atefeh naeimifar

The JAK-STAT pathway has been revealed to play a crucial role in the dysregulation of immune responses in autoimmune skin disorders. Ruxolitinib, a selective inhibitor of JAK1 and JAK2, potently suppresses cytokine signaling.

A topical emulgel containing ruxolitinib nanoliposome (RuxoLip) was prepared by thin film hydration method. Then, its physicochemical characteristics were evaluated at 25±2 ̊C/60±5% RH for 12 months. RuxoLip was assessed based on particle characteristics, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), entrapment efficiency (EE), drug loading (DL), and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). The pH, density, viscosity, microbial assessment, in vitro drug release, and in vivo tape stripping test were evaluated on the emulgel of RuxoLip. Validating the analysis method was performed by UV spectroscopy.

Nanoliposomal preparation was successfully formulated with a good particle size (218±2 nm), an EE of 67% and a DL of 8%. The formulation was stable in a long-term condition. SEM showed that liposomes had a regular spherical surface. Moreover, in vitro drug release and the in vivo tape stripping test revealed good absorption and permeation, respectively.

The liposome dosage form is anticipated to be a perfect carrier for the topical drug delivery system of ruxolitinib in autoimmune skin disorders.

Cosmeceuticals are the fastest growing segment of the personal care industry, and a number of topical cosmeceutical treatments for conditions such as photoaging, hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, and hair damage have come into widespread use. In the cosmeceutical arena nanotechnology has played an important role. Using new techniques to manipulate matter at an atomic or molecular level, opening up new perspectives for the future of cosmeceutical industry. Nanotechnology-based cosmeceuticals offer the advantage of diversity in products, and increased bioavailability of active ingredients and increase the aesthetic appeal of cosmeceutical products with prolonged effects. However increased use of nanotechnology in cosmeceuticals has raised concern about the possible penetration of nanoparticles through the skin and potential hazards to the human health. This review outlines the different nanoparticles used in various classes of cosmeceuticals, and the potential risk caused by nanoparticles on exposure.

Alterations in barrier function are associated with a number of skin diseases, including xerosis, atopic dermatitis, and psoriasis. Urea, a component of the natural moisturizing factor of the skin, plays an important role in the preservation of skin hydration and integrity. Several studies have investigated the effects of urea in the clinical setting. Here, we summarize the available clinical evidence regarding the effects of urea in the maintenance of healthy skin and management of skin disorders. At lower doses (≤10%),
urea-containing topical formulations act as a skin moisturizer, while at higher concentrations (>10% urea), urea-based preparations exert a keratolytic action. Urea is also useful in combination therapies with anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal drugs, due to its activity as a penetration enhancer.

Although several commercial moisturizers are available in the market, continued role of pharmaceutical compounding have been still felt in dry skin management. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a two urea- based compounded moisturizers on barrier function, compared to similar commercial product. 15 volunteers (14 females and one male) age 36.15 ±9.55 years old (range 21-56 years old) with non-pathologic dry skin, recruited to the study applied 5% urea containing hydrophilic petrolatum and 10% urea containing hydrophilic petrolatum during two following phases.

Upper parts of right and left forearms randomly were assigned for twice a day application of commercial or compounded products. Biophysical assessments including trans epidermal water loss (TEWL), skin hydration, friction co efficient, pH and surface lipids, performed before intervention, 1, 4 after single application and at 24 hours and one week twice daily application. 

In both phases, commercial and compounded moisturizers showed appropriate and comparable effect on skin barrier function compared to the baseline. However commercial products, led to better improvement in TEWL, 4 hours after single application in both phases (P=0.04). The rate of increase in skin hydration was also significantly higher for commercial emollient, compared to compounding product (57.48±11.23 vs. 50.59±11.42, P=0.01).

Commercial formulation led to higher acceptability and better improvement on skin barrier function after single application, probably due to influence of excipients. Present study did not find sufficient added value for pharmacy product relative to commercial one and suggest to be replaced in similar condition.

Treatment of hyperpigmentation disorders is a challenge because of the side effects of current topical treatments. Thus, research for potent alternatives, especially of herbal origin, with comparable potency and less side effects is ongoing. Morus alba L. is a perennial plant with multiple established pharmacological effects, including antimelanogenesis effect. This effect has been demonstrated from different parts of the plant, including twigs, root barks, and leaves by measuring tyrosinase inhibition, melanin content, and melanin index, and it has been attributed to phenolic compounds such as oxyresveratrol and moracin M, to name a few. However, no study has considered formulating the total phenolic compounds from the leaves of this plant so far.

The aim of this study was to extract phenolic compounds of leaves with repeated maceration using 70% ethanol, formulate the crude extract, inspect its physicochemical stability under accelerated conditions, and assay for microbial growth and active phenolic compounds.

Total phenolic compounds were extracted using 70% ethanol with repeated maceration, and then they were concentrated. The extract was then assayed for total phenolic content using Folin-Ciocalteu’s reagent. A 3% cream of this extract was manufactured, and its physicochemical parameters, microbial growth, preservative effectiveness, and total phenolic content were examined.

The prepared 3% cream was completely stable and homogeneous during the accelerated conditions and passed the physicochemical, total phenolic content, and microbial tests.

The manufactured cream is a promising formulation for in vivo use as a skin lightening agent.

Microneedles consist of micron-sized projections similar to needles. They are capable of piercing through the stratum corneum and increase the permeation of active ingredients. Besides active pharmaceutical ingredients, microneedles can also deliver cosmetic agents, biotherapeutics like insulin and vaccines and also are used in diagnostic purposes. This article examines the types of microneedles. It also describes the function, classification, and differences between them.

Full term newborns have a skin that rapidly develops towards adult skin. From the anatomical point of view, the differences are limited, but some changes at birth are responsible for the physiological differences between the skin of infants and adults. Newborns skin exhibits the same barrier function and absorption properties as adults, but external conditions for newborns may be different from those for adults, and these differences may lead to different skin absorption profiles between these two groups. Also, a babychr('39')s temperature regulation (transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and sweating) is not completely developed and the skin becomes easily infected, which is mainly due to changes in pH and immaturity of the skins defense system. This implies why only cosmetics with safe ingredients should be used for newborns. The initial aim is to formulate a simple, pure, gentle and pathogen-free product. Systemic side effects are not expected with washable products but should be taken into account for leave-on products. Great attention should be given to cosmetic products used in the napkin area, especially where there is a possibility of rash. If necessary, more safety precautions should be taken for these products.

Propolis is a resinous material obtained by honeybees with many biological and pharmacological properties which can be used for treatment of various diseases. Current study aims to formulate and characterize propolis-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) carrier system.

The prepared SLNs, composed of glyceryl monostearate (GMS), Soy lecithin, Tween 80 and polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG 400), were fabricated employing solvent emulsification-evaporation technique. In addition, the impact of several variables including concentration ratios of GMS/Soy lecithin and PEG 400/Tween 80 along with emulsification time were evaluated on the size, polydispersity index (PDI) and zeta potential of particles. SLN formulations were optimized using Box-Behnken design. The particles were freeze dried and morphologically studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The in-vitro release profile of propolis entrapped in the optimized nanoparticles was investigated.

The mean particle size, PDI, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency (EE) and loading efficiency (LE) of optimized propolis-loaded SLNs were found to be 122.6±22.36 nm, 0.28±0.06, -26.18±3.3 mV, 73.57±0.86% and 3.29±0.27%, respectively. SEM images exhibited nanoparticles to be non-aggregated and in spherical shape. The in-vitro release study showed prolonged release of propolis from nanoparticles.

The results implied that the proposed way of SLN preparation could be considered as a proper method for production of propolis loaded colloidal carrier system.

Vitiligo is a long-term common autoimmune disease in which growing patches of skin lose their color. There is no FDA-approved treatment for vitiligo. However, recent studies have demonstrated an immunosuppressive effect on vitiligo lesions in mouse models by simvastatin. A topical formulation was prepared containing simvastatin-loaded nano lipid carriers (simNLCs) for vitiligo treatment followed by evaluating their physicochemical characteristics and clinical safety.

Both the lipid phase and the aqueous phase were heated to 75°C separately, and then simvastatin was dispersed in the lipid phase added to the aqueous phase. The mixture was homogenized for 1 minute, then for Nanostructured Lipid Carriers (NLC) formation, the emulsion was sonicated using a probe sonicator. The simNLCs produced were evaluated for drug entrapment, particle size and morphology, zeta potential, polydispersity index, viscosity, drug content, in vitro drug release, in vivo skin safety test, and long-term stability studies.

Dynamic light scattering, transmission electron microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry techniques proved the formation of a stable formulation containing spherical particles with nanoscale size. The drug entrapment efficiency and the drug-loading capacity were determined to be 99.27% and 3.9%, respectively. Human safety results indicated that adding simvastatin to lipid nanoparticles did not cause any changes to skin biophysical parameters.

The preparation method of simNLC developed in this study is a suitable method, and the nanoparticles fabricated were safe with acceptable long-term stability and drug entrapment.

Habits since the introduction of the first commercial antiperspirant and deodorant, the use of these products have played an increasing role in a personchr('39')s personal care. This article studies the physiology of human perspiration and responsible compounds for body odor. It also describes the function, classification, and differences between antiperspirants and deodorants.

these days, the importance of algae is growing as a major source of food, medicine and industry. The present study was conducted to determine the amount of anti-bacterial and antioxidant activity of the aqueous extract of S. tenerrimum on the Persian Gulf coast. In this study, measure some parameters like total antioxidant activity, total phenol, ability of iron ions trapping, DPPH free radical inhibitory activity and superoxide activity, showed that S. tenerrimum extract have high antioxidant properties (p<0/05). Also, the resistance of many pathogenic bacteria against artificial drugs and the side effects and cost of chemical drugs has attracted the scientist’s attention towards natural and herbal medicines. Therefore, antibacterial properties against seven different pathogenic and non-pathogenic bacteria were evaluated. Y. Ruckeri was the only bacteria resistant to this extract (p>0/05). According to the results of this study, the extract S. tenerrimum can be used as an antibacterial and antioxidant for food and medicine industry as well as cosmetics.

Knowledge about environmental factors that are aggressive to skin has increased in recent years. Although concern previously focused primarily on UVA and UVB, this has broadened to contain damage from pollution, tobacco smoke, other ambient toxins, infrared light, blue light and UVA-II. This article reviews the negative effects of infrared, blue light and UVA-II on skin. Potential protective actions also are discussed.

 Melasma is a common disorder of hyperpigmentation affecting the face that is associated with considerable psychological impacts. The management of melasma is challenging and requires a long-term treatment plan. Therapeutic goals for hyperpigmentation include the destruction of melanosomes, inhibition of the melanocyte formation, and delay in the spread of melanocytes. Hydroquinone is a commonly used treatment for melasma, but it is combined with other medications due to its low efficacy in single therapy and relapse. Hydroquinone is hydroxy phenol which inhibits melanin by inhibiting tyrosinase. In addition, retinoid is effective in treating melasma and stimulate the cycle of skin cells, thus increasing the rate of loss of color pigmentation. A corticosteroid is used to increase the efficacy of these two drugs.

 The purpose of this study is to formulate an integrated formulation for the treatment of this skin disease.

 The triple cream, which is a combination of hydroquinone (HQ), tretinoin (TRE), and fluocinolone acetonide (FLU) demonstrate better efficacy in decreasing skin pigmentation due to the additive and synergistic effects of these ingredients. As there is no topical generic formulation in combined form in Iran, such cream is prepared that contains 4% HQ, 0.05% TRE and 0.01% FLU as an oil in water (O/W) cream.

 The result of this study was a 6-month accelerated evaluation of physical and physicochemical properties, including pH, electrical conductivity, density, viscosity, active ingredient identification, determination of amount and completely stable and homogeneous microbial tests. A review of the identification of the active ingredient and the determination of the amount conformed to the USP standard (American Pharmacopoeia). Also, material release from the base was well done.

 The prepared cream was completely stable and homogeneous during the accelerated conditions by evaluating of physicochemical and microbial assessments.