22 Jun New Cream May Lead To Non Sun-Induced Tanning
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
David E. Fisher MD, PhD
Edward Wigglesworth Professor & Chairman
Dept of Dermatology
Director, Melanoma Program MGH Cancer Center
Director, Cutaneous Biology Research Center
Massachusetts General Hospital
Harvard Medical School
Boston, MA 02114
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?
Response: This study grew from an interest to mimic the dark pigmentation patterns in human skin which are known from epidemiology to be associated with low skin cancer risk. In the current work, a molecular inhibitor of the SIK enzyme was used to block the inhibitory action of SIK relative to melanin synthesis. The result was stimulation of dark pigmentation within human skin.
MedicalResearch.com: What should clinicians and patients take away from your report?
Response: We believe that there may become, after appropriate safety testing, an approach towards utilizing this agent to enhance skin pigmentation in order to assist (in combination with sunblocking agents) in protection from UV induced skin damage and skin cancers.
MedicalResearch.com: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this study?
Response: Texting for safety is a major priority, as is other development aspects such as optimal formulation and initiation of clinical testing in people.
MedicalResearch.com: Is there anything else you would like to add?
Response: A patent application has been filed for the chemical agents used in the study. The only other message is to encourage people still to use sunscreens because they are helpful to protect skin against harmful UV rays.
MedicalResearch.com: Thank you for your contribution to the MedicalResearch.com community.
Citation:
Cell Rep. 2017 Jun 13;19(11):2177-2184. doi: 10.1016/j.celrep.2017.05.042.
A UV-Independent Topical Small-Molecule Approach for Melanin Production in Human Skin.
Mujahid N1, Liang Y2, Murakami R3, Choi HG2, Dobry AS3, Wang J2, Suita Y3, Weng QY3, Allouche J3, Kemeny LV3, Hermann AL3, Roider EM3, Gray NS2, Fisher DE4.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28614705
Note: Content is Not intended as medical advice. Please consult your health care provider regarding your specific medical condition and questions.
Last Updated on June 22, 2017 by Marie Benz MD FAAD