Carotenoid pigments and the treatment of erythropoietic protoporphyria

J Infect Dis. 1978 Dec;138(6):924-7. doi: 10.1093/infdis/138.6.924.

Abstract

Carotenoid pigments protect photosynthetic organisms against photosensitization by their own chlorophyll. This photoprotective function of carotenoids was utilized in the treatment of a human photosensitivity disease, erythropoietic protoporphyria.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Animals
  • Carotenoids / administration & dosage
  • Carotenoids / therapeutic use*
  • Child
  • Drug Evaluation
  • Erythrocytes / metabolism
  • Erythropoiesis
  • Female
  • Hematoporphyrins / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Porphyrias / blood
  • Porphyrias / drug therapy*
  • Protoporphyrins / metabolism

Substances

  • Hematoporphyrins
  • Protoporphyrins
  • Carotenoids