title: Beta-carotene therapy for erythropoietic protoporphyria and other photosensitivity diseases.
abstract: This paper describes the development of the use of carotenoid pigments in the treatment of light-sensitive skin diseases. It also discusses the animal and human studies involved in determining whether carotenoids have any anti-cancer activity. The possible mechanisms of carotenoid photoprotective and anti-cancer actions are briefly discussed.
mesh_terms: D015127:9,10-Dimethyl-1,2-benzanthracene; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D001419:Bacteria / Q000528:radiation effects; D018407:Bacterial Physiological Phenomena; D016644:Canthaxanthin; D002338:Carotenoids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000097:blood / Q000502:physiology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004032:Diet; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008027:Light; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control; D009374:Neoplasms, Experimental / Q000517:prevention & control; D010777:Photochemistry; D010787:Photosensitivity Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011164:Porphyrias / Q000151:congenital / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011524:Protoporphyrins / Q000378:metabolism; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D013471:Sunburn / Q000517:prevention & control; D013472:Sunlight / Q000009:adverse effects; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays; D019207:beta Carotene
chemical_list: D011524:Protoporphyrins; D019207:beta Carotene; D002338:Carotenoids; D016644:Canthaxanthin; D015127:9,10-Dimethyl-1,2-benzanthracene; C100185:(all-E) phytoene; C028025:protoporphyrin IX