1. ^*Klinik und Poliklinik für Dermatologie und Allergologie, Ludwig-Maximillians-Universität, Frauenlobstr. 9-11, 80337 Munich, Germany
2. ^†Institut für Radiobiologie der Bundeswehr, Neuherbergstr. 11, 80937 Munich, Germany
3. ^‡Klinische Pharmakologie, Klinik und Poliklinik für Psychiatrie der Universität im Bezirksklinikum Regensburg, Universitätsstrae 84, 930 42 Regensburg, Germany

Correspondence: Marianne Placzek, Email: marianne.placzek@lrz.uni-muenchen.de

Received 5 May 2004; Revised 20 July 2004; Accepted 11 August 2004; Published online 19 January 2005.

Abstract

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--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.