Introduction: Some foods can have therapeutic value in the treatment of photoaging. Objective: To clinically evaluate the efficacy of a nutritional supplement in the improvement of photoaging signs and correlate with an in vitro study. Methods: A nutritional supplement was evaluated clinically and in vitro, with a culture of fibroblasts. Patients with clinical signs of photoaging (n = 48) were studied while using a nutritional supplement, with clinical and instrumental (cutometry) evaluations at 56, 84 and 112 days. Results: There was progressive and significant improvement (p < 0.05) in the elasticity, firmness, fine lines and general appearance of the skin.The fibroblast cultures indicated a significant rate of collagen synthesis when compared to the control culture after 48 hours of incubation. Discussion: The oral use of some vitamins and natural compounds has a therapeutic effect on the signs of photoaging.This study has demonstrated that a combination of linseed oil, lycopene, carotenoids, vitamin E, zinc and selenium possibly improve the signs of aging not only through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms, but also by increasing collagen production. Conclusions: Nutritional supplements are useful in the care of photoaged skin.

Keywords: FIBROBLASTS, SKIN AGING, ANTIOXIDANTS

Introduction: UV light-induced photodamage is an acute precipitator of solar erythema, which is the phenomenon measured to assess the protection against the sun provided by a particular product. Objective: To investigate the ability of a dietary supplement containing antioxidants (carotenoids, trace elements/oligoelements, flaxseed oil, and vitamins E and C) to prevent photodamage, using as a parameter the minimum erythema dose level. Method: The minimum erythema dose level of 28 volunteers (Fitzpatrick skin types 2 and 3) was measured with a solar simulator, before and after 30 and 60 days of supplement use. Results: The daily use of the supplement was well tolerated. There was a significant increase in the minimum erythema dose level in the group evaluated (p = 0.017). Conclusion: The studied combination of antioxidants was demonstrated to increase the minimum erythema dose level with statistical significance, suggesting the presence of photoprotective activity.

Keywords: ULTRAVIOLET RAYS, ANTIOXIDANTS, CAROTENOIDS.

Introduction: Cutaneous fillings are a common procedure in today's dermatology, with the majority being carried out with hyaluronic acid isolated or combined with other substances. Objective: To study the effects of adding hyaluronic acid and polyethylene glycol to cultures of human dermal fibroblasts. Methods: The study evaluated: cell proliferation and production of type 1 collagen (COL1A1) in the presence or absence of anti-CD44 antibodies (membrane receptor for hyaluronic acid); the synthesis of metalloproteinase-1 (mmp-1), of tissue factor inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP - 1) and of transforming growth factor-α (TGF-α) through the analysis of gene expression via PCR (polymerase chain reaction); cell proliferation through the detection of the incorporation of a thymidine analogue in the cellular DNA. Results: Increased proliferation of fibroblasts and collagen synthesis were observed in the cultures exposed to hyaluronic acid, partially inhibited by the presence of anti-CD44 antibodies in the cultures. The exposure of cultures to hyaluronic acid enhances the production of TIMP-1 and TGF - α, and reduces the expression of MMP-1. These effects were not noticed in the cultures exposed to polyethyene glycol. Conclusion: In an in vitro setting, the addition of hyaluronic acid to cultures of human dermal fibroblasts increases proliferation and synthesis of COL1A1, TIMP-1 and TGF-α, decreasing that of MMP-1. The addition of anti-CD44 to the cultures reduces cell proliferation and collagen synthesis, which may indicate the role of that receptor in mediating those events.

Keywords: FIBROBLASTS, HYALURONIC ACID, EXTRACELULAR MATRIX.

Introduction: Organic acids are widely used in cosmeceutic-based skincare due to their exfoliation and cell renewal related effects. A star anise derivative known as shikimic acid is an example. Objectives: To evaluate the antioxidant activity of shikimic acid and the clinical efficacy of dermocosmetic preparations containing 3% of this active principle. Methods: The antioxidant activity was assessed through an in vitro method. Formulations of gel, gel cream, and a 3% solution of the acid were sequentially dispensed and preliminarily subjected to stability and sensory analysis. The clinical study was performed through non-invasive biophysical and skin imaging techniques. Results: The shikimic acid showed antioxidant potential. All formulations were found to be stable and the addition of shikimic acid improved the sensory analysis of the gel and gel cream. In the clinical assessment, the gel and the solution showed significant alterations in microrelief and in the parameters linked to skin exfoliation. However, the gel cream formulation did not show such an effect, suggesting the importance of the vehicle for the effectiveness of the cosmeceutics. Conclusions: Shikimic acid can be considered an active principle with good potential for application in dermocosmetic formulations aimed at exfoliation and improvement of the skin's microrelief.

Keywords: CHEMEXFOLIATION; ANTIOXIDANTS; COSMETICS; EFFICACY; SHIKIMIC ACID.

Introduction: Solar radiation can produce erythema and pigmentation in the skin, interfering with pigmentary dermatoses such as melasma. Photoprotection is essential in the treatment or prevention of hyperpigmentation. The use of Polypodium leucotomos extract was effective in reducing the damage resulting from solar radiation, through antioxidant and immunomodulatory mechanisms. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of Polypodium leucotomos extract in reducing the erythema and pigmentation following exposure to solar radiation. Methods: Twenty volunteers were exposed to UVB and UVA radiation emitted by a solar simulator. The reading of the minimum pigmentary and erythema doses were performed after two and 24 hours of exposure, respectively. After seven, 14 and 28 days use of Polypodium leucotomos extract (1,000 mg daily), the minimum pigmentary erythema doses were re-assessed. Results: There was an increase in mean values for the minimum pigmentary and erythema doses in all visits, with a statistical significance of (p <0.05) after 28 days for the minimum pigmentary dose and after 14 and 28 days for the minimum erythema dose. Conclusions: The continued use of a compound containing Polypodium leucotomos extract was effective in increasing individual resistance to pigmentation and erythema resulting from UV radiation, meaning it can contribute to the treatment of skin pigmentation disorders such as melasma.

Keywords: CHEMEXFOLIATION; ANTIOXIDANTS; COSMETICS; EFFICACY; SHIKIMIC ACID.

Introduction: The dermis is mainly composed of the extracellular matrix and fibroblasts that produce collagen types I and III, and elastic fibers. Objective: To verify through a prospective, comparative controlled clinical study whether there is an increase in the production of collagen fibers in healthy human skin after the injection of autologous fibroblasts in the dermis. Methods: Two skin fragments were collected from the right retro-auricular region of four women aged between 25 and 60 years. In one of the fragments, histology was carried out with Hematoxylin-Eosin and Picrosirius to qualify and quantify the collagen fibers (Control Group). A second fragment underwent enzymatic digestion in the laboratory aimed at extracting and culturing fibroblasts. After satisfactory growth (1 x 107 cells / ml) the cultured fibroblasts were injected in the left retro-auricular region of the patients (Study Group). Three months after biopsies were harvested from this region, they were subsequently stained with Hematoxylin-Eosin and Picrosirius for comparative study between the two groups. Results: Statistical analysis of the number of collagen fibers in the three layers of the dermis - upper, middle and deep - comparing the study and control groups, showed that the mean and median observed after the injection of the cells were greater than those observed before the injection. Conclusion: The injection of fibroblasts results in an increase in the amount of collagen fibers in all regions of the dermis, with the increase being greater in the deeper regions.

Keywords: FIBROBLASTS; CELL-AND TISSUE-BASED THERAPY; COLLAGEN

Introduction: Modern life in large urban centers exposes its residents to new factors related to extrinsic aging, such as pollution, poor diet and emotional stress. Treatments proposed for this cause of aging include the use of cosmeceutical products with antioxidant action.
Objective: To evaluate a formulation containing antioxidant substances in the treatment of skin affected by the effects of urban life.
Methods: Prospective clinical study evaluating 33 volunteers residing in urban centers. Clinical and instrumental measurements were carried out through the use of specific questionnaires and images captured using a VISIA device at baseline and twenty-eight days after using the product twice a day, in combination with sunscreen.
Results: The comparison of the data obtained from questionnaires applied in the initial and final visits showed a statistically significant improvement in most of the analyzed variables. There was a reduction of 15.78% in the extrinsic aging score. The image analysis demonstrated a statistically significant improvement (p <0.05) for the variables color uniformity and reduction of pores.
Conclusions: The use of the combination of active antioxidant substances led to an improvement in clinical and instrumental parameters of extrinsic aging caused by the phenomena linked to urban life ("urban damage"), arising as an alternative for this new indication.

Keywords: COSMETICS; ANTIOXIDANTS; ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION

Introduction: Juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) is a systemic disease that affects children’s proximal musculature and skin. The ulcerated stage of the disease is a therapeutic challenge.
Objective: To evaluate the improvement of ulcerated stage of JDM caused by the use of cell therapy.
Methods: Co-culture of autologous fibroblasts and keratinocytes, application of these cells in ulcers in conjunction with fibrin glue, and placement of chitosan-alginate or chitosan-xanthan membrane on the lesions.
Results: Less than 12 hours after therapy, the patient reported complete cessation of pain and, within 2 days, healing tissue emerged. Some of the ulcers were almost completely healed by the end of the 1st week, and some of the calcinoses disappeared. This technique does not cure the disease, however it improves the patient’s quality of life, and it is possible to cryopreserve healthy cells to treat new lesions. Given the fact that the cells are of autologous origin, the risk of rejection is eliminated. Furthermore, this procedure does not require debridement of the lesions or hospitalization.
Conclusions: The application of autologous cultures of fibroblasts and keratinocytes in ulcers is already considered an effective treatment in patients with burns and other skin wounds, and has now also been proven effective in the treatment of wounds in JDM.

Keywords: Calcinosis; Cell-and tissue-based therapy; Dermatomyositis; Fibroblasts; Keratinocytes; Polysaccharides; Wound healing

INTRODUCTION: The term inflammaging refers to the increase of the inflammatory response due to aging, resulting in a low level chronic pro-inflammatory state. High levels of proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor occur. Thus, the use of active principles that modulate the inflammatory response assists in the reduction of cellular oxidative stress, also reducing or avoiding irreversible cellular and non-clinically detectable molecular damage.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the action of a compound containing collagen peptides, Delphinol^®, vitamin C and hibiscus on the modulation of the cutaneous inflammatory response.
SUPORTE FINANCEIRO: Laboratório Farmoquímica, Rio de Janeiro - RJ, Brasil. Conflito de Interesses: Os autores afirmam não possuir interesses pessoais, comerciais, políticos ou financeiros neste manuscrito.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: The release of inflammatory cytokines after treatment with the product was evaluated in keratinocytes exposed to an inflammatory response-inducing lipopolysaccharide.
RESULTS: When keratinocytes were exposed to the studied compound, it was possible to observe an increase in the release of interleukin 6 and a reduction tendency in the levels of interleukin 1-alpha and interleukin-8. In addition, the release of basal tumor necrosis factor-alpha was reduced by 67.5% (P = 0.008).
CONCLUSIONS: The compound studied has a potential effect on inflammaging — and consequently on aging — by modulating the inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1 alpha, interleukin-6, interleukin-8 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha.

Keywords: Aging; Anti-Inflammatory agents; Antioxidants; Ascorbic acid; Collagen; Dietary Suplements; Hibiscus; Inflammation mediators; Skin; Skin aging

Skin quality and function drastically reduces with age due to chronological aging, photoaging, environmental factors and hormonal deficiencies. Decreased menopausal estrogen levels play a role in cutaneous atrophy, collagen and water content, loss of elasticity, skin wrinkling and deficiency of wound healing. Much research has been done to elucidate the beneficial effects of topical estrogen, which would have a more localized action on the skin without systemic side effects. The objective of this study was to review the relevant literature, demonstrating that this may be a safe and effective alternative for the treatment of women's skin in perimenopause.

Keywords: Estrogens; Phytoestrogens; Skin aging; Collagen; Antioxidants

INTRODUCTION: The use of botanical extracts in dermatological treatments has received special attention in worldwide literature, especially for its antioxidant action. Different products containing Polypodium leucotomos and Pinus pinasters extracts are commercially available in industrialized presentations or compounding. However, in the second case, there is no standardization in the extraction process and there is a lack of data regarding the quantitative and qualitative content in the referred formulations that demonstrate its effectiveness and safety.
PURPOSES: to assess the different concentrations of actives in standardized and patented botanical extracts of Polypodium leucotomos (Fernblock^®) and Pinus pinaster (Pycnogenol^®), respectively, comparing them to products offered by compounding pharmacies.
METHODOLOGY: The products were assessed by high-performance liquid chromatography, and pharmacologically active markers were identified in peaks by retention time.
RESULTS: the concentrations of identified actives varied in the different products analyzed, being undetectable in many of them. Only industrialized products with standardized and patented extracts showed all the expected markers.
CONCLUSION: consistency was observed in specific products containing the patented extracts of Polypodium leucotomos (Fernblock^®) and Pinus pinaster (Pycnogenol^®), demonstrating the importance of standardization in extraction processes and studies on the efficacy and safety profiles.

Keywords: Antioxidants; Plant extracts; Flavonoids

A narrative review was performed to clarify the ontogenesis of Merkel-cell carcinoma. It is hypothesized that the cells are derived from the embryonic neural crest, skin stem cells, epithelial cells, pre-/pro-B cells, dermal fibroblasts, or metastatic cells from other types of carcinomas. The influence of epigenetics was also considered. Methodologically, to prepare the summary articles were selected from the PubMed and SciELO databases and cited references. The results suggest that it is more likely that Merkel-cell carcinoma has multiple origins, possibly from poorly differentiated cells.

Keywords:

A narrative review was performed to clarify the ontogenesis of Merkel-cell carcinoma. It is hypothesized that the cells are derived from the embryonic neural crest, skin stem cells, epithelial cells, pre-/pro-B cells, dermal fibroblasts, or metastatic