Wrinkles, one of the most common signs of aging, are primarily caused by the continuous contraction of muscles. Muscle contraction is induced by the binding of acetylcholine (ACh), released at the neuromuscular junction, to nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) present on the muscle cell surface. In this study, we aimed to develop a wrinkle-improving peptide that inhibits the binding of ACh to nAChR using peptide phage display technology. Our peptide showed a remarkably high binding affinity to nAChR subunit α1, with a value below 1 µM, and was found to inhibit the action of ACh through its interaction with these receptors. Furthermore, it increased collagen synthesis in skin cells and upregulated the expression of the aquaporin-3 (AQP3) and hyaluronan synthase-2 (HAS2) genes. These results confirm that the peptide effectively inhibits muscle contraction and enhances skin elasticity and hydration, contributing to its wrinkle-reducing effects. Clinical studies on humans observed significant improvement in wrinkles after three weeks of use, with substantial reduction observed after six weeks. In conclusion, these findings demonstrate the efficacy of the peptide (named Medipep) in reducing wrinkles.

The wrinkles are pervasive in ultrathin two-dimensional (2D) materials, but the regulation of wrinkles is rarely explored systematically. However, the regulation of wrinkles at nanometer scale is merely explored. Here, we employed a series of carboxylic acids (from formic acid to octanoic acid) to control the wrinkles of Zr-BTB (BTB = 1, 3, 5-(4-carboxylphenyl)-benzene) metal-organic framework (MOF) nanosheet. The wrinkles at the micrometer scale were observed with transmission electron microscopy. Furthermore, high-angle annular dark-field (HAADF) images showed lattice distortion in many nanoscale regions, which was precisely matched to the nano-wrinkles. With the changes of hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity, MOF-MOF and MOF-solvent interactions were synergistically regulated and wrinkles with different sizes were obtained, which was supported by HAADF, molecular dynamics and density functional theory calculation. Different wrinkle sizes resulted in different pore sizes between the Zr-BTB nanosheet interlayers, providing highly-oriented thin films and the successive optimization of kinetic diffusion pathways, proved by grazing-incidence wide-angle X-ray scattering and nitrogen adsorption. The most suitable wrinkle pore from Zr-BTB-C4 exhibited highly efficient chromatographic separation of the substituted benzene isomers. Our work provides a rational route for the modulation of nanoscale wrinkles and their stacked pores of MOF nanosheets and improves the separation abilities of MOFs.

OnabotulinumtoxinA (BT-A) is used in different medical fields for its beneficial effects. BT-A, a toxin originally produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, is widely known for its ability to temporarily paralyze muscles by blocking the release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter involved in muscle contraction. The literature continually reports new hypotheses regarding potential applications that do not consider blockade of acetylcholine release at the neuromuscular junction as a common pathway. In this opinion article, it is our aim to investigate the different pathway targets of BT-A in different medical applications. First of all, the acetylcholine effect of BT-A is used to reduce wrinkles for cosmetic purposes, in the treatment of urological problems, excessive sweating, temporomandibular joint disorders, obesity, migraine, spasticity in neurological diseases, and in various cases of muscle overactivity such as cervical dystonia, blepharospasm, and essential head tremor. In another potential pathway, glutamate A, CGRP, and substance P are targeted for pain inhibition with BT-A application in conditions such as migraine, trigeminal neuralgia, neuropathic pain, and myofascial pain syndrome. On the other hand, as a mechanism different from acetylcholine and pain mediators, BT-A is used in the treatment of hair loss by increasing oxygenation and targeting transforming growth factor-beta 1 cells. In addition, the effect of BT-A on the apoptosis of cancer cells is also known and is being developed. The benefits of BT-A applied in different doses to different regions for different medical purposes are shown in literature studies, and it is also emphasized in those studies that repeating the applications increases the benefits in the long term. The use of BT-A continues to expand as researchers discover new potential therapeutic uses for this versatile toxin.

OBJECTIVE: To achieve a more beautiful and younger appearance, reducing wrinkles is a key concern. The process of wrinkle formation is complex and the development of truly effective cosmetic ingredients to reduce wrinkles remains a challenge. Recent studies have revealed a close relationship between wrinkles and skin thinning, suggesting that preventing skin thinning could also prevent wrinkle formation. In this study, we examined the role of extracellular adenosine triphosphate (eATP) in the progression of thinning, as eATP reportedly increases skin ageing factors, such as senescence-associated secreted phenotype (SASP) factors in epidermal cells. We determined the effects of Mentha piperita leaf extract on suppressing eATP to reduce thinning and wrinkles.
METHODS: Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels were measured in normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEK) in the presence of M. piperita leaf extract. Dryness, high pH, and UVB radiation were used as extrinsic ageing factors. Intrinsic skin ageing was evaluated by comparing cells from adults (AD-NHEK) and newborns (NB-NHEK). A placebo-controlled in vivo study was carried out with a formulation containing 1% M. piperita leaf extract.
RESULTS: The eATP levels were significantly higher in AD-NHEK compared with that in NB-NHEK cells. M. piperita leaf extract significantly decreased eATP levels in adult cells. Extrinsic ageing factors increased eATP levels in NHEK, whereas M. piperita leaf extract significantly suppressed eATP under all conditions. The active components of M. piperita leaf extract, luteolin glucuronide and rosmarinic acid, also decreased eATP. Moreover, compared with placebo lotion, M. piperita leaf extract-formulated lotion markedly increased dermal thickness and reduced wrinkles associated with crow\'s feet and the neck area.
CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated for the first time that M. piperita leaf extract containing rosmarinic acid and luteolin-7-O-glucuronide has the potential to reduce eATP release from epidermal keratinocytes. An increase in eATP was observed not only during inflammation but also during natural ageing. Furthermore, the in vivo experiment revealing that 1% M. piperita leaf extract-containing lotion improved dermal thinning and wrinkles across multiple areas is attributed to the amelioration of dermal thinning. Thus, our data suggest the possibility of a novel cosmetic approach for reducing skin ageing by reducing eATP-mediated dermal thinning.
OBJECTIVE: Pour obtenir une apparence plus belle et plus jeune, réduire les rides est une préoccupation clé. Le processus de formation des rides est complexe et le développement d\'ingrédients cosmétiques réellement efficaces pour réduire les rides reste un défi. Des études récentes ont révélé une relation étroite entre les rides et l\'amincissement de la peau, suggérant que la prévention de l\'amincissement de la peau pourrait également prévenir la formation de rides. Dans cette étude, nous avons examiné le rôle de l\'adénosine triphosphate extracellulaire (eATP) dans la progression de l\'amincissement, car l\'eATP augmente apparemment les facteurs de vieillissement de la peau, tels que les facteurs du phénotype sécrétoire associé à la sénescence (SASP) dans les cellules épidermiques. Nous avons déterminé les effets de l\'extrait de feuille de Mentha piperita sur la suppression de l\'eATP pour réduire l\'amincissement et les rides. MÉTHODES: Les niveaux d\'adénosine triphosphate (ATP) ont été mesurés dans les kératinocytes épidermiques humains normaux (NHEK) en présence d\'extrait de feuille de M. piperita. La sécheresse, le pH élevé et les radiations UVB ont été utilisés comme facteurs de vieillissement extrinsèque. Le vieillissement intrinsèque de la peau a été évalué en comparant les cellules des adultes (AD‐NHEK) et des nouveau‐nés (NB‐NHEK). Une étude in vivo contrôlée par placebo a été réalisée avec une formulation contenant 1% d\'extrait de feuille de M. piperita. RÉSULTATS: Les niveaux d\'eATP étaient significativement plus élevés dans les AD‐NHEK comparés à ceux des cellules NB‐NHEK. L\'extrait de feuille de M. piperita a significativement diminué les niveaux d\'eATP dans les cellules adultes. Les facteurs de vieillissement extrinsèque ont augmenté les niveaux d\'eATP dans les NHEK, tandis que l\'extrait de feuille de M. piperita a significativement supprimé l\'eATP dans toutes les conditions. Les composants actifs de l\'extrait de feuille de M. piperita, la lutéoline glucuronide et l\'acide rosmarinique, ont également diminué l\'eATP. De plus, comparée à la lotion placebo, la lotion formulée avec de l\'extrait de feuille de M. piperita a considérablement augmenté l\'épaisseur dermique et réduit les rides associées aux pattes d\'oie et à la région du cou.
CONCLUSIONS: Nous avons démontré pour la première fois que l\'extrait de feuille de M. piperita contenant de l\'acide rosmarinique et de la lutéoline‐7‐O‐glucuronide a le potentiel de réduire la libération d\'eATP des kératinocytes épidermiques. Une augmentation de l\'eATP a été observée non seulement pendant l\'inflammation mais aussi pendant le vieillissement naturel. En outre, l\'expérience in vivo révélant que la lotion contenant 1% d\'extrait de feuille de M. piperita a amélioré l\'amincissement dermique et les rides sur plusieurs zones est attribuée à l\'amélioration de l\'amincissement dermique. Ainsi, nos données suggèrent la possibilité d\'une nouvelle approche cosmétique pour réduire le vieillissement de la peau en réduisant l\'amincissement dermique médié par l\'eATP.

Here, all-solid scanning electrochemical cell microscopy (SECCM) is first established by filling polyacrylamide (PAM) into nanocapillaries as a solid electrolyte. A solid PAM nanoball at the tip of a nanocapillary contacts graphene and behaves as an electrochemical cell for simultaneously measuring the morphology and electrochemical activity. Compared with liquid droplet-based SECCM, this solid nanoball is stable and does not leave any electrolyte at the contact regions, which permits accurate and continuous scanning of the surface without any intervals. Accordingly, the resolutions in the lateral (x-y) and vertical (z) directions are improved to ∼10 nm. The complete scanning of the wrinkles on graphene records low currents at the two sidewalls of the wrinkles and a relatively high current at the center of the wrinkles. The heterogeneity in the electrochemical activity of the wrinkle illustrates different electron transfer features on surfaces with varied curvatures, which is hardly observed by the current electrochemical or optical methods. The successful establishment of this high spatial electrochemical microscopy overcomes the current challenges in investigating the electrochemical activity of materials at the nanoscale, which is significant for a better understanding of electron transfer in materials.

BACKGROUND: The delicate periorbital region is susceptible to skin dehydration, wrinkles, and loss of elasticity. Thus, targeted and effective anti-aging interventions are necessary for the periorbital area.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a new anti-aging eye cream formulated with the active complex (Yeast/rice fermentation filtrate, N-acetylneuraminic acid, palmityl tripeptide-1, and palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7).
METHODS: The cell viability and expressions of key extracellular matrix (ECM) components of the active complex were evaluated using a human skin fibroblast model. In the 12-week clinical trial, skin hydration, elasticity, facial photographs, and collagen density following eye cream application were assessed using Corneometer, Cutometer, VISIA, and ultrasound device, respectively. Dermatologists and participants evaluated clinical efficacy and safety at baseline, and after 4, 8, and 12 weeks.
RESULTS: PCR and immunofluorescent analyses revealed that the active complex significantly stimulated fibroblast proliferation (p < 0.05) and markedly promote the synthesis of collagen and elastin. Clinical findings exhibited a substantial enhancement in skin hydration (28.12%), elasticity (18.81%), and collagen production (54.99%) following 12 weeks of eye cream application. Dermatological evaluations and participants\' assessments reported a significant improvement in skin moisture, roughness, elasticity, as well as fine lines and wrinkles by week 8.
CONCLUSIONS: The new anti-aging eye cream, enriched with the active complex, demonstrates comprehensive rejuvenating effects, effectively addressing aging concerns in the periorbital area, coupled with a high safety profile.

UNASSIGNED: L-ergothioneine (EGT), an antioxidative and anti-inflammatory amino acid, is abundant in various mushroom fruiting bodies. Meanwhile, the effects of EGT-containing mushrooms on human skin are unknown. This study investigated the effects of oral ingestion of a novel EGT-rich strain of Pleurotus species (hiratake) on skin conditions in humans.
UNASSIGNED: We conducted a 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial to evaluate skin moisturizing functions and facial conditions in 80 healthy women who were randomly assigned to either a group that was supplemented with hiratake tablets containing 25 mg of EGT/day or a placebo group. Skin moisture content, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and facial scores (VISIA scores) were measured at baseline, 8 weeks, and 12 weeks of supplementation.
UNASSIGNED: At 8 weeks, the skin moisture content was significantly higher on the temple in the hiratake group than in the placebo group. The hiratake group also exhibited a significant increase in skin moisture content on the arm at 8 and 12 weeks compared with baseline. At 12 weeks, wrinkle and texture scores were significantly better in the hiratake group than in the placebo group, and plasma EGT concentrations in the hiratake group were 4.7-fold higher than baseline (from 3.4 to 15.9 μM). Furthermore, EGT concentrations in plasma were significantly correlated with improvements in skin moisture content and TEWL on the arm, implying that these skin moisturizing benefits could be partly attributed to EGT. A stratified analysis of participants with a low baseline plasma EGT concentration (< 3.3 μM) revealed that skin moisture content on the temple was significantly higher at 8 and 12 weeks, and skin moisture content on the arm at 12 weeks tended to be higher (p = 0.074), in the hiratake group than in the placebo group. These findings suggested that oral ingestion of EGT-rich hiratake can improve skin moisturizing functions.
UNASSIGNED: EGT-rich hiratake may help maintain skin conditions in healthy women, and EGT may play a role in these beneficial effects.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate physical skin changes and patients\' subjective perception of treatment with photothermal bioactivated platelet-rich plasma (MCT Plasma) for hand rejuvenation. Background: Age-related changes in the dorsum of the hand include volume loss, dyschromia, and soft-tissue atrophy, which result in wrinkles and prominent deep structures. Methods: We conducted a prospective, single-center, randomized pilot study on 10 healthy female volunteers from 30 to 65 years with hand aging signs. Patients received two sessions of MCT Plasma on the treated hand and two sessions of standard platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on the control hand. Results were assessed through high-frequency ultrasonography, photographs, a patient satisfaction survey, patient perception of skin aspect, and patient perception of amelioration survey. Results: Ten women with a mean age of 57.5 years (standard deviation 10.5, range 31 - 67) were included, and seven (70%) completed the study. The treated hands\' skin subepidermal low-echogenic band (SLEB) decreased from 20% to 60%, and 57.1% (n = 4) had better results than control. Twenty percent of patients were very satisfied with the results, 40% were satisfied, 40% were neutral, and none were unsatisfied or very unsatisfied. Patients perceived the skin of the treated hand (MCT Plasma) as \"much better\" (20%), \"better\" (60%), and \"no changes\" (20%) compared with the skin of the control hand (standard PRP). No treatment-related adverse events were reported during the study. Conclusions: Hands treated with MCT Plasma tended to have better outcomes in reducing SLEB compared with those treated with standard PRP. Patients were satisfied and the treatment was safe with no technical complications. However, further randomized controlled trials with larger sample sizes are mandatory to validate the extent of improvement provided by this device based on photothermal biomodulation.

BACKGROUND: Tirbanibulin 1% ointment has been licensed to treat non-hyperkeratotic actinic keratosis (AKs) on the face and scalp in adults to ensure excellent patient tolerability due to the mild side effects and the brief application time compared to other topical therapies on the market. A growing body of evidence suggests that, beyond their primary function, the treatments for AKs and the cancerization field may inadvertently confer substantial cosmetic benefits to patients.
METHODS: We report a single-center retrospective case series of patients referred to the Dermatology Unit of the University Hospital of Messina, Italy, between February and December 2023 seeking treatment for AKs in the context of photodamaged areas in which the application of tirbanibulin 1% ointment induced, besides clearance of AKs, anti-aging effects on both skin texture and solar lentigos.
RESULTS: Seven patients affected by Olsen grade 1-2 AKs experienced a powerful rejuvenating effect in the treated areas, with a marked efficacy in skin lightening and clearance of solar lentigo.
CONCLUSIONS: Tirbanibulin 1% ointment seems able to improve skin aging as a desirable side effect at the site of application for AKs on chronic photodamaged skin. Such preliminary observation needs further confirmation in real-life studies on larger cohorts of patients, to explain the pathogenic mechanisms responsible for such aesthetically relevant results.

UNASSIGNED: Skin wrinkles are generated as a result of the aging process. Dermal thickness underneath a wrinkle decreases absolutely. Approximately 20% of dermal thickness disappears as people become elderly. In recent times, people have attempted to reduce wrinkles using various procedures. Currently, available picosecond lasers in dermatology can create mechanical stress and the energy can be fractionated via diffractive lens arrays (DLA). An emerging indication for the picosecond laser includes photorejuvenation. Non-ablative laser skin rejuvenation therapy demonstrates the dermis can be safely reconstructed by only irradiating the skin surface with a laser. The clinical effects of picosecond pulse laser have been frequently reported, but few studies have included histological investigation.
UNASSIGNED: This study aimed to evaluate wrinkle and dermal thickness in the forearm before and after picosecond laser therapy.
UNASSIGNED: Twenty healthy male and female subjects between 36 and 55 years old with wrinkles in the forearm who met the sample requirements and were willing to participate were recruited in this study. Clinical examination and biopsy for histopathological examination were carried out before and 4 weeks after therapy, then treatment was carried out using a picosecond laser.
UNASSIGNED: At 1-month follow-up, a significant improvement was noted in wrinkle and dermal thickness (P < 0.05).
UNASSIGNED: This picosecond 755 nm alexandrite laser with DLA was found to be very effective in treating wrinkles, which was confirmed by a dermatologic assessment from forearm photographic assessment scaled and dermal thickness improvement.