No abstract

No abstract

Encapsulation of chemicals in liposomes and microneedling are currently used techniques to enhance the penetration of several substances through skin and hair. In this study, we apply a liposomal melanin–fluorescein compound to an ex vivo model of human skin, using a new electrical microneedling device (Nanopore turbo roller). The product was applied by hand massage (A) or with the assistance of the electrical roller for 2 minutes (B). An additional test was performed free of product and with only the E-roller (C). Histological changes and product absorption were evaluated by optical and fluorescent microscopy 60 and 90 minutes after the treatment. Site B showed larger deposits of melanin–fluorescein at superficial and deep levels of hair structures in comparison to site A. Light, epidermal deposits of the melanin–fluorescein complex were also observed. Sites B and C showed a significant widening (47%) of the follicular infundibulum which could explain the increased penetration of the formulation. Microneedling also removed the scales and sebum residues in the neighborhood of the infundibulum. Targeting hair follicles with melanin may be useful to dye poorly pigmented hairs, improving laser hair removal. The procedure accelerates the delivery of melanin into hair structures allowing an even absorption, larger pigment deposits, and deeper penetration of the formulation into the hair.

Lactoferrin is a highly multifunctional glycoprotein involved in many physiological functions, including regulation of iron absorption and immune responses. Moreover, there is increasing evidence for neuroprotective effects of lactoferrin. We used Caenorhabditis elegans as a model to test the protective effects, both on phenotype and transcriptome, of a nutraceutical product based on lactoferrin liposomes. In a dose‐dependent manner, the lactoferrin‐based product protected against acute oxidative stress and extended lifespan of C. elegans N2. Furthermore, Paralysis of the transgenic C. elegans strain CL4176, caused by Aβ1‐42 aggregates, was clearly ameliorated by treatment. Transcriptome analysis in treated nematodes indicated immune system stimulation, together with enhancement of processes involved in the oxidative stress response. The lactoferrin‐based product also improved the protein homeostasis processes, cellular adhesion processes, and neurogenesis in the nematode. In summary, the tested product exerts protection against aging and neurodegeneration, modulating processes involved in oxidative stress response, protein homeostasis, synaptic function, and xenobiotic metabolism. This lactoferrin‐based product is also able to stimulate the immune system, as well as improving reproductive status and energy metabolism. These findings suggest that oral supplementation with this lactoferrin‐based product could improve the immune system and antioxidant capacity. Further studies to understand the molecular mechanisms related with neuronal function would be of interest.

No abstract

A 27-year-old woman and a 13-year-old girl diagnosed with juvenile dermatomyositis in childhood developed clinical findings of partial lipodystrophy 10 years after diagnosis. Exhaustive clinical and laboratory examinations showed an association with other abnormalities: hypertrichosis, steatohepatitis, and an abnormal insulin response to the glucose loading test in the first patient. Hypertrichosis, steatohepatitis, insulin-resistant diabetes mellitus, and acanthosis nigricans were observed in the second patient. Renal function was normal in both patients. Although a localized form of lipodystrophy has been reported associated with connective tissue disease (connective tissue lipoatrophy), the partial form has been infrequently described in association with juvenile dermatomyositis.

A case of eccrine epithelioma is presented. A 62-year-old woman was seen for with a lesion on the left forearm present for 36 years, and complicated by multiple recurrences. Histopathologically, it was composed of numerous small nests of basaloid cells, cystic and syringoid epithelial structures within the reticular dermis and invading the contiguous fat and muscle tissues. Tubular structures and cystic spaces contained PAS-positive, diastate-resistant, and alcian blue-positive material. Although the tumor was very aggressive locally, no metastasis had occurred throughout its long course.

No abstract