OBJECTIVE: To explore the inhibitory effects of Nardostachys Jatamansi DC. volatile oil (NJVO) on psychological factors substance P (SP)/cortisol (CORT)-induced hyperpigmentation. METHODS: The model of psychologically-induced hyperpigmentation of B16F10 cells was created using SP (10 nmol/L) + CORT (10 µmol/L) for 72 h. The levels of melanin content, tyrosinase (TYR) activity using NaOH lysis and L-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA) oxidation methods were assessed, respectively. The effect of NJVO on SP/CORT-induced normal human skin tissue pigmentation was detected by Masson staining. Protein expressions of tyrosinase-related protein 1 (TRP-1), tyrosinase-relative protein 2 (DCT), and microphthalmia-associated transcription factor were determined using Western blot. The melanosome number, maturation, and melanosomal structure changes were detected through transmission electron microscopy and immunofluorescence experiments. In vivo, zebrafish pigment content was evaluated in SP/CORT-induced zebrafish hyperpigmentation model. RESULTS: NJVO significantly reduced the melanin content (P<0.01) and inhibited tyrosinase activity (P<0.01), the pigmentation of the normal skin tissue in the NJVO group was significantly lower than that in the SP/CORT group (P<0.05). And NJVO considerably downregulated expressions of melanogenesis-related proteins (TYR, TRP-1, DCT) in cells (P<0.01). In addition, the number of melanosomes was decreased and the dentrites formation of B16F10 cells was inhibited after NJVO treatment (P<0.01). In vivo, NJVO significantly reduced the pigment content in the zebrafish body (P<0.01). CONCLUSION NJVO effectively reversed SP/CORT-induced hyperpigmentation by suppressing the activity and expression of TYR and TRPs and inhibiting melanosome maturation in mouse B16F10 melanoma cells.
Animals ; Hyperpigmentation/psychology* ; Zebrafish ; Oils, Volatile/therapeutic use* ; Melanins/metabolism* ; Humans ; Monophenol Monooxygenase/metabolism* ; Mice ; Nardostachys/chemistry* ; Substance P ; Hydrocortisone ; Skin Pigmentation/drug effects* ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Melanosomes/ultrastructure* ; Microphthalmia-Associated Transcription Factor/metabolism* ; Melanoma, Experimental ; Oxidoreductases/metabolism* ; Intramolecular Oxidoreductases/metabolism*

OBJECTIVETo analyze clinical information and efficacy of 602 cases of nevus of Ota, and investigate the histopathology and ultrastructure on the melanocytes before and after Q-switched Alexandrite laser irradiation.

METHODSClinical information of 602 cases of nevus of Ota were collected by applying clinical records, checking photos, and inquiry to patients by letters and telephones. Ten cases of biopsies were observed by light microscopy and 6 cases by electron microscopy before and after laser irradiation.

RESULTSNevus of Ota included congenital and acquired cases. Skin lesions mainly occurred in adolescence for the acquired cases. The main colours of lesions were brown and blue. The most local lesions were zygomata, temporal regions, and lower eyelids. According to multiple regression, the more treatment times, the better results. The effective rate was 85.20% and 100% after 6 and 9 treatment times, respectively, while the cure rate was 55.72% and 98.46%, respectively. The eyelids involved and Tanino types influenced the treatment times by COX models analysis. Electron microscopy showed many melanosomes in the dermal melanocytes. After laser irradiation, the outlines of the dermal melanocytes were observed, the melanosomes were broken to dense and tiny granules.

CONCLUSIONSQ-switched Alexandrite laser is safe and effective for the treatment of nevus of Ota. The results of treatment are correlated with the area and size of the lesion. The dermal melanocytes in nevus of Ota can be selectively destroyed by Q-switched Alexandrite laser with less injury around tissues.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Laser Therapy ; Male ; Melanocytes ; ultrastructure ; Melanosomes ; radiation effects ; ultrastructure ; Nevus of Ota ; radiotherapy ; ultrastructure ; Skin ; ultrastructure ; Skin Neoplasms ; radiotherapy ; ultrastructure