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We already reported that genetically engineered resveratrol-enriched rice (RR) showed to down-regulate skin melanogenesis. To be developed to increase the bioactivity of RR using calli from plants, RR was adopted for mass production using plant tissue culture technologies. In addition, high-pressure homogenization (HPH) was used to increase the biocompatibility and penetration of the calli from RR into the skin. We aimed to develop anti-melanogenic agents incorporating calli of RR (cRR) and nanoparticles by high-pressure homogenization, examining the synergistic effects on the inhibition of UVB-induced hyperpigmentation. Depigmentation was observed following topical application of micro-cRR, nano-calli of normal rice (cNR), and nano-cRR to ultraviolet B (UVB)-stimulated hyperpigmented guinea pig dorsal skin. Colorimetric analysis, tyrosinase immunostaining, and Fontana-Masson staining for UVB-promoted melanin were performed. Nano-cRR inhibited changes in the melanin color index caused by UVB-promoted hyperpigmentation, and demonstrated stronger anti-melanogenic potential than micro-cRR. In epidermal skin, nano-cRR repressed UVB-promoted melanin granules, thereby suppressing hyperpigmentation. The UVB-enhanced, highly expressed tyrosinase in the basal layer of the epidermis was inhibited by nano-cRR more prominently than by micro-cRR and nano-cNR. The anti-melanogenic potency of nano-cRR also depended on pH and particle size. Nano-cRR shows promising potential to regulate skin pigmentation following UVB exposure.

본 연구는 미세 다륜침(MTS)의 효능을 검증하고, 피부 관리의 사각지대에 있는 남성피부를 대상으로 보다 과학적이고, 효율적인 자료를 제시하고자 하였다. 모공 관리와 여드름 자국 개선에 효과적인 관리법으로 AHA필링관리가 가장 많이 시행되고 있으며, 최근 MTS관리가 새로운 관리법으로 떠오르고 있다. 본 연구는 두 관리의 효과를 비교하기 위해 시행되었다. 대상자는 여드름 자국과 모공이 넓은 24명의 20대 남성으로 MTS관리와 AHA필링관리로 실험군을 설계했고, 무 처치 군을 대조군으로 두었다. 실험은 6주 동안 주 1회 총 6번 진행 하였고, 실험 전과 실험 후에 모공 수, 블랙헤드 수, 소 색소침착의 수와 면적, 피부밝기를 측정 하였다. 실험 결과 대조군은 모든 실험 변수가 증가하여 실험의 효과가 없는 것으로 나타났고, AHA군과 MTS군은 모든 실험 변수에 대해 효과가 나타났다. MTS군과 AHA군을 비교하면 MTS군이 AHA군에 비해 변화의 폭이 더 컸다. 결론적으로 MTS관리가 전형적인 남성피부의 특징인 모공이 넓고, 여드름 자국이 있는 색소침착 피부에 효과를 나타낸다는 사실을 검증하였다.

The aim of this study is to prove the effect of MTS on acne scars and large pores and propose the data on men's skin care which has been in the blind spot. MTS is the abbreviation of Microneedle Therapy Syetem and has a roller with 200 microneedle. It induces the natural regeneration of collagen by making the artificial wounds by microneedle roller. In aesthetic salons, AHA treatment has been mainly applied to large pores and acne scars. Recently, MTS arose a new treatment for them. Therefore, this study compared the effect of MTS and AHA. The study objects were 24 men with age of 20's with acne scars and large pores. The first experimental group was treatd by MTS. The second experimental group was treated by AHA. The control group was not treated. The study objects were treated once a week for 6 weeks. The experimental variables were the number of visible pores, the number of large pores among visible pores, the number of blackhead, the number of wrinkle, the area of hyperpigmentation and the brightness of complexion. They were measured before and after the experiment. As for the control group, there was no significant decrease in all of experimental variables. As for the experimental groups, all of experimental variables except the brightness of complexion decreased significantly. The experimental group treated by MTS was decreased in all of significant experimental variables more than the experimental group treated by AHA. Conclusively, this study proved that MTS treatment was effective to men's skin with acne scars and large pores.

It is usually known that abnormal accuired hyperpigmentation, melasma is due to excessive melanin production. Till now, finding effective tyrosinase inhibitors, either from synthetic or natural sources, have been tried to reduce melanin-related hypermelanosis, because tyrosinase is a key enzyme for melanin biosynthesis in the cells. However, it sometimes reported that severe side effects after treating tyrosinase inhibitors, such as allergic sensitization or exogenous ochronosis were observed. In 2006, Massey et al. reported that disrupted lysosomal function over aging may further contribute to pigment accumulation. Therefore, in this study, we isolated lysosome-related organelles from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, HeLa cell lines and Hen’s egg white, and then used organelles extract for the reduction of melanin causing hypermelanosis. We found that as a period of 20 days, 90% of melanin was reduced by treatment of organelles extract, as measured by the reduction of melanin pigmentary intensity. Our results indicate that lysosome-related organelles extract may be useful agents for cosmeceutical skin lightening and treatment of hyperpigmentation disorders. [This study was supported by the 21C Frontier Microbial Genomics and Applications Center Program, grant No. 11-2008-10-002-00, Ministry of Education, Science & Technology, Republic of Korea. The authors are grateful for their support.]

Phytophotodermatitis is a condition that occurs by contact with plants containing phototoxic agents such as furocoumarins and psoralens with subsequent ultraviolet exposure. Phytophotodermatitis typically presents as sharply defined erythematous patches with occasional blistering, sometimes accompanied with pain or itching sensation. In some cases, however, sudden appearance of asymptomatic hyperpigmentation can be the only clinical finding of phytophotodermatitis. Here, we present two patients with sudden development of asymptomatic pigmentation on their hand without preceding inflammation by the contact with citrus fruits containing photosensitizers and subsequent exposure to strong sunlight. As like these patients, phytophotodermatitis can present with only pigmentation without noticeable inflammation especially in dark skinned people. In such cases, physician can sometimes have difficulty in diagnosis of phytophotodermatitis. Therefore, it is important to consider the possibility of phytophotodermatitis through careful history taking, especially in patients who have abruptly developed well-defined hyperpigmentation on sun-exposed areas, to avoid unnecessary test and treatment.

Background: Although reports suggest that tranexamic acid (TXA) has clinical benefits for melasma patients by oral, intralesional and topical treatment, the optimal route of TXA therapy and the underlying mechanism involved remain poorly defined. Objective: To compare the skin lightening effect between oral TXA and topical TXA and to dissect the molecular mechanisms using ultraviolet B (UVB)-induced hyperpigmentation mouse model, ex vivo cultured human skin explant, and cultured melanocytes (MCs) and endothelial cells. Methods: Melanin content and cluster of differentiation 31 (CD31)-positive cell numbers were measured in tail skins from UVB-irradiated mice treated by intragastral or topical TXA using immunofluorescent and Fontana-Masson staining. The conditioned medium (CM) was har vested from human umbilical vein endothelial cells treated with or without 3 mM TXA and was used to treat MCs for 48 hours. mRNA and protein levels of tyrosinase and microphthalmia-associated transcription factor were measured using quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blotting assays. HMB45- and CD31-positive cell numbers as well as melanin content were also examined in ex vivo cultured human skin explants. Results: The hyperpigmented phenotype were significantly mitigated in UVB-irradiated tail skin plus intragastral TXA-treated mice compared with mice treated with UVB only or with UVB plus topical TXA. CD31-positive cell numbers correlated with the anti-melanogenic activity of TXA ther- apy. The data from cultured cells and skin tissues showed that suppression of endothelin-1 (ET-1) in vascular endothelial cells by TXA reduced melanogenesis and MC proliferation. Conclusion: Oral TXA outperforms topical TXA treatment in skin lightening, which contributes to suppression of ET-1 in dermal microvascular endothelial cells by TXA.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of and patient's satisfaction with treatment of gingival melanin hyperpigmentation with a Nd:YAG laser and a high speed rotary instrument. Methods: Three patients with melanin hyperpigmentation in the anterior parts of the gingiva were chosen for this case study. Clinical photographs were taken at the preoperative state and three patients were treated under local anesthesia. In the maxilla, the gingival deepithelization was conducted with a high speed diamond bur, whereas, in the mandible with a Nd:YAG laser. Clinical photographs were taken immediately after the procedures and at the 1st, 2nd, and 4th week to evaluate clinical color changes. A week after the procedure, the patients filled out a questionnaire about any pain or discomfort. At the 4th week after the procedure, the patients filled out questionnaires about esthetic aspects of the results of treatment. Results: In all cases, both anterior gingival areas were depigmented with satisfaction and the patients did not complain of severe pain or discomfort. At the 1st week of healing, the gingiva showed moderate to fast epithelization. Two weeks after the procedure, clinically, the gingiva showed almost complete healing. Four weeks after the procedure, there was significant improvement in gingival melanin hyperpigmentation. Conclusions: The Nd:YAG laser and the high speed rotary instruments seem to be effective for the esthetic treatment of gingival melanin hyperpigmentation.

The picosecond lasers have shown to effectively treat tattoo pigments that are intractable to previous multiple Q-switched (QS) laser treatments. Therefore we hypothesized that a picosecond laser would show better efficacy with minimal adverse events in the treatment of melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) that are difficult to treat with conventional QS lasers. Two patients with melasma and one patient with PIH were treated with a Picosecond 755-nm Alexandrite Laser (Cyanosure, USA). All patients were Korean with skin type IV and no longer responding to QS laser treatments. Laser treatment was well tolerated in all the patients. Adverse events such as PIH were not reported during 8 weeks of follow up period. After the multiple treatment sessions, one patient reported fair improvement and two patients reported good improvement. Consistent with the clinical results, ex vivo skin model irradiated with a Picosecond 755-nm Alexandrite Laser also showed decreased epidermal keratinocyte necrosis compared with the 532-nm QS Neodymium-Doped Yttrium Aluminium Garnet Laser (Lutronic, Korea) yet decreased melanin content. In conclusion, the Picosecond 755-nm Alexandrite Laser may be useful for effective treatment of intractable melasma and PIH with fewer adverse events in dark Asian skin.

Background: Skin hyperpigmentation is caused by excessive melanin and can result from various factors, including ultraviolet exposure. Pentasodium tetracarboxymethyl palmitoyl dipeptide-12 (PTPD-12), an autophagy-inducing peptide, has shown potential in regulating melanogenesis in melanocytes and keratinocytes. Objective: To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of a topical cream containing PTPD-12 in treating facial hyperpigmented disorders. Methods: A prospective, randomized, split-face, controlled clinical trial was conducted over 8 weeks in 21 participants with bilaterally symmetrical facial hyperpigmentation. Subjects applied a PTPD-12?containing cream to one side of the face and a control cream to the other, twice daily. Melanin index (MI), erythema index, The Investigator Global Assessment (IGA) and Patient Global Assessment (PGA), and histological analysis were performed. Results: Treatment with PTPD-12 cream resulted in a significant reduction in MI from 216.93±45.57 at baseline to 194.69±38.70 at week 8 (mean change, ?22.23±15.16; p<0.0001). The IGA score on the treated side (1.78±0.76) was significantly better than that of the control side (1.28±0.63; p=0.0011). Also, the PGA score was significantly higher on the treated side (2.05±0.80) compared to the control side (1.25±0.62; p=0.0020). Fontana-Masson staining revealed a visible decrease in epidermal melanin in areas treated with the PTPD-12 cream. No significant adverse effects were observed throughout the study. Conclusion: PTPD-12 cream significantly reduced melanin levels in facial hyperpigmentation, supporting its potential as a novel, safe, and effective therapeutic option for pigmentary disorders.

Melanin is synthesized by tyrosinase to protect the skin from ultraviolet light. However, overproduction and accumulation of melanin can result in hyperpigmentation and skin melanoma. Tyrosinase inhibitors are commonly used in the treatment of hyperpigmentation. Natural tyrosinase inhibitors are often favoured over synthetic ones due to the potential side effects of the latter, which can include skin irritation, allergies, and other adverse reactions. Nuciferine, an alkaloid derived from Nelumbo nucifera, exhibits potent antioxidant and anti-proliferative properties. This study focused on the in silico screening of nuciferine for anti-tyrosinase activity, using kojic acid, ascorbic acid, and resorcinol as standards. The tyrosinase protein target was selected through homology modeling. The residues of the substrate binding pocket and active site pockets were identified for the purposes of grid box optimization and docking. Therefore, nuciferine is a potent natural tyrosinase inhibitor and shows promising potential for application in the treatment of hyperpigmentation and skin melanoma.

We have previously found that mycelia culture broth of eight kinds of traditional herbal extracts fermented with Phellinus linteus (previously named as 8-HsPLCB) not only inhibited melanin and tyrosinase activity, but also reduced the contents of melanogenesis-related proteins, including tyrosinase and microphthalmia-associated transcription factor, in 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine-stimulated B16F0 melanoma cells. For a further study, the effect of 8-HsPLCB against skin pigmentation in brown guinea pigs with ultraviolet B (UVB)-induced hyperpigmentation was investigated. 8-HsPLCB (3%) and arbutin (2%) as positive controls were applied topically twice daily for 4 weeks to the hyperpigmented areas. 8-HsPLCB showed skin-lightening effect as effective as arbutin, one of the most widely used in whitening cosmetics. Melanin index values as the degree of pigmentation showed a significant reduction week by week post 8-HsPLCB treatment and then substantially reduced by 4 weeks. The degree of depigmentation after 4 weeks of topical application with 8-HsPLCB was 32.2% as compared with before treatment (0 week). Moreover, using Fontana-Masson staining and hematoxylin-eosin staining, 8-HsPLCB reduced melanin pigmentation in the basal layer of the epidermis and epidermal thickness changes exposed to the UV-B irradiation as compared with non-treatment and vehicle treatment. The intensity of the skin-lightening effect of 8-HsPLCB was similar to arbutin. These results suggest that the skin-lightening effect of 8-HsPLCB might be resulted from inhibition of melanin synthesis by tyrosinase in melanocytes. To conclude, 8-HsPLCB treatment showed reduction of the melanin pigment and histological changes induced by UV irradiation in brown guinea pigs.

치은의 착색은 심미적 문제를 야기시킬 수 있으며 특히 gummy smile의 경우 더욱 그러하다. 이 보고는 $CO_2$ 레이저를 이용한 치은 탈색의 효용성에 대한 것이다. 멜라닌 과착색으로 인한 비심미적 치은이 주소인 두 증례를 나타내고 있다. $CO_2$ 레이저는 0.8 W, 40 Hz, 0.01로 조절하여 사용하였다. 탈색 부위는 출혈이나 술후 통증없이 치유되었다. 2주 및 4주 후 착색부위의 양호한 치유과정을 확인할 수 있었다.

Gingival hyperpigmentation may cause esthetic problems, especially in patients with a gummy smile. This report presents the use of the $CO_2$ laser for gingival depigmentation. Two cases presented with the same chief complaint of unesthetic gingiva caused by melanin hyperpigmentation. The $CO_2$ laser was setted at 0.8 watt, 40Hz, 0.01sec. The procedure were performed with non-contact mode in all pigmented areas. Ablation of the gingival hyperpigmentation areas were accomplished without any bleeding complications or postoperative pain. After 2 weeks and 4 weeks later, healing is completed and hyperpigmented gingiva appeared pink and firm.

목적 : bimatoprost 점안 후 발생한 눈 주변 피부 색소침착의 경과를 관찰하였다. 대상과 방법 : 후향적 기록 조사로 bimatoprost 점안 후 피부 색소 침착이 발생한 13명의 환자를 대상으로 하였다. 환자의 나이, 성별, 색소침착이 발생까지의 기간, 침착정도를 조사하였다. 눈 주위 피부 색소침착은 0단계에서 3단계까지 한명의 검사자가 분류하였다. 연령, 색소침착 발생까지 투약기간, 색소침착의 정도가 색소침착 소멸까지 기간과 연관성을 조사하기위해 단순 회귀분석을 사용하였다. 결과 : 색소침착 발견 당시 정도는 평균 1.53±0.66단계였다. 투약 후 색소침착의 발견까지 기간은 평균 4.3±2.6 (1~10)개월 이였다. 점안 중지 후 색소 침착이 없어진 12명의 색소침착이 없어지기까지의 기간은 평균 6.8±1.9개월 이였다. 투약 기간이 길었던 환자에서 색소침착이 없어지는데 더 많은 시간이 필요하였다(R=+0.19). 점안 중지 후 약 1년 후 검사에서 13명의 환자중 12명에서 색소침착이 완전히 없어졌고, 1명은 정도가 약해졌으나 희미하게 남아있었다. 결론 : bimatoprost 점안 후 발생한 눈 주변 색소침착은 대부분 호전 되거나 완전히 회복되는 경향을 보였다.

Purpose: To evaluate the demographic and clinical characteristics of bimatoprost-induced periocular skin hyperpigmentation. Methods: The chart analyses of 16 patients in whom cosmetically noticeable periocular skin hyperpigmentation developed after starting bimatoprost therapy were reviewed. Data collated included age, medication history, dates of starting and stopping bimatoprost treatment, and the subjective assessment of the periocular hyperpigmentation at initial detection as well as follow-up visits. Periocular hyperpigmentation was graded using an arbitrary scale from 0 to 3. The number of days to the onset of hyperpigmentation and to pigment resolution was determined and their associations to demographic and other clinical parameters were analyzed. Results: Patients had variable grades of periocular hyperpigmentation at presentation (mean, 1.53±0.66). Bimatoprost-induced periocular hyperpigmentation appeared 1-10 (mean, 4.3±2.6) months after initiation of bimatoprost therapy. Resolution of skin hyperpigmentation was noted 2-10(mean 6.8±1.9) months after stopping bimatoprost treatment. There was a minor correlation(R=+0.19) between the number of days to resolution of hyperpigmentation and the number of days when bimatoprost was used. At 12 months after stopping bimatoprost treatment, 12 of the 13 patients had complete resolution of periocular hyperpigmentation. However, weak hyperpigmentation remained in one patient. Conclusions: Bimatoprost-induced hyperpigmentation is benign and reversible.

호랑이콩 껍질 추출물의 항산화 효과를 검증하기 위해 ABTS⁺ radical 소거능 측정 결과 250, 500 ㎍/ml에서 99.4% 결과를 보여 100%의 가까운 활성을 나타내었다. 호랑이콩 껍질 추출물의 tyrosinase 저해 활성을 측정한 결과 추출물 농도가 증가함에 따라 활성도가 증가하였으며 500 ㎍/ml에서 28.9%의 저해 활성을 나타내었다. 호랑이콩 껍질 추출물의 미백 효과 검증을 위해 MTT assay를 이용한 B16F10 세포의 생존율을 확인한 결과, 75 ㎍/ml 이하의 농도에서 80% 이상의 생존율을 나타내었다. 이에 25, 50, 75 ㎍/ml 농도로 이후 실험을 진행하였다. 형태학적으로 tyrosinase의 활성 억제를 알아보기 위해 L-DOPA를 기질로 사용하여 염색을 진행한 결과 호랑이콩 껍질 추출물을 처리한 군의 농도가 증가함에 따라 염색이 감소한 것을 확인할 수 있었다. 멜라닌 생성 관련 인자의 단백질 발현을 측정한 결과 tyrosinase, MITF, TRP-1, TRP-2 모든 인자에서 호랑이콩 껍질 추출물의 농도 의존적으로 발현이 억제됨을 확인할 수 있었다. 특히, 대조군인 arbutin과 비교하였을 때 tyrosinase와 TRP-1 인자에서 우수한 억제 효과를 나타내었다. 또한, tyrosinase의 발현 정도를 면역형광 염색법을 통하여 확인한 결과 추출물을 처리한 군이 농도가 증가함에 따라 형광 발현을 감소시킨 것을 확인할 수 있었다. 이상의 실험 결과를 종합하였을 때 호랑이콩 껍질 추출물의 생리 활성 기능 및 미백 효과를 확인하였고 기능성 화장품 소재로써의 활용 가치가 있다고 판단된다.

The antioxidant effects of Phaseolus vulgaris L. hull extract were assessed, with ABTS⁺ radical scavenging tests showing 99.4% activity at 250 and 500 ㎍/ml, indicating close to 100% activity. Tyrosinase inhibitory activity increased with higher extract concentrations, reaching 28.9% inhibition at 500 ㎍/ml. To verify the extract's whitening effect, its impact on the viability of B16F10 cells was assessed using the MTT assay. Cell survival exceeded 80% at concentrations below 75 ㎍/ml. Therefore, subsequent experiments were conducted at 25, 50, and 75 ㎍/ml concentrations. Morphological analyses using L-3,4-dihydroxyphenyl-alanine staining confirmed that the staining decreased as the concentration of the group treated with Phaseolus vulgaris L. hull extract increased. Protein expression studies revealed that the extract suppressed tyrosinase, microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF), tyrosinase related protein (TRP)-1, and TRP-2 levels in a concentration-dependent manner. Compared to the arbutin-treated control group, the extract showed superior inhibitory effects on tyrosinase and TRP-1. Immunofluorescence staining of tyrosinase further demonstrated reduced fluorescence intensity with higher extract concentrations, indicating decreased melanin production.