Infrared and Broadband Light for Skin Aging

Stanford University5 enrolled

Overview

In this exploratory study, we hope to learn if treatment of broadband light with infrared light can alter the molecular pathways associated with aging. Secondary exploratory objective is to see if there are any visible effects of this light treatment on human skin.

Studies in model organisms suggest that aged cells can be functionally rejuvenated, but whether this concept applies to human skin is unclear. Recently, we applied 3'-end sequencing for expression quantification ("3-seq") to discover the gene expression program associated with human photoaging and intrinsic skin aging (collectively termed "skin aging"), and the impact of broadband light (BBL) treatment. We found significant changes in 2,265 coding and noncoding RNAs, of which 1,293 that became "rejuvenated" after BBL treatment, whereby they became more similar to their expression level in youthful skin. Rejuvenated genes (RGs) included several known key regulators of organismal longevity and their proximal long noncoding RNAs. Hence, BBL treatment can restore gene expression pattern of photo-aged and intrinsically aged human skin to resemble young skin. However, the duration of these effects and the potential to augment these effects through increases in particular wavelengths of light have not been explored. The Sciton SkinTyte (800-1800nm) is the ideal technology to examine these questions, since this device has been used in the clinical setting to reduce cheek and submental laxity (Gold, 2010). It incorporates the broadband light technology with an emphasis on 590 nm filter to achieve these clinical results. This study will be conducted in accord with Declaration of Helsinki principles. After Institutional Review Board approval and informed consent is obtained, six female participants over the age of 55 years will undergo BBLST treatments to the left forearm. Inclusion criteria included Fitzpatrick skin type II or III, and a global assessment of forearm skin aging consistent with moderate or severe forearm skin aging (modified validated instrument from McKenzie et al., 2011) for treated participants. Treatments will be performed on the Sciton Joule Platform using BBL in Skintyte mode with 590ST filter. On a separate part of the arm that is clearly marked, Skintyte alone will be applied. Untreated areas will also be marked. All markings will be photographed. The same investigator will perform the treatments at 4-week intervals for a total of 3 treatments. At each treatment session, two or more passes were performed. Four weeks after the third BBL treatment, 4 mm skin biopsies will performed by Keys punch technique from the BBLST treated, ST treated and adjacent untreated skin. These specimens will be bisected and placed into either RNAlater (Ambion Cat# AM7022) or formalin solution for with H\&E, von Giesen or PAS staining.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

Purpose

OTHER

Masking

NONE

Enrollment

Conditions

Aging

Interventions

Sciton SkinTyte (800-1800 nm) with Broadband Light TechnologyDEVICE

This device has been used in the clinical setting to reduce cheek and submental laxity. SkinTyte delivers sequentially pulsed light (800-1200 nm, with a filter enabling focus on 590 nm) and broadband light (which can be turned on or off).

Eligibility

Sex: FEMALEMin age: 55 YearsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * 1\. Female 2. Age 55 years or older (total 6) 3. Fitzpatrick skin type 2-3 4. Photo-aging at least moderate on the extensor forearms Exclusion Criteria: * 1\. Unable to understand and sign informed consent form 2. Unable to comply with study procedures 3. Pregnant or lactating 4. Prior treatment to forearms including topical retinoid, laser treatment, photodynamic treatment, prescription topical agents x 1 month 5. Active skin conditions that precluding treatment including zoster, blistering skin disease, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, abnormal scarring, skin cancer in the area of study treatment 6. Currently on hormone based therapy (both systemic and topical)

Locations (1)

Stanford University

Redwood City, California, United States

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Number of Genes With Significant Change in Gene Transcription

The endpoint consisted of clinical inspection of biopsies of untreated skin and skin after three treatments. Genes were considered altered if a statistically significant change in transcription of an individual gene was observed between the treated and untreated skin (significance was set at p\<0.01, adjusted for false discovery rate). The values in the table represent the total number of recorded genes with significant change.

Time frame: 16 weeks

Secondary Outcomes

Change From Baseline in Fine Wrinkling Score as a Measure of Skin Rejuvenation

Wrinkling was assessed on a 10 point Likert scale (range 1-10); higher scores correspond to more wrinkling.

Time frame: Baseline, day 84

Change From Baseline in Coarse Wrinkling Score as a Measure of Skin Rejuvenation

Wrinkling was assessed on a 10 point Likert scale (range 1-10); higher scores correspond to more wrinkling.

Time frame: Baseline, day 84

Change From Baseline in Sagging Score as a Measure of Skin Rejuvenation

Sagging was assessed on a 10 point Likert scale (range 1-10); higher scores correspond to more sagging.

Time frame: Baseline, day 84

Change From Baseline in Physician Global Assessment as a Measure of Skin Rejuvenation

Physician global assessment was assessed on a 10 point Likert scale (range 1-10); higher scores correspond to more severe skin aging.

Time frame: Baseline, day 84

Change From Baseline in Cutometry as a Measure of Skin Rejuvenation

Elasticity of skin assessment with cutometric probe.

Data from ClinicalTrials.gov

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