Enhancement of ultraviolet‐induced apoptosis by NF‐κB decoy oligonucleotides

Summary Background  A decoy strategy utilizing oligonucleotides (ODN) containing the specific binding sequence of a certain transcription factor has been developed and is considered to be a potential new class of antigene therapy. However, the application of this new therapeutic modality to skin diseases has not been fully documented. Objectives  The aim of this work was to examine the effects of the nuclear factor (NF)‐κB decoy ODN on UV‐elicited skin change. Methods  Mouse keratinocyte Pam 212 cells were transfected with NF‐κB decoy ODN to examine the effects of the decoy ODN on ultraviolet (UV) B‐induced apoptosis. Tape‐stripped rat dorsal skin was treated with an ointment containing NF‐κB decoy ODN for the examination of the in vivo impact of the decoy ODN on sunburned cell (SBC) formation and UVB erythema. Results  NF‐κB decoy ODN specifically induced apoptosis of Pam 212 cells and SBC formation was significantly enhanced by topical NF‐κB decoy ODN ointment, while UV‐induced erythema was not affected. Conclusions  These data suggest that enhancement of UV‐induced apoptosis by NF‐κB decoy ODN may play a cancer‐preventive role by further eliminating photodamaged keratinocytes.