Antioxidants in dermatology

Abstract

The skin cells continuously produce, through cellular respiration, metabolic processes or under external aggressions, highly reactive molecules oxidation products, generally called free radicals. These molecules are immediately neutralized by enzymatic and non-enzymatic systems in a physiological and dynamic balance. In situations where this balance is broken, various cellular structures, such as the cell membrane, nuclear or mitochondrial DNA may suffer structural modifications, triggering or worsening skin diseases. several substances with alleged antioxidant effects has been offered for topical or oral use, but little is known about their safety, possible associations and especially their mechanism of action. The management of topical and oral antioxidants can help dermatologist to intervene in the oxidative processes safely and effectively, since they know the mechanisms, limitations and potential risks of using these molecules as well as the potential benefits of available associations.

Oxidative Stress and Atopic Dermatitis

“…Components of the AOS include enzymes, such as superoxide dismutases (SOD), superoxide reductase, catalase (CAT), and peroxiredoxins and thioredoxin (TRX), as well as exogenous and endogenous nonenzymatic molecules, such as vitamins A, C, and E, uric acid, coenzyme Q10, and the whole glutathione system, which comprises glutathione (GSH) and the enzymes glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidases (GPX), and glutathione S-transferases (GST) [15,16]. The direct impact of ROS in biological systems, i.e., modification of DNA, lipids, and proteins, can be evaluated through measurement of different biomarkers.…”

The role of homocysteine and other endogenous intoxication markers in the pathogenesis of lichen planus

“…By molecular weight, they occupy an intermediate position between simple substances (urea, creatinine, bilirubin) and blood proteins. Increased MMWP levels lead to toxic effects on protein biosynthesis processes, suppressed phagocytic activity of leukocytes, proliferation of fibroblasts, the development of secondary immunosuppression 18 . Thus, the study findings, specifically significant increase in the levels of homocysteine, carbonyl groups of oxidative modified proteins, medium molecular weight peptides in patients with LP of various duration and severity, can be useful in the development of complex pathogenetic therapy of this dermatosis.…”

“…The factors of secondary toxic auto-aggression, along with the factors of primary toxemia, play a key role in the development of endogenous intoxication syndrome. They are lysosomal enzymes, products of non-enzyme proteolysis, oligopeptides, included in the so-called medium weight molecules, and free radical oxidation products [17][18][19] .…”

Skin protective effects of RM191A, a novel superoxide dismutase mimetic

“…Oxidative stress, which compromises proper skin integrity, is one of the most common features among these various risk factors (5)(6)(7). An over-abundance of oxidants or catalyst producing free radicals, such as reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS), and in parallel the failure of the endogenous antioxidant defence system in skin cells, primarily contribute to the formation of oxidative stress in skin (8)(9)(10). Furthermore, oxidative stress and inflammation are closely interconnected pathophysiological processes that are known participants in the pathogenesis of numerous skin diseases (11)(12)(13)(14).…”