[Characteristic of the endogenous peptides--endothelins and their role in the connective tissue fibrosis]. / Charakterystyka endogennych peptydów--endotelin i ich rola w procesach chorobowych przebiegajacych z wlóknieniem tkanek.

The endothelins (ET) are the family of 21 amino acid endogenous peptides with potent vasoconstriction function. There are 3 isoforms of the endothelin protein (ET-1, ET-2 and ET-3) encoded by separate genes and exhibit distinct tissue distribution and function. Endothelin 1 is the significant isoform in humans. Endothelin 1 is the most abundant, best characterized isoform with truly pluripotent properties. Endothelin 1 is involved in physiological processes of vascular tone and mitogenesis, whereas under pathological conditions fibrosis, vascular hypertension and inflammation are induced. In human body there are 2 separate ET receptors, ET(A)R and ET(B)R belonging to the G-protein family which produce differing, sometimes opposite effects. Both receptors are differentially expressed by different cell types as well as in different disease entities, In fibroblast cell culture in vitro ET-1 through its receptors modulates cell proliferation, differentiation, contraction and migration. Endothelin 1 is implicated in extracellular matrix (ECM) components synthesis. The dual regulatory role of ET-1 consist on stimulation of collagen I and III synthesis and simultaneously on inhibition of MMP-1 expression through inhibition of tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase: TIMP-1 and TIMP-3. Endothelin 1 promotes the differentiation of fibroblasts into myofibroblast's phenotype via elevated expression of procontractile proteins alpha-SMA, ezrin, paxillin and moesin. The elevated level of endogenous ET-1 expression cause deficient of myofibroblast apoptosis and increased ECM components deposition. Endothelin 1 is a potent vasoconstrictor, a potent mitogen for fibroblast and smooth muscle cells, a strong stimulant of matrix biosynthesis and is a survival factor for myofibroblasts. Endothelin 1 plays a key role in inflammatory disease and in the connective tissue fibrosis. Elevated level of ET-1, TGF-beta and their receptors has been reported in the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis.

Influence of retinoids on skin fibroblasts metabolism in vitro.

The most dangerous environmental factor for our skin condition is ultraviolet light radiation. Chronic exposition to ultraviolet light can induce epidermal atrophy, keratosis, depigmentation and dysplasia. In the dermis, UV light causes dramatic up-regulation of extracellular matrix-degrading enzymes. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are engaged in collagen, elastin and other extracellular matrix components degradation. In addition, to increase level of destructive enzymes, UV light has been shown to decrease collagen production. As a consequence of UV impact on skin, it shows signs of aging including loss of tone and elasticity, increased skin fragility, blood vessels weakness and wrinkles. The most dangerous effect of UV on skin is an increased risk of melanoma and other skin cancers. Retinoids are well known antiaging agents. For many years this vitamin has been used for the prevention and treatment of photoaging. Retinoids abolish cellular atypia, increase compacting of the stratum corneum and reduce skin hyperpigmentation caused by sun light. Recent evidence suggests that retinoids also play a role in the prevention of aging, because of its inhibitory effects on metalloproteinases expression. The aim of this study was to examine if all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) effects MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-3 and MMP-14 gene expression in fibroblasts cultured in vitro.

Comparison of proliferation and motile activity between human keratinocytes isolated from skin and oral mucosa.

OBJECTIVE: Epithelial wound repair assures the recovery of the epithelial barrier after wounding. During wound healing epithelial cells migrate to cover the wound surface. For healing of skin wounds the skin keratinocytes can be replaced by oral mucosa epithelial cells grown in vitro. The presented experiments were carried out in order to compare the proliferation, morphology, and migration between human keratinocytes isolated from human skin and oral mucosa. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Human epidermal and oral mucosa keratinocytes from primary culture were used in all experiments. Cell motility and shape were determined using computer-aided methods. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: It was demonstrated that although both cell types exhibit the same typical epithelial morphology, oral mucosa keratinocytes locomote significantly faster than skin keratinocytes. They also differ in proliferation activity. Oral mucosa keratinocytes exhibited faster growth and different actin cytoskeleton organisation than skin keratinocytes under in vitro conditions. Autologous oral mucosa keratinocytes may be expanded in vitro and used for skin wound healing in vivo.

[In vitro cell culture technology in cosmetology research]. / Hodowle komórek in vitro w kosmetologii.

For ages the humanity has been looking for all kind of active substances, which could be used in improving the health and the appearance of our skin. People try to find out how to protect the skin from harmful, environmental factors. Every year a lot of new natural and synthetic, chemical substances are discovered. All of them potentially could be used as a cosmetic ingredient. In cosmetology research most of new xenobiotics were tested in vivo on animals. Alternative methods to in vivo tests are in vitro tests with skin cell culture system. The aim of this work was to describe two-dimensional and tree-dimensional skin cell cultures. Additionally, in this work we wanted to prove the usefulness of in vitro skin cell cultures in cosmetology research.