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Biomedical subjects

M A Pathak

Publications and source records attributed to M A Pathak.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

The evolution of photochemotherapy with psoralens and UVA (PUVA): 2000 BC to 1992 AD.

The therapeutic uses of naturally occurring psoralens in modern-day medicine (8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP), 5-methoxypsoralen (5-MOP), 4,5',8-trimethylpsoralen, and a few other synthetic psoralens) have evolved through five stages of development. (1) In the historical period (2000 BC to 1930 AD), the pigment-stimulating properties of naturally occurring plants containing psoralens were described anecdotally. (2) The second period (1930-1960) dealing with the chemistry of psoralens involved extraction, identification of their structure, synthesis, and the relationship between chemical structure and their photoreactivity and pigment-stimulating properties. The treatment of vitiligo with oral and topical 8-MOP became popular. (3) In the third period (1960-1974), we witnessed a new beginning and the growth of basic science studies and clinical investigations into various biological properties of psoralens including action spectrum studies, mutagenesis and carcinogenesis studies, in vitro and in vivo photoreactivity studies of various psoralens with DNA, RNA, proteins, and pharmacological and toxicological studies in vitiligo patients undergoing long-term therapy for repigmentation. (4) The fourth period (1974-1988) is recognized as the period of photochemotherapy and the development of the science of photomedicine which established the therapeutic effectiveness of psoralens in combination with newly developed UV irradiation systems that emitted high-intensity UVA radiation in the treatment of severe psoriasis, mycosis fungoides, and over 16 other skin diseases. The effectiveness of PUVA (psoralen + UVA) was confirmed by well controlled clinical trials in thousands of patients, both in the USA and in European countries. Combination therapy with oral retinoids and PUVA contributed to greater effectiveness and long-term safety of psoralen photochemotherapy. (5) In the fifth period (1989 and beyond), psoralens are now emerging as photochemoprotective agents against non-melanoma skin cancers and as immunologic modifiers in the management of certain patients with disorders of circulating T-cells using new techniques of photopheresis. In the final analysis, perhaps the application of pharmacological and therapeutic concepts and principles of using psoralens in combination with UVA has contributed to the development of a new science of photomedicine in which the interaction between basic scientists, photobiologists, and physicians has produced both basic and new clinical knowledge for the care and control of human suffering.

Furocoumarins

Skin photosensitizing agents and the role of reactive oxygen species in photoaging.

In this paper, the role of reactive oxygen species in photoaging is presented. Many photosensitizing agents are known to generate reactive oxygen species (singlet oxygen (1O2), superoxide anion (O2.-) and .OH radicals). Although photoaging (dermatoheliosis) of human skin is caused by UVB and UVA radiation, the hypothesis tested here in the pathogenesis of photoaging of human skin is the free radical theory involving the generation of reactive oxygen species by UVA (320-400 nm) radiation and their damaging oxidative effects on cutaneous collagen and other model proteins. The UVA-generated reactive oxygen species cause cross-linking of proteins (e.g. collagen), oxidation of sulfydryl groups causing disulfide cross-links, oxidative inactivation of certain enzymes causing functional impairment of cells (fibroblasts, keratinocytes, melanocytes, Langerhans cells) and liberation of proteases, collagenase and elastase. The skin-damaging effects of UVA appear to result from type II, oxygen-mediated photodynamic reactions in which UVA or near-UV radiation in the presence of certain photosensitizing chromophores (e.g., riboflavin, porphyrins, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH), etc.) leads to the formation of reactive oxygen species (1O2, O2.-, .OH). Four specific observations are presented to illustrate the concept: (1) the production of 1O2 and O2.- by UVB, UVA and UVA plus photosensitizing agents (such as riboflavin, porphyrin and 3-carbethoxypsoralens) as a function of UV exposure dose, the sensitizer concentration and the pH of the irradiated solution; (2) the formation of protein cross-links in collagen, catalase and superoxide dismutase by 1O2 and O2.- (.OH) and the resulting denaturation of proteins and enzyme activities as a function of UVA exposure dose; (3) the protective role of selective quenchers of 1O2 and O2.- (e.g. alpha-tocopherol acetate, beta-carotene, sodium azide, ascorbic acid, etc.) against the photoinactivation of enzymes and the prevention of the protein cross-linking reaction; (4) the possible usefulness of certain antioxidants or quenchers that interact with the UVA-induced generation of reactive oxygen species in the amelioration of the process of photoaging.

Animals

Role of ultraviolet radiation in the induction of melanocytic tumors in hairless mice following 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene application and ultraviolet irradiation.

We examined the role of UVR (UV radiation) (UVA, 320-400 nm; UVB, 290-320 nm; and the combination of UVA and UVB) as a promoter in the induction of cutaneous melanoma. One hundred and seventy hairless mice (Skh-hr2), 6-8 weeks old, were treated in 8 groups: group I, DMBA [7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene] plus UVA; group II, DMBA plus UVA plus UVB; group III, DMBA plus UVB; group IV, DMBA; group V, UVA; group VI, UVA plus UVB; group VII, UVB; group VIII, control. DMBA (0.5% solution) was applied once to promote the formation of dermal melanocytic nevus-like lesions while UVR treatments were conducted 3 times/week for 30 weeks. The mice were examined periodically for the development of multiple pigmented lesions, papillomas, squamous cell carcinomas, melanomas, and lymphomas. Treatment with DMBA plus UVA, DMBA plus UVB, and DMBA plus UVA plus UVB stimulated the development of multiple pigmented nevus-like lesions (85-100%) in mice of groups I, II, III, and IV. Upon necroscopy, 27-33% of animals in groups I, II, and III receiving UVR treatments developed clinically and histologically characterized melanomas. Treatment with DMBA alone did not produce melanomas. DMBA-treated animals in groups I, II, and III which received UVR treatments also developed lymphomas (21-50%). Animals treated with DMBA alone or those that received UVB or the combination of UVB plus UVA (without DMBA) developed only papillomas and squamous cell carcinomas (25-47%). Skin tumors were analyzed for the presence of point mutations in the ras gene. Polymerase chain reaction amplification of DNA and selective oligonucleotide hybridization revealed mutations in the 61st codon of the N-ras gene in the precursor nevus-like lesions and melanoma samples studied. This study suggests that UVR (both UVA and UVB) plays a role as a promoter in the stimulation of melanoma and lymphoma development in hairless mice.

9,10-Dimethyl-1,2-benzanthracene

Ultraviolet radiation and the development of non-melanoma and melanoma skin cancer: clinical and experimental evidence.

Clinical and experimental evidence explaining and supporting the role of UV radiation as a causal factor for the induction and promotion of nonmelanoma and malignant melanoma skin cancer are presented. While there is excellent animal experimental data and human epidemiologic evidence supporting the causal relationship of UVR (UVB, as well as UVA radiation) for basal and squamous cell carcinomas, the data establishing a direct causal relationship between melanoma and exposure to sunlight appear to be complex. They do, however, suggest a definite promotional role of sunlight in the causation of melanoma. Using a hairless pigmented mouse strain (Skh-hr2), experiments were initiated to examine the role of UVR in the induction of melanoma. A single application of DMBA as an initiator and subsequent thrice-weekly exposures to either UVB (290-320 nm) or UVA (320-400 nm) or the combined exposures of UVA and UVB resulted in the formation of blue nevus-like lesions. Repeated UVR exposures for over 30 weeks resulted in the development of melanoma (38%), as well as lymphoma and squamous cell carcinoma only in those mice that were pretreated with DMBA and had developed nevi. Mice receiving UVB, UVA, or the combination treatments of UVB plus UVA without DMBA pretreatment developed papillomas and squamous cell carcinoma but no melanoma. These studies indicate that some initiation event is essential to transform melanocytes to blue nevus-like lesions before UVR (UVB + UVA) can act as a promoter and accelerate the development of malignant melanoma, as as well as lymphoma.

9,10-Dimethyl-1,2-benzanthracene

Studies on the nature of in vitro and in vivo photosensitization reactions by psoralens and porphyrins.

This study was directed to examine the role of type II (photodynamic) reactions involving the production of reactive oxygen species (singlet oxygen, superoxide anion, and hydroxy radicals) in in vitro and in vivo photosensitization reactions induced by skin photosensitizing chemicals. Several porphyrins and psoralens, as model compounds representing examples of endogenous and exogenous photosensitizers, were examined for their ability to (a) produce singlet oxygen and superoxide anions, (b) induce damage to membranes and associated microsomal P-450, (c) promote lipid peroxidation of microsomal lipids of liver and epidermal cells, and (d) induce skin photosensitization reactions in vivo. Dose-response study in vitro of singlet oxygen production in H2O and D2O and inhibition studies involving the production of singlet oxygen and superoxide anion by specific quenchers indicated significant production of singlet oxygen by porphyrins, about 5-20 times higher than psoralen at 10(-5) M and 10(-6) M concentration and irradiation dose of 1-5 J/cm2 of UVA (greater than 320-400 nm radiation). The comparative studies on aerobic photodegradation of microsomal P-450 of guinea pig epidermis and liver indicated a significantly greater destruction of P-450 with porphyrins than with psoralens. A membrane-lipid peroxidation study involving malondialdehyde production, using liver and epidermal microsomal fractions with and without porphyrins, psoralens, and UVA radiation, indicated 10-20 times increased production of malondialdehyde with UVA and porphyrins than with psoralens.

Animals

Characterization of superoxide dismutase from mammalian skin epidermis.

Superoxide dismutase provides a protective defense mechanism in cellular compartments against the potential cytotoxicity of superoxide anion generated by ultraviolet radiation. Little information is available about the nature of superoxide dismutase in mammalian skin. We report the isolation and characterization of superoxide dismutase from human, guinea pig, and mouse epidermis. Copper-zinc superoxide dismutase was detected in all the mammalian skin specimens examined. Manganese superoxide dismutase was detected in human and guinea pig epidermis but not in the newborn or adult albino CD1 mouse epidermis. Electrophoresis studies of the extracted and partially purified skin superoxide dismutase on polyacrylamide gel slabs in the presence of sodium dodecylsulfate showed the characteristic molecular weights for subunits of 16,500 for copper-zinc superoxide dismutase, and 23,500 for mangano superoxide dismutase. Studies under nondenaturing conditions revealed significant differences in the mobility of the enzymes, depending on the sources of superoxide dismutase. The mouse epidermal copper-zinc superoxide dismutase was found similar to the bovine liver copper-zinc superoxide dismutase used as an internal standard. The copper-zinc superoxide dismutase of human skin and guinea pig skin showed activity-stained bands characterized by a higher mobility than the same enzyme from mouse or bovine liver. Quantitative data using the beta-NADH oxidation method indicated a 5-10-fold lower content of superoxide dismutase in mammalian epidermis in comparison with other tissues examined during this study, or compared with reported values in the literature.

Animals

Involvement of reactive oxygen species in the oxidation of tyrosine and dopa to melanin and in skin tanning.

The role of reactive oxygen (1O2 and O2-.) in skin photosensitization and tanning reaction has been examined. Riboflavin (RF), hematoporphyrin (HP), 3-carbethoxypsoralen (3-CP), and 8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP), upon photoexcitation under aerobic conditions, produced singlet O2 (1O2). RF, 3-CP, and 8-MOP also produced superoxide anion (O2-.). Reactive O2 produced by photosensitized RF, 3-CP, and 8-MOP was found to oxidize tyrosine and dopa to dopachrome and subsequently their conversion to melanin. HP did not oxidize tyrosine to dopachrome, and 3-CP and RF revealed substantial oxidation of tyrosine. Dopa was oxidized to dopachrome and subsequently to melanin by all photosensitizers tested at a variable rate as follows: RF greater than 3-CP greater than HPD greater than 8-MOP. UVA alone and to a lesser extent UVB also produced 1O2 which induced the oxidation of tyrosine and dopa to dopachrome and subsequently to melanin. The production of dopachrome was higher with dopa compared to tyrosine under all irradiation conditions. These observations appear to have relevance to the O2-requiring immediate tanning reaction of the skin stimulated by solar radiation and in the induction of skin photosensitization.

Dihydroxyphenylalanine

A comparison of the melanocyte response to narrow band UVA and UVB exposure in vivo.

The visible cutaneous pigmentary response to ultraviolet-A (UVA) is immediate and, following sufficient exposure, may persist, whereas ultraviolet-B (UVB)-induced pigmentation appears after a delay of several days. We compared the in vivo response of melanocytes to single and multiple exposures of narrow band UVA and UVB irradiation which produced visibly equal increases in pigmentation. Using a xenon-mercury source matched to a monochromator, human volunteers were exposed to 304 (+/- 5) and 365 (+/- 10) nm radiation. Biopsies were performed 1, 7, and 14 days after irradiation. For each biopsy, the number of melanocytes per square millimeter of epidermis was determined using L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (dopa)- and tyrosine-incubated split epidermal preparations. Vertical sections were also examined. At days 7 and 14, after both 304 and 365 nm radiation, melanocytes were more intensely dopa-positive than in unirradiated controls, and demonstrated enlarged perikarya and a greater number of enlarged dendrites. Following both 304 and 365 nm radiation the number of dopa-positive melanocytes was increased at days 7 and 14 by 44% and 58%, respectively. Tyrosine positivity, an indicator of enhanced tyrosinase activity and increased melanin formation, was absent in controls and at day 1, and became positive in all but one sample at day 7 and day 14. Therefore, one day after UVA exposure, visible pigmentation but not tyrosinase activity was increased. At day 7, the number of tyrosine-positive melanocytes approximately equaled the number of dopa-positive melanocytes. Although UVA and UVB induce different pigmentary responses, their effects on melanocyte number and function were indistinguishable.

Adult

Sunscreens and their use in the preventive treatment of sunlight-induced skin damage.

In this brief review, clinically relevant practical aspects of topical protection against the harmful effects of solar radiation on human skin are discussed. The article covers information in the following areas of photo-protection: nature of solar radiation; classification of normal individuals into sun-reactive skin types I-VI; minimal erythema doses of UVB and UVA radiation for individuals of skin types I-VI; classification of sunscreens and SPF values of brand-name sunscreens; a list of UVB- and UVA-absorbing chemicals used in sunscreen formulations in the USA; guidelines for recommending topical sunscreens for the prevention of sunburn, skin photoaging, and skin cancer; and concerns about the harmful effects of UVA radiation and tanning parlors on human skin and the methods used to minimize the potential damaging effects of UVA.

Humans

Repair of UV-damaged DNA in mammalian skin followed by the immunohistochemical method.

DNA repair in murine and guinea pig skin has been studied by the immunohistochemical method. For the detection of DNA photolesions in situ by the indirect immunofluorescence (IF) method two antisera directed against DNA-pyrimidine-dimers and DNA-psoralen-photoadducts have been applied. The IF assay enabled to detect the DNA photodamage induced by high UV-doses, exceeding more than fivefold minimal phototoxic response of the skin. It was found that IF staining gradually disappeared due to DNA repair, and at 48 h after UV-exposure both types of the DNA photolesions were no more detectable. Importantly, the IF method revealed that the persistence of DNA-pyrimidine-dimers could be traced for a longer time than that detectable by UV-endonuclease incision method.

Animals

Usefulness of retinoic acid in the treatment of melasma.

Melasma is a circumscribed brown macular hypermelanosis of the areas of the face and neck that are exposed to light. Clinical trials with various depigmenting formulations containing hydroquinone were conducted to determine the ideal concentration of hydroquinone, retinoic acid, and corticosteroids for the treatment of melasma. The compounds were tested with and without the concomitant use of topical sunscreen preparations. Based on the results of the trials and our earlier clinical experience, we conclude that treatment of melasma should involve the following: avoidance of sun exposure, constant use of broad-spectrum sunscreens, and topical application of a cream or lotion containing 2% hydroquinone and 0.05% to 0.1% retinoic acid (tretinoin). Patients should suspend use of oral contraceptives and other agents that promote skin pigmentation. The monobenzyl ether of hydroquinone should never be used in melasma therapy.

Administration, Topical

Detection of DNA-psoralen photoadducts in mammalian skin.

An immunofluorescence (IF) method for the detection of 8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP) photoadducts to DNA has been developed to assess nuclear damage in keratinocytes and melanocytes after psoralen plus UVA (PUVA) treatment, both under in vitro and in vivo conditions. Cryostat sections of the albino and pigmented guinea pig and human skin were used for in vitro studies to establish minimal and maximal drug concentration and UVA dosimetry for the detection of DNA-8-MOP photoadducts. Limits of detection were as low as 10 ng/cm2 8-MOP and 1 J/cm2 UVA for skin sections and sodium bromide-split epidermal sheets. Guinea pigs treated with topical PUVA revealed positive IF stain in epidermal cell nuclei at a threshold dose of 100 micrograms/cm2 8-MOP and 13 J/cm2 UVA. Pretreatments of cryostat cuts with ethanol and alkali before IF test enhanced the sensitivity of detection in vivo about 10-fold and enabled us to follow the repair of DNA damage after treating normal guinea pig skin with a dose of 50 micrograms/cm2 8-MOP plus 6 J/cm2 UVA. The most interesting findings were as follows: A sensitive method to detect PUVA-induced nuclear damage in epidermal and dermal cells was developed. PUVA treatment induced nuclear DNA damage to melanocytes as well as to adjacent keratinocytes, and melanocytes appeared to be 10 times less vulnerable to photo-damage than keratinocytes. There was a greater propensity for the proliferative cells to be damaged by PUVA. PUVA induced nuclear damage up to 700 micron depth in the dermis. The usefulness of the IF test in detecting DNA damage in microgram and ng amounts in vivo and in following the repair of damaged DNA induced by PUVA.

Animals

Sunscreens. Topical and systemic approaches for the prevention of acute and chronic sun-induced skin reactions.

In this article, practical and clinical aspects of photoprotection are discussed with emphasis on topical sunscreens. Protection against the adverse effects of sunlight includes prevention of the following: sunburn in normal individuals; acute phototoxic and photoallergic reactions; chronic skin damage (dermatoheliosis) and skin cancer; and specific disease-oriented responses (such as porphyria or polymorphous photodermatitis).

4-Aminobenzoic Acid

An evaluation of the effectiveness of azelaic acid as a depigmenting and chemotherapeutic agent.

In the past five years, it has been reported that certain dicarboxylic acids (C8-C13) and azelaic acid (C9) (AZA), in particular, have a remarkable effect in the management of lentigo maligna, human malignant melanoma, and certain disorders of hyperpigmentation. Preclinical trials, therefore, were undertaken in order to evaluate the effectiveness of AZA as a depigmenting agent and as a chemotherapeutic agent. Twenty-seven uniformly black pigmented guinea pigs were given topical applications of various concentrations (3, 5, 10, 15, and 20%) of AZA preparations for 8 weeks, and their effects on the melanocytes of epilated skin of the backs and the nonepilated ears of guinea pigs were compared to the effects of well-known depigmenting agents. Whereas 4-isopropylcatechol, monobenzylether of hydroquinone, monoethylether of hydroquinone, hydroquinone, and 4-hydroxyanisole were found to be selectively cytotoxic to melanocytes in black-skinned guinea pigs, AZA has little or no visually recognizable effect on melanocytes in these animals. The therapeutic effect of local s.c. injections of various concentrations of AZA preparations on the development of s.c. implanted B-16 melanoma tumor was evaluated in 96 C57BL/6J mice. In addition, 31 BDF1 mice, implanted i.p. with B-16 melanoma tumor, were used to assess the effect of 100-500 mg/kg concentrations of AZA administered i.p. In both studies, AZA revealed no significant tumoristatic or tumoricidal effect on the size, color, and growth of melanoma. The effect of AZA was also evaluated on S-91A (melanotic or pigmented) and S-91B (amelanotic) human melanoma cells in culture. Low concentrations (10(-5) and 10(-3) M) of AZA had no inhibitory effect on the growth of these cells. Only at higher concentrations (greater than 10(-3) M) was a cytotoxic effect on cell viability observed. These observations indicate AZA is not selectively cytotoxic to normal and proliferative melanocytes and has no apparent inhibitory effect on the formative process of melanin pigmentation.

Animals