Ultraviolet A sensitivity in Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome: Possible involvement of cholesta-5,7,9(11)-trien-3 beta-ol.

Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome (SLOS) is a severe developmental disorder caused by mutations in the DHCR7 gene coding for 7-dehydrocholesterol (7-DHC) reductase, the enzyme involved in the last step of cholesterol biosynthesis. SLOS homozygotes exhibit marked deficiency of cholesterol in plasma and tissues with concomitant increase in 7-DHC. Ultraviolet A (UVA) photosensitivity has been recognized as part of SLOS with maximal response occurring at 350 nm.

Photochemistry and photocytotoxicity of alkaloids from Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis L.). 2. Palmatine, hydrastine, canadine, and hydrastinine.

Goldenseal is an herb that is widely used in dietary supplements, eye washes, and skin lotions. The presence of Goldenseal root powder in dietary supplements and the topical application of Goldenseal preparations raise the possibility that an adverse phototoxic reaction may result from an interaction between its constituent alkaloids and light in exposed tissues. We have previously shown that berberine, the major alkaloid in Goldenseal powder, in combination with UVA causes DNA damage and cell death in HaCaT keratinocytes [(2001) Chem.

Simulated microgravity induced damage in human retinal pigment epithelial cells.

Purpose: The goal of this study was to determine the potential damage to the human retina that may occur from weightlessness during space flight using simulated microgravity.

Methods: Human retinal pigment epithelial (hRPE) cells were cultured for 24 h in a National Aeronautics and Space Administration-designed rotating wall bioreactor vessel to mimic the microgravity environment of space. Single-stranded breaks in hRPE DNA induced by simulated gravity were measured using the comet assay.

Phloxine B phototoxicity: a mechanistic study using HaCaT keratinocytes.

Phloxine B (PhB) (2',4',5',7'-tetrabromo-4,5,6,7-tetrachlorofluorescein; D&C Red No. 28) is a red dye found in drugs, cosmetics and foods; it is also currently being evaluated as a phototoxin for the potential control of fruit flies. Previous studies have shown that PhB is an efficient photosensitizer of damage to cellular membranes; thus, exposure of the skin to the dye and sunlight or artificial light may result in phototoxicity.

The role of A2E in prevention or enhancement of light damage in human retinal pigment epithelial cells.

The process of sight (photostasis) produces, as a by-product, a chromophore called 2-[2,6-dimethyl-8-(2,6,6-trimethyl-1-cyclohexen-1-yl)-1E,3E, 5E,7E-octatetraenyl]-1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-4-[4-methyl-6-(2,6,6-trimethyl-1-cyclohexen-1-yl)-1E, 3E, 5E-hexatrienyl]-pyridinium (A2E), whose function in the eye has not been defined as yet. In youth and adulthood, A2E is removed from human retinal pigment epithelial (h-RPE) cells as it is made, and so it is present in very low concentrations, but with advanced age, it accumulates to concentrations reaching 20 microM. In the present study we have used photophysical techniques and in vitro cellular measurements to explore the role of A2E in h-RPE cells.