50 research outputs found
Advantages of Hyaluronic Acid and Its Combination with Other Bioactive Ingredients in Cosmeceuticals
No full textThis study proposes a review on hyaluronic acid (HA) known as hyaluronan or hyaluronate and its derivates and their application in cosmetic formulations. HA is a glycosaminoglycan constituted from two disaccharides (N-acetylglucosamine and D-glucuronic acid), isolated initially from the vitreous humour of the eye, and subsequently discovered in different tissues or fluids (especially in the articular cartilage and the synovial fluid). It is ubiquitous in vertebrates, including humans, and it is involved in diverse biological processes, such as cell differentiation, embryological development, inflammation, wound healing, etc. HA has many qualities that recommend it over other substances used in skin regeneration, with moisturizing and anti-ageing effects. HA molecular weight influences its penetration into the skin and its biological activity. Considering that, nowadays, hyaluronic acid has a wide use and a multitude of applications (in ophthalmology, arthrology, pneumology, rhinology, aesthetic medicine, oncology, nutrition, and cosmetics), the present study describes the main aspects related to its use in cosmetology. The biological effect of HA on the skin level and its potential adverse effects are discussed. Some available cosmetic products containing HA have been identified from the brand portfolio of most known manufacturers and their composition was evaluated. Further, additional biological effects due to the other active ingredients (plant extracts, vitamins, amino acids, peptides, proteins, saccharides, probiotics, etc.) are presented, as well as a description of their possible toxic effects
0169 Paraoxonase 1 activity, in the fructose-fed rats, in the presence and in the absence of an antioxidant treatment with alpha-lipoic acid
No full textIntroductionParaoxonase 1 (PON1) is an esterase synthesized by the liver and secreted into the plasma, where it is associated with high density lipoproteins (HDL). Its role is to protect LDL and HDL from oxidation, thus preventing atherosclerosis. A decreased level of plasma PON1 activities has been found in diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disorders and chronic liver diseases; but, it can also be influenced by diet and life-style. The purpose of this study was to assess the PON1 activities in the insulin-resistant rats fed with a fructose-enriched diet, in the presence and in the absence of an antioxidant treatment with alpha-lipoic acid (AL).Methods48 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into two series: rats fed for 3 months with standard chow (Control) or with standard chow supplemented with fructose (60%). In each series, a group of rats was treated intraperitoneally during 14 days/month with NaCl 0.9% and another group with 50mg/kg/day AL. At the end of the 3 months, we assessed: 1) peripheral tissue resistance to insulin (HOMA-IR) and plasma lipid profile, 2) paraoxonase, arylesterase and lactonase activities of PON1, 3) plasma homocysteine (Hcy) level and 4) hepatic transaminase activities: aspartate-aminotransferase and alanine-aminotransferase.ResultsThe fructose intake increased peripheral tissue resistance to insulin (HOMA-IR) and plasma lipoprotein level, less the HDL. Also, transaminase and PON1 activities, especially arylesterase and lactonase activities, and the plasma Hcy level were significantly (p>0.05) enhanced in the fructose group. The AL discontinuous treatment associated with the fructose-enriched diet improved the tissue sensitivity to insulin and decreased the plasma lipoprotein levels. Moreover, the AL treatment restored PON1 and transaminase activities, without influencing the Hcy concentration. A decrease in plasma transaminase activities was noted even when AL was associated with standard diet.ConclusionsIn our experimental conditions, the fructose intake induced an increase in plasma transaminase and PON1 activities in association with a Hyperhomocysteinemia. The AL treatment restored the enzymes’ activities and had a hepatoprotective effect, but without influence on Hcy level
Evaluation of the Safety of Cosmetic Ingredients and Their Skin Compatibility through In Silico and In Vivo Assessments of a Newly Developed Eye Serum
No full textThe term “risk assessment” is often substituted with “safety assessment”, to demonstrate the safe properties of cosmetic ingredients and formulations. With respect to the actual legislative framework, the proper use of in silico evaluation could offer a representative non-animal substitute for the toxicity evaluation of cosmetic ingredients. The in silico assessment needs to be integrated with other lines of proof (in vitro and/or in vivo data) in the form of a complex methodology in order to demonstrate the safety evaluation of cosmetic ingredients/products. The present study aimed to develop and characterize a new cosmetic formulation, designed for the skin care of the periorbital area. Quality control comprising stability, physicochemical, and microbiological evaluation was performed. Another objective of this study was to present a screening model for the safety evaluation of the cosmetic formulation by identifying individual ingredients, and to confirm the skin compatibility based on in vivo evaluation. The results demonstrated the in silico and in vivo safety profile of the cosmetic ingredients used in the present formulation. In silico evaluation, using a novel, specific software applicable for the risk evaluation of ingredients and formulations, showed that the incorporated ingredients were non-mutagenic and non-sensitizing, and considering the margin of safety (MoS), the cosmetic raw materials could be considered safe. Skin compatibility was confirmed by the patch test performed under dermatological control, evidencing the “non-irritating” potential of the developed cosmetic formulation
Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction: The Pathophysiological Mechanisms behind the Clinical Phenotypes and the Therapeutic Approach
No full textHeart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is an increasingly frequent form and is estimated to be the dominant form of HF. On the other hand, HFpEF is a syndrome with systemic involvement, and it is characterized by multiple cardiac and extracardiac pathophysiological alterations. The increasing prevalence is currently reaching epidemic levels, thereby making HFpEF one of the greatest challenges facing cardiovascular medicine today. Compared to HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), the medical attitude in the case of HFpEF was a relaxed one towards the disease, despite the fact that it is much more complex, with many problems related to the identification of physiopathogenetic mechanisms and optimal methods of treatment. The current medical challenge is to develop effective therapeutic strategies, because patients suffering from HFpEF have symptoms and quality of life comparable to those with reduced ejection fraction, but the specific medication for HFrEF is ineffective in this situation; for this, we must first understand the pathological mechanisms in detail and correlate them with the clinical presentation. Another important aspect of HFpEF is the diversity of patients that can be identified under the umbrella of this syndrome. Thus, before being able to test and develop effective therapies, we must succeed in grouping patients into several categories, called phenotypes, depending on the pathological pathways and clinical features. This narrative review critiques issues related to the definition, etiology, clinical features, and pathophysiology of HFpEF. We tried to describe in as much detail as possible the clinical and biological phenotypes recognized in the literature in order to better understand the current therapeutic approach and the reason for the limited effectiveness. We have also highlighted possible pathological pathways that can be targeted by the latest research in this field
Development and Evaluation of a Novel Anti-Ageing Cream Based on Hyaluronic Acid and Other Innovative Cosmetic Actives
No full textThe importance of incorporating hyaluronic acid (HA) as a cosmetic ingredient in skin care formulations emerged lately because the amount of HA naturally found in the epidermis decreases with age, and when applied to the skin through cosmetic products, it confers hydration and reduces the appearance of wrinkles. Currently, the diversity of cosmetic products for mature skin and the use of various and innovative active ingredients supporting their anti-ageing effect represent ample proof that the cosmetic industry is currently relying on these actives. The main objective of this study was the development of an anti-ageing formulation, incorporating HA and different other active ingredients. The developed formulation contains a novel complex of natural waxes, with an essential role in the restoration of the skin’s hydro–lipid barrier, in combination with innovative active ingredients—like low-molecular hyaluronic acid (LMW-HA), sodium hyaluronate (NaHA), ectoin, gold, and an anti-ageing botanical complex—contributing to optimal skin hydration specifically designed to reduce the visible signs of ageing. An important objective was represented by the skin compatibility and topography assessment after 28 days (D28) of regular application of the developed cream. Stability testing, physicochemical characteristics, and microbiological control, including efficacy testing of the used preservative (challenge test) were performed for the cosmetic formulation. In silico approaches were applied to demonstrate the safety of cosmetic-related substances and the risk assessment of the cosmetic formulation. Safety and instrumental evaluation were performed to demonstrate the skin tolerance—the compatibility and the efficacy, respectively—of the developed anti-ageing cream. As result, quality control of the developed cosmetic formulation evidenced an appropriate cosmetic preparation with desirable aspect and adequate physicochemical characteristics. The concentrations of restricted ingredients like preservatives and UV filters were in accordance with those recommended by the Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009 and so were considered to be safe. Additionally, according to the margin of safety (MoS) calculation, cosmetic ingredients incorporated in the developed formulation could be considered safe. The developed formulation was very well tolerated, and wrinkle depth and length in the periorbital area were significantly reduced after 28-day cosmetic treatment. Subjects’ assessment questionnaires revealed self-perceived benefits referring to the cosmetic qualities and efficacy of the anti-ageing cream. This study confirmed the skin tolerance and efficacy of the new complex anti-ageing cream incorporating HA, microencapsulated sodium hyaluronate, ectoin, and a botanical extract. The formulated cosmetic product could serve as a daily care for mature skin to alleviate the effects of skin ageing
PRACTICAL INVESTIGATION OF GELS CONTAINING ARISTOLOCHIA (ARISTOLOCHIA CLEMATITIS) EXTRACT
No full textThe aim of this study is to embed the active ingredients of the hydroalcoholic extract from the aristolochia (Aristolochia clematitis) into a new semisolid preparation and a viscoelastic methylcellulose based hydrogel in order to broaden the topical applicability of the palette’s range. The methylcellulose based hydroalcoholic gel formulation, preparation and quality evaluation was realized by continuously measuring the product’s physico-chemical parameters. The evaluated physico-chemical parameters: the swelling degree, the equilibrium swelling degree, the swelling rate and the swelling fraction, the swelling rate parameter, the swelling kinetics order, the speed constant
Practical Investigation of Gels Containing Aristolochia (<i>Aristolochia Clematitis</i>) Extract
No full text0347 : Diuretic, antihypertensive and antioxidant effect of olea europaea leaves extract, in rats
No full textIntroductionAlthough, there are known the beneficial effects of the fruits and the olive oil, lately a special attention was given to extracts obtained from olive leaves. The studies have reported that oleuropein (the main active component of olive leaves) has antioxidant, vasodilator, anti-inflammatory properties.Methods30 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized in 3 groups (n=10) that received orally for seven days: 1. distillate water (control group), 2. Furosemide (10mg/kg), and 3. Leaves extract of Olea europaea (OE). After the first and last dose of vegetal extract, the diuresis and saluresis (urinary Na+ and K+ concentration) were determined. At the end of the study the systolic blood pressure was recorded, by a non-invasive method. Human erythrocytes were subjected to an oxidative stress induced by 2,2’-azobis (2-amidinopropane) hydrochloride (AAPH) in the presence or absence of increasing concentrations of OE, lipoic acid and trolox (the last two substances were used like reference antioxidants).ResultsFurosemide and OE leaves extract induced a significant (p<0.05) increase in rats diuresis and saluresis as compared to control group. For OE extract, the same effect intensity was recorded after the first and the last doses. Also after seven days of treatment, the rats’ systolic blood pressure was significantly reduced in OE group. In vitro conditions, in the presence of OE extract, extracellular potassium efflux, the signs of erythrocyte membranes early degradation by oxidative stress, was decreased significantly and dosedependent manner.ConclusionsIn our experimental conditions it appears that, OE leaves extract presented diuretic and antihypertensive effects. Also erythrocyte membranes are very significantly protected by the antioxidant compound from OE. Our results could open new perspectives for the use of Olea europaea leaves extract like adjuvant therapy in diseases associated with hypertension and oxidative stress
PHYSICO-CHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF SPRING AND SALT LAKES FROM SOMESENI TURENI (CLUJ COUNTY)
No full textThe study refers to the analysis of the chemical composition of water samples from Pata Rât salt lake and salty spring from Micești. The physical and mineralogical characteristics of water and sludge specific of Pata Rât lake are suitable to be used in alternative treatments for rheumatism, skin peeling treatments and skin SPA therapy. The difference in salt crystallization in homogeneous and heterogeneous conditions was evaluated by using a model of salt crystallization in homogeneous conditions. The optical mineralogical micro-photographs in polarized light of the water samples are providing information about heterogeneous crystallization of salt. The mineralogical composition of the water sample was determined by X-ray diffraction and the following minerals were determined: quartz, calcite, lepidolite and kaolinite. By colorimetry were determined the physico-chemical properties of salty water. It was determined also the pH and the conductivity
Measuring Patients’ Perception and Satisfaction with the Romanian Healthcare System
No full textMeasuring patient satisfaction of healthcare service quality represents a significant element of a healthcare’s system (HS) overall evaluation. It is the starting point for creating policies in national healthcare. The purpose of this paper was to evaluate Romanian patients’ perception and satisfaction of the quality of the national HS as a whole and of its components. Exploratory and descriptive research was used. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews with Romanian patients, based on a questionnaire. Out of the 2305 respondents, 83% used the Romanian HS in the past 12 months and 58% of the respondents did not trust the system. The accommodation, food, and other facilities of Romanian hospitals were perceived as being at a low level. One third of the respondents were unsatisfied and very unsatisfied with respect to the overall impression of the Romanian HS. In addition, our research found a statistically significant relationship between confidence in the HS, age, and gender, and also between the overall impression on the HS, age and income
