ABSTRACTS 61
lymphatics, the extracellular matrix and the presence of
excess subcutaneous fat that bulges into the dermis. It has
been described as a normal condition that maximizes
subcutaneous fat retention to ensure adequate caloric
availability for pregnancy and lactation. Differences in the
fibrous septae architecture that compartmentalize the
adi
po se tissue have recently been reported in women with
cellulite compared with men. Weight loss has been reported
to improve the cellulite severity by surface topography
measures although in obese subject's skin dimpling does
not seem to change appreciably. However, histological
anal
ys is suggests that fat globules retract out of the dermis
with weight loss. Cellulite has been treated with massage
which decreases tissue oedema but it is also likely to have
its effects at the cellular level by stimulating fibroblast (and
keratinocyte) activity while decreasing adipocyte activity.
In addition to massage, effective topical creams with a
variety of agents were used to ameliorate the condition.
Nevertheless, only a few studies are reported in the
scientific literature. Xanthines, botanicals, fragrances and
ligands for the retinoid and peroxisomal proliferator-
activated receptors appear to be giving some benefit.
Reducing adi
po genesis and increasing thermogenesis
appear to be primary routes and also improving the
microcirculation and collagen synthesis. Many agents are
being investigated for weight management in the
supplement industry [hydroxycitrate, epigallocatechin
gallate, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), etc.] and some of
these agents seem to be beneficial for the treatment of
cellulite. In fact, CLA was proven to ameliorate the signs of
cellulite. One product, Cellasene, containing a variety of
botanicals and
po lyunsaturated fatty acids also appears to
provide some relief from these symptoms. Although more
work is needed, clearly these treatments do improve the
appearance of skin in subjects with cellulite. It is quite
po ssible, however, that synergies between both oral and
topical routes may be the best intervention to ameliorate the
signs and symptoms of cellulite.
Vol. 28, No. 4, 2006*
Expression and Function of Neurotrophins and Their
Receptors in Human Melanocytes
A. Marconi•, M. C. Part7.a•, M. Bonnet-Duquennoyt,
K.Lazou•, R Kurfurstt, F. Truzzi•, R. Lotti•, G. De
Santis•, M. Dumast, F. Bontet and C. Pincelli•
Melanocytes and cells of the nervous system arc of
common ectodermal origin and neurotrophins (NT) have
been shown to be released by human keratinocytes. We
investigated the expression and function of NT [nerve
growth factor (NGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor
(BDNF), Nf-3, NT-4/-S] and their receptors in human
melanocytes. Human melanocytes produce all Nf in
different amounts, whereas they only release NT-4. Nf-4
release is downregulated, whereas Nf-3 is upregulated by
ultraviolet (UVB) irradiation. Melanocytes treated with
phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) express TrlcA and
TrkB, but not TrkC. Nf fai) to stimulate melanocyte
proliferation, whereas they stimulate the synthesis of
tyrosinase and tyrosinase-related protein-I (TRP-1).
Finally, NT-3, NT-4 and NGF increase melanin production.
Taken together, these results demonstrate an intriguing
interaction between melanocytes and the nervous system.
We speculate that NT could be considered the target of
therapy for disorders of skin pigmentation.
Whitening Effect of a Dermocosmetic Formulation: A
Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Study on Melasma
L. Thirion, C. Pierard-Franchimont and G.E. Pierard
Melasma is an endocrine-mediated facial h
yperm elanosis
with epidermal and occasionally dmnal components. We
tested in a randomized double-blind desism the effect of a
whitening formulation (Thiospot intensi�� on this skin
disorder. The product containing ethyl linoleate, thioctic
acid, octadecenedioic acid, lactic acid and ethylhexyl
methoxycinnamate was applied twice daily for 3 months by
20 young women. Another control group of seven women
received a non-skin lightening formulation. Clinical
assessments were made at I-month intervals. In addition,
objective measurements of the hypermelanosis were
performed using narrow-band reflectance
spectrophotometry, image anal
ys is of video-recorded
ultraviolet light reflection (ULEV method) and
photodensitometry of the comeomelametty test A
significant lightening effect was evidenced beginning the
second month of treatment with the whitening formulation.
No significant effect was observed with the control
product.
Protective Effects of Taurine on Human Hair Follicle
Grown in Vitro1
C. Collin•, B. Gautier•, 0. Gailtard•, P. Haltegott, S.
Chabane•, P. Bastient, M Peyront, M Bouleaut, S.
Thibaut•, F. Pruche•, A Duranton• and B. A Bernard•
Taurine is a naturally occurring (3-amino acid produced by
methionine and cysteine metabolism. It is involved in a
variety of ph
ys iological fimctions, including
immunomodulatoty and antifibrotic. Taking advantage of
the ability of human hair follicle grown in vitro to
recapitulate most of the characteristic features of normal
hair follicle in vivo, we studied (i) taurine uptake by
isolated human hair follicles (ii) its effects on hair growth
and survival rate and (iii) its protective potential against
transforming growth factor (TGF)-Pl, an inhibitor of in
vitro hair growth and a master switch of fibrotic program.
We showed that taurine was taken up by the connective
tissue sheath_ oroximal outer root sheath and hair bulb.
promoted hair· survival in vitro and prevented TGF-PI�
induced deleterious effects on hair follicle.
lymphatics, the extracellular matrix and the presence of
excess subcutaneous fat that bulges into the dermis. It has
been described as a normal condition that maximizes
subcutaneous fat retention to ensure adequate caloric
availability for pregnancy and lactation. Differences in the
fibrous septae architecture that compartmentalize the
adi
po se tissue have recently been reported in women with
cellulite compared with men. Weight loss has been reported
to improve the cellulite severity by surface topography
measures although in obese subject's skin dimpling does
not seem to change appreciably. However, histological
anal
ys is suggests that fat globules retract out of the dermis
with weight loss. Cellulite has been treated with massage
which decreases tissue oedema but it is also likely to have
its effects at the cellular level by stimulating fibroblast (and
keratinocyte) activity while decreasing adipocyte activity.
In addition to massage, effective topical creams with a
variety of agents were used to ameliorate the condition.
Nevertheless, only a few studies are reported in the
scientific literature. Xanthines, botanicals, fragrances and
ligands for the retinoid and peroxisomal proliferator-
activated receptors appear to be giving some benefit.
Reducing adi
po genesis and increasing thermogenesis
appear to be primary routes and also improving the
microcirculation and collagen synthesis. Many agents are
being investigated for weight management in the
supplement industry [hydroxycitrate, epigallocatechin
gallate, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), etc.] and some of
these agents seem to be beneficial for the treatment of
cellulite. In fact, CLA was proven to ameliorate the signs of
cellulite. One product, Cellasene, containing a variety of
botanicals and
po lyunsaturated fatty acids also appears to
provide some relief from these symptoms. Although more
work is needed, clearly these treatments do improve the
appearance of skin in subjects with cellulite. It is quite
po ssible, however, that synergies between both oral and
topical routes may be the best intervention to ameliorate the
signs and symptoms of cellulite.
Vol. 28, No. 4, 2006*
Expression and Function of Neurotrophins and Their
Receptors in Human Melanocytes
A. Marconi•, M. C. Part7.a•, M. Bonnet-Duquennoyt,
K.Lazou•, R Kurfurstt, F. Truzzi•, R. Lotti•, G. De
Santis•, M. Dumast, F. Bontet and C. Pincelli•
Melanocytes and cells of the nervous system arc of
common ectodermal origin and neurotrophins (NT) have
been shown to be released by human keratinocytes. We
investigated the expression and function of NT [nerve
growth factor (NGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor
(BDNF), Nf-3, NT-4/-S] and their receptors in human
melanocytes. Human melanocytes produce all Nf in
different amounts, whereas they only release NT-4. Nf-4
release is downregulated, whereas Nf-3 is upregulated by
ultraviolet (UVB) irradiation. Melanocytes treated with
phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) express TrlcA and
TrkB, but not TrkC. Nf fai) to stimulate melanocyte
proliferation, whereas they stimulate the synthesis of
tyrosinase and tyrosinase-related protein-I (TRP-1).
Finally, NT-3, NT-4 and NGF increase melanin production.
Taken together, these results demonstrate an intriguing
interaction between melanocytes and the nervous system.
We speculate that NT could be considered the target of
therapy for disorders of skin pigmentation.
Whitening Effect of a Dermocosmetic Formulation: A
Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Study on Melasma
L. Thirion, C. Pierard-Franchimont and G.E. Pierard
Melasma is an endocrine-mediated facial h
yperm elanosis
with epidermal and occasionally dmnal components. We
tested in a randomized double-blind desism the effect of a
whitening formulation (Thiospot intensi�� on this skin
disorder. The product containing ethyl linoleate, thioctic
acid, octadecenedioic acid, lactic acid and ethylhexyl
methoxycinnamate was applied twice daily for 3 months by
20 young women. Another control group of seven women
received a non-skin lightening formulation. Clinical
assessments were made at I-month intervals. In addition,
objective measurements of the hypermelanosis were
performed using narrow-band reflectance
spectrophotometry, image anal
ys is of video-recorded
ultraviolet light reflection (ULEV method) and
photodensitometry of the comeomelametty test A
significant lightening effect was evidenced beginning the
second month of treatment with the whitening formulation.
No significant effect was observed with the control
product.
Protective Effects of Taurine on Human Hair Follicle
Grown in Vitro1
C. Collin•, B. Gautier•, 0. Gailtard•, P. Haltegott, S.
Chabane•, P. Bastient, M Peyront, M Bouleaut, S.
Thibaut•, F. Pruche•, A Duranton• and B. A Bernard•
Taurine is a naturally occurring (3-amino acid produced by
methionine and cysteine metabolism. It is involved in a
variety of ph
ys iological fimctions, including
immunomodulatoty and antifibrotic. Taking advantage of
the ability of human hair follicle grown in vitro to
recapitulate most of the characteristic features of normal
hair follicle in vivo, we studied (i) taurine uptake by
isolated human hair follicles (ii) its effects on hair growth
and survival rate and (iii) its protective potential against
transforming growth factor (TGF)-Pl, an inhibitor of in
vitro hair growth and a master switch of fibrotic program.
We showed that taurine was taken up by the connective
tissue sheath_ oroximal outer root sheath and hair bulb.
promoted hair· survival in vitro and prevented TGF-PI�
induced deleterious effects on hair follicle.
