In-vivo data on the influence of tobacco smoke and UV light on murine skin

Abstract

Inhaled tobacco smoke comes in direct contact with few organs such as mouth, lungs, and stomach. Cigarette smoke (CS) in lungs has been extensively studied. However, limited data exist on its effect on skin, and there are no long-term experimental studies suggesting toxic effects on skin. Even though it is generally accepted that CS is among the main factors of skin aging, the number of experimental studies showing this aging effect is limited. We hereby studied the effect of long-term exposure to CS on the skin of hairless mice in combination with or without ultraviolet (UV) light. In addition, we investigated potential skin protection by a potent antioxidant namely procyanidine-rich French maritime pine bark extract (PBE) pycnogenol. Male and female hairless SKH-2 mice were exposed for 10 months to tobacco smoke and/or UV light in vivo, and their effects on skin were investigated. Some biophysical parameters such as development of erythema, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and skin elasticity were measured. The results show that UV and CS may be acting synergistically, as shown by the enhanced TEWL, erythema values, epitheliomas, and squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) observed, whereas PBE seems to protect skin against SCC.

Smoking is associated with combined allergic and irritant hand eczema, contact allergies and hyperhidrosis

“…Several previous findings suggest that the epidermal barrier function is affected by tobacco smoking: e.g. mice exposed to cigarette smoke or treated with topical nicotine showed an increase of their TEWL (trans‐epidermal water loss) values . A decrease in barrier function due to tobacco smoking might favour CHE development by increasing the skin's sensitivity to irritants and allergens.…”

Pine Bark Extracts: Nutraceutical, Pharmacological, and Toxicological Evaluation

“…ROS scavenging and protecting DNA from damage by peroxides are possible mechanisms underlying the anticancer properties of PBE. Finally, PYC appears to protect skin against squamous cell carcinomas (Pavlou et al, 2009), but the mechanisms are unknown at present.…”

Smoking and the skin

“… 11 This risk is higher in women compared with men. The appearance of wrinkles is exaggerated by direct contact of cigarette smoke, which reduces moisture levels in the stratum corneum and induces a mild inflammatory reaction 12 . In vivo experiments in mice also show that passive tobacco smoke exposure induces premature skin aging 13 .…”