Statements in which the resource exists as a subject.
PredicateObject
rdf:type
lifeskim:mentions
pubmed:issue
2
pubmed:dateCreated
1991-9-12
pubmed:abstractText
This paper is an attempt to summarize the current state of information on melanin and epidermal melanin pigmentation (EMP) as photoprotective agents. The chemistry and biochemistry of melanin (the particle) and its interaction, in its various forms, with UV radiation are considered. Methods of attenuation of UV radiation are discussed in terms of structure and chemical constituents. Photoprotection by constitutive and facultative pigmentation is reviewed with minimum erythema dose (MED) as the end point. The issue of acclimatization to UV radiation is discussed in terms of UVB phototherapy for psoriasis. Finally, skin cancer is considered as an end point and the reduction of its incidence with pigment level is discussed. It is concluded that whilst EMP provides protection, its extent depends on the end point chosen for evaluation. MED is a convenient photobiological end point but is rather insensitive, whereas skin cancer is sensitive but impractical for laboratory studies. Our current state of knowledge of melanin lacks information on its absorption and scattering coefficients and its refractive index. Methods for the quantitative measurement of EMP are also urgently required.
pubmed:language
eng
pubmed:journal
pubmed:citationSubset
IM
pubmed:chemical
pubmed:status
MEDLINE
pubmed:month
May
pubmed:issn
1011-1344
pubmed:author
pubmed:issnType
Print
pubmed:volume
9
pubmed:owner
NLM
pubmed:authorsComplete
Y
pubmed:pagination
135-60
pubmed:dateRevised
2007-7-23
pubmed:meshHeading
pubmed:year
1991
pubmed:articleTitle
Photoprotection by melanin.
pubmed:affiliation
Wellman Laboratories of Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston 02114.
pubmed:publicationType
Journal Article, Review