Up-Regulated Expression of ICAM1, MT1A, PTGS2, LCE3D, PPARD, and GM-CSF2 Following Solar Skincare Protection and Repair Strategies in a 3-Dimensional Reconstructed Human Skin Model

Background

Clinical, optical and histological research confirms that solar skin damage continues to pose a threat to human skin health globally despite widespread sunscreen usage and sun awareness campaigns. Despite this, very few studies examine the critical changes in gene expression and DNA repair activity following recommended topical solar protection and repair strategies to ameliorate the harmful effects of ultraviolet, visible light and near-infrared radiation.

Purpose

To investigate alterations in gene expression following topical solar protection and solar repair strategies.

Methods

Using epidermal keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts derived from a 3-dimensional reconstructed human skin model, gene expression was assessed via the Genemarkers Standard Skin Panel using 112 genes deploying two analytical techniques: DNA microarray and quantitative real-time PCR exploration. Tissues were inoculated with products then collected after 24 hours following application of solar protection formulations and 16 hours following solar repair formulations (The Essential Six, RATIONALE, Victoria, Australia).

Results

A DNA microarray revealed 67 genes that were significantly up-regulated or down-regulated following the treatment. The quantitative real-time PCR revealed that, in comparison to the control, the genes encoding Intercellular Adhesion Molecule 1 (ICAM1), Metallothionein 1A (MT1A), Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthase 1 (PTGS2), Late Cornified Envelope 3D (LCE3D), Peroxisome Proliferator Activated Receptor (PPARD), and Granulocyte/Macrophage Colony Stimulating Factor 2 (GM-CSF2) have been up-regulated following usage of the solar protection regime, 1.87, 861.16, 4.34, 1.91, 1.06, and 3.6, respectively. ICAM1, MT1A, PTGS2, LCE3D, PPARD, and GM-CSF2 were up-regulated following use of the solar repair regime, 3.78, 2.98, 14.89, 5.09, 2.42, and 13.51, respectively.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that a specific solar protection and repair regime upregulated genes involved in photoprotection and repair mechanisms in a 3-dimensional (3D) reconstructed human-like skin model.

Upregulated expression of La ribonucleoprotein domain family member 6 and collagen type I gene following water-filtered broad-spectrum near-infrared irradiation in a 3-dimensional human epidermal tissue culture model as revealed by microarray analysis

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Water-filtered broad-spectrum near-infrared irradiation can induce various biological effects, as our previous clinical, histological, and biochemical investigations have shown. However, few studies that examined the changes thus induced in gene expression. The aim was to investigate the changes in gene expression in a 3-dimensional reconstructed epidermal tissue culture exposed to water-filtered broad-spectrum near-infrared irradiation.

METHODS

DNA microarray and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis was used to assess gene expression levels in a 3-dimensional reconstructed epidermal model composed of normal human epidermal cells exposed to water-filtered broad-spectrum near-infrared irradiation. The water filter allowed 1000-1800 nm wavelengths and excluded 1400-1500 nm wavelengths, and cells were exposed to 5 or 10 rounds of near-infrared irradiation at 10 J/cm2 .

RESULTS

A DNA microarray with over 50 000 different probes showed 18 genes that were upregulated or downregulated by at least twofold after irradiation. Quantitative real-time PCR revealed that, relative to control cells, the gene encoding La ribonucleoprotein domain family member 6 (LARP6), which regulates collagen expression, was significantly and dose-dependently upregulated (P < 0.05) by water-filtered broad-spectrum near-infrared exposure. Gene encoding transcripts of collagen type I were significantly upregulated compared with controls (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates the ability of water-filtered broad-spectrum near-infrared irradiation to stimulate the production of type I collagen.

Near-infrared biophotonics-based nanodrug release systems and their potential application for neuro-disorders

INTRODUCTION

Near-infrared ray (NIR)-responsive 'smart' nanoagents allow spatial and temporal control over the drug delivery process, noninvasively, without affecting healthy tissues and therefore they possess high potential for on-demand, targeted drug/gene delivery. Various NIR-responsive drug/gene delivery techniques are under investigation for peripheral disorders (especially for cancer). Nonetheless, their potential not been extensively examined for brain biomedical application.

AREAS COVERED

This review focuses on NIR-responsive characteristics of different NIR-nanobiophotonics-based nanoagents and associated drug delivery strategies. Together with their ongoing applications for peripheral drug delivery, we have highlighted the opportunities, challenges and possible solutions of NIR-nanobiophotonics for potential brain drug delivery.

EXPERT OPINION

NIR-nanobiophotonics can be considered superior among all photo-controlled drug/gene delivery approaches. Future work should focus on coupling NIR with biocompatible nanocarriers to determine the physiological compatibility of this approach. Their applications should be extended beyond the peripheral body region to brain region. Transient or intermittent NIR exposure strategies may be more accommodating for brain physiological ambience in order to minimize or avoid the possible deleterious thermal effect. In addition, while most studies are centered around the first NIR spectral window (700-1000 nm), the potential of second (1100-1350 nm) and third (1600-1870 nm) windows must be explored.

Objective assessment of intensive targeted treatment for solar lentigines using intense pulsed light with wavelengths between 500 and 635 nm

Background and Objectives

Solar lentigines are commonly found in sun‐exposed areas of the body including hands, neck, or face. This study evaluates the efficacy of an intense pulsed light (IPL) device, with wavelengths between 500 and 635 nm and delivered with a targeted tip, for the treatment of solar lentigines on Japanese skin.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

Forty Japanese patients with solar lentigines received one IPL treatment with a targeted treatment tip that emits wavelengths between 500 and 635 nm and contact cooling. Pulses were delivered through a targeted tip to each lentigo until mild swelling and a gray color were observed. Digital photographs and gray level histogram values were taken pre‐ and post‐treatment, and patient assessments were recorded post‐treatment.

Results

Significant improvement was observed for all patients in digital photographs and mean values of gray level histograms (P < 0.0001). Ninety percent of patients reported satisfaction with the improvement of the treatment area and convenience of the procedure. Complications were minor and transitory, consisting of a slight burning sensation and mild erythema which resolved within 5 hours of treatment. No serious adverse events were observed.

Conclusions

A short‐wavelength IPL, delivered with a targeted tip and contact cooling, offers a highly efficacious treatment for solar lentigines in Japanese skin with minimal downtime and complications. Lasers Surg. Med. 48:30–35, 2016. © 2015 The Authors. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.