A plasma pad that can be attached to human skin was developed for aesthetic and dermatological treatment. A polyimide film was used for the dielectric layer of the flexible pad, and high-voltage and ground electrodes were placed on the film surface. Medical gauze covered the ground electrodes and was placed facing the skin to act as a spacer; thus, the plasma floated between the gauze and groun...

PURPOSE The cascade of molecular events leading to tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-mediated tumor regression is still incompletely elucidated. We investigated the role of endothelial nitric oxide synthase in determining the tumor-selective activity of TNF. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Using quantitative real-time PCR, endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene levels were measured in melanoma metastases of th...

Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis (SDSE) has emerged as an important cause of severe skin and soft tissue infections, but little is known of the pathogenic mechanisms underlying tissue pathology. Patient samples and a collection of invasive and non-invasive group G SDSE strains (n = 69) were analyzed with respect to virulence factor expression and cytotoxic or inflammatory effects o...

A peptide based on a fragment of hair keratin type II cuticular protein, keratin peptide (KP), was studied as a possible strengthening agent for weakened relaxed hair. The peptide was prepared both in aqueous water formulation (WF) and organic solvent formulations (OF), to determine the effect of organic solvents on peptide interaction with hair and the differences in hair recovery. Both peptid...

The dermaseptin peptides, mainly derived from the skin secretions of Hylidae frogs, belong to a superfamily of antimicrobial peptides and exhibit diverse antimicrobial and anticancer activities with low cytotoxicity. Here, we reported a novel dermaseptin peptide, from the South American orange-legged leaf frogs, Pithecopus (Phyllomedusa) hypochondrialis, processing the shortest peptide length, ...

Human eyes and skin are frequently exposed to chemicals accidentally or on purpose due to their external location. Therefore, chemicals are required to undergo the evaluation of the ocular and dermal irritancy for their safe handling and use before release into the market. Draize rabbit eye and skin irritation test developed in 1944, has been a gold standard test which was enlisted as OECD TG 4...

Argireline is well know, innovative anti-aging product used in the cosmetic market. This short chain peptide is used as active ingredient in dermal ointment and creams. Argireline prevents formation of skin lines and wrinkles in a very similar way to the botulinum toxin (Botox), inhibiting neurotransmitter release at the neuromuscular junction. Argireline does not require under skin muscle inje...

To clarify the health risks related to silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs), we evaluated the genotoxicity, acute oral and dermal toxicity, eye irritation, dermal irritation and corrosion and skin sensitisation of commercially manufactured Ag-NPs according to the OECD test guidelines and GLP. The Ag-NPs were not found to induce genotoxicity in a bacterial reverse mutation test and chromosomal aberrati...

The Mediterranean is home to a rich history of medical traditions that have developed under the influence of diverse cultures over millennia. Today, many such traditions are still alive in the folk medical practices of local people. Investigation of botanical folk medicines used in the treatment of skin and soft tissue infections led us to study Castanea sativa (European Chestnut) for its poten...

Using 3-dimensional cultured human skin and epidermal models, an alternative to skin irritation testing have been developed. In the ECVAM (European Centre for the Validation of Alternative Methods) validation protocol, hazardous chemicals have been identified using these models. We considered it likely that these models would also be useful for examining the dose-response of the toxicity of a c...