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Novel therapeutic approaches to xeroderma pigmentosum
Author(s) -
Weon J.L.,
Glass D.A.
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
british journal of dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.304
H-Index - 179
eISSN - 1365-2133
pISSN - 0007-0963
DOI - 10.1111/bjd.18182
Subject(s) - xeroderma pigmentosum , medicine , disease , intensive care medicine , genetic condition , bioinformatics , ultraviolet light , radiation therapy , dermatology , dna repair , ultraviolet radiation , surgery , pediatrics , pathology , genetics , biology , chemistry , photochemistry , gene , radiochemistry
Summary Xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) is a rare condition found in people worldwide, that causes an increased sensitivity to sun damage. XP patients often develop skin cancer from an early age. It is a genetic condition that causes the body to be unable to effectively repair the damage to DNA caused by ultraviolet radiation from the sun. A certain subset of patients also develop neurological problems, such as difficulty with coordination, hearing loss, and impaired intellectual function. Management of this condition relies heavily on prevention by avoidance of sun exposure, and close follow‐up with doctors. However, treatment options are still very limited. This review article, carried out by researchers in the U.S.A., highlights novel, promising studies that may eventually translate to treatment and pave the way for additional research to develop therapies for this disease. The review highlights that certain drugs used for diabetes could potentially be developed as therapy for this disease. Other early studies in patient cells and in mice show that a supplement called nicotinamide or a 30% decrease in caloric intake may potentially be utilized in the future to help with the underlying problems in this disease.