Nrf2 plays a role in protection of cells against oxidative stress and xenobiotic damage by regulating cytoprotective genes. In this study, we investigated the effect of Nrf2 on melanogenesis in normal human melanocytes (NHMCs). When NHMCs were transduced with a recombinant adenovirus expressing Nrf2, melanin synthesis was significantly decreased. Consistent with this result, overexpression of Nrf2 decreased the expression of tyrosinase and tyrosinase-related protein 1. The inhibitory effect of Nrf2 was reversed by overexpression of Keap1, an intracellular regulator of Nrf2. Interestingly, Nrf2 overexpression resulted in marked activation of PI3K/Akt signaling. Conversely, inhibition of PI3K activity by treatment with wortmannin reversed the depigmentary effects of Nrf2. Taken together, these results strongly suggest that Nrf2 negatively regulates melanogenesis by modulating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

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BackgroundMicro-needle patches have been recently used to increase skin permeability, which improves drug delivery, and for cosmetic purposes. However, these patches may often have limited efficacy due to insufficient skin penetration and reduced compliance caused by discomfort.ObjectiveWe evaluated the efficacy and the safety of soluble micro-spicule containing epidermal growth factor (MS-EGF) for the treatment of periocular wrinkles.MethodsTwenty healthy volunteers aged 33 to 54 years were enrolled in a randomized, controlled, split-face study. For 4 weeks, a periocular wrinkle was treated daily with either a soluble MS-EGF cream or a cream containing EGF alone. All subjects underwent 8 weeks of follow-up. Efficacy was assessed using an ultrasonic measurement of dermal depth and density, digital skin image analysis, 5-point photonumeric scale for periocular wrinkles and subjective satisfaction.ResultsMS-EGF group showed statistically significant increase of dermal depth and density compared to EGF alone group after 4 and 8 weeks. In addition, there was a marked improvement shown in clinical and 3-dimensional skin image in MS-EGF group. The treatments were well-tolerated; no significant side-effect was noted.ConclusionThe MS-EGF formulation may represent an effective and biocompatible advance in the treatment of periocular wrinkles.

Lipedematous alopecia is a rare condition of unknown etiology characterized by a thick boggy scalp with varying degrees of hair loss. It is usually seen in adult African-American females, and a case in a 9-year-old was the youngest patient reported thus far. We report on the appearance of this condition in two children, a 6-year-old child and a 10-year-old child. Each presented with congenital patchy hair loss on the occipital area and the left temple. A boggy hairless scalp with soft swelling was detected in both patients. Histological examination showed increased thickness of the subcutaneous fat tissue with a decrease in hair follicles. These features were consistent with a diagnosis of lipedematous alopecia. We report two cases of congenital lipedematous alopecia, which has not been reported previously. Although congenital, these distinct clinical features should be kept in mind in the diagnosis of alopecic hair loss.

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BackgroundAdenosine is a nucleoside, in which an adenine molecule is attached to a ribofuranose sugar moiety. It can be released into the microenvironment by metabolically active cells, and then fulfills a multitude of functions in regulation of cell proliferation, by activating four subtypes of G protein-coupled adenosine receptors.ObjectiveIn this study, we investigated the effect of adenosine on melanogenesis, using B16 melanoma cells.MethodsThe toxic effects of adenosine on B16 melanoma cells were assessed. To understand the mechanism of the effect of adenosine on melanogenesis in B16 cells, melanin content and tyrosinase activity were measured. Tyrosinase, tyrosinase-related protein-1, and dopachrome tautomerase were monitored by Western blotting. Finally, adenosine was applied to zebrafish embryos, and its in vivo effect on pigmentation investigated.ResultsAt a low concentration, adenosine increased melanin content and tyrosinase activity, while a high dose of adenosine resulted in inhibition of tyrosinase activity. Western blotting showed that adenosine increased tyrosinase protein levels slightly, while high-dose adenosine decreased the expression of tyrosinase. In zebrafish tests, adenosine slightly inhibited body pigmentation.ConclusionIn this study, we investigated the effect of adenosine on melanogenesis, using the well-established B16 melanoma cell and zebrafish models. The results suggest that adenosine may inhibit pigmentation, through negative regulation of tyrosinase.

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