Daily Cosmetic Research Analysis
Advances this cycle span cosmetic dermatology and surgical aesthetics: a standardized ex vivo skin explant model enables rigorous testing of UV-induced DNA damage and photoprotection; a multi-omics study reveals a peptide (ADSCP2) reprograms oxidative phosphorylation in hypertrophic scar fibroblasts; and a systematic review consolidates the efficacy of deoxycholate injections for subcutaneous fat with emerging delivery systems to mitigate adverse effects.
Summary
Advances this cycle span cosmetic dermatology and surgical aesthetics: a standardized ex vivo skin explant model enables rigorous testing of UV-induced DNA damage and photoprotection; a multi-omics study reveals a peptide (ADSCP2) reprograms oxidative phosphorylation in hypertrophic scar fibroblasts; and a systematic review consolidates the efficacy of deoxycholate injections for subcutaneous fat with emerging delivery systems to mitigate adverse effects.
Research Themes
- Photoprotection and ex vivo skin modeling
- Metabolic reprogramming in scar fibrosis
- Non-surgical body contouring therapeutics and delivery systems
Selected Articles
1. A skin explant model for studying UV-induced DNA damage and repair.
The authors standardized an ex vivo mouse skin explant protocol that preserves epidermal and dermal architecture and viability markers, enabling robust assessment of solar UV-induced DNA damage and repair. The model minimizes animal use and is suited for testing photoprotective agents, topical formulations, and cosmetics with improved physiological relevance.
Impact: A standardized, physiologically relevant explant model is a reusable platform that can accelerate photoprotection research and safety testing across dermatology, toxicology, and cosmetics while reducing animal use.
Clinical Implications: Facilitates preclinical screening and optimization of sunscreens and photoprotective topicals by capturing tissue-level responses; may streamline safety assessments before human testing.
Key Findings
- Established an ex vivo mouse skin explant protocol using intact dermal and epidermal layers maintained in culture.
- Validated tissue viability and UV-induced DNA damage/repair using morphology, viability markers, and DNA damage markers.
- Model preserves in vivo-like physiological responses over short incubations and is applicable to photoprotection, topical treatments, drug development, and cosmetics.
Methodological Strengths
- Standardized ex vivo protocol preserving native epidermal-dermal architecture
- Multi-parameter validation (histology, viability, DNA damage markers) enhancing reproducibility
Limitations
- Short viable window limits long-term studies
- Mouse skin may not fully recapitulate human skin physiology and lacks systemic factors
Future Directions: Adapt protocols to human skin explants, extend tissue viability, integrate high-content imaging and -omics readouts, and validate against known photoprotectants and topical drugs.
2. Integrated analysis of ATAC-seq and RNA-seq reveals ADSCP2 regulates oxidative phosphorylation pathway in hypertrophic scar fibroblasts.
Using integrated ATAC-seq and RNA-seq, the study shows that ADSCP2 reshapes chromatin accessibility and gene expression in hypertrophic scar fibroblasts, suppressing OXPHOS genes (COX6B1, NDUFA1). Reduced ATP and lactate suggest metabolic reprogramming as a mechanism for anti-fibrotic activity.
Impact: Identifying a peptide-driven, metabolism-focused mechanism provides a novel therapeutic angle for hypertrophic scars and bridges stem cell–derived factors with mitochondrial bioenergetics.
Clinical Implications: Supports development of peptide-based anti-scar interventions targeting mitochondrial pathways; may guide biomarker-driven dosing and patient selection.
Key Findings
- ATAC-seq identified 7,805 differential peaks linked to 3,176 genes; RNA-seq found 345 upregulated and 399 downregulated transcripts after ADSCP2 treatment.
- KEGG enrichment pointed to OXPHOS regulation; COX6B1 and NDUFA1 were significantly downregulated with promoter regions showing increased closure.
- ADSCP2 reduced cellular ATP and lactic acid levels, indicating a shift in cellular energetics.
Methodological Strengths
- Integrated chromatin accessibility (ATAC-seq) and transcriptomics (RNA-seq) with orthogonal qPCR validation
- Convergent evidence across genomics and metabolic readouts
Limitations
- In vitro fibroblast model without in vivo scar validation
- Sample sizes and replicates are not detailed; lack of functional scar outcomes
Future Directions: Evaluate ADSCP2 efficacy and safety in animal models of hypertrophic scarring, develop delivery systems, and map upstream regulators and downstream effectors of OXPHOS modulation.
3. Deoxycholate for Subcutaneous Fat Reduction: A Review of Current Literature and Potential New Delivery Systems.
This systematic review consolidates clinical evidence that sodium deoxycholate injections reduce submental fat with durability up to 3 years, while highlighting adverse events that motivate new delivery approaches. Sustained-release liquid crystal and micro/nanoparticle systems may lessen side effects and improve treatment precision.
Impact: Combining clinical synthesis with translational delivery innovations informs safer, more effective aesthetic practice and sets the agenda for future controlled trials.
Clinical Implications: Supports deoxycholate as a standard option for submental lipolysis; emphasizes patient selection, counseling on adverse effects, and the need for protocols and delivery systems tailored to larger areas.
Key Findings
- Clinical studies confirm efficacy of subcutaneous sodium deoxycholate injections for submental fat with durability up to 3 years.
- Adverse effects remain a concern, prompting investigation of delivery systems to reduce local reactions and improve outcomes.
- Emerging sustained-release liquid crystal and micro/nanoparticle-based systems show promise to enhance efficacy and safety.
Methodological Strengths
- Systematic multi-database search (Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed)
- Integration of clinical outcomes with emerging delivery technologies
Limitations
- Heterogeneity of included studies and limited RCTs, especially for larger treatment areas
- No pooled meta-analysis and incomplete reporting of PRISMA elements
Future Directions: Conduct large, controlled trials across body areas, head-to-head comparisons with other modalities, and rigorous evaluation of sustained-release and micro/nano delivery systems.