Background/Aim: Aquaporins (AQPs) present in the epidermis are essential hydration-regulating elements controlling cellular water and glycerol transport. In this study, the potential of glyceryl glucoside [GG; alpha-D-glucopyranosyl-alpha-(1->2)-glycerol], an enhanced glycerol derivative, to increase the expression of AQP3 in vitro and ex vivo was evaluated. Methods: In vitro studies with real-time RT-PCR and FACS measurements were performed to test the induction by GG (3% w/v) of AQP3 mRNA and protein in cultured human keratinocytes. GG-containing formulations were applied topically to volunteer subjects and suction blister biopsies were analyzed to assess whether GG (5%) could penetrate the epidermis of intact skin, and subsequently upregulate AQP3 mRNA expression and improve barrier function. Results: AQP3 mRNA and protein levels were significantly increased in cultured human keratinocytes. In the studies on volunteer subjects, GG significantly increased AQP3 mRNA levels in the skin and reduced transepidermal water loss compared with vehicle-controlled areas. Conclusion: GG promotes AQP3 mRNA and protein upregulation and improves skin barrier function, and may thus offer an effective treatment option for dehydrated skin.

Background/Aims: Exogenous factors (e.g. physical: UV irradiation; or chemical: hydrogen peroxide) and endogenous metabolic processes (e.g. cellular respiration, oxidative burst, etc.) generate oxidative stress in living tissues which are in balance with enzymatic antioxidative systems and ingested antioxidants under normal conditions. These complex biological reactions are accompanied by chemiluminescence (ultraweak photon emission). However, knowledge about the chemiluminescence decay characteristics of human skin and the modulatory influence of topically applied antioxidants is still scarce. Methods: Using ICL-S (induced chemiluminescence of human skin), a highly sensitive in vivo method, the decay characteristics of UVA-induced photon emission caused by different UVA doses were investigated in detail. In addition, modulatory properties of topical antioxidant pretreatment were examined for 2 weeks. Results: UVA-induced chemiluminescence signals were generally characterized by two distinct decay phases: an initial burst (0–5 s), contributing approximately 80% of the complete signal with an inverse dose-response relationship (UVA dose vs. chemiluminescence intensity), followed by a second decay phase (delayed chemiluminescence, 5–200 s) showing a direct correlation. Antioxidant pretreatment caused a reduction in signal intensity of approximately 50%, which was calculated by signal integration and confirmed using the modulation of the intersection point of decay curves resulting from irradiation with different UVA doses at constant intensity with and without treatment. Conclusion: In addition to the established UVA filter testing (independent from UVB filter content) on human skin in vivo, ICL-S is also a valuable tool for the efficacy testing of topically applied antioxidants under in vivo conditions in humans. The first rapid, but short, decay phase not only provides approximately 80% of the complete chemiluminescence signal, but is also essential for the investigation of antioxidant-mediated effects. Chemiluminescence signal modulations induced by UVA intensity reduction (e.g. UV filters in daily care products) can be clearly distinguished from antioxidant-mediated signal modulations. The probe head dimensions permit comprehensive in vivo testing in humans on practically every skin area (e.g. arms, legs, back, abdomen and face).

No abstract

No abstract

Background Parkinson’s disease (PD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases. Patients suffer from a variety of motor and non-motor symptoms that severely affect their daily lives and quality of life. In many cases, a three-week inpatient Parkinson’s complex treatment (MKP) can improve the overall condition and quality of life of patients in a short time. In the outpatient sector, however, there is often a lack of human resources and structures necessary for the interdisciplinary treatment of the disease. To support PD patients in continuing the physical exercises they learned from the MKP on a regular basis, a tablet-based training programme will be developed in which exercises can be adjusted to the patient’s abilities. This programme is expected to increase quality of life and social participation, as well as delay the progression of the impairment. Methods a) Quasi-randomized, prospective longitudinal study (sequential study design). The intervention group receives a tablet-based training programme during and for 9 months after the MKP, and the control group receives treatment as usual. The evaluation is carried out by means of a written survey at three points in time (the beginning and end of the MKP and after 9 months). b) Qualitative analysis of interviews and focus groups in terms of feasibility and acceptance. c) Formative evaluation of the app and the administration panel. d) Evaluation of the implementation of the training programme by analysing the planned and performed physical activities, as well as evaluation of the phone calls between physiotherapists and patients. Discussion The tablet-based training programme can ensure continuous and long-term support for PD patients. They learn different self-management strategies during and after their MKP and are empowered to assume responsibility for carrying out regular physical activity on their own. Because common app stores have no scientifically evaluated apps for PD patients in the German language, the app can fill this gap and help PD patients receive high-quality care in the implementation of physically activating exercises regardless of their place of residence. In addition, the user-centred development of the app ensures that the app meets the specific needs of PD patients. Trial registration German Register of Clinical Trials, drks.de . Identifier: DRKS00014952. Registered on June 20th 2018. Date and version identifier April 25th 2019; version 1.