Modulation of UV-light-induced skin inflammation by D-alpha-tocopherol and L-ascorbic acid: a clinical study using solar simulated radiation.
OBJECTIVE
In this clinical trial we studied whether oral supplementation with D-alpha-tocopherol (alpha-Toc), L-ascorbic acid (Asc), or alpha-Toc combined with Asc influenced the solar simulated radiation (SSR) induced skin inflammation in healthy volunteers.


METHODS
We investigated the following groups in a prospective, randomized and placebo controlled study: Group (1) alpha-Toc 2 g/day, group (2) Asc 3 g/day, group (3) alpha-Toc 2 g/day combined with Asc 3 g/day, and group (4) placebo. Before and 50 days after supplementation we analyzed alpha-Toc and Asc concentrations in keratinocytes. The dose response curve of UV erythema was determined by reflectance spectrophotometry and the minimal erythema dose (MED) by visual grading before and after supplementation.


RESULTS
50 days after supplementation alpha-Toc keratinocyte levels were increased in groups (1) and (3), Asc concentrations were elevated in groups (2) and (3), and the a/gamma-Toc ratio increased in groups (1) and (3). The dose response curve of UVR induced erythema showed a significant flattening and the MED increased from 103 +/- 29 mJ/cm2 (before supplementation) to 183 +/- 35 mJ/cm2 (after supplementation) in group (3), while there were no significant changes in groups (1) and (2) after vitamin supplementation.


CONCLUSIONS
Alpha-Toc and Asc act synergistically in suppression of the sunburn reaction.
Fuchs
J
J
Department of Dermatology, Medical School, J.W. Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany.
Kern
H
H
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001205:Ascorbic Acid / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004357:Drug Synergism; D004890:Erythema / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000188:drug therapy; D015603:Keratinocytes / Q000378:metabolism; D012867:Skin / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology* / Q000528:radiation effects; D013053:Spectrophotometry; D013471:Sunburn / Q000188:drug therapy; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014810:Vitamin E / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000975:Antioxidants; D014810:Vitamin E; D001205:Ascorbic Acid