformis (VfeV) cultured in Vichy volcanic mineralizing water (VVMW) has properties of probiotic fractions. In this review, we present in vivo and ex vivo studies with a dermocosmetic formulation containing 80% VVMW, 5% VfeV, 4% niacinamide (vitamin B3), 0.4% hyaluronic acid, and 0.2% vitamin E (M89PF) to evaluate the clinical efficacy in preventing and repairing stressed skin. Skin barrier benefits of M89PF were shown in studies after the skin was exposed to sudden thermal changes, after skin irritation by tape stripping, and in sleep-deprived women. M89PF significantly accelerated skin renewal compared to untreated skin. Skin antioxidant defense activity of M89PF was shown after exposure to stress from UVA plus cigarette smoke aggression. Skin microbiome recovery after acute stress from a harsh cleanser was significantly better in M89PF-treated skin compared to bare skin. Clinical benefits of M89PF on correcting clinical signs of stressed skin were shown in both Caucasian and Asian women exposed to a stressful lifestyle and various external (pollution, tobacco smoking, solar radiation) and internal (poor sleep, stressful work, unbalanced diet, and alcohol consumption) exposome factors. M89PF also showed depigmenting properties on dark spots in Asian women. Further clinical studies are now warranted to evaluate the efficacy of M89PF as adjuvant care to prevent and repair skin barrier disruption and reinforce skin defenses in skin exposed to acute stresses.

Core-Shell-Like Structured Co3O4@SiO2 Catalyst for Highly Efficient Catalytic Elimination of Ozone

Co₃O₄ is an environmental catalyst that can effectively decompose ozone, but is strongly affected by water vapor. In this study, Co₃O₄@SiO₂ catalysts with a core-shell-like structure were synthesized following the hydrothermal method. At 60% relative humidity and a space velocity of 720,000 h⁻¹, the prepared Co₃O₄@SiO₂ obtained 95% ozone decomposition for 40 ppm ozone after 6 h, which far outperformed that of the 25wt% Co₃O₄/SiO₂ catalysts. The superiority of Co₃O₄@SiO₂ is ascribed to its core@shell structure, in which Co₃O₄ is wrapped inside the SiO₂ shell structure to avoid air exposure. This research provides important guidance for the high humidity resistance of catalysts for ozone decomposition.

Alaskan Bog Blueberry (Vaccinium uliginosum) Extract as an Innovative Topical Approach to Prevent UV-Induced Skin Damage

Our body is continuously exposed to various exogenous aggressors, and, in particular, the skin represents the main target for outdoor stressors, including ultraviolet (UV) radiation. UV exposure is well-known to be associated with the development/worsening of extrinsic photoaging and a multitude of skin conditions. Considering the role of photoprotection in skin health, the research of natural photoprotective molecules becomes of great importance. Therefore, in this work we wanted to evaluate the beneficial protective effects of ripe berries of Vaccinium uliginosum (Alaska bog blueberry (BB)) extract (100 μg/mL) for preventing the cutaneous oxidative, inflammatory, and structural damage induced by exposure to 200 mJ of UVA/UVB radiation. We observed that the topical application of BB extract on human ex vivo skin explants averted the UV-induced cutaneous OxInflammatory phenomenon by quenching the increase in the oxidative and inflammatory marker levels, such as 4-hydroxynonenal (4HNE), heme-oxygenase-1 (HO-1), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2), and aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR); as well as by counteracting the loss of structural proteins (filaggrin and involucrin) induced by UV radiation. Our data propose the use of a topical application of Alaska bog blueberry extract as a natural and valuable approach to ensure photoprotection against UV-induced skin damage and premature aging.

"Plurethosome" as Vesicular System for Cutaneous Administration of Mangiferin: Formulative Study and 3D Skin Tissue Evaluation

Human skin is dramatically exposed to toxic pollutants such as ozone. To counteract the skin disorders induced by the air pollution, natural antioxidants such as mangiferin could be employed. A formulative study for the development of vesicular systems for mangiferin based on phosphatidylcholine and the block copolymer pluronic is described. Plurethosomes were designed for mangiferin transdermal administration and compared to ethosome and transethosome. Particularly, the effect of vesicle composition was investigated on size distribution, inner and outer morphology by photon correlation spectroscopy, small angle X-ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy. The potential of selected formulations as vehicles for mangiferin was studied, evaluating encapsulation efficiency and in vitro diffusion parameters by Franz cells. The mangiferin antioxidant capacity was verified by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay. Vesicle size spanned between 200 and 550 nm, being influenced by phosphatidylcholine concentration and by the presence of polysorbate or pluronic. The vesicle supramolecular structure was multilamellar in the case of ethosome or plurethosome and unilamellar in the case of transethosome. A linear diffusion of mangiferin in the case of ethosome and transethosomes and a biphasic profile in the case of plurethosomes indicated the capability of multilamellar vesicles to retain the drug more efficaciously than the unilamellar ones. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential effect of mangiferin against pollutants was evaluated on 3D human skin models exposed to O₃. The protective effect exerted by plurethosomes and transethosomes suggests their possible application to enhance the cutaneous antioxidant defense status.

Adult skin acute stress responses to short-term environmental and internal aggression from exposome factors

Exposome factors that lead to stressed skin can be defined as any disturbance to homeostasis from environmental (meteorological factors, solar radiation, pollution or tobacco smoke) and/or internal exposure (unhealthy diet, hormonal variations, lack of sleep, psychosocial stress). The clinical and biological impact of chronic exposome effects on skin functions has been extensively reviewed, whereas there is a paucity of information on the impact of short‐term acute exposure. Acute stress, which would typically last minutes to hours (and generally no more than a week), provokes a transient but robust neuroendocrine‐immune and tissue remodelling response in the skin and can alter the skin barrier. Firstly, we provide an overview of the biological effects of various acute stressors on six key skin functions, namely the skin physical barrier, pigmentation, defences (antioxidant, immune cell‐mediated, microbial and microbiome maintenance), structure (extracellular matrix and appendages), neuroendocrine and thermoregulation functions. Secondly, we describe the biological and clinical effects on adult skin from individual exposome factors that elicit an acute stress response and their consequences in skin health maintenance. Clinical manifestations of acutely stressed skin may include dry skin that might accentuate fine lines, oily skin, sensitive skin, pruritus, erythema, pale skin, sweating, oedema and flares of inflammatory skin conditions such as acne, rosacea, atopic dermatitis, pigmentation disorders and skin superinfection such as viral reactivation. Acute stresses can also induce scalp sensitivity, telogen effluvium and worsen alopecia.

Ethosomes and Transethosomes for Mangiferin Transdermal Delivery

Mangiferin is a natural glucosyl xanthone with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, making it suitable for protection against cutaneous diseases. In this study ethosomes and transethosomes were designed as topical delivery systems for mangiferin. A preformulation study was conducted using different surfactants in association with phosphatidylcholine. Vesicle dimensional distribution was monitored by photon correlation spectroscopy, while antioxidant capacity and cytotoxicity were respectively assessed by free radical scavenging analysis and MTT on HaCaT keratinocytes. Selected nanosystems were further investigated by cryogenic transmission electron microscopy, while mangiferin entrapment capacity was evaluated by ultracentrifugation and HPLC. The diffusion kinetics of mangiferin from ethosomes and transethosomes evaluated by Franz cell was faster in the case of transethosomes. The suitability of mangiferin-containing nanovesicles in the treatment of skin disorders related to pollutants was investigated, evaluating, in vitro, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect of ethosomes and transethosomes on human keratinocytes exposed to cigarette smoke as an oxidative and inflammatory challenger. The ability to induce an antioxidant response (HO-1) and anti-inflammatory status (IL-6 and NF-kB) was determined by RT-PCR and immunofluorescence. The data demonstrated the effectiveness of mangiferin loaded in nanosystems to protect cells from damage. Finally, to gain insight into the keratinocytes’ uptake of ethosome and transethosome, transmission electron microscopy analyses were conducted, showing that both nanosystems were able to pass intact within the cells.