Thymic stromal lymphopoietin induces adipose loss through sebum hypersecretion

Emerging studies indicate that the immune system can regulate systemic metabolism. Here, we show that thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) stimulates T cells to induce selective white adipose loss, which protects against obesity, improves glucose metabolism, and mitigates nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Unexpectedly, adipose loss was not caused by alterations in food intake, absorption, or energy expenditure. Rather, it was induced by the excessive loss of lipids through the skin as sebum. TSLP and T cells regulated sebum release and sebum-associated antimicrobial peptide expression in the steady state. In human skin, TSLP expression correlated directly with sebum-associated gene expression. Thus, we establish a paradigm in which adipose loss can be achieved by means of sebum hypersecretion and uncover a role for adaptive immunity in skin barrier function through sebum secretion.

Examination of the Missense Mutation (rs74653330, Ala481Thr) of the Oculocutaneous Albinism 2 Gene to the Facial Skin Characteristics

ObjectiveA melanin pathway gene, oculocutaneous albinism 2 (OCA2) operates the first step of the melanin synthesis pathway and is known to associate with the albinism and pigmentation. Our previous study identified a significant association (p-value<5x10-8) between a OCA2 missense mutation (rs74653330, Ala481thr) and skin pigmentation. Since melanin pigment protects the skin from damage by ultraviolet light and we hypothesize that the rs74653330 SNP effect on the skin phenotypes not only the melanin, but also the other skin characteristics such as wrinkle formation, moisture level and sebum levels. We examined the association of the rs74653330 SNP to 19 skin characteristics consisting of wrinkle, moisture, melanin, erythema, brightness, and sebum using eight cosmetological instruments. ResultsThe rs74653330 SNP showed significant association with melanin phenotypes, specifically in young and middle groups. The melanin levels of pigmented area showed more melanin in middle age group but less in old group. Also, the rs74653330 SNP affect to wrinkle formation and sebum secretion. Conclusively, the analyses in this study clearly indicate that rs74653330 SNP affects to the melanin related skin phenotypes, and to the wrinkle formation or sebum secretion.

The effectiveness of alkaline water on oily and acne-prone skin: a case report

Background: Skin lesions and excess sebum on the surface of epidermis occur mainly among people suffering from acne vulgaris. Scientists are constantly searching for cosmetic procedures that, can not only complement dermatological treatment and decrease sebum production, but also increase patients’ quality of lives. Aim of the study: To evaluate the effectiveness of alkaline water in the treatment oily skin and acne vulgaris in a 21-year-old woman. Case report: A 21- year-old female reported problems with too high a sebum level and skin eruptions like blackheads, whiteheads, and pustules. The sebum level was measured and the global acne severity scale (GAGS) score was used to check the amount of skin eruptions before and after a series of treatments with alkaline water. Conclusions: After a series of cosmetological treatments with alkaline water, there was a significant reduction of sebum secretion and skin eruptions.

Alkyl polyglucoside-based emulsions as vehicles for topical spironolactone: A textural analysis

Acne vulgaris is a chronic dermatological disease that affects the pilosebaceous unit; androgens play an important role in its pathogenesis. Acne therapy can be either systemic or topical, usual in the treatment of mild and moderate forms of acne. Spironolactone (SP) is an anti-androgen drug with potential to reduce the sebum secretion; in order to avoid systemic side effects, it could be used topically in acne treatment. Nowadays, more and more attention is being paid to the textural profile of dermopharmaceutical emulsions, which is normally influenced by their colloidal structure; texture analysis is performed in order to predict behavior of the emulsion systems in real-time conditions during manufacturing and application; the latter is closely related to ensuring patients' compliance and the positive outcome of the therapy. We formulated emulsions stabilized with different natural alkyl polyglucoside (APG) emulsifiers (Cetearyl glucoside and cetearyl alcohol and Arachidyl glucoside and arachidyl behenyl alcohol) as vehicles for 5% topical SP. Parameters obtained by texture analysis were firmness and cohesiveness. The study showed that SP affected the texture of APG-based emulsion; different APG-based emulsions showed satisfying textural characteristics per se after incorporation of 5% SP, which could imply their satisfying applicative characteristics on the skin with acne. APGs could be used as stabilizers of emulsion vehicles for topical SP. Dermoemulsion with Arachidyl glucoside and arachidyl behenyl alcohol, more lypophillic emulsifier, is a more acceptable carrier for 5% SP due to a better textural profile.

Features of the Formation of the Epidermal Barrier and the Use of Emollients in Premature and Young Children

The article presents modern data on the features of the structure of the skin and the formation of the epidermal barrier in premature and young children. Information is given regarding changes in the properties of the skin: microrelief, hydration, transepidermal water loss, acidity, content of the natural moisturizing factor, and sebum secretion. Attention is also paid to the role of vernix caseosa in the formation of a mature epidermal barrier and data on the use of emollients are provided.

Assessment of tolerability and acceptability of an alcohol-based hand rub according to a WHO protocol and using apparatus tests

Background The effectiveness of alcohol-based hand rubs (ABHRs) depends substantially on their acceptability and tolerability. In this study, we assessed the acceptability and tolerability of a new ABHR (product EU 100.2018.02). Methods Among physicians, nurses, and cosmetologists who used the ABHR for 30 days, we assessed the product’s acceptability and tolerability according to a WHO protocol. Additionally, we used instrumental skin tests. Participants assessed the product’s color, smell, texture, irritation, drying effect, ease of use, speed of drying, and application, and they gave an overall evaluation. Moreover, they rated the tolerability, i.e. their skin condition, on the following dimensions: intactness, moisture content, sensation, and integrity of the skin. The tolerability was also assessed by an observer as follows: redness, scaliness, fissures, and overall score for the skin condition. Instrumental skin tests included transepidermal water loss, skin hydration, sebum secretion, and percentage of skin affected by discolorations. All assessments were made at baseline (visit 1), and 3–5 days (visit 2) and 30 days (visit 3) later. Results We enrolled 126 participants (110 [87%] women) with a mean age of 34.3 ± 11.65 years. Sixty-five participants (52%) were healthcare professionals (physicians, nurses), and 61 (48%) were cosmetologists. During visit 2 and visit 3, about 90% of participants gave responses complying with the WHO’s benchmark for acceptability and tolerability. Similarly, the ABHR met the WHO criteria for observer-assessed tolerability: on all visits, in more than 95% of participants, the observer gave scores complying with the WHO benchmark. Transepidermal water loss decreased from baseline to visit 3 (p < 0.001), whereas skin hydration, sebum secretion, and the percentage of skin affected by discolorations did not change significantly during the study (p ≥ 130). Conclusions The EU 100.2018.02 had both high acceptability and tolerability, meeting the WHO criteria. The WHO protocol proved useful in the analysis of acceptability and tolerability of ABHRs.

Clinical and Biochemical Assessment of New-formula Shampoo for Scalp Seborrheic Dermatitis

Background: Scalp seborrheic dermatitis is a common disease characterized by flaking and itching of the scalp. Conventional treatment options, such as the use of topical corticosteroids and antifungal agents, may cause adverse effects and reduce user satisfaction rates; thus, it is important to explore other treatment options for scalp seborrheic dermatitis. Objective: We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a new-formula shampoo containing natural ingredients, including the extract of Rosa centifolia petals, epigallocatechin gallate, zinc pyrithione, and climbazole. Methods: A total of 50 patients with scalp seborrheic dermatitis were enrolled and divided into two groups: the new-formula shampoo-treated group and the 1.5% ciclopirox olamine shampoo-treated group. Clinical severity scores, sebum secretion, and inflammatory cytokines were assessed. In addition, patient satisfaction and adverse events were assessed using a questionnaire. Results: The new-formula shampoo was comparable with ciclopirox in reducing the clinical severity scores and sebum secretion. Patients' improvement scores and user satisfaction rates were higher in the new-formula shampoo group than in the 1.5% ciclopirox olamine shampoo-treated group. The inflammatory cytokine levels considerably changed in both groups during the course of the study. Conclusion: Thus, the new-formula shampoo can be considered a treatment option for patients with scalp seborrheic dermatitis.