Search Results (16)

This study investigates the degradation of propranolol, a widely detected beta-blocker in natural water, using an ultraviolet/peracetic acid (UV/PAA) system. The UV/PAA system significantly enhanced the degradation efficiency compared to UV or PAA alone, achieving a 90.67% removal of propranolol after 15 min under optimal conditions. The degradation process was found to follow first-order kinetics, with a rate constant 36 times higher than that of UV. Reactive species such as hydroxyl radicals (^·OH) and organic radicals (RO^·) were identified through quenching experiments and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. The degradation mechanism was further explored using density functional theory (DFT), revealing the molecular sites most susceptible to radical attacks. This study provides new insights into the application of UV/PAA systems for the removal of beta-blockers and contributes to the optimization of advanced oxidation processes in water treatment. Full article

This study utilizes COMSOL Multiphysics (version 6.0) to design a planar ultra-broadband optical absorber with a multilayer configuration. The proposed structure consists of seven stacked layers arranged from bottom to top: W (h1, acting as a reflective substrate and transmission blocker), WSe₂ (h2), SiO₂ (h3), Ni (h4), SiO₂ (h5), Mo (h6), and SiO₂ (h7). One key finding of this study is that, when all other layer thicknesses are fixed, variations in the Mo layer thickness systematically induce a redshift in both the short- and long-wavelength cutoff edges. Notably, the long-wavelength cutoff exhibits a larger shift than the short-wavelength edge, resulting in an increased absorption bandwidth where absorptivity remains above 0.900. The second contribution is the demonstration that this planar structure can be readily engineered to achieve ultra-broadband absorption, spanning from the near-ultraviolet and visible region (360 nm) to the mid-infrared (6300 nm). An important characteristic of the proposed design is that the thickness of the h7 SiO₂ layer influences the cutoff wavelength at the short-wavelength edge, while the thickness of the h6 Mo layer governs the cutoff position at the long-wavelength edge. This dual modulation capability allows the proposed optical absorber to flexibly tune both the spectral range and the bandwidth in which absorptivity exceeds 0.900, thereby enabling the realization of a wavelength- and bandwidth-tunable optical absorber. Full article

Known for its stimulating effects on the nervous and cardiovascular systems, caffeine has proven remarkable versatile properties. It can be used in a wide range of different products, from anti-aging cosmetics to the pharmaceutical treatment of hair loss. Caffeine is known for its antioxidant properties and is commonly found in moisturising creams recommended as anti-aging or anti-cellulite and also for the treatment of different skin disorders, including androgenic alopecia. This bioactive is also described to be able to enhance the sunscreen scattering effect of well-known ultraviolet (UV) blockers. One of the major challenges remains its penetration capacity into deeper skin layers, which may be achieved by the use of nanosized delivery systems, yet without the risk of transdermal delivery. In this review, we discuss the nutraceutical value of caffeine in cosmetic products, so-called nutricosmetics, which grants this bioactive several advantages in several formulations, in comparison to other potential bioactives of nutricosmetic value. Furthermore, the disclosed effects of bioactives commonly found in coffee, tea, and their by-products are reviewed and discussed. The discussion concludes by highlighting the significant benefits of caffeine in the treatment of skin disorders and its potential to enhance and promote skin health. Full article

Introduction: The concept of exposome refers to the total of harmful and beneficial environmental exposures that can help predict the organism’s biological responses over time. Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) from sun exposure has been recognized as the main etiological agent of skin cancer, and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is one most commonly associated with chronic exposure. However, in recent years, evidence suggests that lifestyle, environmental pollution, and contaminants in water and food can have an influence. Objectives: To study the relationship between SCC and sun exposure, pollution, stress, and lifestyle in a Spanish cohort. Materials and Method: A multicenter case–control study was carried out in which 13 dermatologists from different regions of Spain recruited cases and controls between April 2020 and August 2022. The group of cases were patients diagnosed with SCC and, as a control group, people who attended Dermatology consultations as companions with no history of skin cancer. Results: A total of 62 patients with SCC and 126 controls were included (62.9% males, median age 76.46 (10.1) and 33.3%, median age 55.7 (15), respectively). The SCC group had experienced more outside work than the controls (75% vs. 22.4%, p < 0.001), less recreational exposure (sunbathing, p = 0.05, and outdoor sports, p = 0.01), and a lower annual income (p = 0.01), with an increase in tobacco exposure (p < 0.001), without differences in other carcinogens, such as ionizing radiation or chemical exposure. The control group had a higher daily screentime use (p < 0.001) and practiced more relaxation activities (p = 0.03). A higher linolenic acid intake and lower coffee consumption were the only dietary variables associated with SCC (p < 0.05). Some chronic medications (anxiolytics, antidepressants, beta-blockers, statins, hydrochlorothiazide, ACE inhibitors, metformin, and omeprazole) were also statistically associated with SCC. Statistical significance for all aforementioned variables was maintained in the multivariate analysis (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The study found a significant association between SCC and multiple exposome-related factors in addition to chronic sun exposure in the Spanish population. Primary prevention strategies should target specific populations, such as outdoor workers promoting sun-safe behaviors and stress-reducing activities, in addition to adequate skin photoprotection in patients under certain medications associated with SCC. Full article

Chronic exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a major cause of photoaging. It involves extrinsic aging, wrinkle formation, and skin dehydration, and leads to excessive production of active oxygen that adversely affects the skin. Here, we investigated the antiphotoaging effect of AGEs Blocker^TM (AB), which comprises Korean mint aerial part and fig and goji berry fruits. Compared to its individual components, AB was more potent at increasing the expression of collagen and hyaluronic acid and decreasing MMP-1 expression in UVB-irradiated Hs68 fibroblasts and HaCaT keratinocytes. In Skh:HR-1 hairless mice exposed to 60 mJ/cm² UVB for 12 weeks, oral administration of 20 or 200 mg/kg/day AB restored skin moisture by improving UVB-induced erythema, skin moisture, and transepidermal water loss, and alleviated photoaging by improving UVB-induced elasticity and wrinkles. Moreover, AB upregulated the mRNA levels of hyaluronic acid synthase and collagen-related Col1a1, Col3a1, and Col4a1 genes, increasing hyaluronic acid and collagen expression, respectively. AB inhibited UVB-induced MAPK and AP-1 (c-fos) activation, resulting in significantly downregulated expression of MMP-1 and -9, which are responsible for collagen degradation. AB also stimulated the expression and activity of antioxidative enzymes and reduced lipid peroxidation. Thus, AB is a potential preventive and therapeutic agent for photoaging. Full article

The R-carvedilol enantiomer, present in the racemic mixture of the chiral drug carvedilol, does not bind to the β-adrenergic receptors, but exhibits skin cancer preventive activity. For skin delivery, R-carvedilol-loaded transfersomes were prepared using various ratios of drug, lipids, and surfactants, and characterized for particle size, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency, stability, and morphology. Transfersomes were compared for in vitro drug release and ex vivo skin penetration and retention. Skin irritation was evaluated by viability assay on murine epidermal cells and reconstructed human skin culture. Single-dose and repeated-dose dermal toxicity was determined in SKH-1 hairless mice. Efficacy was evaluated in SKH-1 mice exposed to single or multiple ultraviolet (UV) radiations. Transfersomes released the drug at a slower rate, but significantly increased skin drug permeation and retention compared with the free drug. The transfersome with a drug–lipid–surfactant ratio of 1:3:0.5 (T-RCAR-3) demonstrated the highest skin drug retention and was selected for further studies. T-RCAR-3 at 100 µM did not induce skin irritation in vitro and in vivo. Topical treatment with T-RCAR-3 at 10 µM effectively attenuated acute UV-induced skin inflammation and chronic UV-induced skin carcinogenesis. This study demonstrates feasibility of using R-carvedilol transfersome for preventing UV-induced skin inflammation and cancer. Full article

Due to the inability of conventional wastewater treatment procedures to remove organic pharmaceutical pollutants, active pharmaceutical components remain in wastewater and even reach tap water. In terms of pharmaceutical pollutants, the scientific community focuses on β-blockers due to their extensive (over)usage and moderately high solubility. In this study, the photocatalytic activity of V₂O₅ was investigated through the degradation of nadolol (NAD), pindolol (PIN), metoprolol (MET), and their mixture under ultraviolet (UV) irradiation in water. For the preparation of V₂O₅, facile hydrothermal synthesis was used. The structural, morphological, and surface properties and purity of synthesized V₂O₅ powder were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray, and Raman spectroscopy. SEM micrographs showed hexagonal-shaped platelets with well-defined morphology of materials with diameters in the range of 10–65 µm and thickness of around a few microns. X-ray diffraction identified only one crystalline phase in the sample. The Raman scattering measurements taken on the catalyst confirmed the result of XRPD. Degradation kinetics were monitored by ultra-fast liquid chromatography with diode array detection. The results showed that in individual solutions, photocatalytic degradation of MET and NAD was relatively insignificant (<10%). However, in the PIN case, the degradation was significant (64%). In the mixture, the photodegradation efficiency of MET and NAD slightly increased (15% and 13%). Conversely, it reduced the PIN to the still satisfactory value of 40%. Computational analysis based on molecular and periodic density functional theory calculations was used to complement our experimental findings. Calculations of the average local ionization energy indicate that the PIN is the most reactive of all three considered molecules in terms of removing an electron from it. Full article

The application of cosmetics is indispensable in our current society. In recent years, with an increasing awareness of the long-term health benefits of naturally sourced ingredients, plant-based cosmetic products have gained increasing attention. Lilium belongs to the Liliaceae family, which is one of the main plant families used in cosmetics for skin care treatment. A large number of studies have shown that Lilium plants are rich in components such as phenolic acids, flavonoids, and polysaccharides, with high potential for cosmetic applications. However, the application of lilies in cosmetics has not been systematically reported. This knowledge gap can easily lead to the neglect of its application in cosmetics because lilies are most familiar as ornamental plants. Integrating academic papers and patent publications, we analyzed the potential cosmetic application ingredients in lily, as well as their applications in cosmetics and related efficacy. Patent analysis showed that applications for lily-related cosmetic patents are mainly concentrated in East Asia, including China, Korea, and Japan. The application of lilies involves all aspects of cosmetics, such as sunscreens, facial cleansers, facial masks, conditioners, and so on. Its functions are also rich and diverse, including antiaging, radiation protective, whitening, moisturizing, freckle removal, acne treatment, and hair regeneration promotion. In addition, lilies are compatible with the application of other herbs. Moreover, with a change in people’s consumption concepts and the consideration of long-term health benefits, lily-based food and medicine innovation with health care and beautification effects may be a promising direction. Full article

This paper presents the impact of accelerated aging on selected mechanical and thermal properties of isotactic polypropylene (iPP) composites filled with sedimentary hybrid natural filler-Opoka rock. The filler was used in two forms: an industrial raw material originating as a subsieve fraction natural material, and a rock calcinated at 1000 °C for production of phosphorous sorbents. Fillers were incorporated with constant amount of 5 wt % of the resulting composite, and the material was subjected to accelerated weathering tests with different exposition times. The neat polypropylene and composites with calcium carbonate as a reference filler material were used for comparison. The aim of the research was to determine the possibility of using the Opoka rock as a new hybrid filler for polypropylene, which could be an alternative to the widely used calcium carbonate and silica. The thermal, mechanical, and structural properties were evaluated by means of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), tensile tests, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy with attenuated total reflectance (FTIR/ATR) prior to and after accelerated aging. As a result, it was found that the composites of polypropylene with Opoka were characterized by similar or higher functional properties and higher resistance to photodegradation compared to composites with conventional calcium carbonate. The results of measurements of mechanical properties, structural and surface changes, and the carbonyl index as a function of accelerated aging proved that Opoka was an effective ultraviolet (UV) stabilizer, significantly exceeding the reference calcium carbonate in this respect. The new hybrid filler of natural origin in the form of Opoka can therefore be used not only as a typical powder filler, but above all as a UV blocker/stabilizer, thus extending the life of polypropylene composites, especially for outdoor applications. Full article

The β-blocker carvedilol has been shown to prevent skin carcinogenesis in vitro and in vivo. Since systemic absorption of the β-blocker may cause cardiovascular disturbance, we developed a carvedilol loaded transfersome for skin-targeted delivery. Transfersomes were prepared using phospholipids and surfactants at various ratios and characterized. One formulation (F18) selected for further analysis was composed of carvedilol, soy phosphatidylcholine, and Tween-80 at a ratio of 1:3:0.5, which had a particle size of 115.6 ± 8.7 nm, a zeta potential of 11.34 ± 0.67 mV, and an encapsulation efficiency of 93.7 ± 5.1%. F18 inhibited EGF-induced neoplastic transformation of mouse epidermal JB6 P+ cells at non-toxic concentrations, while only high concentrations induced cytotoxicity in JB6 P+ and human keratinocytes HaCaT. Compared to the free drug, F18 released through the dialysis membrane and permeated through the porcine ear skin at a slower rate, but similarly depositing the drug in the epidermis and dermis of the skin. Consistently, surface application of F18 on reconstructed full-thickness human skin showed slower drug permeation, while it suppressed ultraviolet-induced DNA damage, inflammatory gene expression, and apoptosis. These data indicate that transfersome is a promising topical delivery system of carvedilol for preventing ultraviolet-induced skin damage and carcinogenesis. Full article

Catecholamines function via G protein-coupled receptors, triggering an increase in intracellular levels of 3′,5′-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) in various cells. Catecholamine biosynthesis and the β-adrenergic receptor exist in melanocytes; thus, catecholamines may play critical roles in skin pigmentation. However, their action and mechanisms mediating melanogenesis in human skin have not yet been investigated. Therefore, we examined the potential anti-melanogenetic effect of carvedilol, a nonselective β-blocker with weak α1-blocking activities. Carvedilol reduced melanin content and cellular tyrosinase activity without compromising cellular viability in normal human melanocytes as well as in mel-Ab immortalized mouse melanocytes. Carvedilol downregulated microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF), tyrosinase, tyrosinase-related protein (TRP)-1, and TRP-2. Carvedilol treatment led to the downregulation of phosphor-cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB). Moreover, the increase in cAMP levels upon treatment with forskolin reversed the anti-melanogenic action of carvedilol. In addition, carvedilol remarkably reduced the melanin index in ultraviolet-irradiated human skin cultures. Taken together, our results indicate that carvedilol effectively suppresses melanogenesis in human melanocytes and ex vivo human skin by inhibiting cAMP/protein kinase A/CREB signaling. The anti-melanogenic effects of carvedilol have potential significance for skin whitening agents. Full article

DNA mutation-induced activation of RAS-BRAF-MEK-ERK signaling associated with intermittent or chronic ultraviolet (UV) irradiation cannot exclusively explain the excessive increase of malignant melanoma (MM) incidence since the 1950s. Malignant conversion of a melanocyte to an MM cell and metastatic MM is associated with a steady increase in microRNA-21 (miR-21). At the epigenetic level, miR-21 inhibits key tumor suppressors of the RAS-BRAF signaling pathway enhancing proliferation and MM progression. Increased MM cell levels of miR-21 either result from endogenous upregulation of melanocytic miR-21 expression or by uptake of miR-21-enriched exogenous exosomes. Based on epidemiological data and translational evidence, this review provides deeper insights into environmentally and metabolically induced exosomal miR-21 trafficking beyond UV-irradiation in melanomagenesis and MM progression. Sources of miR-21-enriched exosomes include UV-irradiated keratinocytes, adipocyte-derived exosomes in obesity, airway epithelium-derived exosomes generated by smoking and pollution, diet-related exosomes and inflammation-induced exosomes, which may synergistically increase the exosomal miR-21 burden of the melanocyte, the transformed MM cell and its tumor environment. Several therapeutic agents that suppress MM cell growth and proliferation attenuate miR-21 expression. These include miR-21 antagonists, metformin, kinase inhibitors, beta-blockers, vitamin D, and plant-derived bioactive compounds, which may represent new options for the prevention and treatment of MM. Full article

The β-blocker carvedilol prevents ultraviolet (UV)-induced skin cancer, but the mechanism is unknown. Since carvedilol possesses antioxidant activity, this study investigated whether carvedilol prevents oxidative photodamage of skin, a precursor event in skin carcinogenesis. The effects of carvedilol, metoprolol (a β-blocker without antioxidant property), and 4-hydroxycarbazole (4-OHC, a carvedilol synthesis intermediate and a free radical scavenger) were compared on UV- or H₂O₂-induced cell death and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in murine epidermal JB6 P+ cells. Although carvedilol attenuated cell death, metoprolol and 4-OHC failed to show protective effects. As expected, increased cellular ROS induced by H₂O₂ or UV was abolished by carvedilol and 4-OHC, but not by metoprolol. Consistently, carvedilol attenuated the formation of UV-induced cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs) and release of prostaglandin E₂ in JB6 P+ cells. Carvedilol’s activity was further confirmed in full thickness 3D human reconstituted skin, where carvedilol attenuated UV-mediated epidermal thickening, the number of Ki-67 and p53 positive cells as well as CPD formation. Based on pathway-specific Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Array analysis, carvedilol treatment in many cases normalized UV-induced expression changes in DNA repair genes. Thus, carvedilol’s photoprotective activity is not attributed to β-blockade or direct ROS-scavenging capacity, but likely via DNA repair regulation. Full article

Titanium is one of the most abundant elements in the earth’s crust and while there are many examples of its bioactive properties and use by living organisms, there are few studies that have probed its biochemical reactivity in physiological environments. In the cosmetic industry, TiO₂ nanoparticles are widely used. They are often incorporated in sunscreens as inorganic physical sun blockers, taking advantage of their semiconducting property, which facilitates absorbing ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Sunscreens are formulated to protect human skin from the redox activity of the TiO₂ nanoparticles (NPs) and are mass-marketed as safe for people and the environment. By closely examining the biological use of TiO₂ and the influence of biomolecules on its stability and solubility, we reassess the reactivity of the material in the presence and absence of UV energy. We also consider the alarming impact that TiO₂ NP seepage into bodies of water can cause to the environment and aquatic life, and the effect that it can have on human skin and health, in general, especially if it penetrates into the human body and the bloodstream. Full article

Fasting during the month of Ramadan consists of alternate abstinence and re-feeding periods (circadian or intermittent fasting). Nothing is currently known on the impact of this kind of fasting on psoriasis. A sample of 108 moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis patients (aged 42.84 ± 13.61 years, 62 males, 46 females) volunteered to take part in the study. A significant decrease in the “Psoriasis Area and Severity Index” (PASI) score after the Ramadan fasting (mean difference = −0.89 ± 1.21, p < 0.0001) was found. At the multivariate regression, the use of cyclosporine (p = 0.0003), interleukin-17 or IL-17 blockers (p < 0.0001), and tumor necrosis factor or TNF blockers (p = 0.0107) was independently associated with a low PASI score, while the use of apremilast (p = 0.0009), and phototherapy (p = 0.0015) was associated with a high PASI score before the Ramadan fasting. Similarly, the consumption of cyclosporine (p < 0.0001), IL-17 blockers (p < 0.0001), mammalian target of rapamycin or mTOR inhibitors (p = 0.0081), and TNF blockers (p = 0.0017) predicted a low PASI score after the Ramadan fasting. By contrast, narrow band ultraviolet light B or NB-UVB (p = 0.0015) was associated with a high PASI score after Ramadan fasting. Disease duration (p = 0.0078), use of apremilast (p = 0.0005), and of mTOR inhibitors (p = 0.0034) were independent predictors of the reduction in the PASI score after the Ramadan fasting. These findings reflect the influence of dieting strategy, the biological clock, and circadian rhythm on the treatment of plaque psoriasis. Full article