Papers by Angela Michelotti
Microorganisms
The gut microbiota is implicated in diverse interactions affecting human health. The present stud... more The gut microbiota is implicated in diverse interactions affecting human health. The present study reports a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study conducted by administering a new synbiotic formulation composed of two Lactobacillus strains (L. plantarum and L. acidophilus) and one Bifidobacterium strain (B. animalis subsp. lactis) and two types of fructans (fructo-oligosaccharides with a degree of polymerization of 3–5 and inulin-type fructans with 10 DP). The effects of this synbiotic were evaluated on healthy subjects for 28 days and the maintenance of its efficacy was evaluated at the end of a follow-up period of 28 days. The synbiotic treatment contributes to higher biodiversity of the gut microbiota, increasing the community richness with respect to the group with the prebiotics alone and the placebo group. Its positive effect is also reflected in the variation of microbial community structure favoring the beneficial short-chain fatty acids bacterial produ...
Cosmetics
Hyaluronic acid (HA) has long been used for its anti-age properties, as an ingredient in both top... more Hyaluronic acid (HA) has long been used for its anti-age properties, as an ingredient in both topical applications and food supplements. In this study, a novel sodium hyaluronate, based on the innovative full spectrum technology, was administered as an ingredient of a cosmetic product and as the main constituent of a food supplement to evaluate its efficacy in counteracting skin ageing signs. Seventy-five female subjects were randomly assigned to the following treatments for 4 weeks: an active food supplement and a placebo cosmetic product, an active cosmetic product and a placebo food supplement, and a combination of the two products containing the active ingredient, that is, an “In&Out” treatment. The subjects used the placebo cosmetic product for another 14 days. Improvement of all the outcome measures (skin moisturization, elasticity, firmness and profilometry) was achieved by all treatments (p < 0.05); however, the combined treatment resulted in a further amelioration of the...
European Journal of Dermatology, 2021
Skin aging is a physiological condition which leads to structural and functional changes in skin.... more Skin aging is a physiological condition which leads to structural and functional changes in skin. Common signs of aging are the gradual decrease of hyaluronic acid (HA) in the skin and the appearance of wrinkles. Therefore, effective HA supplementation could counteract HA deficiency and improve skin parameters, providing a safe profile for use which is easily incorporated into daily routine. To evaluate a food supplement containing a wide range of hyaluronans of different molecular weights (full-spectrum hyaluronan [FS-HA]) in order to ameliorate skin conditions in adult females. Sixty subjects showing mild-to-moderate skin aging signs were enrolled in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial to receive 200 mg/day of FS-HA (ExceptionHYAL® Star), or placebo, for 28 days. Dermatological parameters were evaluated at T0d and T28d. Product efficacy and tolerance were further evaluated using a self-assessment questionnaire. In addition, HA serum levels were weekly evaluated in a proportion of enrolled subjects. After only 28 days, subjects in the active arm showed a statistically significant improvement in all evaluated dermatological parameters related to skin aging. Skin became more hydrated (+10.6%) and protected from dehydration, with a decrease in both wrinkle depth −18.8%) and volume (−17.6%) and increase in elasticity and firmness (+5.1%). Instrumental results were further confirmed by self-assessment questionnaire outcomes. Administration of a food supplement based on innovative hyaluronans from bio-fermentation, characterized by a wide range of molecular weights, resulted in a quick and significant amelioration of typical signs of skin aging.
BioMed Research International, 2022
The decline of the immune system with aging leads elderly people to be more susceptible to infect... more The decline of the immune system with aging leads elderly people to be more susceptible to infections, posing high risk for their health. Vaccination is thus important to cope with this risk, even though not always effective. As a strategy to improve protection, adjuvants are used in concomitance with vaccines, however, occasionally producing important side effects. The use of probiotics has been proposed as an alternative to adjuvants due to their efficacy in reducing the risk of common infections through the interactions with the immune system and the gut microbiota. A placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind, clinical trial was carried out on fifty elderly subjects, vaccinated for influenza, to determine the efficacy of a probiotic mixture in reducing common infection symptoms. The incidence of symptoms was evaluated after 28 days of probiotic intake (namely, T28) and after further 28 days of follow-up (namely, T56). The number of subjects, as well as the number of days with ...
Cosmetics, 2020
Aim: The present study aimed to assess the efficacy of a nutraceutical ingredient, SelectSIEVE® R... more Aim: The present study aimed to assess the efficacy of a nutraceutical ingredient, SelectSIEVE® Rainbow, based on botanical extracts, in ameliorating cellulite-derived skin imperfections and microcirculation. The nutritional supplement contained a mixture of Oryza sativa (L.), Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck, Ananas comosus (L.) Merr, and Actinidia chinensis Planch; all ingredients were botanicals that can be used in food supplements. Results: In vitro studies showed the high capacity of the supplement to have an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and hypolipidemic effect, accompanied by an interesting proteolytic activity. The randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial, carried out on 60 women during an 8-week treatment period, confirmed the in vitro study results. SelectSIEVE® Rainbow showed a whole-body shaping activity, with a reduction of the waist, hip, and tight circumference of 0.8, 0.65 and 0.72 cm, respectively. It also showed a reduction of subcutaneous fat mass o...
BioMed Research International, 2019
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2017
Background: General skincare measures such as the use of moisturisers and products containing ade... more Background: General skincare measures such as the use of moisturisers and products containing adequate photoprotection are important components of acne patients' management to complement the pharmacological regimen. Acne RA-1,2 is a novel dermato-cosmetic product which contains selective photofilters and active ingredients against the multifactorial pathophysiology of acne. Objectives: To evaluate the tolerability of Acne RA-1,2 and its effect on the clinical signs of acne. Methods: This double-blind, placebo-controlled study randomized 40 adult patients with 10-25 comedones per half face to once-daily application of Acne RA-1,2 or placebo for 8 weeks. Evaluations after 4 and 8 weeks included the number of comedones, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), sebum production, and tolerability. Results: In the Acne RA-1,2 group, there was a significant 35% decrease in the mean number of comedones from 26 at baseline to 17 at Week 8 (P<.001), a 7% significant reduction in TEWL (9.32 to 8.66 g/h/m 2 ; P<.001), and a 24% significant reduction in sebum production (154.8 to 117.6 lg/cm 2 ; P<.001). The reductions in TEWL and sebum production were significantly greater than those in the placebo group at Weeks 4 and 8 (P<0.05). There were no adverse events. Conclusions: Acne RA-1,2 was well tolerated and effective at reducing comedones and sebum production and improving epidermal barrier function. These results suggest that Acne RA-1,2 is useful against acne-prone facial skin, particularly as it targets sebum production, which topical pharmacological acne therapies do not address.
Journal of Cosmetology & Trichology, 2017
Introduction: Hair health concern is one of the most distressing conditions for a significant num... more Introduction: Hair health concern is one of the most distressing conditions for a significant number of men and women of all ages. The unique current pharmacologic therapeutic options approved by Food and Drug administration (FDA) are finasteride and topical minoxidil; however, these treatments may have side effects and may work on just one cause of hair loss, without giving an exhaustive and complete results. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a nutritional complex, combining omega 3-6-9, antioxidant, natural inhibitors of 5α-reductase and anti-inflammatory molecules in improving hair loss and hair health parameter such as volume, strength and reduction of greasiness. Methods: This study was made up of two phases. The in vitro experiment aimed at evaluating the capacity of the nutritional complex to lower the enzyme 5α-reductase activity in culture of human keratinocytes. The in vivo study was performed on 30 volunteers who experienced a 6 months treatment with the nutritional complex. The evaluation of hair loss and hair health parameter was performed by trichoscopy, global photograph review and subject's assessment. Results: The in vitro study showed the capacity of the nutritional formulation to inhibit the total 5α-reductase comparable to finasteride and Serenoa repens. The global photograph assessment at T 0 and T 6 showed an increased hair density on 83.3% of subjects and the preliminary results were already visible just after three months. Moreover, the trichoscopy demonstrates an increase of hair diameter and hair density, an improvement of vascularization and a reduction of greasiness at the follicle level. The hair quality and hair loss reduction valued by the subjects showed positive results confirming the photographic outcomes. Conclusions: This study proves the action of nutritional complex components, ß-sitosterosl with omega 3-6 complex from Serenoa repens, linseed, borage, wheat oils, pine bark and rye grass in inhibition of the total 5αreductase. Furthermore, both the reduction of hair greasiness and the improvement of hair quality demonstrate that this formulation is not only effective against 5α-reductase but it also exerts its properties in a complete manner by restoring the physiologic condition of a healthy scalp. Moreover, it demonstrates the positive effects of this natural complex supplementation on overall scalp coverage. Visibly there is an improvement of vascularization, hair diameter and the reduction of hair loss perception.
Cosmetics, 2017
Ceramides are known to play a key role in the skin's barrier function. An age-dependent decrease ... more Ceramides are known to play a key role in the skin's barrier function. An age-dependent decrease in ceramides content correlates with cutaneous clinical signs of dryness, loss of elasticity, and increased roughness. The present placebo-controlled clinical study aims to evaluate if an oral supplementation with glucosylceramides (GluCers) contained in a wheat polar lipids complex (WPLC) was able to improve such skin conditions. Sixty volunteers presenting dry and wrinkled skin were supplemented during 60 days with either a placebo or a WPLC extract in oil or powder form (1.7 mg GluCers and 11.5 mg of digalactosyldiglycerides (DGDG)). Skin parameters were evaluated at baseline and after 15, 30, and 60 days of supplementation. Oral intake of WPLC significantly increased skin hydration (p < 0.001), elasticity, and smoothness (p < 0.001), and decreased trans epidermal water loss (TEWL) (p < 0.001), roughness (p < 0.001), and wrinkledness (p < 0.001) in both WPLC groups compared to placebo. In both WPLC treated groups, all parameters were significantly improved in a time-dependent manner compared to baseline. In conclusion, this study demonstrates the positive effect of oral supplementation with GluCers on skin parameters and could reasonably reinforce the observations made on mice that orally-supplied sphingolipids can reach the skin.
Archives of gynecology and obstetrics, Jan 9, 2016
The aim of this study was to evaluate in the vagina of 60 pre-menopausal women the detection of o... more The aim of this study was to evaluate in the vagina of 60 pre-menopausal women the detection of orally administered multispecies probiotic formulations showing anti-microbial properties in test in vitro. A randomized, double-blind, three-arm parallel pilot study was carried out on 60 pre-menopausal women. Subjects were randomly divided in three groups (F_1, F_2, F_3). Each group received a daily oral administration of probiotic mixtures (for 14 days and at the day 21, 7 days after the wash-out) containing: Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus reuteri (F_1), or Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis (F_2), or placebo (F_3), respectively. Vaginal swabs were collected at four experimental times, at t0 and at t7, t14 and t21 days, and analyzed by qPCR. At the same time, the anti-microbial activity of the probiotic formulations was verified by assays in vitro against microorganisms as Escherichia coli and Candida albicans. L. ac...
Archives of gynecology and obstetrics, Jan 23, 2016
The author would like to correct the error in the online published article: In Materials and meth... more The author would like to correct the error in the online published article: In Materials and methods under sub heading Strains, probiotic formulations and culture conditions, in paragraph 3, sentence 2 should read as: The composition of the probiotic mix F_1 was as follows: 1 9 10 9 CFU L. acidophilus PBS066 (40 mg as lyophilized), 1 9 10 9 CFU L. reuteri PBS072 (30 mg as lyophilized), 320 mg inulin, 5 mg silica, 5 mg talc. The F_2 composition was as follows: 1 9 10 9 CFU L. plantarum PBS067 (12 mg as lyophilized), 1 9 10 9 CFU L. rhamnosus PBS070 (20 mg as lyophilized), 1 9 10 9 CFU B. animalis subsp. lactis PBS075. (60 mg as lyophilized), 298 mg inulin, 5 mg silica, 5 mg talc. Placebo (F_3) composition was as follows: 390 mg inulin, 5 mg silica, 5 mg talc.
Applied microbiology and biotechnology, 2015
The paper describes the preparation of new probiotic formulations based on chitosan-coated algina... more The paper describes the preparation of new probiotic formulations based on chitosan-coated alginate microcapsules containing three different probiotic strains, Lactobacillus plantarum PBS067, Lactobacillus rhamnosus PBS070, and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis PBS075 taken individually and as a mixture of them. The effects of microencapsulation on the viability of the strains in conditions simulating the gastrointestinal tract and under industrial processes conditions were studied. In addition, an evaluation of their probiotic properties was also investigated by in vitro tests on the human intestinal cell line HT-29 to explore the effect of microencapsulation on health beneficial effect of the considered strains. Non-encapsulated cells were completely destroyed when exposed to simulated gastric juice and other stress conditions, while encapsulated cells exhibited a significantly higher resistance to artificial intestinal juice and heat and osmotic treatment. Moreover, in this ...
Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy, 2016
Background: As the appearance of the face is a primary concern of many people, ways in which to t... more Background: As the appearance of the face is a primary concern of many people, ways in which to tighten the skin are increasingly in demand. In recent years, radiofrequency (RF) has become a promising nonablative, non-invasive, technique for facial rejuvenation. Objective: To assess the safety and the efficacy of a unipolar RF-based device for home use in increasing skin tightness (lifting effect) in the eyebrows area. Methods: Subjects (N = 50) aged between 30 and 70 years old showing skin wrinkledness all over the face and skin laxity in the eyebrows area were enrolled. The primary endpoint was the assessment of the eyebrow to hairline distance by means of a morphometric digital image analysis technique. Results: The eyebrows to hairline distance was statistically significant (both vs. basal condition and placebo) decreased by 1.338 ± 0.170 cm in the treated eyebrow. Conclusion: The obtained results confirm the safety and the efficacy of the tested device in decreasing skin laxity in the eyebrows area. The treatment is not time-consuming (about 6 minutes) and can be done at home. The device seems to be then a useful tool to delay skin laxity or to prolong the time to the first surgical facial lift.
Food & Nutrition Research, 2016
Background: Plant polyphenols have been found to be effective in preventing ultraviolet radiation... more Background: Plant polyphenols have been found to be effective in preventing ultraviolet radiation (UVR)induced skin alterations. A dietary approach based of these compounds could be a safe and effective method to provide a continuous adjunctive photoprotection measure. In a previous study, a combination of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) and grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) extracts has exhibited potential photoprotective effects both in skin cell model and in a human pilot trial. Objective: We investigated the efficacy of a combination of rosemary (R. officinalis) and grapefruit (C. paradisi) in decreasing the individual susceptibility to UVR exposure (redness and lipoperoxides) and in improving skin wrinkledness and elasticity. Design: A randomised, parallel group study was carried out on 90 subjects. Furthermore, a pilot, randomised, crossover study was carried out on five subjects. Female subjects having skin phototype from I to III and showing mild to moderate chrono-or photoageing clinical signs were enrolled in both studies. Skin redness (a* value of CIELab colour space) after UVB exposure to 1 minimal erythemal dose (MED) was assessed in the pilot study, while MED, lipoperoxides (malondialdehyde) skin content, wrinkle depth (image analysis), and skin elasticity (suction and elongation method) were measured in the main study. Results: Treated subjects showed a decrease of the UVB-and UVA-induced skin alterations (decreased skin redness and lipoperoxides) and an improvement of skin wrinkledness and elasticity. No differences were found between the 100 and 250 mg extracts doses, indicating a plateau effect starting from 100 mg extracts dose. Some of the positive effects were noted as short as 2 weeks of product consumption. Conclusions: The long-term oral intake of Nutroxsun TM can be considered to be a complementary nutrition strategy to avoid the negative effects of sun exposure. The putative mechanism for these effects is most likely to take place through the inhibition of UVR-induced reactive oxygen species and the concomitant inflammatory markers (lipoperoxides and cytokines) together with their direct action on intracellular signalling pathways.
Food & Nutrition Research, 2016
Background: Fish protein hydrolysates (FPHs) have been reported as a suitable source of proteins ... more Background: Fish protein hydrolysates (FPHs) have been reported as a suitable source of proteins for human nutrition because of their balanced amino acid composition and positive effect on gastrointestinal absorption. Objective: Here, we investigated the effect of a FPH, Slimpro † , obtained from blue whiting (Micromesistius poutassou) muscle by enzymatic hydrolysis, on body composition and on stimulating cholecystokinin (CCK) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) secretion. Design: A randomized clinical study was carried out on 120, slightly overweight (25 kg/m 2 5 BMI B30 kg/m 2), male (25%) and female (75%) subjects. FPH was tested in a food supplement at two doses (1.4 and 2.8 g) to establish if a doseÁeffect relationship exists. Product use was associated with a mild hypocaloric diet ((300 kcal/day). Body composition (body weight; fat mass; extracellular water; and circumference of waist, thighs, and hips) and CCK/GLP-1 blood levels were measured at the beginning of the study and after 45 and 90 days of product use. CCK/GLP-1 levels were measured since they are involved in controlling food intake. Results: Treated subjects reported an improvement of body weight composition and an increased blood concentration of both CCK and GLP-1. No differences were found between the 1.4 and 2.8 g FPH doses, indicating a plateau effect starting from 1.4 g FPH. Conclusions: Both 1.4 and 2.8 g of FPH were effective in improving body composition and in increasing CCK and GLP-1 blood levels.
Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, 2016
Alteration of the ubiquitous thiol tripeptide glutathione (GSH) is involved in oxidative stress, ... more Alteration of the ubiquitous thiol tripeptide glutathione (GSH) is involved in oxidative stress, which plays a role in ageing; consequently, GSH is closely related to this process characterized by progressive decline in the efficiency of physiological function and increased susceptibility to disease. When circulating GSH decreases, oral administration might be considered a therapeutic benefit. Unfortunately, due to the hydrolysis of the tripeptide by intestinalγ-glutamyltransferase, dietary glutathione is not a major determinant for its increase. Aim of this work was to evaluate improvement of GSH systemic availability testing,in vitroandin vivo, an optimized orobuccal fast-slow release formulation tablet containing pure stabilized GSH.In vitroevaluation of the penetration capability of the innovative GSH-release formulation showed that GSH was well absorbed by the reconstructed oral epithelium and its absorption has features of time-dependence. In addition,in vivoresults, obtained ...
Annali di igiene : medicina preventiva e di comunità
Peloid has been popularly used as an effective base in cosmetic preparations, although its biolog... more Peloid has been popularly used as an effective base in cosmetic preparations, although its biologically-active materials and mechanisms on skin have not yet been fully determined. An association between Massaciuccoli peat and sodium chloride water of Undulna Thermae was evaluated as a 2-weeks therapy for gynoid lipodystrophy in a group of 30 overweight females (age: 20-50y, BMI: 25-35 kg/m2) by means of evidence based-medicine criteria. The modification of the body diameters was the primary end-point, and the variation of skinfold thicknesses, bioimpendance parameters, evaluation of skin elasticity, rated thermal contact to liquid crystals and measurement of subcutaneous fat tissue were the secondary end-points. It was asked, by visual-analog scale, for an opinion to the patients about effectiveness of treatment. At the end of treatment, after 2 weeks, all body diameters significantly decreased in the intervention group (waist circumference: 91.95 +/- 8.94 versus 90.60 +/- 8.90 cm, ...
Minerva ginecologica, 2010
During and after menopause the skin shows up clearly how the lack of estrogen affects tissues, an... more During and after menopause the skin shows up clearly how the lack of estrogen affects tissues, and menopause can in fact be considered a "multisystemic" disorder of connective tissue. The low menopausal estrogen levels combined with age-related skin changes, accelerating skin aging. This affects both the epidermis and the dermis: fibroblasts not only become fewer, but they produce 30% less collagen, reflecting its metabolic decline. Estrogens act on collagen synthesis by directly stimulating fibroblasts. However, hormone replacement can prevent the postmenopausal loss of collagen--or eliminate it once it has started. The results of the Women's Health Initiative study drastically changed Italian gynecologists' prescribing habits. Natural products with estrogen-like activity are increasingly accepted, since they have good effects on collagen synthesis and/or inhibit collagenase activity, with a reassuring safety profile. This was confirmed by an in vitro study that a...
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2014
Background Human skin aging is a multifactorial and complex biological process affecting the diff... more Background Human skin aging is a multifactorial and complex biological process affecting the different skin constituents. Even if the skin aging mechanism is not yet fully unravelled is evident that epidermis loses the principal molecule responsible for binding and retaining water molecules, resulting in loss of skin moisture and accounting for some of the most striking alterations of the aged skin. Objectives This Study investigated the cosmetic filling efficacy of Fillerina â in decreasing the skin aging signs and in improving facial volume deficiencies. Methods A placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized clinical trial was carried out on 40 healthy female subjects showing mild to moderate clinical signs of skin aging. The effect of the treatment on skin surface and on face volumes was assessed both in the short-term (3 h after a single product application) and in the long-term (7, 14, and 30 days after continuative daily use). Results Three hours after a single application and after 7, 14, and 30 days of treatment the lips volume was increased by 8.5%, 11.3%, 12.8%, and 14.2%. After 7, 14, and 30 days: (1) skin sagging of the face contours was decreased by À0.443 AE 0.286, À1.124 AE 0.511, and À1.326 AE 0.649 mm, respectively; (2) skin sagging of the cheekbones contours was decreased by À0.989 AE 0.585, À2.500 AE 0.929, and À2.517 AE 0.927 mm, respectively; (3) cheekbones volume was increased by 0.875 AE 0.519, 2.186 AE 0.781, and 2.275 AE 0.725 mm, respectively; (4) wrinkle volume was decreased by À11.3%, À18.4%, and À26.3%, respectively; and (5) wrinkle depth was decreased by À8.4%, À14.5%, and À21.8% respectively. Conclusion This study demonstrated the positive filling effect of Fillerina â in decreasing the clinical signs of skin aging and in improving the face volumes.
Journal of Food Science, 2014
Oxalate (Ox) is a very common component of the human diet, capable to collect in the renal tissue... more Oxalate (Ox) is a very common component of the human diet, capable to collect in the renal tissue and bind calcium to form calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystals. A supersaturation of CaOx crystal may cause nephrocalcinosis and nephrolithiasis. The inflammation derived from the CaOx crystal accumulation, together with innate or secondary renal alterations, could strongly affect the renal function. In this case a consumption of probiotics with either oxalate-degrading activity at intestinal level and systemic anti-inflammatory activity could be an alternative approach to treat the subjects with excess of urinary oxalate excretion. 11 strains of lactic acid bacteria (Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria), already included in the list of bacteria safe for the human use, were investigated for their capability to degrade oxalate by mean of RP-HPLC-UV method and modulate inflammation in an in vitro model system based on peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Four promising bacterial strains (Lactobacillus plantarum PBS067, Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-14, Bifidobacterium breve PBS077, Bifidobacterium longum PBS078) were identified as innovative biological tools for the prevention and the therapeutic treatment of hyperoxaluria and the inflammatory events associated to the Ox accumulation. The oxalate-degrading activity of some probiotics and their capability to modulate the release of inflammation mediators could be exploited as a new nutraceutical and therapeutic approach for the treatment of oxalate accumulation and the related inflammatory state.
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Papers by Angela Michelotti