Delphinidin (Del), [3,5,7,3′-,4′-,5′-hexahydroxyflavylium], an anthocyanidin and a potent antioxidant abundantly found in pigmented fruits and vegetables exhibits proapoptotic effects in many cancer cells. Here, we determined the effect of Del on growth, apoptosis and differentiation of normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEKs) in vitro in submerged cultures and examined its effects in a three-dimensional (3D) epidermal equivalent (EE) model that permits complete differentiation reminiscent of in vivo skin. Treatment of NHEKs with Del (10–40 μm; 24–48 h) significantly enhanced keratinocyte differentiation. In Del-treated cells, there was marked increase in human involucrin (hINV) promoter activity with simultaneous increase in the mRNA and protein expressions of involucrin and other epidermal differentiation markers including procaspase-14 and transglutaminase-1 (TGM1), but without any effect on TGM2. Del treatment of NHEKs was associated with minimal decrease in cell viability, which was not associated with apoptosis as evident by lack of modulation of caspases, apoptosis-related proteins including Bcl-2 family of proteins and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase cleavage. To establish the in vivo relevance of our observations in submerged cultures, we then validated these effects in a 3D EE model, where Del was found to significantly enhance cornification and increase the protein expression of cornification markers including caspase-14 and keratin 1. For the first time, we show that Del induces epidermal differentiation using an experimental system that closely mimics in vivo human skin. These observations suggest that Del could be a useful agent for dermatoses associated with epidermal barrier defects including aberrant keratinization, hyperproliferation or inflammation observed in skin diseases like psoriasis and ichthyoses.

Aim:The purpose of the study was to establish soft tissue cephalometric standard norms of Legan -Burstone (COGS) Analysis for ethnic Himachalli population. Materials and Methods:The Lateral cephalograms of sample size of one hundred Himachalli ethnic subjects that met the inclusion criteria in Natural Head Position (NHP) were taken and subjected to Digital soft tissue facial analysis using Nemoceph. Establishment of soft tissue norms for Himachal ethnicity in relation to various cephalometric parameters was done using Shapiro-Wilk test and the level of significance for the present study was fixed at p-value of less than 0.05. Results: The facial convexity angle, Neck to Lower third angle and lower lip protrusion was found statistically significant (p<.01). Conclusion:The present study suggested that a slightly convex facial profile, protrusive lower lip and obtuse Neck to Lower third angle is acceptable in the Himachalli population with slightly retrognathic mandible and slightly prognathic maxilla.

The form and function of the craniofacial complex is determined by a complex interaction between genetic and environmental factors thus influencing facial morphology. Facial photographs taken in a standardized pattern assumes great significance in studying heritability of soft-tissue facial features between parents and their offspring. To evaluate the facial soft-tissue pattern of parents and their offspring with the help of standardized facial photographs and to find the degree of correlation between them. A total sample of 120 children within the age-group of 16-25 years and their parents were selected from ethnic Himachal Pradesh population. Standardized photographs (frontal and right lateral) of entire sample were taken and then traced. Twenty-four parameters involving linear and proportional measurements were measured. Statistically significant correlations between parents and their offspring were found for upper facial height, total facial height, lip length at philtrum, chin projection, upper lip to S line, Nasal prominence, true vertical to tip of nose, true vertical to subnasale, true vertical to pogonion, vertical lip-chin ratio. Stronger heritability was found between daughters to their mothers than to their fathers. Sons showed heritability from both parents for Upper lip prominence to E-line and True vertical to Subnasale. There was strong evidence indicating genetic contribution for both linear and proportional parameters. Highest correlations in inheritance of facial features was found between mother and daughter. Thus, parental data can be used to predict soft tissue facial form of offspring and information from siblings can also be used.