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Published in: Archives of Dermatological Research 7/2009

01-08-2009 | Original Paper

Influence of a commercial tattoo ink on protein production in human fibroblasts

Authors: Mirella Falconi, Gabriella Teti, Michela Zago, Angela Galanzi, Lorenzo Breschi, Susi Pelotti, Alessandra Ruggeri, Giovanni Mazzotti

Published in: Archives of Dermatological Research | Issue 7/2009

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Abstract

Tattooing is an ancient art and is still widely practiced all over the world. Since the biocompatibility of tattoo dyes has not been well researched, we studied the toxicity of a commercial tattoo ink, commonly used in tattoo lab and esthetic centers, on human fibroblasts. To test cell viability, MTT assays were carried out and scanning electron microscopy to visualize changes in the cell surface after the dye exposure was performed. A possible influence of the pigment on the expression of procollagen α1 type I protein was visualized by western blotting analysis. The results showed a reduction in cell viability, and electron microscopy demonstrated an unmodified cell surface completely covered by pigment particles. Western blotting analysis demonstrated a clear interference of the pigment on the expression of procollagen α1 type I protein. These data demonstrated that the commercial tattoo dye has a time-dependent effect on protein expression. A possible connection of the influence of the tattoo ink with clinical effects is discussed.
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Metadata
Title
Influence of a commercial tattoo ink on protein production in human fibroblasts
Authors
Mirella Falconi
Gabriella Teti
Michela Zago
Angela Galanzi
Lorenzo Breschi
Susi Pelotti
Alessandra Ruggeri
Giovanni Mazzotti
Publication date
01-08-2009
Publisher
Springer-Verlag
Published in
Archives of Dermatological Research / Issue 7/2009
Print ISSN: 0340-3696
Electronic ISSN: 1432-069X
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00403-009-0953-7

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