promega and Hydroa-Vacciniforme

The sunburn response is markedly reduced by dietary fish oil rich in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Because prostaglandins mediate the vasodilatation, we examined the effect of fish oil on ultraviolet (UV) B-induced prostaglandin metabolism. In addition we assessed the potential photoprotective effect of fish oil in light-sensitive patients. Thirteen patients with polymorphic light eruption received dietary supplements of fish oil rich in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids for 3 months. At baseline and 3 months, the minimal erythema dose of UVB irradiation was determined, and a graded UVA challenge given to a forearm to assess the threshold dose for papule provocation. Suction blisters were raised on the other forearm, on control skin, and on skin irradiated with four times the minimal erythema dose of UVB 24 h previously, and blister fluid prostaglandin E2 was measured by radioimmunoassay. Following 3 months of fish oil, the mean minimal erythema dose of UVB irradiation increased from 19.8 +/- 2.6 to 33.8 +/- 3.7 mJ/cm2 (mean +/- SEM), p < 0.01. The UVA provocation test was positive in 10 patients at baseline, and after 3 months nine of these showed reduced sensitivity to papule provocation, p < 0.001. Before fish oil, PGE2 increased from 8.6 (SEM 2.1) ng/ml in control skin to 27.2 (11) ng/ml after UVB, p < 0.01. Following 3 months of fish oil, PGE2 decreased to 4.1 (1) and 9.6 (2.4) ng/ml in control and irradiated skin, respectively, p < 0.05. Reduction of UV-induced inflammation by fish oil may be due, at least partially, to lowered prostaglandin E2 levels. The photoprotection against UVA-provocation of a papular response suggests a clinical application for fish oil in polymorphic light eruption.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Blister; Dietary Fats, Unsaturated; Dinoprostone; Docosahexaenoic Acids; Drug Combinations; Eicosapentaenoic Acid; Fatty Acids, Omega-3; Female; Fish Oils; Humans; Hydroa Vacciniforme; Male; Middle Aged; Skin; Sunburn; Ultraviolet Rays; Vasodilation

Hydroa vaccinniforme is a highly uncommon photodermatosis acquired in childhood. The clinical course is dominated by the risk of varioliform scars. Numerous treatments have been proposed with variable efficacy. One recent open study suggested dietary fish oil could be useful. We report a case of hydroa vacciniforme treated successfully with dietary fish oil (Maxepa(R)).. A 15-year-old girl consulted in May 1988 for vesiculobullous lesions typical of hydroa vacciniforme in photo-exposed areas. Anti-malaria drugs and photoprotection had been used for several years without success. Maxepa(R) was introduced in June 1998 and was followed by regression of the lesions within a few weeks despite the summer season. The treatment was interrupted at the patient's request due to fetid breath. Reintroduction of Maxepa(R) in April 1999 after an episode of recurrent lesions, again led to total resolution of the lesions within three weeks.. Hydroa vacciniforme is an exceptional photodermatosis of uncertain etiology. It may possibly be related to an abnormal sensitivity to ultraviolet A. Fish oil rich in 3-omega polyunsaturated fatty acids would reduce the local inflammation triggered by sun exposure. Recent studies have demonstrated that dietary fish oil can increase the level of 3-omega polyunsaturated fatty acids in the epidermis and reduce the level of prostaglandins in the skin. Our case would appear to confirm the contribution of dietary fish oil to treatment despite the poor tolerance due to fetid breath.

Topics: Adolescent; Docosahexaenoic Acids; Drug Combinations; Eicosapentaenoic Acid; Female; Fish Oils; Humans; Hydroa Vacciniforme

Hydroa vacciniforme is a troublesome and scarring photosensitivity disorder for which treatment is unsatisfactory. Dietary fish oil rich in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids reportedly increases the resistance to ultraviolet-induced erythema and rash provocation in polymorphic light eruption. We report for the first time the response of hydroa vacciniforme to dietary fish oil. Three Caucasian boys with the condition were placed on MaxEPA, five capsules daily. Phototesting was performed at baseline and after 3 months supplementation. At baseline, low erythemal thresholds were seen to monochromated UVA at 350 and 370 nm in all three boys, while one also had a low threshold to 320 nm (UVA) and another showed a low threshold to 300 nm (UVB). Broad-band UVA provocation challenge produced typical skin lesions in all the subjects. Following fish oil, all the boys showed reduced erythemal sensitivity to UVA and one also showed reduced sensitivity to UVB. Provocation challenge revealed a reduced response in all three children. Clinically, these changes were accompanied by pronounced improvement in one child, mild improvement in the second child, but no improvement in the third. The third boy subsequently showed good clinical response to azathioprine.

Topics: Child; Child, Preschool; Docosahexaenoic Acids; Drug Combinations; Eicosapentaenoic Acid; Erythema; Fish Oils; Humans; Hydroa Vacciniforme; Male; Radiation Dosage; Radiation Injuries; Ultraviolet Rays