Skin Inflammation and Oxidative Stress

Enhanced oxidative stress is related to enhanced inflammation. The behavior of endogenous antioxidants in inflammatory phenomena is not quite clear. In a trial to elucidate the relation between skin inflammation, oxidative stress and antioxidants in vivo and in vitro data will be discussed. Using keratinocytes and fibroblasts producing oxidative stress either by UV light or xanthine – xanthine oxidase or tobacco smoke, the protection of antioxidants is evaluated. In vivo, in hairless mice, oxidative stress is estimated under different conditions as acute and chronic exposure to UV light or to tobacco smoke in both normal and diabetic skin, evaluating inflammation, oxidative stress and endogenous antioxidants. It seems that the dose of administered antioxidants is much important as a light pro-oxidant activity could be beneficial for the regeneration and protection of skin. In vivo, after UV light exposure, endogenous antioxidants as glutathion at the level of stratum corneum decreased while uric acid is increased. Administration of exogenous non antioxidant substances as lactic acid could also increase uric acid. Stratum corneum is much more susceptible to oxidative stress and antioxidant alterations in relation to living epidermis and dermis.