In vitro evaluation of the cytotoxicity and eye irritation potential of preservatives widely used in cosmetics

Abstract The consumption of cosmetics has been increasing every year and is expected to reach $675 billion by 2020 at an estimated growth rate of 6.4% per year. Exposure to skin irritants is the major cause of non-immunological inflammation of the skin. Therefore, the safety evaluation of cosmetic preservatives should be increased. Thus, the present work aimed to evaluate the cytotoxicity as the viability endpoint and the eye irritation potential of preservatives used in cosmetics. Cytotoxicity assays were performed using MTT and NRU in human keratinocytes (HaCaT), human dermal fibroblasts, adult (HDFa), and human hepatoma cells (HepG2). The eye irritation potential was evaluated using the Hen's Egg Test-chorioallantoic membrane (HET-CAM). The evaluated preservatives were methylparaben (MP), propylparaben (PP), phenoxyethanol (PE), and a mixture of methylchloroisothiazolinone and methylisothiazolinone (CMI/MI). All preservatives showed cytotoxic potential within the permitted concentrations for use in cosmetic products. In the HET-CAM test, PE and CMI/MI, MP, and PP were classified as severe, moderate, and poor irritants, respectively. Our results indicate that proper safety evaluations are required to ensure the beneficial properties of preservatives on cosmetic products without exceeding exposure levels that would result in adverse health effects for consumers.

Estudio del efecto citotóxico e irritativo de jabones para la limpieza cutánea / Study of the cytotoxic and irritant effects of skin cleansing soaps

Resumen Introducción: El jabón para el aseo cutáneo es de empleo común entre la población, sin embargo, es posible que cause daño a las células de la piel y modifique la barrera cutánea. Objetivo: Determinar el efecto citotóxico de los jabones en queratinocitos cultivados in vitro y correlacionarlo con la irritación clínica. Método: Se realizó una encuesta para conocer los jabones comerciales más utilizados y su cantidad; posteriormente, se evaluó su citotoxicidad en cultivos de queratinocitos humanos mediante el método de resazurina. Los jabones con mayor y menor citotoxicidad se aplicaron en piel de voluntarios sanos para evaluar su efecto en la barrera cutánea mediante ensayos de colorimetría y pérdida transepidérmica de agua. Resultados: De los jabones analizados, 37 % demostró ser tóxico para los queratinocitos in vitro. El jabón con mayor toxicidad indujo el mayor índice de eritema y pérdida transepidérmica de agua, en comparación con el jabón menos tóxico y el vehículo empleado como solución control. Conclusión: Los jabones comercializados para el aseo cutáneo pueden incluir ingredientes químicos que dañan los queratinocitos humanos y causan irritación subclínica de la barrera cutánea. Su utilización puede agravar dermatosis preexistentes, generar dermatitis xerósica o de contacto irritativa y causar atrofia y dermatoporosis.

Abstract Introduction: The use of soap for skin cleansing is common among the population. However, it is possible that it causes damage to skin cells and disrupts the skin barrier. Objective: To determine the cytotoxic effect of soaps on in vitro-cultured keratinocytes and to correlate it with clinical irritation. Method: A survey was conducted to find out the most widely used commercial soaps and their number. Subsequently, their cytotoxicity was evaluated in human keratinocyte cultures using the resazurin assay. The soaps with the highest and lowest cytotoxicity were applied to the skin of healthy volunteers to assess their effect on the skin barrier using colorimetry and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) assays. Results: Of the analyzed soaps, 37 % were shown to be toxic to keratinocytes in vitro. The soap with the highest toxicity induced the highest rate of erythema and TEWL, in comparison with the least toxic soap and the vehicle used as the control solution. Conclusion: Soaps marketed for skin cleansing can contain chemical ingredients that damage human keratinocytes and cause skin barrier subclinical irritation. Their use can worsen preexisting dermatoses, generate xerotic or irritant contact dermatitis, and cause atrophy and dermatoporosis.

Sociodemographic and clinical profile of patients with occupational contact dermatitis seen at a work-related dermatology service, 2000 - 2014

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Occupational dermatoses are common, especially contact dermatitis. Epidemiological studies on these dermatoses are scarce in Brazil and they are necessary as part of the public policy to protect workers' health. OBJECTIVES: To identify sociodemographic and clinical profile of patients with occupational contact dermatitis seen between 2000 and 2014 at an occupational dermatology service. METHODS: It is a cross-sectional and retrospective study, based on information obtained from the service's database. RESULTS: Of 560 patients with conclusive patch test, 289 (46.9%) presented occupational dermatoses and 213 occupational contact dermatitis with predominance of the allergic type in relation to the irritative type (149:64 respectively). The odds of occupational dermatoses were higher among men and lower among patients aged 50 years or older and with higher level of education. Regarding the possibility of presenting occupational allergic contact dermatitis, only the gender variable was statistically significant. The professions most seen were cleaners, construction workers, painters, mechanics/metallurgists and cooks. The commonest allergens were nickel sulfate, potassium dichromate, cobalt chloride, carba-mix and formaldehyde. STUDY LIMITATIONS: The main limitations of this study are the fact that it was carried out in a tertiary service of occupational dermatoses and the lack of access to some allergens outside the patch test baseline series. CONCLUSIONS: It was possible to identify the sociodemographic and clinical profile of patients with suspected occupational contact dermatitis seen at the Service, beyond the professional groups and allergens related to a high risk of occupational contact dermatitis in this population.

Anti-Helicobacter pylori, Anti-apoptotic, and Cytoprotective Effects of Threonine Synthesized from Corynebacterium glutamicum in Gastric Epithelial Cells

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Among irritants causing gastric ulcer, Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) might be pivotal, after which eradication became essential way in either inhibiting ulcerogenesis or preventing ulcer recurrence. Since threonine is essential in either mucus synthesis or cytoprotection, we hypothesized that the dietary threonine from Corynebacterium glutamicum (C. glutamicum) can mitigate the cytotoxicity of H. pylori infection.MATERIALS AND METHODS: RGM-1 cells were challenged with 100 multiplicity of infection H. pylori for 6 hours, during which threonine alone or combination with Corynebacterium sp. was administered and compared for anti-Helicobacter, anti-inflammation, anti-oxidative, and cytoprotective actions.RESULTS: Threonine alone or combination of threonine and C. glutamicum yielded significant bacteriostatic outcomes. The increased expressions of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-8, Cox-2, and iNOS mRNA after H. pylori infection were significantly decreased with either threonine alone or the combination of threonine and C. glutamicum. The elevated expressions of NF-kB, HIF-1a, and c-jun after H. pylori infection were all significantly decreased with the combination of threonine and broth from C. glutamicum (P < 0.05), leading to significant decreases in 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescein-diacetate (P < 0.01). Tracing further host antioxidative response, the attenuated expression of heme oxygenase-1, Nrf2, and dehydrogenase quinone-1 after H. pylori infection was significantly preserved with combination of threonine and C. glutamicum. H. pylori infection led to significant increases in apoptosis accompanied with Bcl-2 decreases and Bax increases, while the combination of threonine and C. glutamicum significantly attenuated apoptosis, in which attenuated EGF, TGF-β, and VEGF were significantly regulated, while β-catenin did not change.CONCLUSIONS: Threonine synthesized from C. glutamicum significantly alleviated the cytotoxicity of H. pylori in gastric epithelial cells.

A Clinical Study on the Association between Sensitive Skin and Acne in Patients with Acne / 대한피부과학회지

BACKGROUND: Acne is a common inflammatory skin disease that involves the seborrheic area, developing not only in adolescence but also in adulthood. Abnormal epidermal barrier function in acne is reported and suspected as a risk factor that leads to sensitive skin through a few experimental studies. Impaired skin barrier function against environmental factors and irritants may play a role in increasing sensitivity of the skin in patients with acne. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics of patients with acne and analyze the association between acne and sensitive skin. METHODS: Acne severity and history of treatments were recorded and subjective symptoms of sensitive skin with aggravating factors were analyzed through a questionnaire. Acne severity was determined using the Investigator's Global Assessment scale of acne severity and Global Acne Grading System. The score and severity of sensitive skin were determined using the Baumann skin-type test. RESULTS: Of 100 patients with acne, 76% were actually confirmed to have sensitive skin. However, there was no significant association between acne severity and severity of sensitive skin (p=0.805). The most common aggravating factor of sensitive skin was washing the face (60%), followed by cosmetics use (56%) and hot weather (55%). The most common symptom of sensitive skin was itching (55%), which was proven as the only factor associated with severity of sensitive skin (p=0.016). CONCLUSION: Cosmetics use on the face is a noticeable important aggravating factor of sensitive skin, which can provoke itching, which is proven as the only symptom significantly related with severity of sensitive skin. Therefore, in the treatment of acne with sensitive skin, proper use of moisturizers and careful washing are required, and it is important to avoid hot weather and excessive sun exposure and carefully choose cosmetics.

A Clinical Study Including Patch Test of Rosacea Patients / 대한피부과학회지

BACKGROUND: Rosacea is a relatively common inflammatory skin disease characterized by central facial erythema that persists for several months or longer. Experimental studies have demonstrated that rosacea compromises the epidermal barrier protection against allergens and irritants, rendering rosacea patients susceptible to contact hypersensitivity and skin irritation. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate allergic and irritant reactions to topical agents and cosmetics in rosacea patients using patch tests. METHODS: Rosacea signs and subtypes of 40 patients were recorded and subjective symptoms and clinical experiences related to topical agents and cosmetics were assessed using a questionnaire. Patch tests were performed in these patients using the Korean Standard Series (Chemotechnique Diagnostics, Sweden), the TRUE test® (Mekos Laboratories ApS, Denmark), and 26 selected fragrance and 31 cosmetic antigens (TROLAB, Germany). RESULTS: Of 40 patch-tested patients, 26 (65%) showed at least 1 positive reaction and 13 (32.5%) showed 2 or more positive reactions. The most common allergens were nickel (II) sulfate (50%), cobalt chloride (10%), epoxy resin (7.7%), and thimerosal (7.5%). Thirteen patients (32.5%) experienced irritant patch test reactions. There were no significant differences in allergic or irritant positive reactions between mild, moderate, and severe cases of rosacea or between rosacea subtypes. Irritant reactions were more common in fair-skinned participants. CONCLUSION: Different topical medications are used in the treatment of rosacea patients. Exacerbation of rosacea may be caused by a hypersensitivity reaction or irritation induced by the topical agent or by cosmetics.

Dermatite de contato por cloreto de benzalcônio / Contact dermatitis from benzalkonium chloride

O cloreto de benzalcônio é um conservante encontrado em produtos de higiene pessoal e preparações farmacêuticas há mais de seis décadas. Antes tido como irritante; porém, evidências crescentes apontam que ele possa induzir alergia de contato em uma taxa mais elevada do que o previsto. Os autores apresentam um caso de um adulto de 71 anos, com reação alérgica ao cloreto de benzalcônio contido em solução tópica oftalmológica. Pretende-se, com este caso, alertar sobre as possíveis hipersensibilidades aos conservantes de medicamentos e cosméticos.

Benzalkonium chloride is a preservative found in personal care products and pharmaceutical preparations for over six decades. It was previously thought to be an irritant, but a growing body of evidence suggests that it may induce contact allergy at a higher rate than anticipated. The authors describe the case of a 71-yearold male patient with allergic reaction to benzalkonium chloride present in a topical ophthalmic solution. With this case report we intend to warn about possible hypersensitivity reactions to preservatives contained in medicines and cosmetics.

Cornus mas L. extract as a multifunctional material for manufacturing cosmetic emulsions / 中国天然药物

Dogwood fruits are a valuable source of active ingredients, such as phenolic compounds, vitamin C, iridoids, flavonoids and anthocyanins. Plant extracts and substances derived from latin Cornus mas L. exhibit not only strong antibacterial but also antioxidant and tonicity properties, effectively preventing the development of inflammation in living organisms. In the present study, we attempted to obtain the innovative, multi-functional plant extract from the fruit of dogwood (Cornus mas L.). During the extraction process a mixture of water, glycerol, and vegetable oil were used as an extractant. The usage of such mixtures of solvents enabled us to extract a variety of active substances, soluble in both water and oils. The obtained extracts were analyzed for their physicochemical and biochemical properties, in order to apply the extract in a body nutrient lotion. The results clearly showed that such extract could be an innovative and multi-functional raw material used in cosmetics industry.

Factors Related to Extravasation of Non-chemotherapy Vesicant Drugs in Peripheral Vein Catheters / 중환자간호학회지

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the incidence of intravenous extravasation and the risk factors associated with the use of peripheral intravenous catheters in adults.METHOD: This prospective observational study included 203 adult patients admitted to the general ward who received non-chemotherapy vesicant drug infusion treatments. Data were analyzed using frequencies, percentage, means, standard deviations, and odds ratios (ORs) from multiple logistic regressions.RESULTS: The incidence of extravasation was 43.3%. Risk factors for intravenous extravasation included continuous injections (OR=5.35, 95% CI [1.38, 20.83]), and parenteral nutrition (OR=3.53, 95% CI [1.43, 8.73]).CONCLUSION: The present findings revealed that gastrointernal medicine problems, continuous injection, and parenteral nutrition were related to intravenous extravasation. Further research is necessary to reduce the incidence of extravasation related to peripheral intravenous catheterization in adults, and to prevent secondary complications. Finally, patients should be provided appropriate and continuous care based on the type of intravenous infusion.

Investigação oftalmológica pré-clínica do óleo essencial de Origanum vulgare L. Lamiaceae / Ophthalmological pre-clinical research about essential oil from the Origanum vulgare L. Lamiaceae

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a irritação ocular aguda em coelhos, após a administração tópica de óleo essencial. Métodos: Para tanto, os animais foram divididos em três grupos, cada um com três coelhos, totalizando 6 olhos por grupo, e a diferença entre eles foi a concentração utilizada ( 1, 3 e 9%). Aplicou-se no saco conjuntival, de um dos olhos do animal, uma dose única de 0,1 ml do produto e o olho contralateral foi usado como controle. Analisou-se os efeitos causados pelo óleo essencial na conjuntiva, íris e córnea após 1, 24, 48, 72 horas e no final do sétimo dia após a aplicação tópica. As avaliações oftalmológicas foram feitas com o auxílio de um oftalmoscópio binocular indireto com e sem fluoresceína. As reações observadas foram graduadas segundo a escala de Draize. Foram realizados exames anatomopatológicos em todos os olhos estudados no final do experimento. Resultados: No grupo de animais submetidos à instilação ocular do óleo essencial a 1%, não se observou alterações. O tratamento com o óleo a 3% provocou alteração conjuntival no exame feito em 1 hora, o que foi reduzindo. A administração do óleo essencial a 9% induziu hiperemia conjuntival, não havendo qualquer alteração nos outros tempos de avaliação oftalmológica. Conclusão: A avaliação contribuiu para conhecer as alterações clínicas na superfície ocular. Desta forma, foi possível classificar o óleo a 1% como não irritante e nas concentrações de 3 e 9% como pouco irritante, tornando possível estudos clínicos, a fim de estabelecer o óleo como alternativa terapêutica em conjuntivites bacterianas.

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate acute eye irritation in rabbits following topical administration of essential oil. Methods: animals were divided into three groups, each containing three rabbits, with a total of 6 eyes per group. The difference between them was the concentration used (1, 3 and 9%). A single dose of 0.1 ml of the product was applied into the conjunctival sac of one eye of the animal, and the contralateral eye was used as control. The effects caused by the essential oil in the conjunctiva, iris and cornea were analyzed after 1, 24, 48 and 72 hours and at the end of the seventh day after topical application. Ophthalmologic evaluations were performed with the aid of a binocular indirect ophthalmoscope fluorescein and with and without the observed responses, before being graded according to the Draize scale. Pathological examinations were performed on all eyes studied at the end of the experiment. Results: in the group of animals subjected to the ocular instillation of 1% essential oil, there was no change. For treatment with 3% oil, conjunctival changes were found to be decreasing during the examination after 1 hour. Administration of the 9%essential oil induced conjunctival injection, without any change in the other ophthalmologic evaluation times. Conclusion: the evaluation contributed to meet the clinical changes in the ocular surface. Thus, it was possible to classify the oil at 1% as non-irritating and the concentration of 3% and 9 as mildly irritating, making it possible for clinical studies to establish the oil as an alternative therapy in bacterial conjunctivitis.

Efectos irritantes en piel, mucosas respiratorias y oculares en trabajadores expuestos a humos de asfalto de una empresa de infraestructura vial en Cundinamarca, Colombia / Irritant effects on the skin, respiratory and eye mucous, in workers exposed to asphalt fumes of a road infrastructure company: Cundinamarca, Colombia / Efeitos irritantes na pele e mucosas respiratórias e oculares em trabalhadores expostos à fumaça de asfalto, estudo de caso em uma empresa de infraestrutura rodoviária, Cundinamarca, Colômbia

Objetivo: identificar los posibles factores de riesgo del individuo y ocupacionales asociados a la presencia de efectos irritantes en piel y mucosas de trabajadores expuestos a asfalto en una empresa de infraestructura vial en el 2012. Mate- riales y métodos: se realizó un estudio de prevalencia analítica mediante la aplicación de cuestionarios de síntomas respiratorios, dermatológicos, autoreporte de síntomas oculares y realización de un examen médico de participación voluntaria a trabajadores expuestos que elaboran y aplican asfalto. Se utilizó la regresión logística en el análisis estadís- tico. Resultados: de 24 trabajadores dedicados a la elaboración de asfalto, 22 (95,8%) presentaron diferentes síntomas irritantes, cinco (20,8%) efectos irritantes de la piel, 12 (50,0%) signos de irritación ocular y 9 (37,5%) efectos en las vías respiratorias bajas. De 111 trabajadores que aplican asfalto, 108 (97,3%) presentaron diferentes síntomas irritantes, 61 (55,0%) efectos irritantes de la piel, 93 (83,8%) presentaron signos oculares, 20 (18,0%) efectos en las vías respiratorias bajas. La antigüedad en el oficio de 5 a 10 años se asoció con la presencia de síntomas oculares, OR=15,9 (IC 95% 1,63-154,53) y con síntomas de irritación en piel (OR= 4,1 (IC 95% 1,45-11,96). La antigüedad en el oficio mayor a 10 años en los trabajadores que elaboran el asfalto y la jornada laboral mayor a 10 horas en trabajadores que aplican el asfalto se asoció a efectos respiratorios (OR=15,0 (IC 95% 1,03-218,3), OR= 15,7 (2,05-120,67 respectivamente) Conclusión: los efectos en salud se presentaron en los trabajadores clasificados en niveles de exposición Alto o Muy Alto y en aquellos con tiempo en el oficio mayor a cinco años, lo que sugiere una probable relación...

Objective: to identify potential risk factors and occupa- tional individual associated with the presence of irritating effects on skin and mucous membranes of workers exposed to asphalt in road infrastructure company in 2012. Materials and Methods: a study of analytical prevalence is performed by applying questionnaires respi- ratory and dermatological symptoms, ocular symptoms by self-reported and undergo a medical examination. With voluntary participation of workers exposed to road infrastructure company. Results: 24 workers dedicated to the production of asphalt, 22 (95.8%) presented diffe- rent irritative symptoms, five (20.8%) with skin irritating effects, 12 (50.0%) with signs of irritation ocular and 9 (37.5%) with effects on the lower respiratory tract. 111 workers applying asphalt, 108 (97.3%) had different irri- tative symptoms, 61 (55.0%) with skin irritating effects, 93 (83.8%) had ocular signs, 20 (18,0 %) with effects on the lower respiratory tract. Relationship between senio- rity in the task from 5 to 10 years with the presence of ocular symptoms was found, OR = 15.9 (95% CI 1.63 to 154.53), and presence of symptoms of skin irritation (OR = 4.1 (95% CI 1.45 to 11.96). A seniority in task upper to 10 years in the workers elaborating the asphalt and a workday upper to 10 hours in workers applying asphalt was associated with respiratory effects ((OR = 15.0 (95% CI 1 03-218.3), (OR = 15.7 (2.05 to 120.67) respectively). Conclusion: health effects occurred in workers classi- fied in high or very high exposure levels and those with time on the job more than 5 years, which may indicate a probable occupational relationship between these symp- toms and exposure levels. Specific measures to reduce exposure and improve medical surveillance, as well as assessment of concentrations of exposures to asphalt fumes.

Response to Nonallergenic Irritants in Children With Allergic and Nonallergic Rhinitis

PURPOSE: Nonallergenic irritants can aggravate the symptoms of rhinitis. We investigated the clinical responses of children with allergic rhinitis (AR) and nonallergic rhinitis (NAR) to nonallergenic irritants, and identified factors associated with these responses. METHODS: Children with chronic rhinitis (n=208) were classified as having AR or NAR based on the presence of aeroallergen-specific IgE. Healthy controls (n=24) were recruited for comparison. The Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA) guidelines were used to classify patients, and their irritant score (0-21 points) and current symptom score (5-35 points) were measured. Subjects with irritant scores ≥3 and <3 were classified as having irritant and nonirritant rhinitis, respectively. RESULTS: The mean age of enrolled subjects was 6.8 years (range: 1.8-16.0 years). The AR and NAR groups had similar irritant scores (P=0.394) and proportions of subjects with irritant scores ≥3 (P=0.105). Irritant score correlated positively with symptom score (P=0.005), and the proportion of subjects with irritant scores ≥3 was greater in children with moderate-severe rhinitis than in those with mild rhinitis (P=0.046). Multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that the presence of atopic eczema increased the risk for sensitivity to a nonallergenic irritant (aOR=2.928, 95% CI 1.567-5.473, P=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Response to a nonallergenic irritant was useful for gauging the severity of rhinitis, but not for differentiating AR from NAR. AR and NAR patients with atopic eczema may increase nasal sensitivity to nonallergenic irritants.

Smoking and Hand Dermatitis in the United States Adult Population

BACKGROUND: Hand dermatitis is a common chronic relapsing skin disease resulting from a variety of causes, including endogenous predisposition and environmental exposures to irritants and allergens. Lifestyle factors such as smoking have been implicated in hand dermatitis. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between tobacco exposure and hand dermatitis using the 2003~2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database. METHODS: Data were retrieved and analyzed from 1,301 participants, aged 20~59 years, from the 2003~2004 NHANES questionnaire study who completed health examination and blood tests. Diagnosis of hand dermatitis was based on standardized photographs of the dorsal and palmar views of the hands read by two dermatologists. RESULTS: There were 38 diagnosed cases of active hand dermatitis out of the 1,301 study participants (2.9%). Heavy smokers (>15 g tobacco daily) were 5.11 times more likely to have active hand dermatitis (odds ratio [OR], 5.11; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.39~18.88; p=0.014). Those with serum cotinine >3 ng/ml were also more likely to have active hand dermatitis, compared with those with serum cotinine ≤3 ng/ml (OR, 2.50; 95% CI, 1.26~4.95; p=0.007). After adjusting for confounding factors such as age, atopic diathesis, occupational groups, and physical activity, the association between tobacco exposure and active hand dermatitis remained significant. CONCLUSION: Smoking has a significant association with the presence of active hand dermatitis. It is important to consider smoking cessation as part of management of hand dermatitis.

Dermatological evaluation of counter irritant potential of human urine in rabbits

To confirm the effect of human urine in the treatment of wounds, burns and irritation. The study was conducted at Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, in November 2013 and comprised 15 rabbits of either gender. Irritation was induced by clockwise frictional movement of fine sandpaper to the ear of the rabbits. The counter-irritant activity was determined by calculating the mean decrease in redness and erythema. A group of 3 rabbits each was used while experimenting with the main assay every time the concentration of irritants was increased. The ear treated with distilled water was used as a control. Sodium lauryl sulfate irritation model was also applied and the counter-irritant activity was evaluated. One-way analysis of variance followed by Bonferroni test were used for statistical analysis. The mean weight of the 15 rabbits was 1.5 +/- SD kg. Urine [50 and 100microl] showed excellent counter-irritant activity when compared with control and standard dexamethasone. Both the doses showed counter-irritant activity, ranging between 76.84% and 95.68% in the sandpaper model, and 68.90% and 93.68% in the sodium lauryl sulfate model. Human urine countered the effect of irritation in experimental animals and can be an alternative way of countering irritation

Anti-asthmatic effects of oxymatrine in a mouse model of allergic asthma through regulating CD40 signaling / 中国天然药物

The aim of the study was to investigate the anti-asthmatic effects of oxymatrine (OXY) and the possible underlying mechanisms. The mouse asthma model was established by ovalbumin (OVA) intraperitoneal injection. A total of fifty mice were randomly assigned to five groups: control, OVA, OVA + dexamethasone (Dex, 2 mg · kg(-1)), and OVA + OXY (40 mg · kg(-1)), and OVA + OXY (80 mg · kg(-1)), respectively. Histological studies were conducted by the hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, the levels of interleukin-4 (IL-4), interleukin-5 (IL-5), interleukin-13, and IgE were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the protein level of CD40 was analyzed by Western blotting. OXY inhibited OVA-induced increases in eosinophil count; the levels of IL-4, IL-5, IgE, and IL-13 were recovered. It also substantially inhibited OVA-induced eosinophilia in lung tissues and the expression of CD40 protein. These findings suggest that OXY may effectively ameliorate the progression of asthma and could be explored as a possible therapy for patients with allergic asthma.

Type and treatment of toxic mushroom poisoning in Korea

To eat unidentified or misidentified mushrooms taken from the wild can be very dangerous. In the vast majority of toxic mushroom ingestions in Korea, the mushroom was incorrectly identified. In general, poisoning of toxic mushrooms can be classified into seven types according to the toxins that they contain; amatoxin, gyromitrin, coprine, muscarine, ibotenic acid-muscimol, psilocybin-psilocin and gastrointestinal irritants. When clinicians care for a patient who ingested a toxic mushroom, it is very important to identify what kind of mushroom may have caused a patient's illness. But, in clinical practice, accurate botanical identification of the mushroom can be very difficult. Therefore, for estimating the caused mushroom and adequate treatment of poisoning, clinicians should know the type and treatment of toxic mushroom poisoning.

Patch Testing with Dental Screening Series in Oral Disease

BACKGROUND: The oral mucosa is constantly exposed to several irritants and allergens including dental materials, but the role of contact allergy in oral disease is obscure. OBJECTIVE: To analyze positive patch test results in patients with oral diseases and evaluate the clinical relevance of oral diseases with contact allergy to dental materials. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed patch test results with dental screening series in 44 patients with oral disease from 2004~2011. RESULTS: Oral diseases included oral lichen planus (54.5%), cheilitis (27.3%), burning mouth syndrome (9.1%), and others (9.1%). Thirty-one of 44 patients (70.5%) had positive reactions to one or more allergens. The most commonly detected allergens were gold sodium thiosulfate (25.0%) and nickel sulfate (25.0%), followed by potassium dichromate (22.7%), cobalt (15.9%), palladium (6.8%), mercury (4.5%), copper (4.5%), and methylhydroquinone (4.5%). Six of 24 patients with oral lichen planus had a symptom in areas adjacent to dental materials and positive patch test reactions to allergens contained in the suspected dental materials. CONCLUSION: Patch tests with dental screening series are worth considering for oral diseases, especially for oral lichen planus.

Evaluation of Eye Irritation Potential of Solid Substance with New 3D Reconstructed Human Cornea Model, MCTT HCE(TM)

The eye irritation potential of drug candidates or pharmaceutical ingredients should be evaluated if there is a possibility of ocular exposure. Traditionally, the ocular irritation has been evaluated by the rabbit Draize test. However, rabbit eyes are more sensitive to irritants than human eyes, therefore substantial level of false positives are unavoidable. To resolve this species difference, several three-dimensional human corneal epithelial (HCE) models have been developed as alternative eye irritation test methods. Recently, we introduced a new HCE model, MCTT HCETM which is reconstructed with non-transformed human corneal cells from limbal tissues. Here, we examined if MCTT HCETM can be employed to evaluate eye irritation potential of solid substances. Through optimization of washing method and exposure time, treatment time was established as 10 min and washing procedure was set up as 4 times of washing with 10 mL of PBS and shaking in 30 mL of PBS in a beaker. With the established eye irritation test protocol, 11 solid substances (5 non-irritants, 6 irritants) were evaluated which demonstrated an excellent predictive capacity (100% accuracy, 100% specificity and 100% sensitivity). We also compared the performance of our test method with rabbit Draize test results and in vitro cytotoxicity test with 2D human corneal epithelial cell lines.

Quantitative determination of 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids by chiral liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry in a murine atopic dermatitis model

Atopic dermatitis, one of the most important skin diseases, is characterized by both skin barrier impairment and immunological abnormalities. Although several studies have demonstrated the significant relationship between atopic dermatitis and immunological abnormalities, the role of hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids (HETE) in atopic dermatitis remains unknown. To develop chiral methods for characterization of 12-HETE enantiomers in a 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB)-induced atopic dermatitis mouse model and evaluate the effects of 12-HETE on atopic dermatitis, BALB/c mice were treated with either DNCB or acetone/olive oil (AOO) to induce atopic dermatitis, after which 12(R)- and 12(S)-HETEs in the plasma, skin, spleen, and lymph nodes were quantified by chiral liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. 12(R)- and 12(S)-HETEs in biological samples of DNCB-induced atopic dermatitis mice increased significantly compared with the AOO group, reflecting the involvement of 12(R)- and 12(S)-HETEs in atopic dermatitis. These findings indicate that 12(R)- and 12(S)-HETEs could be a useful guide for understanding the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis.

A new occlusive patch test system comparable to IQ and Finn chambers.

Background: A good patch test system should have good adhesion and contact, and minimal leakage; Finn and IQ patch test system have these properties but are expensive. Aims: To develop a new cost‑effective occlusive patch test system that had good contact with the skin and was non‑irritant. Methods: The system (designated Chamber X) was fabricated using a semi‑permeable tape and a flexible virgin plastic chamber. Chamber X was developed by (i) selecting adhesive tape based on its non irritancy and adhesive potential (ii) testing plastic chamber material for its skin irritancy (iii) testing the assembled system against Finn, IQ and locally available chambers for irritancy, contact, leakage and occlusivity. Results: Chamber X showed better occlusion than IQ, Finn and locally available chambers and was comparable to, (P > 0.05) IQ and Finn in terms of irritancy, contact and leakage. Conclusions: The results demonstrate that the Chamber X offers a cost effective patch test system comparable to IQ and Finn chambers in terms of safety, adhesion, leakage and occlusivity.