Penetration and biological effects of topically applied cyclosporin A nanoparticles in a human skin organ culture inflammatory model.

Systemic antipsoriatic therapies have potentially life-threatening, long-term side effects. The efficacy of topical drugs is poor, but may be improved by the use of delivery systems based on drug nanoparticles. To produce nanoparticles (NP) composed of cyclosporin A, a classical antipsoriatic drug, and to investigate their penetration and biological effects in human skin affected by psoriatic symptoms, poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL) and cyclosporin A (CsA) NP were prepared by the solvent evaporation method.

Evaluation of topically applied copper(II) oxide nanoparticle cytotoxicity in human skin organ culture.

The increasing use of nano-sized materials in our environment, and in many consumer products, dictates new safety concerns. In particular, adequate experimental models are needed to evaluate skin toxicity of metal oxide ions, commonly found in cosmetic and dermatologic preparations. We have addressed the biological effects of topically applied copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles in human skin organ cultures, using light and electron microscopy, and biochemical tests.

Skin organ culture as a model to study oxidative stress, inflammation and structural alterations associated with UVB-induced photodamage.

Background: Ultraviolet (UV) irradiation is a major cause of skin damage, of long-term alteration of skin metabolism, homoeostasis and physical structure. The analysis of UV-induced pathogenic processes requires in vitro models allowing biochemical studies, and appropriate for the development of novel, accurate diagnosis methods based on non-invasive procedures.

Objectives: This work was aimed to reproduce the effects of UVB on whole-skin explants ex vivo and to study underlying biochemical mechanisms, especially in correlation with skin autofluorescence.

Strontium hexaferrite nanomagnets suspended in a cosmetic preparation: a convenient tool to evaluate the biological effects of surface magnetism on human skin.

Background/purpose: Magnetic therapy has been popular for ages, but its therapeutic abilities remain to be demonstrated. We aimed to develop a homogeneous, stable dispersion of magnetic nanoparticles in a skin-care preparation, as a tool to analyze the biological and physiological effects of superficial magnetism in skin.

Methods: SrFe(12)O(19) nanoparticles were generated by ultrasound, dispersed in glycerol, stabilized in Dermud cream and permanently magnetized.

Protective effects of a cream containing Dead Sea minerals against UVB-induced stress in human skin.

Background: Dead Sea (DS) mud and water are known for their unique composition of minerals, and for their therapeutic properties on psoriasis and other inflammatory skin diseases. Their mode of action, however, remains poorly known.

Objectives: To analyse the ability of Dermud, a leave-on skin preparation containing DS mud and other ingredients like DS water, zinc oxide, aloe-vera extract, pro-vitamin B5 and vitamin E, to antagonize biological effects induced by UVB irradiation in skin when topically applied in organ cultures.