Daily Cosmetic Research Analysis

In solar lentigo, a typical age-related pigmentary disorder of the skin, abundant melanin is deposited in the basal layer of keratinocytes and not spontaneously eliminated. The reason for the prolonged melanin accumulation in keratinocytes is not fully understood. Therefore, we focused on the energy metabolism of keratinocytes that incorporate melanosomes, specialized organelles where melanin pigment is synthesized, and investigated the mechanism of melanin accumulation in keratinocytes. Energy metabolism in keratinocytes after the addition of melanosomes was assessed by measuring ATP levels, lactate production, and oxygen consumption rate. Energy limitations after melanosome addition were evaluated by microscopy. Cells with incorporated melanosomes were stained for senescence and proliferation markers. The results showed that keratinocytes upregulated their energy metabolism after melanosome incorporation and energy limitations increased the amount of melanin per cell. Keratinocytes positive for senescence-associated β-galactosidase, a cellular senescence marker, accumulated large amounts of melanin, while keratinocytes positive for 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine, a proliferation marker, contained little melanin. These findings indicate that senescent keratinocytes tend to accumulate melanin, which may be due to their impaired energy metabolism and thus inability to activate energy metabolism after melanosome incorporation. Our results suggest that melanosome incorporation by senescent keratinocytes causes the persistent melanin deposition in solar lentigo.

The prevalence of childhood lead exposure in low- and middle-income countries is garnering growing international attention. However, there is limited national and subnational data on blood lead levels and contributing sources of exposure. Between November 2022 and January 2023, lead exposure sources were assessed for 288 children from across 9 communities in 3 regions of Ghana: Greater Accra (4 communities), Ashanti (3 communities), and the Northern Region (2 communities). Study areas were selected to capture populations living near formal and informal lead-related industry, as well as control areas without known industrial activities. Study participants were selected as a subset from a blood lead sampling effort conducted by the Ghana Health Service, in partnership with Pure Earth and UNICEF, which included 3227 children aged 12-59 months. Of all households included in the blood lead survey, 288 (9 %) were randomly selected for detailed assessments to identify potential sources of lead exposure. These home-based assessments included data collection on soil, dust, drinking water, paint, metal and ceramic cookware, cooking spices, cosmetics, jewelry, and toys. With the exception of drinking water, all elements of the assessments were carried out with a portable X-Ray Fluorescence analyzer. Concentrations of lead above 100 ppm in soil surrounding households were found to raise the risk of a child's blood lead levels exceeding 10 μg/dL by 20 times. The use of traditional eyeliner (chilo) increased this risk by more than 40 times. The disparate sources identified highlight the need for representative sampling and home-based investigations to prioritize interventions to reduce blood lead levels. In Ghana, it is evident that interventions are required on multiple fronts with the involvement of diverse stakeholders to address the high prevalence of elevated blood lead levels, including mitigating industrial pollution as well as tightening controls on consumer products.

BACKGROUND: Energy-based devices have been promoted as an alternative to surgery. Recent publications have advocated their use as an off-label nonsurgical breast lift. However, objective measurements on standardized photographs are lacking. Complications are unreported. A systematic review has not been published. METHODS: A literature search was conducted to identify publications using energy-based devices for cosmetic breast applications. Photographs in the studies were matched for size and orientation and evaluated. Sternal notch-nipple measurements and lower pole levels were compared. RESULTS: Three publications were found. Two studies used the InMode radiofrequency device. A third study used the Renuvion helium plasma radiofrequency device. All three studies reported high rates of patient satisfaction and no complications. Two studies reported a decrease in sternal notch-nipple distances. Photographs were compared by the author after computer-assisted matching to correct existing disparities in magnification and tilt. The mean sternal notch-nipple distances were shortened by 2 mm on each side. There was no change in the mean right lower pole level; the left lower pole was raised 1.9 mm after treatment. None of these incremental differences were significant. All three studies were heavily affected by commercial bias. An improvement in asymmetry in a patient who also received breast implants disappeared after correction for tilt. CONCLUSIONS: Measurements on matched photographs reveal that energy-based alternatives to a mastopexy are ineffective. Patients incur additional cost, and are exposed to additional risks. Conflict of interest is a major factor. Surgical treatment of breast ptosis remains the gold standard. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .