Effect of a Precision Cryotherapy Device with Temperature Adjustability on Pigmentation.

BACKGROUND

Pigmentary skin disorders impair the quality of life, leading to the development of therapeutic modalities. However, these treatments should focus more on effectiveness and safety.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effect of a temperature-adjustable cryotherapy device on the expression of pigmentation-related biomarkers.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A temperature- and time-adjustable cryotherapy device was employed to improve 200 mJ UVB-induced pigmentation on mice at -5°C (for 5, 10 or 20 s), 0°C (for 5, 10 or 20 s), 5°C (for 5, 10 or 20 s), or 10°C (for 5, 10 or 20 s). Expression of pigmentation-related biomarkers, such as tyrosinase, c-kit, melanocortin 1 receptor and microphthalmia-associated transcription factor before and after treatment with the cryotherapy device was investigated with real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

Expression of pigmentation-related biomarkers was decreased after the treatment of the temperature-adjustable cryotherapy device. Gene expression of the pigmentation-related biomarkers was decreased under the above conditions with some exception. Protein expression of the pigmentation-related biomarkers showed decreased tendency under the conditions with some exceptions.

CONCLUSION

The temperature-adjustable cryotherapy device used in this study reduced the expression of pigmentation-related biomarkers on mice and may be used to treat patients with skin pigmentation.