Mycosporine-Like Amino Acids for Skin Photoprotection

TY - JOUR

T1 - Mycosporine-Like Amino Acids for Skin Photoprotection

AU - Lawrence, Karl

PY - 2017/5/29

Y1 - 2017/5/29

N2 - Excessive human exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) continues to be amajor public health concern, with skin cancer rates increasing year on year. The major protective measure is the use of synthetic UVR filters formulated into sunscreens, but there is a growing concern that some of these chemicals cause damage to delicate marine ecosystems. One alternative is the use of biocompatible mycosporine-like amino acids (MAA), which occur naturally and are found predominantly in a wide range of marine species. Their rolewithin nature is mainly thought to be photoprotective. This is a consequence of their optical properties but there is an increasing evidence that they are also antioxidants at a chemical level, as well by activation of endogenous cell antioxidant defence mechanisms. However, their potential for human photoprotection is largely understudied. This review explores the role of MAA in nature and considers the literature available on the use of MAA within human models for photoprotection.

AB - Excessive human exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) continues to be amajor public health concern, with skin cancer rates increasing year on year. The major protective measure is the use of synthetic UVR filters formulated into sunscreens, but there is a growing concern that some of these chemicals cause damage to delicate marine ecosystems. One alternative is the use of biocompatible mycosporine-like amino acids (MAA), which occur naturally and are found predominantly in a wide range of marine species. Their rolewithin nature is mainly thought to be photoprotective. This is a consequence of their optical properties but there is an increasing evidence that they are also antioxidants at a chemical level, as well by activation of endogenous cell antioxidant defence mechanisms. However, their potential for human photoprotection is largely understudied. This review explores the role of MAA in nature and considers the literature available on the use of MAA within human models for photoprotection.

U2 - 10.2174/0929867324666170529124237

DO - 10.2174/0929867324666170529124237

M3 - Review article

SN - 0929-8673

JO - Current Medicinal Chemistry

JF - Current Medicinal Chemistry

ER -