The Effect of Corncob (Zea mays) Extract Cream on the Number of Melanin Pigments of Guinea Pig Exposed to Ultraviolet

Background: Exposure to Ultraviolet B (UVB) rays on the skin causesmany problems, including pigmentation and aging effect. Hence, protection against it is needed. Purpose: The study aimedto determine the effect of corncob extract cream on the number of melanin pigments in guinea pig skins exposed to UVB rays. Methods: Anexperimental post-test-only control group study was conducted on the 25 guinea pigs. The guinea pigs were divided randomly into five groups: group I without cream, group II cream base, group III hydroquinone cream, group IV 30% corncob extract cream, and group V 40% corncob extract cream. The cream was given daily for 20 minutes before UVB exposure and 4 hours after UVB exposure. The total dose of UVB exposure was 780 mJ / cm2 for 28 days. The amount of melanin pigment was calculated using the CX21 image J. Result: The number of melanin pigment in groups I, II, III, IV, and V were 22.8±0.4 cells, 18±0.3 cells, 6.3±3.1 cells, 13.8±0.2 cells, and 9.4±0.5 cells, respectively. Asignificantlydifferent value of One way ANOVA test was <0.05. Thus, there was a difference in the number of melanin pigments between the five groups. LSD post-hoc test showed differences in each group (p <0.05). Conclusion: 40% corn cobs extract cream effectively decreased the number of melanin pigment in guinea pigs exposed to UVB rays.

Cryptococcus neoformans melanization incorporates multiple catecholamines to produce polytypic melanin

Melanin is a major virulence factor in pathogenic fungi that enhances the ability of fungal cells to resist immune clearance. Cryptococcus neoformans is an important human pathogenic fungus that synthesizes melanin from exogenous tissue catecholamine precursors during infection, but the type of melanin made in cryptococcal meningoencephalitis is unknown. We analyzed the efficacy of various catecholamines found in brain tissue in supporting melanization using animal brain tissue and synthetic catecholamine mixtures reflecting brain tissue proportions. Solid-state NMR spectra of the melanin pigment produced from such mixtures displayed larger melanin contributions than expected from the most robust dopamine constituent, suggesting uptake of additional catecholamines. Probing the biosynthesis of melanin using radiolabeled catecholamines revealed that C. neoformans melanization simultaneously incorporated more than one catecholamine, implying that the pigment was polytypic in nature. Nonetheless, melanin derived from individual or mixed catecholamines had comparable ability to protect C. neoformans against ultraviolet light and oxidants. Our results indicate that melanin produced during infection differs depending on the catecholamine composition of tissue and that melanin pigment synthesized in vivo is likely to accrue from the polymerization of a mixture of precursors. From a practical standpoint our results strongly suggest that using dopamine as a polymerization precursor is capable of producing melanin pigment comparable to that produced during infection. On a more fundamental level our findings uncover additional structural complexity for natural cryptococcal melanin by demonstrating that pigment produced during human infection is likely to be composed of polymerized moieties derived from chemically different precursors.

Eosinophilic Solid and Cystic Renal Cell Carcinoma With Melanin Pigment—Expanding the Morphological Spectrum

Eosinophilic solid and cystic renal cell carcinoma (ESC-RCC) is an emerging entity in renal neoplasia with distinctive histopathological findings and a generally favorable prognosis. The presence of melanin pigment in a renal tumor typically prompts the observer to consider the microphthalmia-associated transcription family translocation renal cell carcinomas. We present a renal tumor occurring in a 19-year-old male patient which had the typical morphology of ESC-RCC but showed the additional finding of focal melanin pigment. This tumor showed strong and diffuse positive immunolabeling with paired box gene 8 and cytokeratin 20, and was negative with epithelial membrane antigen, carbonic anhydrase 9, CD117, cytokeratin 7, and transcription factor E3. Human melanoma black-45 showed focal positivity, but Melan-A was negative. Next-generation sequencing revealed a mutation in the TSC2 gene (c.4490C > G, p.[Pro1497Arg] and c.1257 + 1del) and break apart fluorescence in-situ hybridization with TFE3 and TFEB probes was negative. In this case report, we present the novel finding of melanin pigment occurring in a genetically proven and otherwise typical ESC-RCC, and briefly discuss the differential diagnostic considerations.

Characterization of brown-black pigment isolated from soil bacteria, Beijerinckia fluminensis

Melanin is a ubiquitous pigment found in most organisms it is a dark-brown or black pigment formed by the oxidation of phenolic compounds. They are negatively charged amorphous compounds having quinone groups. In this study; melanin-producing microorganism was isolated from soil obtained from iron ore mine. The soil was enriched in modified Ashbys glucose broth for 15 days at 30°C further to which it was isolated on modified Ashbys agar at 30°C for seven days; the colonies showing pigmentation were selected for further study. Conditions were optimized for maximal production of melanin pigment. The effect of carbon nitrogen tyrosine and metal salts on pigment production was studied. Alkaline conditions were used to extract the pigment from cells, further characterized by UV-VIS spectroscopy for λ-max. FTIR was done to identify the native functional groups and XRD was performed to determine the melanins structure. TGA analysis was done to check its thermal stability. SEM was carried out to check the size and shape of the melanin pigment. The melanin pigment was also analyzed for UV protectant property which was studied by exposure of both melanized and non-melanized cells to UV light at 254nm. Key words: Beijerinckia fluminensis iron ore soil melanin and UV-protection.

Co-expression of Myoepithelial and Melanocytic Features in Carcinoma Ex Pleomorphic Adenoma

The presence of melanin pigment and melanocytic markers expression have been rarely reported in salivary gland tumors. Herein, two cases of carcinoma arising in pleomorphic adenoma of the parotid gland and showing diffuse expression of myoepithelial and melanocytic markers are described. The clinical-pathological clues useful in the differential diagnosis with melanoma are discussed. In addition, a review of the pertinent literature is also proposed, discussing the pathologic mechanisms potentially involved in this phenomenon.

Consistency of dark skeletal muscles in Thai native black-bone chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus)

Black-bone chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) have become economically valuable, particularly in Southeast Asia as a consequence of popular traditional Chinese medical practices. Chickens with whole body organ darkness are considered to have higher value and are, therefore, more often requested. This research study aimed to investigate the darkness in 34 skeletal muscles of 10 Thai black-bone chickens (five males and five females). The evaluation of muscle darkness was done on two levels: (i) a color chart was employed at the macroanatomical level and (ii) by using melanin pigment to evaluate the structure at the microanatomy level. The results revealed that the accumulation of melanin pigment in the muscle tissue was observed in the endomysium, perimysium and epimysium. With respect to the results of the color chart test, iliotibialis lateralis pars preacetabularis, gastrocnemius, fibularis longus and puboischiofemoralis pars medialis showed the highest degree of darkness, while serratus profundus, pectoralis, iliotibialis cranialis, flexor cruris lateralis, and flexor cruris medialis appeared to be the least dark. In addition, we found that the highest and lowest amounts of melanin pigment was noted in the flexor carpi ulnaris and pectoralis (p < 0.05), respectively; however, there was no significant difference (p > 0.05) observed between the sexes. These results reveal that the 34 specified muscles of black-bone chickens showed uneven distribution of darkness due to the differing accumulations of melanin pigments of each muscle.This information may provide background knowledge for a better understanding of melanin accumulation and lead to breeding improvements in Thai black-bone chickens.

Lulur Gosok Tradisional BERSERI (Beras, Serai Wangi, Kunyit) sebagai Antioksidan

Traditional body scrubis one cosmetic sedian that is made from fresh natural or ingredients that have been dried from plants and fruit. The basic ingredient of making scrubs commonly used in traditional cosmetics is rice flour. Rice has a rich content of protein, vitamins, minerals and water. The content found in rice flour is gamma oryzanol. And this compound can renew the formation of melanin pigment, as an antioxidant and also effective to ward off ultrafiolet rays. Besides turmeric also has activity as an antioxidant derived from kukumin contained in turmeric. Lemongrass also gives romatherapy to the body scrub because it contains essential oils which give a distinctive odor. The purpose of this research is to increase the knowledge of the women of Lubuk Dalam Hamlet on Traditional Scrub Scrub derived from rice and spices such as turmeric which has antioxidant activity and Lemongrass that can give aromatherapy to the scrub. This community service method uses a participatory method that involves the community of Kemingking Dalam Village. The results of this study found that the increased knowledge of the community of Kemingking Dalam Village regarding the efficacy and ways of making scrubs derived from rice, turmeric and lemongrass

COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF GINGIVAL DEPIGMENTATION USING SCALPEL/ ELECTROCAUTERY/ DIAMOND BUR/ DIODE LASER. A CASE REPORT

Introduction: Gingival pigmentation which is caused by deposition of melanin pigment is a major esthetic concern for many people. A case is reported in which an evaluation of 4 popular depigmentation procedures carried . Methodology: Patients associated with gingival hyperpigmentation in 4 quadrants based on Dummetts scoring criteria were included. Healing and recurrence were assessed following depigmentation carried out by scalpel, bur, electrosurgery and laser. The outcome of procedures were assessed at 1 week, 1 month and 3 months. Results: Healing following Scalpel and laser were better than bur and electro surgery. Post-operative pain was less with the use of scalpel and laser. Discussion: In this case report, it was found that the time taken to carry out all the 4 procedures were nearly the same. Both scalpel surgery and laser led to uneventful healing and minimal post-operative pain when compared to abrasion by burs and electro surgery in the immediate post-surgical period of 1 week to 1 month. Conclusions: Better treatment outcomes were observed with the scalpel and laser techniques.