Ultraviolet B-induced DNA damage in human epidermis is modified by the antioxidants ascorbic acid and D-alpha-tocopherol.
DNA damage caused by ultraviolet (UV) irradiation is considered the main etiologic factor contributing to the development of skin cancer. Systemic or topical application of antioxidants has been suggested as a protective measure against UV-induced skin damage. We investigated the effect of long-term oral administration of a combination of the antioxidants ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and D-alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E) in human volunteers on UVB-induced epidermal damage. The intake of vitamins C and E for a period of 3 mo significantly reduced the sunburn reaction to UVB irradiation. Detection of thymine dimers in the skin using a specific antibody revealed a significant increase of this type of DNA damage following UVB exposure. After 3 mo of antioxidant administration, significantly less thymine dimers were induced by the UVB challenge, suggesting that antioxidant treatment protected against DNA damage.
Placzek
Marianne
M
Klinik und Poliklinik für Dermatologie und Allergologie, Ludwig-Maximillians-Universität, Frauenlobstr. 9-11, 80337 Munich, Germany. marianne.placzek@lrz.uni-muenchen.de
Gaube
Sabine
S
Kerkmann
Urs
U
Gilbertz
Klaus-Peter
KP
Herzinger
Thomas
T
Haen
Ekkehard
E
Przybilla
Bernhard
B
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001205:Ascorbic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001706:Biopsy; D004249:DNA Damage / Q000187:drug effects; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D004817:Epidermis / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000528:radiation effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011740:Pyrimidine Dimers / Q000378:metabolism; D013471:Sunburn / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays; D024502:alpha-Tocopherol / Q000008:administration & dosage*
D000975:Antioxidants; D011740:Pyrimidine Dimers; D024502:alpha-Tocopherol; D001205:Ascorbic Acid