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Pentoxifylline attenuates UVB-induced cutaneous erythema
1University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore 21201, USA. mlowitt@umaryland.edu
Dermatology (Basel, Switzerland)
|March 13, 2001
Summary
Pentoxifylline, an inhibitor of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), reduced skin redness caused by ultraviolet-B (UVB) radiation. This study suggests pentoxifylline may protect against sunburn when taken before sun exposure.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Cutaneous erythema following ultraviolet-B (UVB) exposure may be mediated by tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha).
- Pentoxifylline is known to inhibit TNF-alpha production.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of orally administered pentoxifylline in mitigating UVB-induced erythema in human subjects.
Main Methods:
- Minimum erythema doses (MEDs) for UVB were determined before and after a 4-dose regimen of oral pentoxifylline (400 mg every 8 hours).
- Statistical analysis of pre- and post-treatment MED values was performed using a paired t test.
Main Results:
- All seven healthy adult participants demonstrated an increased MED for UVB after receiving pentoxifylline.
- Oral pentoxifylline administration led to a statistically significant elevation in UVB MED.
Conclusions:
- Pentoxifylline may possess photoprotective properties, reducing the skin's sunburn response to UVB radiation.
- Pre-treatment with pentoxifylline could be a viable strategy to diminish UVB-induced cutaneous erythema.