Biomaterial Database

Podophyllotoxin-induced acantholysis and cytolysis in a skin equivalent model. 1998

T Hermanns-Lê, and J E Arrese, and V Goffin, and G E Piérard

Department of Dermatopathology, University of Liège, Belgium.

Skin equivalent models are used for a wide variety of pharmacotoxicological trials. The present study was performed to assess morphologically the effect of podophyllotoxin on human bioengineered skin. The untreated model exhibited many resemblances with the parent tissues, although the epidermal differentiation was slightly impaired at the ultrastructural level. The penetration of podophyllotoxin and its biological effects inside the model appeared largely increased compared to the clinical experience with the drug. Acantholysis and cytolytic changes were prominent mimicking the effect of cantharidin. The exaggerated response of many skin equivalents to various compounds shed some doubts on the validity of the model when it is used to show efficacy rather than toxicity. This might apply to claims of efficacy for cosmetic compounds. The effect of cosmetic additives cannot be validated by such approach alone.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D011034	Podophyllotoxin	A lignan (LIGNANS) found in PODOPHYLLIN resin from the roots of PODOPHYLLUM plants. It is a potent spindle poison, toxic if taken internally, and has been used as a cathartic. It is very irritating to skin and mucous membranes, has keratolytic actions, has been used to treat warts and keratoses, and may have antineoplastic properties, as do some of its congeners and derivatives.	Epipodophyllotoxin,CPH86,Condyline,Condylox,Podocon-25,Podofilm,Podofilox,Podophyllotoxin, (5R-(5 alpha,5a alpha,8a alpha,9 alpha))-Isomer,Podophyllotoxin, (5R-(5 alpha,5a alpha,8a alpha,9 beta))-Isomer,Podophyllotoxin, (5R-(5 alpha,5a alpha,8a beta,9 alpha))-Isomer,Podophyllotoxin, (5R-(5 alpha,5a beta,8a alpha,9 beta))-Isomer,Wartec,Warticon
D002478	Cells, Cultured	Cells propagated in vitro in special media conducive to their growth. Cultured cells are used to study developmental, morphologic, metabolic, physiologic, and genetic processes, among others.	Cultured Cells,Cell, Cultured,Cultured Cell
D003238	Connective Tissue	Tissue that supports and binds other tissues. It consists of CONNECTIVE TISSUE CELLS embedded in a large amount of EXTRACELLULAR MATRIX.	Connective Tissues,Tissue, Connective,Tissues, Connective
D003358	Cosmetics	Substances intended to be applied to the human body for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness, or altering the appearance without affecting the body's structure or functions. Included in this definition are skin creams, lotions, perfumes, lipsticks, fingernail polishes, eye and facial makeup preparations, permanent waves, hair colors, toothpastes, and deodorants, as well as any material intended for use as a component of a cosmetic product. (U.S. Food & Drug Administration Center for Food Safety & Applied Nutrition Office of Cosmetics Fact Sheet (web page) Feb 1995)	Personal Care Products,Care Product, Personal,Care Products, Personal,Personal Care Product,Product, Personal Care,Products, Personal Care
D003603	Cytotoxins	Substances that are toxic to cells; they may be involved in immunity or may be contained in venoms. These are distinguished from CYTOSTATIC AGENTS in degree of effect. Some of them are used as CYTOTOXIC ANTIBIOTICS. The mechanism of action of many of these are as ALKYLATING AGENTS or MITOSIS MODULATORS.	Cytolysins,Cytotoxic Agent,Cytotoxic Agents,Cytotoxin,Agent, Cytotoxic
D004817	Epidermis	The external, nonvascular layer of the skin. It is made up, from within outward, of five layers of EPITHELIUM: (1) basal layer (stratum basale epidermidis); (2) spinous layer (stratum spinosum epidermidis); (3) granular layer (stratum granulosum epidermidis); (4) clear layer (stratum lucidum epidermidis); and (5) horny layer (stratum corneum epidermidis).
D005347	Fibroblasts	Connective tissue cells which secrete an extracellular matrix rich in collagen and other macromolecules.	Fibroblast
D006801	Humans	Members of the species Homo sapiens.	Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000051	Acantholysis	Separation of the prickle cells of the stratum spinosum of the epidermis, resulting in atrophy of the prickle cell layer. It is seen in diseases such as pemphigus vulgaris (see PEMPHIGUS) and DARIER DISEASE.	Acantholyses
D000826	Animal Testing Alternatives	Procedures, such as TISSUE CULTURE TECHNIQUES; mathematical models; etc., when used or advocated for use in place of the use of animals in research or diagnostic laboratories.	Alternatives to Animal Testing,Alternative, Animal Testing,Alternatives, Animal Testing,Animal Testing Alternative,Testing Alternative, Animal,Testing Alternatives, Animal