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. 2022 Mar-Apr;67(2):204.
doi: 10.4103/ijd.ijd_755_21.

Effect of a Precision Cryotherapy Device with Temperature Adjustability on Pigmentation

Mi Hee Kwack  1   2 , Seongjin Lee  3 , Eun Hye Lee  4 , Gi Ung Ha  4 , Gun-Ho Kim  3 , Weon Ju Lee  4
Affiliations

Effect of a Precision Cryotherapy Device with Temperature Adjustability on Pigmentation

Mi Hee Kwack et al. Indian J Dermatol. 2022 Mar-Apr.

Abstract

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.

Keywords: Cryotherapy device; UVB; pigmentation.

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Conflict of interest statement

There are no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Novel cryotherapy system that can produce precise cooling temperature at a target area, enabled by feedback control of cryogen thermodynamic state based on real-time temperature reading at the target area. (a) Illustration of the cryotherapy system. (b) Temperature control at the target area by the cryotherapy system. (c) Image of prototype device. (d) Spouting cryogens and light-emitting diode guiding injection point
Figure 2
Figure 2
Gene expression of pigmentation-related biomarkers in mice with UVB irradiation was decreased after treatment with the cryotherapy device (*P < 0.05). (a) Tyrosinase. (b) Microphthalmia-associated transcription factor. (c) Melanocortin 1 receptor. (d) c-kit
Figure 3
Figure 3
Protein expression of pigmentation-related biomarkers in mice with UVB irradiation was decreased after treatment with the cryotherapy device (*P < 0.05). (a) Tyrosinase. (b) Microphthalmia-associated transcription factor. (c) Melanocortin 1 receptor. (d) c-kit
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