Allantoin and urate as suppressors of the genotoxic effect of 300–400 nm ultraviolet radiation

Abstract

The genotoxicity of ultraviolet radiation with a wavelength of 300–400 nm (sunlight UVR) is mediated by the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Research carried out on the basis of a bacterial model developed by us earlier indicated the existence of UV-protecting activity of allantoin, formed from uric acid in organisms of all vertebrates except human and anthropoid apes. Uric acid, which is the end product of purine catabolism in anthropoid apes, does not possess a statistically significant protective effect. The safety of allantoin makes it a promising component for sunscreens.