Abstract
Abstract UV radiation causes sunburn, premature aging of the skin and is the major environmental carcinogen for skin cancer in humans. Besides causing mutations in DNA, UV radiation contributes to carcinogenesis by suppressing immune responses to highly antigenic, newly arising neoplastic cells in the skin. This chapter reviews the strategies aimed at preventing UV-induced immune suppression, the mechanism of action of the agents used, and the significance of immune protection for prevention of skin cancer. The approaches reviewed go beyond absorption of UV radiation by sunscreens as a means of reducing tissue damage. This chapter focuses on the use of antioxidants such as ascorbic acid and polyphenolics from Green Tea, flavonoids, and plant polysaccharides, to prevent immune damage by blocking the action of free radicals and the biologic responses triggered by UV radiation. The efficacy and mechanism of action of these agents on preserving T cell-mediated immunity to model antigens in human beings and in laboratory animals will be discussed. The findings from UV carcinogenesis studies in mice are also summarized. Finally, analyses of commercial preparation of Aloe barbadensis polysaccharides for skin care products, are used to illustrate questions that arise when using natural products as therapeutic agents.
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