Wrinkle-Improving Effect of Novel Peptide That Binds to Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor.

Wrinkles, one of the most common signs of aging, are primarily caused by the continuous contraction of muscles. Muscle contraction is induced by the binding of acetylcholine (ACh), released at the neuromuscular junction, to nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) present on the muscle cell surface. In this study, we aimed to develop a wrinkle-improving peptide that inhibits the binding of ACh to nAChR using peptide phage display technology.

Rosmarinic Acid, as an NHE1 Activator, Decreases Skin Surface pH and Improves the Skin Barrier Function.

Stratum corneum (SC) pH regulates skin barrier functions and elevated SC pH is an important factor in various inflammatory skin diseases. Acidic topical formulas have emerged as treatments for impaired skin barriers. Sodium proton exchanger 1 (NHE1) is an important factor in SC acidification.

Erratum: Possible Role of Single Stranded DNA Binding Protein 3 on Skin Hydration by Regulating Epidermal Differentiation.

[This corrects the article on p. 432 in vol. 30, PMID: 30065583.

Possible Role of Single Stranded DNA Binding Protein 3 on Skin Hydration by Regulating Epidermal Differentiation.

Background: Skin hydration is a common problem both in elderly and young people as dry skin may cause irritation, dermatological disorders, and wrinkles. While both genetic and environmental factors seem to influence skin hydration, thorough genetic studies on skin hydration have not yet been conducted.

Objective: We used a genome-wide association study (GWAS) to explore the genetic elements underlying skin hydration by regulating epidermal differentiation and skin barrier function.

Identification of a possible susceptibility locus for UVB-induced skin tanning phenotype in Korean females using genomewide association study.

A two-stage genomewide association (GWA) analysis was conducted to investigate the genetic factors influencing ultraviolet (UV)-induced skin pigmentation in Korean females after UV exposure. Previously, a GWA study evaluating ~500 000 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 99 Korean females identified eight SNPs that were highly associated with tanning ability. To confirm these associations, we genotyped the SNPs in an independent replication study (112 Korean females).

Smad-induced alterations of matrix metabolism by a myristoyl tetra peptide.

Regulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) components is essential for tissue homeostasis and function. We screened a small peptide that induces ECM protein synthesis for its usefulness in protecting keratinocytes. In this report, we demonstrate that myristoyl tetrapeptide Ala-Ala-Pro-Val (mAAPV) stimulates the expression of ECM proteins and inhibits the expression of metalloproteinases (MMPs) that degrade ECM proteins in Hs68 human fibroblast cells.

Cardamonin suppresses melanogenesis by inhibition of Wnt/beta-catenin signaling.

Wnt/beta-catenin signaling plays important roles in many developmental processes, including neural crest-derived melanocyte development. Here we show that cardamonin, a calchone from Aplinia katsumadai Hayata, inhibited pigmentation in melanocytes through suppression of Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway. Cardamonin significantly suppressed the expression of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) and tyrosinase, which are melanocyte differentiation-associated markers, in human normal melanocytes, thereby decreasing intracellular melanin production.

A study correlating between instrumental and consumers' subjective luster values in oriental hair tresses.

Hair luster has long been a key objective for consumers in the hair care market and many researchers have sought to quantitate the luster of hair fibers or tresses. Recently, a fast polarimetric video camera called SAMBA with a high polarization contrast was introduced that can effectively separate specular and diffuse light. Instrumental measurement of shine using SAMBA was conducted to quantitate the luster on phenyl trimethicone-treated hair tresses.

Improving lip wrinkles: lipstick-related image analysis.

Background/purpose: The appearance of lip wrinkles is problematic if it is adversely influenced by lipstick make-up causing incomplete color tone, spread phenomenon and pigment remnants. It is mandatory to develop an objective assessment method for lip wrinkle status by which the potential of wrinkle-improving products to lips can be screened. The present study is aimed at finding out the useful parameters from the image analysis of lip wrinkles that is affected by lipstick application.

Penetration enhancement in mouse skin and lipolysis in adipocytes by TAT-GKH, a new cosmetic ingredient.

Since the basic domain of human immunodeficiency virus type I (HIV-1) transactivator of transcription (TAT) protein was reported to possess the ability to traverse biological membranes efficiently, various therapeutic proteins have been attached to TAT for the purpose of therapy. In this study, the tripeptide GKH (glycine-lysine-histidine) derived from parathyroid hormone (PTH), known as lipolytic peptide, was attached to 9-poly lysine (TAT) to be used as a cosmetic ingredient in slimming products. TAT-GKH at 10(-5) M induced approximately 37.