The effect of aloesin on melanocytes in the pigmented skin equivalent model / 中华整形外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the effect of aloesin, tea polyphenols, arbutin on melanocytes in the pigmented skin equivalent model.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>First, we constructed the pigmented skin equivalent model in vitro. And then we detected the effect of aloesin, tea polyphenols and arbutin on the cells' shape, tyrosinase activity and formation of melanin in the constructed pigmented skin equivalent.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Three depigmenting agents showed an inhibition effect on the tyrosinase activity of melanocytes and reduced significantly melanin content in the pigmented skin equivalent model, in which the tea polyphenols had the strongest effect, and then was the aloesin. But the tea polyphenols showed the strongest toxicity, while the aloesin and arbutin had a much lower toxicity.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>All the three depigmenting agents showed a concentration dependent suppression effect on the tyrosinase activity and formation of melanin, in which the tea polyphenols was the strongest effect( P <0.05). Aoesin has a good suppression effect on the tyrosinase activity and formation of melanin, but has a much lower toxicity, which could be used as a safe depigmenting agent.</p>

Construction of an in vitro equivalent of the pigmented skin / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To construct an in vitro equivalent of the pigmented skin using tissue engineering methods.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Surgically removed foreskins was used as the source of keratinocytes and melanocytes harvested by routine tissue digestion. The fibroblasts were enriched by tissue block culture and seeded into the scaffold constructed using mouse tail collagens to construct the pigmented skin equivalent model. The general structure and the melanocyte distribution and growth status in this model were observed with HE staining and Fontana Masson staining. The ultrastructure of the constructed pigmented skin equivalent was observed by transmission electron microscope.</p><p><b>RESULTS AND CONCLUSION</b>The pigmented skin equivalent model was structurally intact, and allowed optimal cell growth. Fontana Masson staining identified in the basal layer numerous melanocytes in normal growth, and the constructed model was structurally similar to normal skin tissue, suggesting successful construction of the pigmented skin equivalent model.</p>