title: Real-time trace gas sensing of ethylene, propanal and acetaldehyde from human skin in vivo.
abstract: Trace gases emitted by human skin in vivo are monitored non-invasively and in real time using laser-based photoacoustic detection and proton-transfer reaction mass spectrometry. A small quartz cuvette is placed on the skin to create a headspace from which a carrier gas transports the skin emissions to the detection systems. The transparency of quartz to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) allows investigation of UVR-related trace gas emissions. As a demonstration of this measurement system, the effect of supplemental intake of systemic antioxidants on UVR-induced lipid peroxidation is investigated. The production by the skin of three biomarkers of UVR-induced lipid peroxidation (ethylene, acetaldehyde and propanal) is monitored. Although no significant effect of antioxidant intake was observed, the method presented here is a novel and promising technique for investigation of human skin in vivo.
authors.affiliation: Department of Molecular and Laser Physics, Institute of Molecules and Materials, Radboud University Nijmegen, POB 9010, Nijmegen, NL-6500 GL, The Netherlands. B.Moeskops@science.ru.nl
authors.forename: B W M
authors.initials: BW
authors.lastname: Moeskops
authors.forename: M M L
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Steeghs
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: van Swam
authors.forename: S M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Cristescu
authors.forename: P T J
authors.initials: PT
authors.lastname: Scheepers
authors.forename: F J M
authors.initials: FJ
authors.lastname: Harren
mesh_terms: D000079:Acetaldehyde / Q000032:analysis*; D000328:Adult; D000447:Aldehydes / Q000032:analysis*; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000494:pharmacology; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000032:analysis; D015374:Biosensing Techniques / Q000379:methods*; D003199:Computer Systems; D005030:Ethylenes / Q000032:analysis*; D005740:Gases / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D015227:Lipid Peroxidation / Q000187:drug effects / Q000528:radiation effects; D008297:Male; D013058:Mass Spectrometry; D012867:Skin / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000187:drug effects / Q000528:radiation effects; D013056:Spectrophotometry, Ultraviolet; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays
chemical_list: D000447:Aldehydes; D000975:Antioxidants; D015415:Biomarkers; D005030:Ethylenes; D005740:Gases; C036216:ethylene; C005556:propionaldehyde; D000079:Acetaldehyde