title: Selenium, ultraviolet radiation and the skin.
abstract: Selenium (Se) is a dietary trace mineral in which there has recently been a surge of interest, in both the popular and the scientific press, because of its demonstrated anti-carcinogenic and anti-inflammatory properties in humans. In this short review, I will explain why Se is an important component of cellular anti-oxidant defences and review its protective effects against UV radiation-induced damage to skin cells. Although little is known about whether selenium can protect human skin from UV-induced damage, clinical studies are underway and the anti-oxidant may offer considerable benefits.
authors.affiliation: Division of Dermatology, Department of Medical and Radiological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Scotland, UK. roddie.mckenzie@ed.ac.uk
authors.forename: R C
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: McKenzie
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D006801:Humans; D051379:Mice; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012643:Selenium / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays / Q000009:adverse effects*
chemical_list: D000975:Antioxidants; D012643:Selenium