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Pol J Cosmetol 2011, 14(1): 2-16pl,en  Perspectives of molecular biology in cosmetologyElżbieta Potargowicz Zakład Interakcji Komórkowych, Katedra Fizjologii Doświadczalnej i Klinicznej, Uniwersytet Medyczny w Łodzi Summary Molecular biology is the most dynamically developing field in biological sciences. It influences other sciences, including cosmetology. Thanks to the rapid development of methods of molecular biology it is now possible to examine single genes or their selected sequences. Techniques of molecular biology in combination with in vitro techniques are used to analyse the level of toxicity of various substances found in cosmetics as well as to introduce new bioactive substances to cosmetics. Many substances found in cosmetics which cause damage to cells, increased production of proinflammatory cytokines or increased apoptosis can be detected with specific test used in molecular biology, i.e. ELISA (enzyme - like immunosorption assay) or techniques RT-PCR (reverse transcriptase - polymerase chain reaction). So called organotypic cultures (morphologically similar to a tissue or organ) play an important role in cosmetology. Human keratinocytes cultured in vitro serve as material to test new cosmetics and they are also a subject in gene therapy. Thanks to these cultures of keratinocytes it is possible to analyze expression of various genes with the DNA microarray techniques. The techniques enable to confirm the presence of specific contact allergy. With the use of the method of culture of mononuclear cells of peripheral blood in patients with allergy it is possible to detect specifically sensitized T-lymphocyte clones. The article presents basic techniques of molecular diagnostics and methods of culturing cells as well as their practical application. Key words: molecular diagnosis, in vitro culture, DNA microarray |