A new wrinkle on topical vitamin E and photo-inflammation: Mechanistic studies of a hydrophilic gamma-tocopherol derivative compared with alpha-tocopherol

J Invest Dermatol. 2006 Jul;126(7):1447-9. doi: 10.1038/sj.jid.5700308.

Abstract

The antioxidant function of vitamin E is thought to mediate its photo-protective effects. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is an important mediator of early photo-inflammation. Thus, the ability of gamma-tocopherol to inhibit COX-2 activity independently of its antioxidant function raises important questions regarding potential roles that this form of vitamin E plays in photo-protection and skin cancer chemoprevention.

Publication types

  • Comment

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Oral
  • Administration, Topical
  • Antioxidants / pharmacology
  • Antioxidants / therapeutic use
  • Cyclooxygenase 2 / physiology
  • Cyclooxygenase 2 Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • Cyclooxygenase 2 Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Dinoprostone / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Dinoprostone / physiology
  • Epidermis / chemistry
  • Epidermis / physiopathology
  • Epidermis / radiation effects
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / drug therapy*
  • Inflammation / physiopathology*
  • Light / adverse effects
  • Skin Neoplasms / etiology
  • Skin Neoplasms / physiopathology
  • Skin Neoplasms / prevention & control
  • Ultraviolet Rays / adverse effects
  • alpha-Tocopherol / pharmacology
  • alpha-Tocopherol / therapeutic use*
  • gamma-Tocopherol / pharmacology
  • gamma-Tocopherol / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Antioxidants
  • Cyclooxygenase 2 Inhibitors
  • gamma-Tocopherol
  • Cyclooxygenase 2
  • alpha-Tocopherol
  • Dinoprostone