scholarly journals MISUSE OF TOPICAL CREAMS AIMED AT PREVENTING AND TREATING MELASMA AND FRECKLES AMONG WORKING WOMEN

2021 ◽  
Vol 56 (5) ◽  
pp. 126-136
Author(s):  
Yanin Khamanarong ◽  
Wongsa Laohasiriwong ◽  
Chutikan Sakphisutthikul

Topical creams used to treat and prevent melasma and freckles contain corticosteroids, hydroquinone, mercury, and retinoic to lighten skin color. Misuse of these products and the rate of adverse effects have increased greatly in recent years. This study aims to assess the misuse of topical cream to prevent and treat melasma and freckles among working women in northeast Thailand. Our population consisted of 1,143 working women in the region aged 30-59 years old. The respondents were recruited from four provinces eight districts using a structured questionnaire distributed via a multi-stage random sampling method. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were used to represent and analyze the data. Eight hundred sixty-two (75.42%) of the respondents were users, and 105 (12.18%) had misused the products. The prevalence of misuse of products containing mercury, steroids, hydroquinone, retinoic acid, and mercury plus retinoic acid was 43.8%, 11.43%, 15.24%, 12.38%, and 17.15%, respectively. Factors associated with misuse of this product were age 30-44 years, education level less than a bachelor’s degree, working as a housekeeper or freelancer, presence of melasma and freckles, average monthly income ≤ 15,000 THB and low levels of knowledge and health literacy. Misuse of medication to treat pigmentary disorders is a growing public health concern. Social media and nonprofit campaigns should be implemented to create awareness of these products' misuse and adverse effects.

Pharmaceutics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 758
Author(s):  
Hirofumi Yamakawa ◽  
Shuichi Setoguchi ◽  
Shotaro Goto ◽  
Daisuke Watase ◽  
Kazuki Terada ◽  
...  

The first-choice drug for acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), frequently causes drug-resistance and some adverse effects. Thus, an effective and safe agent for ATRA-resistant APL is needed. Menaquinone-4 (MK-4, vitamin K2(20)), used for osteoporosis treatment, does not have serious adverse effects. It has been reported that MK-4 has growth-inhibitory effects on HL60 cells by inducing apoptosis via the activation of Bcl-2 antagonist killer 1 (BAK). However, the effect of MK-4 on ATRA-resistant APL has not been reported. Here, we show that ester derivatives of menahydroquinone-4 (MKH; a reduced form of MK-4), MKH 1,4-bis-N,N-dimethylglycinate (MKH-DMG) and MKH 1,4-bis-hemi-succinate (MKH-SUC), exerted strong growth-inhibitory effects even on ATRA-resistant HL60 (HL-60R) cells compared with ATRA and MK-4. MKH delivery after MKH-SUC treatment was higher than that after MK-4 treatment, and the results indicated apoptosis induced by BAK activation. In contrast, for MKH-DMG, reconversion to MKH was slow and apoptosis was not observed. We suggest that the ester forms, including monoesters of MKH-DMG, exhibit another mechanism independent of apoptosis. In conclusion, the MKH derivatives (MKH-SUC and MKH-DMG) inhibited not only HL60 cells but also HL-60R cells, indicating a potential to overcome ATRA resistance.


1999 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 103-117 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diana Alarcón-González ◽  
Terry McKinley

Development ◽  
1992 ◽  
Vol 114 (3) ◽  
pp. 805-813
Author(s):  
A. Rowe ◽  
J.M. Richman ◽  
P.M. Brickell

Retinoic acid causes a range of embryonic defects, including craniofacial abnormalities, in both birds and mammals and is believed to have a number of roles in normal development. We have previously shown that the distribution of retinoic acid receptor-beta (RAR-beta) transcripts is spatially restricted within the neural-crest-derived upper beak primordia of the chick embryo. We have now used in situ hybridisation to trace the distribution of RAR-beta transcripts during the migration of cranial neural crest cells and during formation of these primordia. RAR-beta transcripts were present in a subset of migrating neural-crest-derived cells in the head of the stage 10 embryo. These cells were situated in pathways followed by cells that migrate from the neural crest overlying the posterior prosencephalic/anterior mesencephalic region of the developing brain. Cells containing RAR-beta transcripts accumulated around the developing eyes and in the regions of the ventral head from which the upper beak primordia later develop. We mapped the distribution of RAR-beta transcripts as the facial primordia were forming, with particular reference to the development of the maxillary primordia. We found that these form in a region of the ventral head that includes the boundary between regions of high and low levels of RAR-beta transcripts. The boundary between these two groups of cells persisted as the maxillary primordia developed.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)


Author(s):  
Himalaya Bhardwaj ◽  
Chanchal Singh ◽  
Shashi Nayyar

Background: With the pace of industrialization, heavy metal level has been increasing in animals thereby causing deleterious effects, which emanate as public health concern, associated with their accumulation in food chain. The present study was undertaken to assess the systemic damage caused by heavy metals in buffaloes. Methods: The assessment of adverse effects of the lead (Pb), nickel (Ni) and cadmium (Cd), in blood was determined by monitoring the levels of biochemical parameters, antioxidants and expression of metallothionein in buffaloes. Blood and tissue (liver, kidney, pancreas and ovary) samples (n=50) were collected from local abattoir to estimate the levels of lead, nickel and cadmium using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Antioxidants and biochemical parameters were estimated using standard procedures and while the expression of metallothionein-2 was analyzed using real-time PCR.Result: After determining the concentration of heavy metals in samples the buffaloes were classified as heavy metal exposed and non-exposed groups. The plasma level of heavy metals were found to be significantly (p less than 0.05) higher than the permissible limit in exposed buffaloes. In tissues, heavy metals levels were within the permissible limits. Malondialdehyde level in each of lead, nickel and cadmium exposed groups was significantly (p less than 0.05) higher than the non-exposed, control group. The antioxidant activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione was found to be increased significantly (p less than 0.05) in exposed groups. Also, plasma glucose, cholesterol, aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactic dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CK), urea and creatinine levels were found to be significantly higher (p less than 0.05) in the blood of the animal model used for the study. The fold change expression of MT-2 in blood was found to be at maximum level in cadmium and minimum in nickel exposed buffaloes. It can be concluded from the results of the experiment that heavy metals affect major organs (liver, kidney and muscle etc.) as evident by altered intracellular expression of MT-2, antioxidants and biochemical parameters.


PEDIATRICS ◽  
1981 ◽  
Vol 68 (6) ◽  
pp. 894-896
Author(s):  
Herbert L. Needleman ◽  
David Bellinger ◽  
Alan Leviton

Ernhart et al, on the basis of their own follow-up data and an incorrect critique of a single study, find reason to question the entire literature documenting the adverse effects of low levels of lead. They assert that, if effects exist, they are minimal. To reach this sweeping conclusion, they contradict or ignore the findings of the earlier study by Perino and Ernhart, misread a table from the one study they single out for criticism, and draw debatable conclusions from their own data. We conclude by calling the readers' attention to this sentence: "While the effects of subclinical lead intoxication may not be noted in the individual cases seen in a pediatric clinic, analysis of group data indicate quite clearly (emphasis added) that performance on an intelligence test is impaired."


Author(s):  
Esther Kamalarani A. ◽  
Ramyajothi . ◽  
Ramalakshmi S.

Background: Obesity continues to be a global health concern. Although the increasing obesity rates in developed countries has slowed down in the past 10 years, obesity rates in developing countries continue to increase, as much as three times in some developing countries over the past 30 years. The aim of the study was to determine the adverse effects of obesity in pregnancy and maternal and fetal outcome.Methods: In all patients, a detailed history was taken and examinations and investigations were carried out.  Based on BMI (body mass index), patients were divided into 2 groups. Group 1 = patients with BMI >30 kg/m2 and Group 2 = patients with BMI <30 kg /m2.Results: In our study, comparing pregnant mothers with BMI >30 kg/m2 and normal BMI, authors found that the prevalence of maternal and fetal complications was higher in the obese group. Prevalence of antenatal complications like gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, imminent eclampsia and gestational diabetes mellitus requiring control with insulin was higher in obese women.Conclusions: Obesity is associated with increased adverse effects on pregnancy and its outcome.


Biomolecules ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 1351
Author(s):  
Nirmal K. Roy ◽  
Anthony Murphy ◽  
Max Costa

Arsenic occurs naturally in the environment, and exists predominantly as inorganic arsenite (As (III) and arsenate As (V)). Arsenic contamination of drinking water has long been recognized as a major global health concern. Arsenic exposure causes changes in skin color and lesions, and more severe health conditions such as black foot disease as well as various cancers originating in the lungs, skin, and bladder. In order to efficiently metabolize and excrete arsenic, it is methylated to monomethylarsonic and dimethylarsinic acid. One single enzyme, arsenic methyltransferase (AS3MT) is responsible for generating both metabolites. AS3MT has been purified from several mammalian and nonmammalian species, and its mRNA sequences were determined from amino acid sequences. With the advent of genome technology, mRNA sequences of AS3MT have been predicted from many species throughout the animal kingdom. Horizontal gene transfer had been postulated for this gene through phylogenetic studies, which suggests the importance of this gene in appropriately handling arsenic exposures in various organisms. An altered ability to methylate arsenic is dependent on specific single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in AS3MT. Reduced AS3MT activity resulting in poor metabolism of iAs has been shown to reduce expression of the tumor suppressor gene, p16, which is a potential pathway in arsenic carcinogenesis. Arsenic is also known to induce oxidative stress in cells. However, the presence of antioxidant response elements (AREs) in the promoter sequences of AS3MT in several species does not correlate with the ability to methylate arsenic. ARE elements are known to bind NRF2 and induce antioxidant enzymes to combat oxidative stress. NRF2 may be partly responsible for the biotransformation of iAs and the generation of methylated arsenic species via AS3MT. In this article, arsenic metabolism, excretion, and toxicity, a discussion of the AS3MT gene and its evolutionary history, and DNA methylation resulting from arsenic exposure have been reviewed.


2005 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 202-209 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fu-Jen Huang ◽  
Yan-Der Hsuuw ◽  
Kou-Chung Lan ◽  
Hong-Yo Kang ◽  
Shiuh-Young Chang ◽  
...  

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-23 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sermin Genc ◽  
Zeynep Zadeoglulari ◽  
Stefan H. Fuss ◽  
Kursad Genc

Exposure to ambient air pollution is a serious and common public health concern associated with growing morbidity and mortality worldwide. In the last decades, the adverse effects of air pollution on the pulmonary and cardiovascular systems have been well established in a series of major epidemiological and observational studies. In the recent past, air pollution has also been associated with diseases of the central nervous system (CNS), including stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and neurodevelopmental disorders. It has been demonstrated that various components of air pollution, such as nanosized particles, can easily translocate to the CNS where they can activate innate immune responses. Furthermore, systemic inflammation arising from the pulmonary or cardiovascular system can affect CNS health. Despite intense studies on the health effects of ambient air pollution, the underlying molecular mechanisms of susceptibility and disease remain largely elusive. However, emerging evidence suggests that air pollution-induced neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, microglial activation, cerebrovascular dysfunction, and alterations in the blood-brain barrier contribute to CNS pathology. A better understanding of the mediators and mechanisms will enable the development of new strategies to protect individuals at risk and to reduce detrimental effects of air pollution on the nervous system and mental health.


2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 135-153
Author(s):  
Mohamad Fazli Sabri ◽  
T. Syahrul Reza ◽  
Rusitha Wijekoon

Women have made an amazing progress personally, financially, and professionally however, with regards to the field of finance, an extensive effort to be done to become well performers comparing to the men. Therefore, women must begin understanding, and thinking the significance of money, savings, and its investment perspectives to overcome critical circumstances at any phase of their lives. Therefore, the major objective of this research is to investigate the relationships among financial management, savings and investment behavior, andfinancial well-being (FWB) of working women in the public sector in Malaysia. A sum of 722 respondents were selected using the multi-stage random sampling method in Malaysia. According to the financial status of working women, 39.2% felt that their assets were more than their debt, and 44.3% was said that their salary was sufficient to meet only their basic requirements. Furthermore, more than 80% of the respondents were followed good financial management practices such as, keeping updated records of the expenses, planning the expenses, doing investments monthly, keeping the loan payment on schedule, settling all the bills on time, and maintaining a savings account. Moreover, it also showed that Malaysian working women have good financial management practices which are indicated by their abilities in performing the savings and investment behaviors to manage their surplus money wisely in order to achieve higher FWB levels. Further, this study was detected some specific financial challenges that Malaysian public sector working women meet over their lifetime, and offered possible solutions for the present and future.


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