A review of the basic aspects of the action of UVR on …

• Abstract
• Photochemistry of UV-induced erythema: Studies on free radical generation and the production of ROS
• Lipid peroxidation: initiating event in photooxidative stress
• Antioxidant systems and photooxidative stress
• Biochemical alterations in the photoinduced erythema
• Biochemical mediators in the pathogenesis of erythema
• Expression of adhesion molecules in UV-induced cutaneous inflammation
• References
• Figures

Biology Articles » Medicine » Photomedicine » Photochemistry and photobiology of actinic erythema: defensive and reparative cutaneous mechanisms » Biochemical alterations in the photoinduced erythema

Biochemical alterations in the photoinduced erythema

- Photochemistry and photobiology of actinic erythema: defensive and reparative cutaneous mechanisms

The skin chromophores initiating the photochemical reaction that leads to the inflammatory response are unknown, but the outcome of these reactions results in erythema, edema, burning sensation and pain. Acute exposure of the skin to ultraviolet radiation induces the synthesis and liberation of eicosanoids (products derived from arachidonic acid), histamine, kinins, cytokines and other chemotactic factors (7), as well as the expression of adhesion molecules on the surface of epidermal and dermal cells. All these mediators activate endothelial cells in the dermis, increase vascular permeability and promote the accumulation of inflammatory cells 12 to 14 h after the injury. Natajaran (68) has recently noted that the effect of oxidants (ROS) on signal transduction in vascular endothelium is directly related to the pathogenesis of the inflammatory response. We will now turn to the discussion of the biochemical alterations that mediate the photoinduced erythema and the implication of the adhesion molecules relevant to the pathogenesis of the inflammatory response.