Search Results (48)

Background/Objective: Ultraviolet A and B (UVAB) radiation is a major environmental factor that induces DNA damage and upregulates programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression in skin cells, thereby contributing to immune evasion and impaired tissue repair. This study evaluated the protective effects of two purified compounds, Cinnamtannin B1 (CTB-1) and Cinnamtannin D1 (CTD-1), as well as cinnamon extract, in UVAB-irradiated human keratinocyte HaCaT cells. Methods: HaCaT cells were exposed to low (20 kJ/m² UVA, 1.3 kJ/m² UVB), medium (30 kJ/m² UVA, 2 kJ/m² UVB), and high (40 kJ/m² UVA, 2.7 kJ/m² UVB) UVAB doses of UVAB radiation. Dose-dependent effects of CTB-1 and CTD-1 (0, 5, 10, 25, and 50 µg/ mL) and cinnamon extract (0, 5, 10, 50, and 100 µg/mL), as well as time-dependent effects (12, 24, and 72 h), were evaluated by measuring PD-L1 expression, cell viability, and DNA damage. Results: CTD-1 was the most effective compound, significantly reducing UVAB-induced PD-L1 expression and DNA double-strand breaks without compromising cell viability. CTB-1 also demonstrated protective effects at specific doses and time points; however, higher concentrations reduced cell viability. Cinnamon extract was protective at low concentrations but cytotoxic at higher doses. Conclusions: CTD-1, CTB-1, and cinnamon extract attenuated UVAB-induced cellular damage in HaCaT cells, with CTD-1 demonstrating the most favorable protective profile. These findings support the potential of cinnamon-derived compounds as therapeutic candidates for preventing UVAB-induced skin damage and immune dysregulation. Full article

(1) Background: Grape pomace (GP), a major by-product of winemaking, is a sustainable source of bioactive polyphenols with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, although their instability limits cosmetic applications. This study aimed to valorize GP through a green extraction process and improve its incorporation and apparent stability in cosmetic formulations through SLN-based systems. (2) Methods: GP extracts were obtained using an eco-friendly extraction method and encapsulated using a W/O/W double emulsion-solvent evaporation technique; nanoparticles were characterized (size, polydispersity, zeta potential) and incorporated into cosmetic formulations compared with a blank and a formulation containing free extract. (3) Results: GP-SLNs exhibited suitable physicochemical properties and preserved antioxidant activity, as confirmed by DPPH and ORAC assays; SLN incorporation appeared to preliminarily improve the photostability profile of the formulation under UVA irradiation conditions; in vivo tests showed enhanced skin hydration and moderate occlusivity, while stability studies confirmed consistent color, odor, pH, and viscosity over 60 days; microbiological analyses demonstrated safety and concentration-dependent antimicrobial activity. (4) Conclusions: SLN encapsulation preserved GP bioactivity and improved formulation stability and performance, supporting its potential use in multifunctional cosmetic products. Full article

Due to the seasonality of its production and its polluting characteristics, the management and disposal of large amounts of grape pomace (GP) produced worldwide every year can pose a significant economic and environmental challenge. The research on the possible exploitation of GP for various purposes has been constantly growing during recent years, due to the increased general sensitivity to issues like the sustainability of agro-industrial production and the growing consumer demand for the use of natural versus synthetic compounds. This work concerned the determination of the polyphenolic profile and the dietary fiber content of skins and seeds from unfermented and fermented white and red grape pomace of different cultivars, sampled from local wineries in the Piedmont area (Italy) after winemaking. A double extraction was performed to maximize the extraction of polyphenols from grape pomace flours. The extractable polyphenols content (EPP) was determined in the extracts, while the non-extractable polyphenols (NEPP) linked to fiber were quantified as condensed tannins in the residue after extraction. The total dietary fiber (TDF) was determined for skins and seeds; limited to skins, the analysis was extended to the distinction between soluble and insoluble dietary fiber (SDF and IDF). The polyphenolic and dietary fiber content was significantly higher in seeds than in skins. However, from a nutritional point of view, the dietary fiber of skins may be more interesting due to the higher NEPP content than in seeds; moreover, the winemaking technique influenced the quantity and characteristics of skin fiber, which contained SDF, almost absent in seeds. Full article

Injectable skin boosters currently in use mainly provide short-lived volumization or depend on inflammation-mediated collagen stimulation, raising concerns regarding durability and safety. Injectable particulate human acellular dermal matrix (phADM) is a biologically derived extracellular matrix scaffold designed to support constructive dermis remodeling. This randomized, split-face, double-blinded clinical trial evaluated the efficacy of phADM as a facial skin booster in 20 adults with moderate cheek roughness. phADM was injected on one facial side, with hyaluronic acid serving as the contralateral control. Multiple skin parameters were assessed over 20 weeks using validated imaging and biophysical instruments. Mechanistic validation was conducted using complementary in vitro, ex vivo human skin, and in vivo rat models. Clinically, the phADM-treated side demonstrated greater improvements in skin density, volume, elasticity, wrinkle depth, pore area, hydration, and barrier-related parameters at multiple time points compared with HA. In ex vivo human skin, phADM showed homogeneous dermal distribution and preservation of extracellular matrix architecture, along with restoration of basement membrane-associated proteins following UVB irradiation. In vivo rat studies revealed fibroblast infiltration and localized neocollagenesis within the implanted matrix. In vitro assays further indicated enhanced fibroblast proliferation and extracellular matrix synthesis, increased hyaluronan production, suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in activated macrophages, and downregulation of melanogenesis-related genes in melanoma cells. No serious adverse events were observed during the clinical study. These findings indicate that phADM functions as a restorative skin booster that promotes durable dermis remodeling and functional rejuvenation with a favorable safety profile. Full article

Background/Objectives: Despite the continuous development of medicine, the treatment of dermatological fungal infections is difficult due to their chronic nature, recurrence, and resistance of some pathogens to standard therapies. In order to improve the effectiveness of treatment, not only are new active substances with antifungal activity synthesized, but new, unconventional carriers are also developed for substances already used. Methods: Therefore, the focus of this research was to evaluate the possibility of using a combination of two cross-linking techniques for sodium alginate ionic cross-linking with Zn²⁺ ions and electrostatic interaction with ε-poly-L-lysine. The pharmaceutical properties, antifungal activity against Candida strains, and compatibility with human fibroblasts of the designed hydrogels were assessed. Results: It was shown that the double cross-linking process increased the viscosity of the developed hydrogels, improved bioadhesive properties to hairless mice skin, and provided an extended release profile of the active substance. In addition, obtained formulations were characterized by improved antifungal effect against C. albicans, C. krusei, and C. parapsilosis. Prepared hydrogels expressed biocompatibility with human fibroblasts. Conclusions: Dual-cross-linked alginate hydrogels are a promising dermatological formulation that might improve the efficacy of posaconazole in the treatment of antifungal infections. Full article

Background: Biostimulants naturally improve plant growth, stress tolerance, and nutrient use efficiency and activate defenses by increasing protective metabolites (phenols, anthocyanins) in grapes. In viticulture, especially when using inactive yeasts, they modulate genetic expression and improve the skin resistance, color, and aroma profile of wine grapes in line with sustainable practices. Methods: Two wine grape cultivars, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, were sprayed with the inactive yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae in a single treatment in pre-veraison or in a double treatment in pre-veraison and veraison. Berry weight, must, total polyphenols, anthocyanins, and mechanical and colorimetric properties were measured on fresh grapes. Results: Two-way ANOVA revealed that titratable acidity (TA), pH, and total polyphenol content (TPC) were not affected, while mean berry weight and anthocyanin content varied by cultivar, treatment, and interaction; total soluble solids (TSS) differed only by cultivar. Inactive yeasts reduced weight in the single-treatment thesis but stabilized it in the double-treatment one; anthocyanins decreased in Cabernet Sauvignon but increased in Merlot. Mechanical and colorimetric analyses showed cultivar-dependent responses, with significant improvements in elasticity, skin thickness, and hue of berries, especially in Merlot when the treatment was applied twice. Conclusions: Inactive yeasts (IYs) showed an effect on the weight of the berries, the anthocyanins, the mechanics, and the color; Merlot significantly improved skin thickness, elasticity, and hue; and Cabernet remained less reactive to treatments. Full article

Modularised wall panels are increasingly used in building and construction. A new double-skin composite (DSC) wall system technology uses clinch seams to combine two roll-formed open section profiles into a hollow steel shell that is then filled with a light-weight concrete foam and can provide a fire-rated DSC solution for use in commercial and high-rise buildings. One important material parameter for the application is the panel performance in wind loading. This study presents a first fundamental analysis of the structural behaviour of the new DSC wall panel relevant to wind loading. For this, 3-point and 4-point bending tests combined with in situ camera analysis are performed and complimented with the analysis of seam strength and the concrete material parameters. The experimental results provide the first experimental evidence that the aerated concrete core material of the DSC panel only has a minor effect on the wall performance in bending. Most of the bending loads are absorbed by the tensile and compressive deformation of the steel outer shell and the shear deformation near the clinch seam. In this way, failure at maximum load is not initiated by concrete cracking but by steel sheet buckling or a mixed failure mode that combines steel buckling and seam opening. Full article

This study introduces GABALAGEN^® (GBL), a marine-derived ingredient combining low-molecular-weight fish collagen and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) produced via lactobacillus fermentation. GBL contains approximately 10% GABA, making up 39% of its free amino acid profile. A 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with 100 adults (aged 35–60) assessed its effects on aging skin. Participants consumed 1500 mg/day of GBL in jelly form, with 94% completing the study. By Week 12, the GBL group showed a 20% increase in skin hydration and a 15% reduction in wrinkle depth. Improvements in skin density and elasticity were also observed, with no adverse effects reported. In vitro tests demonstrated strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, including enhanced superoxide dismutase activity and reduced pro-inflammatory cytokine expression in UVB-irradiated keratinocytes. GBL exemplifies sustainable innovation by upcycling fishery byproducts into high-value materials while addressing stability issues common to seafood-derived products. The fermentation process ensures safety and enhances GABA’s antioxidant activity and bioavailability. This scalable method aligns with circular economic principles and global sustainability goals, extending GBL’s potential to other functional materials which were proved their safety. GBL represents a breakthrough in nutricosmetics, combining efficacy, environmental sustainability, and industrial innovation. Full article

Background and Objectives: This study explores the immunological landscapes of non-melanoma skin neoplasms (NMSNs), specifically keratoacanthoma (KA), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and common warts (VV). Although benign, KA shares histological similarities with low-grade SCC. The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a key role in tumor progression, affecting angiogenesis, inflammation, and immune evasion. Viral infections, particularly human papillomavirus (HPV), are linked to NMSN development, with various HPV types identified in KA. VV, caused by HPV, serves as a comparative model due to its similar etiopathogenesis. Materials and Methods: This research examines the expression of CTLA4, a critical regulator of T-cell homeostasis, and IFN-γ, a cytokine with immunomodulatory and antiviral effects, in the TME of 41 KA, 37 SCC, and 55 VV samples using multichannel immunofluorescence. Results: The analysis revealed distinct patterns of CTLA4 and IFN-γ expression. SCC exhibited a higher prevalence of CTLA4+IFN-γ+ double-positive lymphocytes, suggesting a more immunosuppressive TME. In contrast, VV showed the highest expression of CTLA4+ cells, while both KA and VV had lower expressions of IFN-γ+ lymphocytes compared to SCC. The increased presence of CTLA4+IFN-γ+ double-positive lymphocytes in SCC suggests that the co-expression of these markers may exert a stronger effect on TME modulation than CTLA4 alone. Conclusions: These findings underscore the potential of immune profiling as a diagnostic tool to differentiate between benign and malignant lesions, such as KA and SCC. Furthermore, the presence of CTLA4+IFN-γ+ lymphocytes, particularly in SCC, may serve as a biomarker for tumor progression and a potential target for future immunotherapy strategies aimed at modulating the immune response in NMSN. Full article

Background: Squat exercises are widely recognized for their ability to improve sports performance. Recent advancements in force/velocity profiling have highlighted the importance of power and velocity in explosive movements. While various training methods have been applied to enhance these parameters, their effectiveness remains inconsistent. Focal vibration has emerged as a potential intervention, yet its impact on squat performance has not been extensively explored. The aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of focal vibration with voluntary contractions on power/velocity during a squat exercise in amateur athletes in comparison with voluntary contraction in isolation. Methods: A double-blind, randomized clinical trial with 72 amateur athletes. Velocity, power, muscle activity, perceived effort, and clinical change were measured. The experimental group received focal muscle vibration therapy (100–180 Hz) combined with voluntary contraction, while the sham group underwent identical procedures and focal muscle vibration without the vibrating head, close to the muscle belly but without touching the skin. Results: Statistically significant improvements in the experimental group were found for mean power (p < 0.001; ES = 0.08), peak velocity (p < 0.010; ES = 0.42), and mean velocity (p < 0.001; ES = 0.66) during the squat. Between-group analysis favored the experimental group in peak power (p < 0.049; ES = 0.65), mean power (p < 0.034; ES = 1.42), peak velocity (p < 0.024; ES = 0.095), and mean velocity (p < 0.002; ES = 1.67). Conclusions: Focal muscle vibration (100–180 Hz) combined with active muscle contraction significantly enhances power and velocity during squat exercises in amateur athletes. Full article

Background: Skin ageing, driven predominantly by oxidative stress from reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by environmental factors like ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation, accounts for approximately 80% of extrinsic skin damage. L-glutathione (GSH), a potent antioxidant, holds promise in combating UVA-induced oxidative stress. However, its instability and limited penetration through the stratum corneum hinder its topical application. This study introduces a novel solid lipid nanoparticle (SLN)-enriched hydrogel designed to enhance GSH stability, skin penetration, and sustained release for anti-ageing applications. Methods: GSH-loaded SLNs were prepared via a double-emulsion technique and optimized using factorial design. These SLNs were incorporated into 1–3% (w/v) Carbopol hydrogels to produce a semi-solid formulation. The hydrogel’s characteristics, including morphology, mechanical and rheological properties, drug release, stability, antioxidant activity, cytotoxicity, and skin penetration, were evaluated. Results: SEM and FTIR confirmed the uniform dispersion of SLNs within the hydrogel. The formulation exhibited desirable properties, including gel strength (5.1 ± 0.5 g), spreadability (33.6 ± 1.9 g·s), pseudoplasticity, and elasticity. In vitro studies revealed a biphasic GSH release profile, with sustained release over 72 h and over 70% cumulative release. The hydrogel significantly improved antioxidant capacity, protecting human fibroblasts from UVA-induced oxidative stress and enhancing cell viability. Stability studies indicated that 4 °C was optimal for storage over three months. Notably, the hydrogel enhanced GSH penetration through the stratum corneum by 3.7-fold. Conclusions: This SLN-enriched hydrogel effectively improves GSH topical delivery and antioxidant efficacy, providing a promising platform for anti-ageing and other bioactive compounds with similar delivery challenges. Full article

The human skin microbiome, a complex ecosystem of microbes, plays a pivotal role in skin health. This study aimed to investigate the impact of two skincare regimens, with preservatives (CSPs) and preservative-free (PFPs), on the skin microbiome in correlation to skin quality. double-blind randomized cosmetic studywith a split-face design was conducted on 26 female participants. Microbial diversity and abundance were analyzed using 16S rRNA amplicon sequence data and skin quality utilizing the Antera 3D skin camera. We confirmed earlier studies on the identification of major skin microbial taxa at the genus level, including Cutibacterium acnes, Corynebacterium, and Neisseriaceae as a predominant part of the facial skin microbiome. Furthermore, microbiome profile-based subgrouping was employed, which revealed that the cluster, characterized by the Neisseriaceae family as its predominant organism, exhibited significant reduction in folds count, fine lines, and redness after application of PFP compared to CSP. A Spearman correlation analysis highlighted the correlation between changes in specific bacteria and skin quality parameters such as redness, pores, and texture in the context of comparing PFP and CSP. Overall, the PFP treatment demonstrated a greater number of significant correlations between bacterial changes and skin quality compared to the CSP treatment, suggesting a distinct impact of the preservative-free skincare regimen on the skin microbiome and skin quality. Our study provides insights into different microbiome-centered approaches to improve our understanding of the skin microbiome’s interplay with skin quality but also highlights the need for larger, comprehensive research to further understand the microbiome’s role in dermatology. Full article

The by-products of green coffee processing are rich in compounds that can be recycled for their possible use in the production of beverages, fertilizers and weed control in production areas. The objective of this work was to identify the organic and inorganic bioactive compounds of green coffee and the coffee by-products related to the production of origin, such as dried cascara (skin-pulp), parchment and silverskin (unroasted), in order to investigate the role their biomolecules may have in reuse through practices and local knowledge, not yet valued. The metabolomic profile by HPLC-ESI-HRMS of the aqueous extract of the dried cascara highlighted 93 non-volatile molecules, the highest number reported for dried cascara. They belong to groups of organic acids (12), alkaloids (5), sugars (5), fatty acids (2), diglycerides (1), amino acids (18), phospholipids (7), vitamins (5), phenolic acids (11), flavonoids (8), chlorogenic acids (17), flavones (1) and terpenes (1). For the first time, we report the use of direct analysis in real-time mass spectrometry (DART-MS) for the identification of metabolites in aqueous extracts of dried cascara, parchment, silverskin and green coffee. The DART analysis mainly showed the presence of caffeine and chlorogenic acids in all the extracts; additionally, sugar adducts and antioxidant compounds such as polyphenols were detected. The mineral content (K, Ca, P, S, Mg and Cl) by EDS spectrometry in the by-products and green coffee showed a relatively high content of K in the dried cascara and green coffee, while Ca was detected in double quantity in the silverskin. These metabolomic and mineral profile data allow enhancement of the link between the quality of green coffee and its by-products and the traditional local practices in the crop-growing area. This consolidates the community’s experience in reusing by-products, thereby minimizing the impact on the environment and generating additional income for coffee growers’ work, in accordance with the principles of circular economy and bioeconomy. Full article

The objective of the study was to determine the effect of vintage and cultivar on the total polyphenol content and the antioxidant activity of wines made from the white wine cultivar ‘Solaris’ and the red wine cultivar ‘Zilga’ (both with skin maceration). The second goal was to describe the polyphenolic profile of ‘Solaris’ wine and compare it with that of ‘Zilga’ wine. Spectrophotometric methods were employed to determine the total polyphenol content and the antioxidant activity. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to determine the polyphenol composition. The total polyphenol content and the antioxidant activity of ‘Solaris’ wine differed significantly from that of ‘Zilga’ wine in the experimental years from 2021 to 2023. Significant differences between the wines also occurred on average over the years, with a significantly higher total polyphenol content and antioxidant activity obtained for the red wine of ‘Zilga’. However, both wines were similarly influenced by vintage over the three-year experimental period. The antioxidant activity showed a high correlation with the total polyphenol content. The polyphenolic profile of ‘Solaris’ wine differed notably from that of ‘Zilga’ wine. While ‘Solaris’ wine exhibited lower levels of phenolic acids and flavonols, the content of the flavanols was significantly higher, even double that of ‘Zilga’ wine. Among the flavanols, there was a remarkably high content of catechin and epicatechin. Full article

UV irradiation causes skin damage and aging. This study aimed to develop and evaluate a gel formulation loaded with electrospray mangiferin nanoparticles (MNPs) as a double-action product with photoprotective and anti-aging properties. The MNPs were prepared using the electrospraying technique and loaded in a gel formulation. The MNP formulation was evaluated regarding its physical appearance, viscosity, in vitro sun protection factor (SPF), and in vitro anti-oxidant activity and compared with a formulation containing purified mangiferin (PM) at the same concentration of 0.2% (w/v). Moreover, both formulations were analyzed for their in vitro release and ex vivo skin permeation. The MNP formulation had a considerably higher SPF value than the PM formulation at the same concentration (20.43 ± 0.13 and 12.19 ± 0.27, respectively). The in vitro anti-oxidant activities of the formulations with MNPs and PM were 74.47 ± 2.19% and 80.52 ± 1.05%, respectively. The MNP formulation showed potent photoprotective and anti-oxidation activities with acceptable stability in all parameters under accelerated conditions (4 ± 2 °C 48 h/45 ± 2 °C 48 h for 6 cycles) and after 30 days of storage under various conditions. The release profile data of the MNPs showed a controlled release pattern at 76.97 ± 0.06% at 480 min. Furthermore, after using a Franz diffusion cell for 8 h, the MNP formulation showed the release of 37.01 ± 2.61% and 22.39 ± 1.59% of mangiferin content in the skin layer as stratum corneum and viable epidermis, respectively. Therefore, the overall results demonstrate that electrospray MNPs in a gel formulation are suitable for skin and constitute a promising delivery system for mangiferin in developing cosmetics and cosmeceutical products with good potential. Full article