Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

The role of vitamin E in normal and damaged skin

Journal of Molecular Medicine volume 73, pages 7–17 (1995)Cite this article

Abstract

The generation of free oxygen radicals is believed to play an important pathogenic role in the development of various disorders. More than other tissues, the skin is exposed to numerous environmental chemical and physical agents such as ultraviolet light causing oxidative stress. In the skin this results in several short- and long-term adverse effects such as erythema, edema, skin thickening, wrinkling, and an increased incidence of skin cancer or precursor lesions. However, accelerated cutaneous aging under the influence of ultraviolet light, usually termed photoaging, is only one of the harmful effects of continual oxygen radical production in the skin. Others include cutaneous inflammation, autoimmunological processes, keratinization disturbances, and vasculitis. Vitamin E is the major naturally occurring lipid-soluble non-enzymatic antioxidant protecting skin from the adverse effects of oxidative stress including photoaging. Its chemistry and its physiological function as a major antioxidative and anti-inflammatory agent, in particular with respect to its photoprotective, antiphotoaging properties, are described by summarizing animal studies, in vivo tests on human skin and biochemical in vitro investigations. The possible therapeutic use in different cutaneous disorders, and pharmacological and toxicological aspects are discussed. Many studies document that vitamin E occupies a central position as a highly efficient antioxidant, thereby providing possibilities to decrease the frequency and severity of pathological events in the skin. For this purpose increased efforts in developing appropriate systemic and local pharmacological preparations of vitamin E are required.

This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution.

Access options

Buy single article

Instant access to the full article PDF.

USD 39.95

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

References

  1. Abdo KM, Rao G, Montgomery CA (1983) Thirteen-week toxicity study of d-alpha-tocopheryl acetate (vitamin E) in Fischer 344 rats. Int J Vitam Nutr Res 53:287–296

    Google Scholar 

  2. Anderson TW (1974) Vitamin E in angina pectoris. Can Med Assoc J 110:401–406

    CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  3. Anderson TW, Reid DB (1974) A double-blind trial of vitamin E in angina pectoris. Am J Clin Nutr 27:1174–1178

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  4. Anonymus (1981) Effect of vitamin E on prostanoid biosynthesis. Nutr Rev 39:317–320

  5. Baker JL (1982) The effectiveness of alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E) in reducing the incidence of spherical contracture around breast implants. Plast Reconstr Surg 68:696–698

    Article  Google Scholar 

  6. Beijersbergen van Henegouwen GMJ, de Vries H, van den Broeke LT, Junginger HE (1992) RRR-tocopherols and their acetates as a possible scavenger of free radicals produced in the skin upon UVA-exposure — an in vivo screening method. Fat Sci Technol 94:24–27

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  7. Bendich A, Machlin LJ (1988) Safety of oral intake of vitamin E. Am J Clin Nutr 48:612–619

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  8. Bendich A, D'Apolito P, Gabriel E, Machlin LJ (1984) Interaction of dietary vitamin C and vitamin E on guinea pig immune responses to mitogens. J Nutr 114:1588–1593

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  9. Bierenbaum ML, Noonan FJ, Machlin LJ (1985) The effect of supplemental vitamin E on serum parameters in diabetics, post coronary and normal subjects. Nutr Res Int 31:1171–1180

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  10. Bieri JG, Corash L, Hubbard VS (1983) Medical use of vitamin E. N Engl J Med 308:1063–1071

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  11. Bisset DL, Hillebrand GG, Hannon DP (1989) The hairless mouse as a model of skin photoaging: its use to evaluate photoprotective materials. Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed 6:228–233

    Google Scholar 

  12. Bisset DL, Chatterjee R, Hannon DP (1990) Photoprotective effect of superoxide-scavenging antioxidants against ultraviolet radiation-induced chronic skin damage in the hairless mouse. Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed 7:56–62

    Google Scholar 

  13. Bisset DL, Chatterjee R, Hannon DP (1992) Protective effect of a topical applied anti-oxidant plus an anti-inflammatory agent against ultraviolet radiation-induced chronic skin damage in the hairless mouse. J Soc Cosmet Chem 43:85–92

    Google Scholar 

  14. Black HS (1974) Effects of dietary antioxidants on actinic tumor induction. Res Commun Chem Pathol Pharmacol 7:783–786

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  15. Black HS, Douglas DR (1985) Formation of a carcinogen of natural origin in the etiology of ultraviolet light induced carcinogenesis. Cancer Res 45:6254–6259

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  16. Black HS, Lenger W (1984) Inhibition of epidermal lipid peroxidation by dietarily-administered antioxidants (abstract). Proc Am Assoc Cancer Res 25:132

    Google Scholar 

  17. Black HS, Lenger W, MacCallum M, Gerguis J (1983) The influence of dietary lipid level on photocarcinogenesis. Photochem Photobiol 37:539–542

    Article  Google Scholar 

  18. Black HS, Lenger WA, Gerguis J, Thornby JI (1985) Relation of antioxidants and level of dietary lipid to epidermal lipid peroxidation and ultraviolet carcinogenesis. Cancer Res 45:6254–6259

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  19. Blankenhorn G (1986) Klinische Wirksamkeit von Spondyvit (Vitamin E) bei aktivierten Arthrosen — eine multizentrische placebokontrollierte Doppelblindstudie. Z Orthop 124:340–343

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  20. Blum HF (1955) Sunburn. In: Hollaender A (ed) Radiation biology. McGraw-Hill, New York, pp 487–528

    Google Scholar 

  21. Burton GW, Ingoid KU (1989) Vitamin E as an in vitro and in vivo antioxidant. Ann NY Acad Sci 570:72–84

    Article  Google Scholar 

  22. Burton GW, Ingold KU, Foster DO (1990) Application of deuterated α-tocopherols to the biokinetics and bioavailability of vitamin E. Free Rad Res Comm 11:99–107

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  23. Böhlau V (1984) Moderne Vitamintherapie für Senioren. Heilkunst 97:336–338

    Google Scholar 

  24. Cederbaum A (1989) Introduction: role of lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress in alcohol toxicity. Free Rad Biol Med 7:537–539

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  25. Chan JT, Black HS (1977) Antioxidant mediated reversal of ultraviolet light cytotoxicity. J Invest Dermatol 68:366–368

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  26. Chen LH, Chang HM (1979) Effects of high level of vitamin C on tissue antioxidant status of guinea pigs. J Int Vit Nutr Res 49:87–91

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  27. Chow CK (1975) Increased activity of pyruvate kinase in plasma of vitamin E-deficient rats. J Nutr 105:1221–1224

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  28. Chow CK (1990) Effect of dietary vitamin E and selenium on rats: pyruvate kinase, glutathione peroxidase and oxidative damage. Nutr Res 10:183–194

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  29. Chow CK (1991) Vitamin E and oxidative stress. Free Rad Biol Med 11:215–232

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  30. Cohen HM (1974) Fatigue caused by vitamin E? (letter). New Engl J Med 289:980

    Google Scholar 

  31. Comporti M (1989) Three models of free radical-induced cell injury. Chem Biol Interact 72:1–56

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  32. Connor MJ, Wheeler LA (1987) Depletion of cutaneous glutathione by ultraviolet radiation. Photochem Photobiol 46:239–245

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  33. Cook MG, McNamara P (1980) Effect of dietary vitamin E on dimethylhydrazine-induced colonic tumors in mice. Cancer Res 40:1329–1331

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  34. Corrigan JJ (1982) The effect of vitamin E on warfarin induced vitamin K deficiency. Ann NY Acad Sci 393:361–368

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  35. Cunnane SC (1988) Vitamin E intake affects serum thromboxane and tissue essential fatty acid composition in the rat. Ann Nutr Metab 32:90–96

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  36. Cunningham ML, Krinsky NI, Giovanazzi SM, Peak MJ (1985) Superoxide anion is generated from cellular metabolites by solar radiation and its components. J Free Rad Biol Med 1:382–385

    Article  Google Scholar 

  37. Davies KJA, Quintanilha AT, Brooks GA, Packer L (1982) Free radicals and tissue damage produced by exercise. Biochem Biophys Res Comm 107:1198–1205

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  38. De Gruijl PR, van der Meer JB, van der Leun JC (1983) Dose time dependency of tumor formation by chronic UV exposure. Photochem Photobiol 37:53–62

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  39. Deutsche Gesellschaft für Ernährung (1985) Empfehlungen für die Nährstoffzufuhr, 4th edn. Umschau, Frankfurt

  40. Dingemanse E, van Eck WF (1939) Wheat germ oil and tumor formation. Proc Soc Exp Biol Med 41:622–624

    Article  Google Scholar 

  41. Diplock AT, Xu G, Yeow C, Okikiola M (1989) Relationship of tocopherol structure to biological activity, tissue uptake, and prostaglandin synthesis. In: Diplock AT, Machlin LJ, Packer L, Pryor WA (eds) Vitamin E: biochemistry and health implications. New York Academy of Sciences, New York, pp 72–84

    Google Scholar 

  42. Djerassi D, Machlin LJ, Nocka C (1986) Vitamin E: biochemical function and its role in cosmetics. Drug Cosmet 1:29–34

    Google Scholar 

  43. Douglas CH (1986) Vitamin E inhibits platelet phospholipase A2. Biochim Biophys Acta 116:639–645

    Article  Google Scholar 

  44. Dubouloz P, Dumas J, Vigne J (1950) Sur la présence de peroxydes lipidiques dans la peau après l'action de divers agents physiques. Comptes Rendus des Séances de la Société de Biologie et de ses Filiales (Paris) 144:1080–1081

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  45. Dubouloz P, Dumas J (1954) Sur le métabolisme des peroxydes lipidiques. IV. Présence de peroxydes lipidiques dans la peau au cours des processus inflammatoires. Bull Soc Chim Biol 36:983–991

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  46. Elmadfa I, Bosse W (eds) (1985) Vitamin E. Wissenschaftliche Verlagsgesellschaft, Stuttgart

    Google Scholar 

  47. Epstein JH (1977) The pathological effects of light on the skin. In: Prior W (ed) Free radicals in biology. Academic, New York, pp 219–249

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  48. Erlemann G, Merkle R (1991) Panthenol, Phytantriol, Vitamin E und Vitamin A in der Kosmetik. Seifen Öle Fette Wachse 117:379–384

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  49. Esterbauer H, Rotheneder M, Striegel G (1989) Vitamin E and other lipophilic antioxidants protect LDL against oxidation. Fat Sci Technol 91:316–324

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  50. Evans HM, Emerson GA (1939) Failure to produce abdominal neoplasms in rats receiving wheat germ oil extracted in various ways. Proc Soc Exp Biol Med 41:318–320

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  51. Finnen MJ, Lawrence CM, Shuster S (1984) Inhibition of dithranol inflammation by free radical scavengers. Lancet II: 1129–1130

    Article  Google Scholar 

  52. Fischer L, Seuss J (1985) Antioxidans-Therapie rheumatischer Erkrankungen. Ergebnisse einer multizentrischen Pilotstudie mit Spondylonal (Vitamin E) bei 60 Patienten. Heilkunst 98:145–148

    Google Scholar 

  53. Foote CS, Clough RL, Yee BG (1978) Photooxidation of tocopherols. In: de Duve C, Hayashi O (eds) Tocopherol, oxygen and biomembranes. North Holland Biomedics/Elsevier, Amsterdam, pp 13–21

    Google Scholar 

  54. Fuchs J, Hufleit ME, Wilson LM (1988) Antioxidant potential of skin is decreased immediately after exposure to a large single fluence of ultraviolet light (>280 nm). International Symposium on Free Radicals in Medicine. Vienna, 8–12 November

  55. Fuchs J, Huflejt ME, Rothfuss LM (1989) Acute effects of near ultraviolet and visible light on the cutaneous antioxidant defense system. Photochem Photobiol 50:739–744

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  56. Fuchs J, Hufleit ME, Rothfuss LM (1989) Impairment of enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants in skin by UVB irradiation. J Invest Dermatol 93:769–773

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  57. Fuchs J, Mehlhorn RJ, Packer L (1989) Free radical reduction mechanisms in mouse epidermis skin homogenates. J Invest Dermatol 93:633–640

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  58. Fuchs J, Milbradt R (1990) Vitamin E als Therapeutikum in der klinischen Dermatologie. In: Hornstein OP, Hundeiker M, Schönfeld J (eds) Neue Entwicklungen in der Dermatologie. Springer, Berlin Heidelberg New York, pp 112–130

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  59. Furuse K (1987) Vitamin E: biological and clinical aspects of topical treatment. Cosmetics Toiletries 102:99–116

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  60. Gensler HL, Maydaleno M (1991) Topical vitamin E inhibition of immunosuppression and tumorgenesis induced by ultraviolet irradiation. Nutr Cancer 15:97–106

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  61. Gisinger C, Jeremy J (1988) Effect of vitamin E supplementation on platelet thromboxane A2 production in type I diabetic patients. Double-blind crossover trial. Diabetes 37:1260–1264

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  62. Goldstein RK, Zillikens D, Miller K (1991) Lokalbehandlung des disseminierten Granuloma annulare mit einer Vitamin-E-Emulsion. Hautarzt 42:176–178

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  63. Gunstone FD (1984) Reaction of oxygen and unsaturated fatty acids. J Am Organic Chem 61:441–447

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  64. Haeger K (1982) Long-term study of alpha-tocopherol in intermittent claudication. Ann NY Acad Sci 393:369–374

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  65. Hemler ME, Cook HW, Lands WEM (1979) Prostaglandin biosynthesis can be triggered by lipid peroxides. Arch Biochem Biophys 193:340–345

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  66. Hong CB, Chow CK (1988) Induction of eosinophilic enteritis and eosinophils in rats by vitamin E and selenium deficiency. Exp Mol Pathol 48:182–192

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  67. Horio T, Okamoto H (1987) Oxygen intermediates are involved in ultraviolet radiation induced damage of Langerhans cells. J Invest Dermatol 88:699–702

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  68. Horvath PM, Ip C (1983) Synergistic effect of vitamin E and selenium in the chemoprevention of mammary carcinogenesis in rats. Cancer Res 43:5335–5341

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  69. Howard LJ (1990) The neurologic syndrome of vitamin E deficiency: laboratory and electrophysiologic assessment. Nutr Rev 48:169–177

    Article  Google Scholar 

  70. Huang N, Lineberger B, Steiner M (1988) Alpha-tocopherol, a potent modulator of endothelial cell function. Thromb Res 50:547–557

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  71. Kagan V, Serbinova E, Packer L (1990) Antioxidant effects of ubiquinones in microsomes and mitochondria are mediated by tocopherol recycling. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 169:851–857

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  72. Kagan V, Witt E, Goldman R (1992) Ultraviolet light-induced generation of vitamin E radicals and their recycling. A possible photosensitizing effect of vitamin E in skin. Free Rad Res Comm 16:51–64

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  73. Kappus H, Diplock AT (1992) Tolerance and safety of vitamin E: a toxicological position report. Free Rad Biol Med 13:55–74

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  74. Kang SJ, Hong SD, Cho WG, Chae Q (1992) The role of reactive oxygen species on UVA-induced aging of dermal collagen. IFSCC International Congress Yokohama, book of abstracts. October 13–16:1027-1040 (A 303)

    Google Scholar 

  75. Kamimura M (1972) Anti-inflammatory activity of vitamin E. J Vitaminol 18:204–209

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  76. Kayden HJ, Traber MG (1993) Absorption, lipoprotein transport, and regulation of plasma concentrations of vitamin E in humans. J Lipid Res 34:343–358

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  77. Kelleher J, Losowsky MS (1970) The absorption of alpha-tocopherol in man. Br J Nutr 24:1033–1047

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  78. Kent MJC, Light ND, Bailey AJ (1985) Evidence for glucos-emediated covalent cross-linking of collagen after glycosylation in vitro. Biochem J 225:745–752

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  79. Kitagawa M, Mino M (1989) Effects of elevated d-alpha(RRR)-tocopherol dosage in man. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol 35:133–142

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  80. Klein KG, Blankenhorn G (1987) Vergleich der klinischen Wirksamkeit von Vitamin E und Diclofenac-Natrium bei Spondylitis ankylosans (Morbus Bechterew). Vitam Miner Spur 2:137–142

    Google Scholar 

  81. Kligman LH (1989) Skin changes in photoaging: characteristics, prevention, and repair. In: Balin AK, Kligman AM (eds) Aging and the skin. Raven, New York, pp 331–346

    Google Scholar 

  82. Kligman LH (1991) Yearly review. The hairless mouse and photoaging. Photochem Photobiol 54:1109–1118

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  83. Knekt P (1991) Role of vitamin E in the prophylaxis of cancer. Ann Med 23:3–12

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  84. Kralli A, Moss SH (1987) The sensitivity of an actinic reticuloid cell strain to near ultraviolet radiation and its modification by trolox-C, a vitamin E analogue. Br J Dermatol 116:761–772

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  85. Lands WEM (1985) Interaction of lipid hydroperoxides with eicosanoid biosynthesis. J Free Rad Biol Med 1:97–101

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  86. Lawrence CM, Shuster S (1987) Effects of arachidonic acid on anthralin inflammation. Br J Clin Pharmacol 24:125–131

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  87. Lieber CS (1990) Mechanism of ethanol induced hepatic injury. Pharmacol Ther 46:1–46

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  88. Livingstone PD, Jones C (1958) Treatment of intermittent claudication with vitamin E. Lancet 2:602

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  89. Lovas RM (1984) Erfahrungen mit Vitamin E-Langzeitapplikation in der ästhetisch-plastischen Chirurgie. In: Böhlau V (ed) Vitamin E in der Rehabilitation und ärztlichen Praxis. Notamed, Melsungen, pp 154–158

    Google Scholar 

  90. Machlin LJ (1984) Vitamin E. In: Machlin LJ (ed) Handbook of vitamins, nutritional, biochemical and clinical aspects. Marcel Dekker, New York, pp 99–106

    Google Scholar 

  91. Marinova EM, Yanishlieva NV (1992) Inhibited oxidation of lipids. III. On the activity of ascorbyl palmitate during the autoxidation of two types of lipid systems in the presence of alpha-tocopherol. Fat Sci Technol 94:448–452

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  92. Martin MM, Hurley LS (1977) Effect of large amounts of vitamin E during pregnancy and lactation. Am J Clin Nutr 30:1629–1637

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  93. Masaki H, Sekihara K, Sakaki S (1992) Development of antiaging component as a cosmetic ingredient — effect of hammamelitannin as the active oxygen scavenger. IFSCC International Congress Yokohama, book of abstracts. October 13–16:437–449 (A 201)

    Google Scholar 

  94. Masini V, Noel-Hudson MS, Wepierre J (1992) Biological activity of two human plasmatic fractions on cultured human skin fibroblasts during free radical aggressions. IFSCC International Congress Yokohama, book of abstracts. October 13–16:490–503 (P 59)

    Google Scholar 

  95. Mayer P (1993) The effects of vitamin E on the skin. Cosmetics Toiletries 108:99–109

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  96. McCay PB, Fong KL, Lai EK, King M (1978) Possible role of vitamin E as a free radical scavenger and singlet oxygen quencher in biological system which initiate radical mediated reactions. In: de Duve C, Hayashi O (eds) Tocopherol, oxygen and biomembranes. North Holland Biomedics/Elsevier, Amsterdam pp 41–57

    Google Scholar 

  97. Meyskens FL, Prasad KN (1986) Vitamins and cancer; human cancer prevention by vitamins and micronutrients. Humana, Clifton, pp 1–24

    Google Scholar 

  98. Michaelsson G, Edqvist LE (1984) Erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase activity in acne vulgaris and effect of selenium and vitamin E treatment. Acta Dermatol Venerol 64:9–14

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  99. Miyachi Y, Horio T, Imamura S (1983) Sunburn cell formation is prevented by scavenging oxygen intermediates. Clin Exp Dermatol 8:305–310

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  100. Miyachi Y, Imammura S, Niwa Y (1987) Decreased skin superoxide dismutase activity by a single exposure of ultraviolet radiation is reduced by liposomal superoxide dismutase pretreatment. J Invest Dermatol 89:111–112

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  101. Möller H, Potokar M, Wallat S (1987) Vitamin E als kosmetischer Wirkstoff. Parfüm Kosmet 68:688–694

    Google Scholar 

  102. Möller H, Ansmann A, Wallat S (1989) Wirkungen von Vitamin E auf die Haut bei topischer Anwendung. Fat Sci Technol 91:295–305

    Google Scholar 

  103. Moysan A, Marquis I, Gaboriau F (1993) Ultraviolet A-induced lipid peroxidation and antioxidant defense systems in cultured human skin frbroblasts. J Invest Dermatol 100:692–698

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  104. Müller-Decker K, Fürstenberger G, Marks F (1992) Development of an in vitro alternative assay to the Draize skin irritancy test using human keratinocyte-derived proinflammatory key mediators and cell viability as test parameters. In Vitro Toxicol 5:191–209

    Google Scholar 

  105. Natta CL, Machlin LJ, Brin M (1980) A decrease in irreversibly sickled erythrocytes in sickled cell anemia patients given vitamin E. Am J Clin Nutr 33:968–971

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  106. Niki E (1987) Antioxidants in relation to lipid peroxidation. Chem Phys Lipids 44:227–253

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  107. Niki E, Tsuchiya J, Tanimura R, Kamiya Y (1982) Regeneration of vitamin E from alpha-chromanoxy radical by glutathione and vitamin C. Chem Lett:789–792

  108. Niki E, Kawakami A, Yamamoto Y, Kamiya Y (1985) Oxidation of lipids. VIII. Synergistic inhibition of oxidation of phosphatidylcholine liposome in aqueous dispersion by vitamin E and vitamin C. Bull Chem Soc Jpn 58:1971–1975

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  109. Nikolowski W (1985) Vitamin E in der Dermatologie. Apotheker J 7:53–56

    Google Scholar 

  110. Noel-Hudson MS, Cornelis M, Lindenbaum A, Wepierre J (1990) Screening tests for free radical scavengers on cutaneous cultured cells. Int J Cosm Sci 12:105–114

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  111. Norins AL (1962) Free radical formation in the skin following exposure to ultraviolet light. J Invest Dermatol 5:445–447

    Article  Google Scholar 

  112. Ohzawa S, Arai M, Takeda Y (1984) Vitamin E in topical preparations. Nippon Kosh Kaka (BJJAEV) 8:18–27

    Google Scholar 

  113. Packer L (1984) Vitamin E, physical exercise and tissue damage in animals. Med Biol 62:105–109

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  114. Panganamala RV, Cornwell DC (1982) The effects of vitamin E on arachidonic acid metabolism. Ann NY Acad Sci 393:376–390

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  115. Pathak MA, Stratton K (1968) Free radicals in human skin before and after exposure to light. Arch Biochem Biophys 123:468–476

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  116. Perchellet JP, Abney NL, Thomas RM (1987) Effects of combined treatments with selenium, glutathione and vitamin E on glutathione peroxidase activity, ornithine decarboxylase induction and complete and multistage carcinogenesis in mouse skin. Cancer Res 47:477–485

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  117. Plack PA, Bieri JG (1964) Metabolic products of α-tocopherol in the livers of rats given intraperitoneal injections of C14-alpha-tocopherol. Biochim Biophys Acta 84:729–738

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  118. Posin CJ, Clark KW, Jones MP (1979) Human biochemical response to ozone and vitamin E. J Toxicol Environ Health 5:1049–1057

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  119. Potapenko AY, Abier GA, Pliquett F (1980) Inhibition of erythema of the skin of mice photosensitized with 8-methoxypsoralen by alpha-tocopherol. Bull Exp Biol Med 89:611–615

    Article  Google Scholar 

  120. Potokar M, Holtmann W, Werner-Busse A (1990) Effectiveness of vitamin E protecting against UV light. Comparative testing of natural tocopherols on the skin of hairless mice. Fat Sci Technol 92:406–410

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  121. Prasad KN (1988) Mechanisms of action of vitamin E on mammalian tumor cells in culture. Prog Clin Biol Res 259:363–375

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  122. Prasad KN, Edwards-Prasad J (1982) Effects of tocopherol (vitamin E) acid succinate on morphological alterations and growth inhibition in melanoma cells in culture. Cancer Res 42:550–555

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  123. Prensky AL (1984) Vitamin E and the nervous system. Develop Med Child Neurol 26:669–676

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  124. Pryor WA, Prier DG, Church DF (1983) Electron-spin resonance study of the mainstream and sidestream cigarette smoke: nature of the free radicals in gas-phase and in cigarette tar. Environ Health Perspect 47:345–355

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  125. Pugliese T (1987) Concepts in aging and skin. Cosmetics Toiletries 102:19–44

    Google Scholar 

  126. Raab W (1980) Die Wirkung von langwelligem Ultraviolettlicht (UV-A) und von mittelwelliger Ultraviolettstrahlung (UV-B) auf die menschliche Haut. Ein kritischer Vergleich. Z Hautkr 55:497–513

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  127. Record IR, Dreosti IE, Konstantinopoulos M, Buckley RA (1991) The influence of topical and systemic vitamin E on ultraviolet light-induced skin damage in hairless mice. Nutr Cancer 16:219–225

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  128. Rimm EB, Stampfer MJ, Ascherio A (1993) Vitamin E consumption and the risk of coronary heart disease in men. N Engl J Med 328:1450–1456

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  129. Roberts HJ (1981) Perspective of vitamin E as therapy. JAMA 246:129–131

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  130. Roshchupkin DI, Pistsov MY, Potapenko AY (1979) Inhibition of ultraviolet light-induced erythema by antioxidants. Arch Dermatol Res 266:91–94

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  131. Sahu SN, Edwards-Prasad J, Prasad KN (1987) Alpha-tocopheryl succinate inhibits melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH)-sensitive adenylate cyclase activity in melanoma cells. J Cell Physiol 133:585–589

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  132. Salkeld RM (1979) Safety and tolerance of high-dose vitamin E administration in man: A review of the literature. Draft of unpublished data is included in OTC Vol. 150121. Cited in: Fed. Register 44:16169–16173

  133. Scarpa M, Rigo A, Mairino M (1984) Formation of alpha-tocopherol radical and recycling of α-tocopherol by ascorbate during peroxidation of phosphatidylcholine liposome. An electron paramagnetic resonance study. Biochim Biophys Acta 114:1588–1593

    Google Scholar 

  134. Schmidt K, Bayer W, Blankenhorn G (1990) Vitamin E — aktueller wissenschaftlicher Erkenntnisstand. Vitam Miner Spur 5:3–18

    Google Scholar 

  135. Sies H, Murphy ME (1991) Role of tocopherols in the protection of biological systems against oxidative damage. J Photochem Photobiol B: Biol 8:211–218

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  136. Simon-Schnass I, Pabst H (1988) Influence of vitamin E on physical performance. Int J Vitam Nutr Res 58:49–54

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  137. Slaga TJ, Bracken WM (1977) The effects of antioxidants on skin tumor initiation and aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase. Cancer Res 37:1631–1635

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  138. Smith CV (1992) Free radical mechanisms of tissue injury. In: Moslen MT, Smith CV (eds) Free radical mechanisms of tissue injury. CRC, Boca Raton, pp 1–22

    Google Scholar 

  139. Sokol RJ (1989) Vitamin E in human health. Vitamin information; status paper. Hoffmann-La Roche, Basel

    Google Scholar 

  140. Stampfer MJ, Hennekens CH, Manson JE (1993) Vitamin E consumption and the risk of coronary disease in women. N Engl J Med 328:1444–1449

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  141. Strickland PT (1986) Photocarcinogenesis by near ultraviolet (UVA) radiation in sencar mice. J Invest Dermatol 87:272–275

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  142. Sugai M, Tappel AL (1978) Effect of vitamin E on carbon tetrachloride-induced lipid peroxidation as demonstrated by in vivo pentane production. Toxicol Lett 2:149–155

    Article  Google Scholar 

  143. Trevithick JR, Xiong H, Lee S (1992) Topical tocopherol acetate reduces post-UVB, sunburn-associated erythema, edema, and skin sensitivity in hairless mice. Arch Biochem Biophys 296:575–582

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  144. Trueb B, Fluckiger R, Winterhalten KH (1984) Nonenzymatic glycosylation of basement membrane caused by diabetes mellitus. Collagen Rel Res 4:239–251

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  145. Tsai AC, Kelley JJ, Peng B, Cook N (1978) Study on the effect of megavitamin E supplementation in man. Am J Clin Nutr 31:831–837

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  146. Tucker SB, Flannigan SA (1983) Cutaneous effects from occupational exposure to fenvalerate. Arch Toxicol 54:195–202

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  147. United States Pharmacopeial Convention (1984) United States Pharmacopeia, 21st edn. Rockville, pp 1118–1120

  148. Van Welden H, de Gruijl FR, van der Putte SCJ (1988) The carcinogenetic risks of modern tanning equipment: is UV-A safer than UV-B? Arch Dermatol Res 280:300–307

    Article  Google Scholar 

  149. Varga M (1992) Understanding the role of oxyradicals in general and in toxic hepatic damage can help safer drug design. Med Hypoth 39:133–136

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  150. Veris (1992) Vitamin E: Biologische Wirkungen auf die Haut. Vitamin E Übersichtsartikel 2:1–8

    Google Scholar 

  151. Wefers H, Sies H (1988) The protection by ascorbate and glutathione against microsomal lipid peroxidation is dependent on vitamin E. Eur J Biochem 174:353–357

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  152. Weiser H, Erlemann GA (1982) Beschleunigte Heilung oberflächlicher Wunden durch Panthenol und Zinkoxid. Parfüm Kosmet 58:425–428

    Google Scholar 

  153. Weiser H, Vecchi M (1982) Stereoisomers of alpha-tocopheryl-acetate. II. Biopotencies of all eight stereoisomers, individually or in mixtures, as determined by rat resorptiongestation test. Int J Vitam Nutr Res 52:351–370

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  154. Weiss JF, Kumar KS (1988) Antioxidant mechanisms in radiation injury and radioprotection. In: Chow CK (ed) Cellular antioxidant defense mechanisms, vol II. CRC, Boca Raton, pp 163–189

    Google Scholar 

  155. Werninghaus K, Handjani RM, Gilchrest BA (1991) Protective effect of alpha-tocopherol in carrier liposomes on ultraviolet-mediated human epidermal cell damage in vitro. Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed 8:236–242

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  156. Wheldon GH, Bhatt A, Keller P, Hummler H (1983) dl-Alpha-tocopheryl acetate (vitamin E): a long term toxicity and carcinogenicity study in rats. Int J Vitam Nutr Res 53:287–296

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  157. WHO Food Additives Series (1987) 21st. Toxicological evaluation of certain food additives and contaminants. Prepared by the 30th Meeting of Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives. June 2–11,1986. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, pp 55–69

    Google Scholar 

  158. Winkelmann RK, Blades EJ, Zollmann PE (1960) Squamous cell tumors induced in hairless mice with ultraviolet light. J Invest Dermatol 34:131–138

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  159. Wolff SP, Bascal ZA, Hunt JV (1989) Autoxidative glycosylation: free radicals and glycation theory. In: Baynes W, Monnier VM (eds) The Maillard reaction in aging, diabetes, and nutrition. Liss, New York, pp 259–275

    Google Scholar 

  160. Yagi K, Yamada H, Nishikimi M (1978) Oxidation of alpha-tocopherol with O2. In: de Duve C, Hayashi O (eds) North Holland Biomedics/Elsevier, Amsterdam, pp 1–11

  161. Yang NY, Desai ID (1977) Effect of high levels of dietary vitamin E on hematological indices and biochemical parameters in rats. J Nutr 107:1410–1417

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  162. Yen JT, Ku PK, Pond WG, Miller ER (1985) Response to dietary supplementation of vitamin C and vitamin E in weanling pigs fed low vitamin E-selenium diets. Nutr Rep Int 31:877–885

    CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Dermatologische Klinik und Poliklinik, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Frauenlobstrasse 9-11, D-80337, München, Germany

    F. Nachbar & H. C. Korting

Authors
  1. F. Nachbar
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. H. C. Korting
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and Permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Nachbar, F., Korting, H.C. The role of vitamin E in normal and damaged skin. J Mol Med 73, 7–17 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00203614

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00203614

Key words

search

Navigation