Effects of repetitive photodynamic therapy using indocyanine green for acne vulgaris.

Background: Indocyanine green (ICG) is a photosensitizer recently introduced for the treatment of acne.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of photodynamic therapy (PDT) using ICG in subjects with acne vulgaris and to evaluate whether there was a difference in the efficacy of ICG-PDT between different numbers of treatment.

Materials And Methods: Subjects with acne on the face were included.

Nobiletin suppresses MMP-9 expression through modulation of p38 MAPK activity in human dermal fibrobalsts.

We aimed to identify a novel flavonoid from the in-house natural products to suppress matrix metalloproteases (MMPs), which is responsible for degradation of collagen and other extracellular matrix proteins. Total eight natural products were screened for identification of a novel MMP-9 suppressor using MMP-9 reporter system, where the prompt initial screening with multiple samples is readily examined. Among the extracts used in the present study, one extract (Citrus unshiu) was found active in this assay system.

Extract of Aneilema keisak inhibits transforming growth factor-β-dependent signalling by inducing Smad2 downregulation in keloid fibroblasts.

Keloids are characterised by the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM), especially overabundant collagen formation. In keloid fibroblasts (KFs), transforming growth factor (TGF)-β-dependent signalling is closely associated with a variety of keloid pathologic responses such as ECM production and fibroblast overgrowth. Thus, inhibition of TGF-β signalling would be a potential therapeutic approach to prevent keloid scar formation.

Negative regulation of stress-induced matrix metalloproteinase-9 by Sirt1 in skin tissue.

Solar ultra-violet (UV) radiation and the ensuing photo-damage are adverse factors affecting human skin directly exposed to the sun. Stress responses induced by UV radiation (UVR) elicit premature skin ageing (photoageing), resulting in extensive damage to dermal connective tissue. Disruption of the normal dermal structure of skin connective tissue, primarily collagen, impairs a variety of skin functions and is considered to be the main cause of wrinkle formation.

Accelerated wound healing by S-methylmethionine sulfonium: evidence of dermal fibroblast activation via the ERK1/2 pathway.

S-Methylmethionine sulfonium (SMMS) is a derivative of the amino acid methionine, and is synthesized in a variety of plants. SMMS is widely referred to as vitamin U because of its potent therapeutic effect on gastrointestinal ulceration. Skin wounds are accompanied by mucosal erosion and share similar histopathological aspects with gastric ulcers, so it is plausible that SMMS may promote skin wound healing.