Phytochemicals for the Prevention of Photocarcinogenesis1. (14th March 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Montes de Oca, Mary K.; Pearlman, Ross L.; McClees, Sarah F.; Strickland, Rebecca; Afaq, Farrukh
• Is Part Of: Photochemistry and photobiology. Volume 93:Number 4(2017)
• Page Start: 956
• Page End: 974
• Publication Date: 2017-03-14
• Subjects: Photochemistry -- Periodicals; Light -- Physiological effect -- Periodicals; 541.35
• DOI: 10.1111/php.12711
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0031-8655

Abstract

Abstract: Ultraviolet (UV) exposure has an array of damaging effects and is the main cause of skin cancer in humans. Nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC), including basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, is the most common type of cancer. Incidence of NMSC has increased due to greater UV radiation, increased life expectancy and other changes in lifestyle; the annual cost of skin cancer treatment in the United States has increased concurrently to around eight billion dollars. Because of these trends, novel approaches to skin cancer prevention have become an important area of research to decrease skin cancer morbidity and defray the costs associated with treatment. Chemoprevention aims to prevent or delay the development of skin cancer through the use of phytochemicals. Use of phytochemicals as chemopreventive agents has gained attention due to their low toxicity and anticarcinogenic properties. Phytochemicals also exhibit antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory and antiproliferative effects which support their use as chemopreventive agents, particularly for skin cancer. Preclinical and human studies have shown that phytochemicals decrease UV‐induced skin damage and photocarcinogenesis. In this review article, we discuss the selected phytochemicals that may prevent or delay UV‐induced carcinogenesis and highlight their potential use for skin protection. Abstract : Ultraviolet (UV) exposure is the main cause of human skin cancer due to its damaging effects on skin cells. Chemoprevention prevents or delays the development of skin cancer through the use of phytochemicals. Phytochemicals impede the damaging effects of UV radiation and may lead to inhibition of photocarcinogenesis.