Depth-scanning confocal Raman for rapid in vivo determination of testosterone concentration profiles in human skin

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to measure in-vivo the depth and the percentage of testosterone in human skin. METHOD: Two healthy young Brazilian volunteers were evaluated through a Confocal Raman Spectroscopy probe on the right volar forearm. Testosterone spectroscopy of was performed on the Stratum Corneum, Viable Epidermis and Dermis; the percentage concentration of testosterone was compared between the baseline and one hour after local application of a transdermal nanostructured testosterone (5%) formulation. RESULTS: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that the depth and percentage of testosterone has been evaluated non-invasively in-vivo. No adverse events were attributed to this protocol. The method is effective in differentially measuring testosterone in the skin layers. CONCLUSION: This protocol may serve as a good choice for rapid hormone quantification for forensic or medical purposes.

Nanotechnology in Phytotherapy: Antiinflammatory Effect of a Nanostructured Thymol Gel from Lippia sidoides in Acute Periodontitis in Rats

“…This kind of strategy may provide important contribution in medical (Gonzaga et al , ) and dental health. Recent studies using nanoparticles for hormone transdermal therapy have been proving that this technology can bring new advantages when compared with regular drugs (Botelho et al , ). Recent studies have used confocal Raman spectroscopy to describe in real time the drug concentration of nanoparticles in each layer of the skin (Botelho et al , ).…”

“…This novel approach has been proving to show significant advantages when compared with regular drugs (Botelho et al, 2013). Nanodrugs exert unique physical and chemical properties enable to transport different substances and release them in a slow mechanism (Botelho et al, 2014a(Botelho et al, , 2014b.…”

Effects of a transdermal testosterone metered-dose nanoemulsion in peri- and postmenopausal women: a novel protocol for treating low libido

“…7,9 This new technology is present in many fields in medical science and it has been proving to be a strong allied with unique properties for drugs delivery and physiologic absorption. 10,11 Over the years, there has been an increasing interest regarding the determination of which symptoms could be used to precisely define testosterone deficiency in women.…”

“…Is it well established that postmenopausal women continue to be sexually active despite sexual complaints. [2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13] Sexual activity is a useful tool to maintain a healthy life. Women were allocated to this study if they reported significant loss of sexual desire.…”

“…Probably, this condition may reflect the complexity of receptor sensitivity to testosterone. [2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9] Despite the mild incidence of acne, women report that this event was not seen as an issue.…”