Idebenone: a new antioxidant - Part I. Relative assessment of oxidative stress protection capacity compared to commonly known antioxidants

Bioactive Compounds for Combating Oxidative Stress in Dermatology

There are extensive studies that confirm the harmful and strong influence of oxidative stress on the skin. The body's response to oxidative stress can vary depending on the type of reactive oxygen species (ROS) or reactive nitrogen species (RNS) and their metabolites, the duration of exposure to oxidative stress and the antioxidant capacity at each tissue level. Numerous skin diseases and pathologies are associated with the excessive production and accumulation of free radicals. title altered Both categories have advantages and disadvantages in terms of skin structures, tolerability, therapeutic performance, ease of application or formulation and economic efficiency. The effect of long-term treatment with antioxidants is evaluated through studies investigating their protective effect and the improvement of some phenomena caused by oxidative stress. This article summarizes the available information on the presence of compounds used in dermatology to combat oxidative stress in the skin. It aims to provide an overview of all the considerations for choosing an antioxidant agent, the topics for further research and the answers sought in order to optimize therapeutic performance.

Pleiotropic Microenvironment Remodeling Micelles for Cerebral Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury Therapy by Inhibiting Neuronal Ferroptosis and Glial Overactivation

Reperfusion injury presents a significant obstacle to neuronal survival following successful recanalization in ischemic stroke, which is characterized by intricate pathophysiological processes comprising numerous interconnected pathways. Oxidative stress-induced neuronal ferroptosis and the overactivation of glial cells play important roles in this phenomenon. In this study, we developed a targeted cross-linked micelle loaded with idebenone to rescue the ischemic penumbra by inhibiting neuronal ferroptosis and glial overactivation. In rat models, the CREKA peptide-modified micelles accumulate in the damaged brain via binding to microthrombi in the ipsilateral microvessels. Upon reactive oxygen species (ROS) stimulation, diselenide bonds within the micelles are transformed to hydrophilic seleninic acids, enabling synchronized ROS consumption and responsive drug release. The released idebenone scavenges ROS, prevents oxidative stress-induced neuronal ferroptosis, attenuates glial overactivation, and suppresses pro-inflammatory factors secretion, thereby modulating the inflammatory microenvironment. Finally, this micelle significantly reinforces neuronal survival, reduces infarct volume, and improves behavioral function compared to the control groups. This pleiotropic therapeutic micelle provides a proof-of-concept of remodeling the lesion microenvironment by inhibiting neuronal ferroptosis and glial overactivation to treat cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Microneedle-Assisted Topical Delivery of Idebenone-Loaded Bioadhesive Nanoparticles Protect against UV-Induced Skin Damage

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation can penetrate the basal layer of the skin and induce profound alterations in the underlying dermal tissues, including skin pigmentation, oxidative stress, photoaging, glycation, and skin cancer. Idebenone (IDB), an effective antioxidant that suppresses melanin biosynthesis and glycation, can protect the skin from UV-induced damage, accounting for its use in commercial anti-aging formulations. Ideally, IDB formulations should retain IDB inside the skin for a sufficient period, despite disturbances such as sweating or swimming. Herein, we present an IDB topical formulation based on Tris (tris(hydroxymethyl)-aminomethane)-modified bioadhesive nanoparticles (Tris-BNPs) and microneedle-assisted delivery. We found that Tris-BNPs loaded with IDB (IDB/Tris-BNPs) effectively reached the basal layer of the skin and were retained for at least 4 days with a slow and continuous drug release profile, unlike non-bioadhesive nanoparticles (NNPs) and bioadhesive nanoparticles (BNPs) of similar sizes (ranging from 120-142 nm) and zeta-potentials (above -20 mV), which experienced a significant reduction in concentration within 24 h. Notably, IDB/Tris-BNPs showed superior performance against UV-induced damage relative to IDB/NNPs and IDB/BNPs. This effect was demonstrated by lower levels of reactive oxygen species and advanced glycation end-products in skin tissues, as well as suppressed melanogenesis. Therefore, the proposed IDB delivery strategy provided long-term protective effects against UV-induced skin damage.

Cytokinins: Wide-Spread Signaling Hormones from Plants to Humans with High Medical Potential

Nature is a rich source of biologically active novel compounds. Sixty years ago, the plant hormones cytokinins were first discovered. These play a major role in cell division and cell differentiation. They affect organogenesis in plant tissue cultures and contribute to many other physiological and developmental processes in plants. Consequently, the effect of cytokinins on mammalian cells has caught the attention of researchers. Many reports on the contribution and potential of cytokinins in the therapy of different human diseases and pathophysiological conditions have been published and are reviewed here. We compare cytokinin effects and pathways in plants and mammalian systems and highlight the most important biological activities. We present the strong profile of the biological actions of cytokinins and their possible therapeutic applications.

Facile Solvent-Free Preparation of Antioxidant Idebenone-Loaded Nanoparticles for Efficient Wound Healing

The excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) causes harmful effects, including biomolecular damage and inflammation. ROS due to ultraviolet rays, blue light, and fine dust harm the skin, causing urban-related aging. Therefore, a strong antioxidant that relieves oxidative stress in the skin and removes ROS is required. Idebenone (IB) is a powerful antioxidant but is poorly soluble and thus has low solubility in water, resulting in low bioavailability. In this study, IB-loaded nanoparticles (IB@NPs) were synthesized by loading IB without an organic solvent into nanoparticles that can provide high loading efficiency and stability for solubilization. Indeed, the synthesized IB@NPs exhibited long-term stability through dynamic light scattering, methylene blue staining, and redispersion assays, and IB@NPs prepared with a 5 wt% IB loading content were found to be optimal. The antioxidant activity of IB@NPs evaluated using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay was significantly higher than that of unloaded IB. In addition, IB@NPs showed excellent biocompatibility, inhibited oxidative damage to mouse NIH-3T3 fibroblasts, and reduced intracellular ROS generation according to an in vitro DPPH antioxidant assay. Most notably, IB@NPs significantly promoted wound healing in vitro, as demonstrated by scratch assays. Therefore, as carriers with excellent stability, IB@NPs have potential cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications.

Encapsulated Activated Grape Seed Extract: A Novel Formulation with Anti-Aging, Skin-Brightening, and Hydration Properties

Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) is a master regulatory protein that plays a critical role in oxidative stress signaling. A novel, proprietary grape seed extract called Activated Grape Seed Extract (AGSE), enriched for PP2A-activating flavonoids, was recently developed and demonstrated to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. AGSE is a purple-colored powder, with limited solubility restricting its use in a broad range of formulations. Our aim was to develop a formulation that reduced the color and increased the solubility of AGSE, allowing its skin-health-enhancing properties to be utilized in a wider array of products, and to test it clinically. Encapsulation was performed utilizing a liposome and hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin, (HPCD)-based approach to produce Encapsulated AGSE (E-AGSE). Human dermal fibroblasts and epidermal keratinocytes were used to determine expression levels of aging and dermal–epidermal junction (DEJ) markers. EpiDerm™ was UVB-irradiated to measure the effects against cytokine release, DNA damage, apoptosis, and skin barrier. Human melanocytes were used to determine melanin production and mushroom tyrosinase was used for inhibitory activity. A 4-week, 31-subject sensitive-skin clinical was performed with 2% E-AGSE Essence to assess its activity on human skin. We demonstrated that E-AGSE inhibits PP2A demethylation, increases key anti-aging (collagen I, III, elastin) and DEJ markers, protects against UVB-induced DNA damage, reduces inflammation, and promotes filaggrin in vitro. Moreover, E-AGSE reduces melanin production via tyrosinase inhibition. Clinical assessment of E-AGSE showed that it reduces the appearance of wrinkles, brightens the skin, and boosts hydration. E-AGSE is a novel grape seed extract formulation enriched for PP2A-activating flavonoids that is clinically effective in sensitive skin, providing several benefits.

Bioactive phenolic components and potential health effects of chestnut shell: A review

Chestnut kernels are often used for direct consumption; or processed to produce marron glacé, chestnut purée, and gluten-free products, while chestnut by-products (inner shell and outer shell) are treated as waste residues. Many in vivo and in vitro studies have proved how chestnut shell extract functions as an antioxidant and exhibits anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and anti-obesity activities. This review introduces the main components of phenolic compounds in chestnut shells, traditional and modern extraction methods, and reported potential health effects. The aim is to have a better understanding of the functional active ingredients in chestnut shells and their value-added uses, to increase understanding of future applications of this agricultural and sideline product in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: In recent years, chestnut shells have become a hot research topic because of their rich bioactive ingredients. Due to the large amount of phenolic compounds in chestnut shells and their potential health functions (antioxidant, anticancer, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic, and treatment of obesity), extracts of chestnut shells have high biological value in the treatment of diseases. Therefore, this review introduces the main components of phenolic compounds in chestnut shells, traditional and modern extraction methods, and the potential health effects of these compounds. The aim of this review is to better understand the functional, active ingredients in chestnut shells and their value-added uses, and to increase understanding of future applications of this agricultural and sideline product in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries.

Cytokinin Plant Hormones Have Neuroprotective Activity in In Vitro Models of Parkinson's Disease

Cytokinins are adenine-based phytohormones that regulate key processes in plants, such as cell division and differentiation, root and shoot growth, apical dominance, branching, and seed germination. In preliminary studies, they have also shown protective activities against human neurodegenerative diseases. To extend knowledge of the protection (protective activity) they offer, we investigated activities of natural cytokinins against salsolinol (SAL)-induced toxicity (a Parkinson's disease model) and glutamate (Glu)-induced death of neuron-like dopaminergic SH-SY5Y cells. We found that kinetin-3-glucoside, cis-zeatin riboside, and N6-isopentenyladenosine were active in the SAL-induced PD model. In addition, trans-, cis-zeatin, and kinetin along with the iron chelator deferoxamine (DFO) and the necroptosis inhibitor necrostatin 1 (NEC-1) significantly reduced cell death rates in the Glu-induced model. Lactate dehydrogenase assays revealed that the cytokinins provided lower neuroprotective activity than DFO and NEC-1. Moreover, they reduced apoptotic caspase-3/7 activities less strongly than DFO. However, the cytokinins had very similar effects to DFO and NEC-1 on superoxide radical production. Overall, they showed protective activity in the SAL-induced model of parkinsonian neuronal cell death and Glu-induced model of oxidative damage mainly by reduction of oxidative stress.

Natural and synthetic cytokinins and their applications in biotechnology, agrochemistry and medicine

The review is devoted to cytokinins — classical plant hormones known for more than six decades. Nevertheless, different aspects of the action of cytokinins are still being investigated. Relevant studies produced interesting, often unexpected, results, which cast doubt on the old paradigms and open new prospects for the use of these phytohormones. Particular attention is given to recent advances in the applications of natural cytokinins and their synthetic analogues in biotechnology, agriculture, medicine and cosmetics. The chemical synthesis, properties and the possible use of artificial cytokinins are considered in detail. The review is aimed at researchers interested in the development and applications of new biologically active compounds with a wide spectrum of action on diverse biological objects, from plants to humans.

The bibliography includes 233 references.

The plant hormone kinetin in disease therapy and healthy aging

It has been more than 60 years since the discovery of kinetin, the first known member of a group of plant hormones called cytokinins. In this review we summarize the health-promoting activity of kinetin in animal systems, ranging from cells cultured in vitro through invertebrates to mammals. Kinetin has been shown to modulate aging, to delay age-related physiological decline and to protect against some neurodegenerative diseases. We also review studies on its mechanism of action, as well as point out gaps in our current knowledge.

Bezafibrate Upregulates Mitochondrial Biogenesis and Influence Neural Differentiation of Human-Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells

Bezafibrate (BZ) regulates mitochondrial biogenesis by activation of PPAR’s receptors and enhancing the level of PGC-1α coactivator. In this report, we investigated the effect of BZ on the expression of genes (1) that are linked to different pathways involved in mitochondrial biogenesis, e.g., regulated by PPAR’s receptors or PGC-1α coactivator, and (2) involved in neuronal or astroglial fate, during neural differentiation of hiPSC. The tested cell populations included hiPSC-derived neural stem cells (NSC), early neural progenitors (eNP), and neural progenitors (NP). RNA-seq analysis showed the expression of PPARA, PPARD receptors and excluded PPARG in all tested populations. The expression of PPARGC1A encoding PGC-1α was dependent on the stage of differentiation: NSC, eNP, and NP differed significantly as compared to hiPSC. In addition, BZ-evoked upregulation of PPARGC1A, GFAP, S100B, and DCX genes coexist with downregulation of MAP2 gene only at the eNP stage of differentiation. In the second task, we investigated the cell sensitivity and mitochondrial biogenesis upon BZ treatment. BZ influenced the cell viability, ROS level, mitochondrial membrane potential, and total cell number in concentration- and stage of differentiation-dependent manner. Induction of mitochondrial biogenesis evoked by BZ determined by the changes in the level of SDHA and COX-1 protein, and mtDNA copy number, as well as the expression of NRF1, PPARGC1A, and TFAM genes, was detected only at NP stage for all tested markers. Thus, developmental stage-specific sensitivity to BZ of neurally differentiating hiPSC can be linked to mitochondrial biogenesis, while fate commitment decisions to PGC-1α (encoded by PPARGC1A) pathway.

Effect of idebenone on bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in vitro

In recent years, stem cell research has continued to benefit from its crossover with chemistry, particularly the investigation of small molecular drugs modulating specific targets to regulate stem cell fate. Idebenone (IDB) is a yellow crystalline powder that is used in the treatment of chronic cerebrovascular diseases. The objective of the present study was to examine whether IDB had an influence on bone marrow‑derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) extracted from the bone marrow of Sprague‑Dawley rats. The effects of IDB on cell proliferation, cell cloning and migration were investigated. Cell cycle, apoptosis, DAPI nuclear staining and senescence‑associated β‑galactosidase (SA‑β‑gal) staining were also examined. The results revealed that IDB at suitable concentrations enhanced cell cloning capacity, promoted the proliferation of BMSCs, delayed cellular senescence, and inhibited cell apoptosis and migration. Western blot analysis indicated that IDB increased the expression of B‑cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl‑2), signal transducer and activator of transcription‑3, Nanog, octamer‑binding transcription factor 4, E‑cadherin, proliferating cell nuclear antigen, cyclinD1 and cyclinD3, and decreased the expression of Bcl‑2‑associated X protein, cleaved caspase‑3, N‑cadherin, vimentin and α‑smooth muscle actin. In conclusion, these experiments confirmed that IDB in low doses had no toxic effect and may exert protective effects on BMSCs.

Stem cells and aberrant signaling of molecular systems in skin aging

The skin is the body's largest organ and it is able to self-repair throughout an individual's life. With advanced age, skin is prone to degenerate in response to damage. Although cosmetic surgery has been widely adopted to rejuvinate skin, we are far from a clear understanding of the mechanisms responsible for skin aging. Recently, adult skin-resident stem/progenitor cells, growth arrest, senescence or apoptotic death and dysfunction caused by alterations in key signaling genes, such as Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK, PI3K/Akt-kinases, Wnt, p21 and p53, have been shown to play a vital role in skin regeneration. Simultaneously, enhanced telomere attrition, hormone exhaustion, oxidative stress, genetic events and ultraviolet radiation exposure that result in severe DNA damage, genomic instability and epigenetic mutations also contribute to skin aging. Therefore, cell replacement and targeting of the molecular systems found in skin hold great promise for controlling or even curing skin aging.

Assessment of novel iloperidone- and idebenone-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers: brain targeting efficiency and neuroprotective potential

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the outcome of combining iloperidone with idebenone in the form of brain-targeted nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC) on the expression of endogenous antioxidant enzymes present in the brain, and hence establish the neuroprotective activity.

RESULTS

The combination NLC demonstrated good targeting potential (>85%) as compared with pure iloperidone (22.21%). The levels of various endogenous antioxidant enzymes present in the brain were reduced significantly (p < 0.001) in case of 28 days repeated administration of pure iloperidone, while administration of the combination NLC helped to restore the levels of these enzymes.

CONCLUSION

Combining iloperidone with idebenone and converting into NLC has contributed in effectively reducing oxidative stress in the brain and helped in reversing the catalepsy induced by repeated iloperidone administration.

Antioxidants and the skin: understanding formulation and efficacy

Antioxidants are molecules capable of inhibiting the oxidation of other molecules. Although oxidation reactions are essential for life, they can also be damaging. All living organisms maintain complex systems of multiple types of antioxidants to protect their cells from oxidative damage. Antioxidants can also act as pro-oxidants, under certain circumstances. The efficacy and benefit of an antioxidant is, therefore, very much dependent on the delivery of the antioxidant to the organism. Topically applied antioxidants constitute an important group of pharmacologically active agents capable of preventing the occurrence and reducing the severity of UV-induced skin damage and skin aging. Antioxidants protect skin cells against the damaging effects of reactive oxygen species (ROS), such as singlet oxygen, superoxide, peroxyl radicals, hydroxyl radicals, and peroxynitrite. ROS induced oxidative stress in the skin has been linked to cancer, aging, inflammation, and photodamage. This review focuses on antioxidants used in the cosmetic industry for protection of skin, formulation methods used to enhance their efficacy, and methods used to test the efficacy of antioxidants in topical formulations.

A new minimally invasive mesotherapy technique for facial rejuvenation

Introduction

This study describes a pivotal clinical trial of a new minimally invasive mesotherapy technique for facial rejuvenation.

Methods

The authors utilized two formulations: formulation A with hyaluronic acid, vitamins, amino acids, minerals, coenzymes, and antioxidant substances; formulation B with hyaluronic acid and idebenone. Fifty participants were enrolled in the study and divided in two groups. Group 1 (50–65 years) treated with formulation A. Group 2 (35–50 years) treated with formulation B. The groups underwent four sessions of mesotherapy involving multiple injections. Treatment was conducted at 15 day intervals. All participants had pre- and posttreatment photographs. Punch biopsies were taken from randomly selected participants, baseline and after 6 weeks, and stained for interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1, and collagen 1. Clinical evaluation was based on the Global Aesthetic Scale (GAIS) and on the Wrinkle Severity Rating Scale (WSRS).

Results

The results produced were statistically analyzed and resulted in a significant and long-lasting effect on facial rejuvenation. Evaluation of photographs at 0, 1, and 2 months revealed significant clinical improvement: brightness, texture, and firmness of the skin. The analysis of the GAIS and WSRS scores in the two groups demonstrated statistically significant results after 2 months. The biopsies taken from randomly selected participants at baseline and after 3 months showed a decrease in IL-1β, IL-6, and MMP1, and an increase in collagen 1.

Conclusion

The new minimally invasive mesotherapy technique described can improve the clinical appearance of the skin in different age groups.

A peptide carrier for the delivery of elastin into fibroblast cells

BACKGROUND

Transmembrane delivery of active peptides and proteins, including skin delivery of cosmeceutical proteins such as collagen and elastin, has been a challenging issue. Amphipathic cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) have been proposed as carrier peptides to mediate cellular uptake of proteins without covalent binding.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, we have used a short peptide, Pep-1, as our CPP to transport elastin into fibroblast cells. Different ratios of Pep-1/elastin complexes were produced by using a fixed amount of elastin and different molar ratio of Pep-1. The ability of transduction into cells was determined by fluorescence microscopy. The characteristics of Pep-1/elastin complexes were monitored using scanning electron microscopy and photon correlation spectroscopy.

RESULTS

No cellular toxicity was observed in cells treated with Pep-1/elastin complex. Finally, we determined a Pep-1 : elastin ratio of 10 : 1 as the most effective ratio in cellular delivery of elastin.

CONCLUSION

Pep-1 mediated fast and effective delivery of elastin as a cosmetic protein into fibroblast cells in the treatment of skin-aging symptoms.

Nanostructured lipid carriers improve skin permeation and chemical stability of idebenone

Idebenone (IDB) is a synthetic antioxidant and analog of coenzyme Q10. The percutaneous permeation of IDB was investigated in guinea pig skin after application of different formulations. The enhancing effects of various formulations [nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs), nanoemulsion (NE), or oil solution] on the permeation of IDB were evaluated using ex vivo guinea pig skins. Furthermore, stability of different formulations and in which chemical stability of IDB was determined during storage. Permeation experiments revealed that formulations varied in their ability to enhance the skin permeation of IDB. For NLC formulation, the cumulative amount of IDB in the epidermis, dermis, and acceptor medium of diffusion cells was approximately threefold more than NE or oil solution at the end of 24-h experiment. No significant difference between NE and oil solution was observed in the enhancement of penetration efficacy of IDB. Different formulations resulted in stability with different properties. NLC formulation revealed preferentially more stable than NE. The residual percentage of IDB loaded in NLCs, NE, and oil solution was 90.1%, 65.4%, and 51.3%, respectively, when stored at 40°C under 75% RH and 3,000 lx light conditions for 180 days. The results obtained here demonstrated that the abilities of NLCs to improve the chemical stability of IDB and enhance the skin permeation are much better than NE and oil solution. These suggest that NLCs containing IDB have significant potential use for skin care as an alternative topical formulation.

Methods for evaluation of cosmetic antioxidant capacity

The skin as the largest part of human body is one of the main targets for ultraviolet radiation, environmental pollution, toxic chemicals and some metal ions, which share responsibility for the formation of free radicals. The resulting free radicals, both oxygen and nitrogen species are one of the main causes of aging due to impaired regulation of cell respiratory metabolism involving incomplete oxygen reduction in mitochondria and production a superoxide anion, hydroxyl radicals et al. In modern cosmetology to minimize the adverse effects of free radicals, antioxidants, which inhibit free radical reactions, mainly autoxidation processes are used. Currently, not only many cosmetic products containing antioxidants are available, but a large diversity of methods for determination of cosmetics antioxidant activity is also accessible. These methods can be divided into three main groups: in vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo as reported herein. Due to lack of standardization and validation it is necessary to use a variety of methods as well as conditions for those purposes, which are presented to the context.

New developments on the functions of coenzyme Q in mitochondria

The notion of a mobile pool of coenzyme Q (CoQ) in the lipid bilayer has changed with the discovery of respiratory supramolecular units, in particular the supercomplex comprising complexes I and III; in this model, the electron transfer is thought to be mediated by tunneling or microdiffusion, with a clear kinetic advantage on the transfer based on random collisions. The CoQ pool, however, has a fundamental function in establishing a dissociation equilibrium with bound quinone, besides being required for electron transfer from other dehydrogenases to complex III. The mechanism of CoQ reduction by complex I is analyzed regarding recent developments on the crystallographic structure of the enzyme, also in relation to the capacity of complex I to generate superoxide. Although the mechanism of the Q-cycle is well established for complex III, involvement of CoQ in proton translocation by complex I is still debated. Some additional roles of CoQ are also examined, such as the antioxidant effect of its reduced form and the capacity to bind the permeability transition pore and the mitochondrial uncoupling proteins. Finally, a working hypothesis is advanced on the establishment of a vicious circle of oxidative stress and supercomplex disorganization in pathological states, as in neurodegeneration and cancer.

Pharmacotherapy for Friedreich ataxia

Friedreich ataxia (FA) is a progressive genetic neurological disorder associated with degeneration of the dorsal columns, spinocerebellar tracts and other regions of the nervous system. The disorder results from mutations in the gene referred to as FXN. Almost all mutations are expansions of an intronic GAA repeat in this gene, which gives rise to decreased transcription of the gene product (called frataxin). Following these discoveries, drug discovery has moved at a rapid pace. Therapeutic trials in the next 5 years are expected to address amelioration of the effects of frataxin deficiency and methods for increasing frataxin expression. These therapies are directed at all levels of biochemical dysfunction in FA. Agents such as idebenone potentially improve mitochondrial function and decrease production of reactive oxygen species. Idebenone is presently in a phase III trial in the US and in Europe, with the primary outcome measure being neurological function. Deferiprone, an atypical iron chelator, may decrease build-up of toxic iron in the mitochondria in patients. It has entered a phase II trial in Europe, Australia and Canada directed toward improvement of neurological abilities. Finally, targeted histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors and erythropoietin increase levels of frataxin when used in vitro, suggesting that they may provide methods for increasing frataxin levels in patients. Erythropoietin has been tested in a small phase II trial in Austria, while HDAC inhibitors are still at a preclinical stage. Symptomatic therapies are also in use for specific symptoms such as spasticity (baclofen). Thus, there is substantial optimism for development of new therapies for FA in the near future, and we suggest that one or several may be available over the next few years. However, continued development of new therapies will require creation of new, more sensitive measures for neurological dysfunction in FA, and clinically relevant measures of cardiac dysfunction.

Impact on facial rejuvenation with dermatological preparations

The treatment options for facial rejuvenation using dermatological, nonsurgical techniques have dramatically increased in the past 10 years. This follows the introduction of botulinum toxin and a variety of dermal fillers. The public interest in noninvasive treatments has changed the market beyond recognition with more physicians involved in providing services to satiate the demand. The impact on the public and medical profession is discussed.

Idebenone, green tea, and Coffeeberry extract: new and innovative antioxidants

The use of topical antioxidants is gaining favor among dermatologists because of their broad biologic activity. Many are not only antioxidants but also have antiinflammatory and anticarcinogenic activities. Thus for dermatologists these cosmeceuticals have many potential applications. In general, topical antioxidants exert their effects by down-regulating free radical mediated pathways that damage skin. The present study will describe the science behind some of the newest topical antioxidants and outline how they can be used as part of a comprehensive skin care regimen.

A comparison of the relative antioxidant potency of L-ergothioneine and idebenone

BACKGROUND

L-ergothioneine (EGT) is a stable antioxidant found in food plants as well as in animal tissue undergoing relatively high levels of oxidative stress. Idebenone is a stable analog of the antioxidant coenzyme Q(10). All are potent antioxidants found in skincare products, but their relative potencies are not well described.

AIMS

To establish the physiological relevance of EGT by examining transcription of the EGT transporter gene OCTN-1 and production of the receptor protein in skin fibroblasts. In addition, to compare the inhibition of lipid peroxide formation by coenzyme Q(10) and EGT. Furthermore, to compare the peroxide-scavenging abilities of EGT and idebenone in both simple solution and in cell cultures exposed to ultraviolet A (UVA).

METHODS

OCTN-1 expression and production in cultured fibroblasts were measured through real-time reverse transcription-PCR and Western blotting, respectively. Alloxan-induced lipid peroxidation in liposomes was used to evaluate the inhibition of lipid peroxide formation. The abilities of EGT and idebenone to directly scavenge hydroxyl radicals produced by H(2)O(2 )were determined. Finally, we irradiated fibroblasts with UVA340 radiation and compared antioxidant capabilities to scavenge free radicals.

RESULTS

We found that OCTN-1 is expressed and readily detectable in cultured human fibroblasts. EGT was more efficient in inhibiting lipid peroxide formation than coenzyme Q(10) or idebenone. Samples treated with EGT had significantly less peroxide than those treated with idebenone 120 min after adding the antioxidants to H(2)O(2). EGT acted significantly quicker and more efficiently in capturing reactive oxygen species (ROS) after UVA340 irradiation.

CONCLUSIONS

EGT is a natural skin antioxidant, as evidenced by the presence of the EGT transporter in fibroblasts. EGT is a more powerful antioxidant than either coenzyme Q(10) or idebenone due to its relatively greater efficiency in directly scavenging free radicals and in protecting cells from UV-induced ROS.

Aging Skin: Causes, Treatments, and Prevention

Intrinsic and extrinsic aging of the skin follow different pathways, but the end result is similar. Treatment options include cosmeceuticals, laser rejuvenation, chemical peels, and microdermabrasion. Preventing the effects of extrinsic aging involves using sunscreen-the right product, used in the right amount, at the right time, in the right places.

Clinical efficacy assessment in photodamaged skin of 0.5% and 1.0% idebenone

Idebenone is an antioxidant lower molecular weight analogue of coenzyme Q10. Previously, idebenone was shown to be a very effective antioxidant in its ability to protect against cell damage from oxidative stress in a variety of biochemical, cell biological, and in vivo methods, including its ability to suppress sunburn cell (SBC) formation in living skin. However, no clinical studies have been previously conducted to establish the efficacy of idebenone in a topical skincare formulation for the treatment of photodamaged skin. In this nonvehicle control study, 0.5% and 1.0% idebenone commercial formulations were evaluated in a clinical trial for topical safety and efficacy in photodamaged skin. Forty-one female subjects, aged 30-65, with moderate photodamaged skin were randomized to use a blind labelled (either 0.5% or 1.0% idebenone in otherwise identical lotion bases) skincare preparation twice daily for six weeks. Blinded expert grader assessments for skin roughness/dryness, fine lines/wrinkles, and global improvement in photodamage were performed at baseline, three weeks and six weeks. Electrical conductance readings for skin surface hydration and 35 mm digital photography were made at baseline after six weeks. Punch biopsies were taken from randomly selected subjects, baseline and after six weeks, and stained for certain antibodies (interleukin IL-6, interleukin IL-1b, matrixmetalloproteinase MMP-1, collagen I) using immunofluorescence microscopy. After six weeks' use of the 1.0% idebenone formula, a 26% reduction in skin roughness/dryness was observed, a 37% increase in skin hydration, a 29% reduction in fine lines/wrinkles, and a 33% improvement in overall global assessment of photodamaged skin. For the 0.5% idebenone formulation, a 23% reduction in skin roughness/dryness was observed, a 37% increase in skin hydration, a 27% reduction in fine lines/wrinkles, and a 30% improvement in overall global assessment of photodamaged skin. The immunofluorescence staining revealed a decrease in IL-1b, IL-6, and MMP-1 and an increase in collagen I for both concentrations.