Exposure to Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight leads to several skin conditions such as sunburn, erythema, immunosuppression (local and systemic) and chronic exposure can result in photocarcinogenisis. Solar UV radiation consists of UVA (280-320nm) and UVB (320-380nm) radiation, both of which contribute to deleterious effects on the skin. These effects can be visualized and quantitated by histology as well as bioassays of key biological markers such as matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), tryptophan moieties, or collagen related precursors. The overall goal of the project is to treat ultraviolet (UV) exposure skin damage and to design a superior topical product that prevents onset of skin cancer caused by daily exposure to sunlight. The proposed active agents for the study are antioxidant Vitamins, such as Vitamin A, Vitamin E and Vitamin C, well established to have a beneficial effect on chronic and possibly acute UV damage. The novelty of the project lies in the nano-size encapsulation in liposomes of these vitamins and then in the quantitation of their delivery through the skin. The research uses "artificial human skin" and then mouse skin ex-vivo for initial experiments, but needs an animal model to test the immune response, before such agents can be used in a human trial and tested for efficacy. Another aspect of this project is using non-invasive monitoring of skin throughout the UV exposure in experiments. We monitored response of the animal model to chronic UV radiation using non-invasive monitoring methods. Animals were sacrificed at the end of 5 and 10 weeks and their skin was analyzed for known UV markers, such as sunburn cells, skin thickness and MMP-1. It was seen that both the non-invasive measurements and the molecular markers followed a similar trend in the changes. Results showed that all three vitamins when combined do not compete and work in synergy with each other in the defense against acute and chronic UV-induced damage. The combination of vitamins A, C and E showed the highest efficacy against UV induced apoptosis and MMP formation. The encapsulation of these vitamins in nano-liposomes provided an enhanced protection against chronic UV damage. It was also observed that the nanosome formulation caused a decrease in cancer markers at the end of 10 week, therefore, possibly playing a role in delaying the onset of cancer.
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Title
Studies with multiple vitamins encapsulated in nanosomes for protection of skin from UV damage
Creators
Chetana Sunkari - DU
Contributors
Andres Kriete (Advisor) - Drexel University (1970-)
Awarding Institution
Drexel University
Degree Awarded
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
Publisher
Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Resource Type
Dissertation
Language
English
Academic Unit
School of Biomedical Engineering, Science, and Health Systems (1997-2026); Drexel University