title: The effect of topical L-selenomethionine on minimal erythema dose of ultraviolet irradiation in humans.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to determine whether topical L-selenomethionine reduces the degree of acute damage to the skin (i.e., sunburn) induced by ultraviolet (UV) irradiation in humans. Eight women volunteers were treated for 2 weeks first with lotion vehicle then with topical L-selenomethionine for two weeks at each of three concentrations (0.002%, 0.02%, and 0.05%). At the end of each 2-week treatment period, the minimal erythema dose (MED) of UV irradiation was measured using a Multiport Solar Ultraviolet Simulator. It was found that topical L-selenomethionine was effective in protecting against acute UV damage to the skin. A response curve demonstrated that increasing concentrations of topical L-selenomethionine gave increasing MED, with a plateau of maximal protection attained at a concentration between 0.02% and 0.05%. Although previous studies in rats and mice demonstrated percutaneous absorption of selenium after application of L-selenomethionine, in the concentrations used here, the topical L-selenomethionine did not result in increased levels of selenium in the blood plasma of the patients tested.
authors: Department of Pathology, Scripps Clinic and Research Foundation, La Jolla, California.
authors: K E
authors: KE
authors: Burke
authors: R G
authors: RG
authors: Burford
authors: G F
authors: GF
authors: Combs
authors: I W
authors: IW
authors: French
authors: D R
authors: DR
authors: Skeffington
mesh_terms: D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000328:Adult; D004890:Erythema / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010787:Photosensitivity Disorders / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012643:Selenium / Q000097:blood; D012645:Selenomethionine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012882:Skin Tests; D013471:Sunburn / Q000517:prevention & control; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays / Q000009:adverse effects*
chemical_list: D012645:Selenomethionine; D012643:Selenium