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Tobacco smoke is phototoxic
Author(s) -
Placzek M.,
Kerkmann U.,
Bell S.,
Koepke P.,
Przybilla B.
Publication year - 2004
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/j.1365-2133.2004.05818.x
Subject(s) - phototoxicity , smoke , cigarette smoke , photosensitivity , medicine , toxicology , ultraviolet radiation , dermatology , human skin , physiology , chemistry , environmental health , biology , radiochemistry , biochemistry , physics , genetics , organic chemistry , quantum mechanics , in vitro
Summary Background Both cigarette smoke and ultraviolet (UV) radiation are known to cause changes of the skin which can be regarded as premature ageing. Objectives To assess the theory that the effects of these two exposures could be linked by a phototoxic action of cigarette smoke. Methods A photohaemolysis test was used, in which human erythrocytes were incubated with cigarette smoke condensate, followed by UV irradiation and measurement of exposure‐dependent haemolysis. Results Cigarette smoke condensate was clearly phototoxic. Photohaemolysis depended on the concentration of the condensate and UV dose and was more pronounced after exposure to UVA‐rich than UVB‐rich radiation. Conclusions Phototoxicity may be a mechanism by which cigarette smoking causes premature skin ageing. An enhancing effect on photocarcinogenesis has also to be considered.