Can Sunscreen Lower Melanoma Risk Effectively?

It is a well-known fact of life that exposure to UV light, especially the UVA component, festers skin disorders like melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers. Superficial remedies such as sunscreens are effective only to a limited extent. This realization has led to investigation of new methods to protect the skin from photo-damaging effects of solar UV radiation, or "photo-carcinogenesis" as it is called. Recent years have seen considerable interest in identifying naturally-occurring botanicals, such as silymarin, with anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and which exhibit anti-carcinogenic and anti-mutagenic functionality.
It is in this light that the medicinal benefits of milk thistle have been a subject of intense research by scientists. Though its value as a medicine for a host of health conditions, including dermatological, has been known for over 2,000 years, it is only now that science has seriously begun looking at the role played by milk thistle and "Silymarin", its active compound, in treating skin damage.
In an experiment conducted at Palacky University in Czechoslovakia (1), researchers studied the impact of two components of Silybum marianum (technical name for milk thistle) as both a preventative as well as treatment intervention for skin damage against UVA exposure. Their findings were positive, in that it was discovered that these two components - collectively known as "flavonolignans" - perform a host of functions, such as increasing the viability of keratinocytes in irradiated cells, inhibiting the production of ROS, stopping further depletion of ATP and GSH taking place at intracellular level, and halting the peroxidation of membrane lipids. Further, the activation of caspases-3 process that UVA exposure initiates gets halted and reversed when the two components of Silybum marianum are applied. The overall picture that emerges, therefore, is that Silybum marianum is a good candidate to be considered for inhibiting UV damage.
An interesting experiment conducted on mice at the University of Alabama in Birmingham has been reported in the March-April 2008 issue of Photochem Photobiology journal (2). Two observations from this research are of special relevance to us here. One, it is the CD11b+ cells, which are the major source of oxidative stress in UV-irradiated skin, were inhibited by Silymarin. The flavonoid also suppresses the infiltration of leukocytes that UV exposure had induced. The second important observation is that Silymarin not only halts UV damage, it also acts as a preventive measure. Another researcher has gone one step ahead with the identification of yet another reversal that this chemical performs to UV action: it reduces the volume of H2O2-producing and cytokine interleukin-10 producing cells, both of whose generation is activated by UV (6).
Nearly the same conclusion has been arrived at by researchers working in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Colorado (3). Their research has shown a positive effect of Silibinin on the repair of UVB-induced DNA damage. Another experiment conducted at the Department of Dermatology of the University of Alabama has observed the inhibition affect that the flavonoid has on tumor promoters such as 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate, mezerein, benzoyal peroxide and okadaic acid (4).
Topical application of Silibinin prior to, or immediately after, UV irradiation has been found to inhibit thymine dimer positive cell generation that UV induces in the epidermis (5). This research has also shown that terminal sunburn cell formation that is again induced by UV is inhibited too, when Silibinin is applied.
A strong case for Silymarin being a very effective agent in inhibiting and reversing carcinogen and tumor-promoter-induced cancers is made by two independent researches. In both the experiments (7), (8), it has been reported that Silibinin inhibits cancer-causing cells (ERK1/2 activation) and promotes benign cells (JNK1/2, p38), making it an effective cancer-intervention agent for cancer.
A paper published in the journal "Cancer Research" details yet another in-depth investigation carried out on the efficacy of Silymarin as a possible intervention agent against Stage I and Stage II tumors (9). The paper reports that the milk thistle extract has been found to be especially useful in Stage I tumor suppression, and inhibits edema, hyperplasia, proliferation index and oxidant state which take place due to UV irradiation. This same result has been arrived by an independent group of researchers, who used a different chemical to induce skin edema in mice (10).
From the above researches being conducted around the world, it may safely be concluded that Silymarin is proving to be very effective in inhibiting UV-induced skin damage, and the day may not be far when milk thistle becomes one of the major ingredients in sunscreen lotions.
References
Svobodová A, Zdarilová A, Walterová D, and Vostálová J. Flavonolignans from Silybum marianum moderate UVA-induced oxidative damage to HaCaT keratinocytes. J Dermatol Sci. 2007 Dec;48(3):213-24. Epub 2007 Aug 3.
Katiyar SK, Meleth S, and Sharma SD. Silymarin, a flavonoid from milk thistle (Silybum marianum L.) inhibits UV-induced oxidative stress through targeting infiltrating CD11b+ cells in mouse skin. Photochem Photobiol. 2008 Mar-Apr;84(2):266-71. Epub 2007 Nov 28.
Singh RP, and Agarwal R. Mechanisms and preclinical efficacy of silibinin in preventing skin cancer. Eur J Cancer. 2005 Sep;41(13):1969-79.
Katiyar SK. Silymarin and skin cancer prevention: anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects. Int J Oncol. 2005 Jan;26(1):169-76.
Dhanalakshmi S, Mallikarjuna GU, Singh RP, and Agarwal R. Silibinin prevents ultraviolet radiation-caused skin damages in SKH-1 hairless mice via a decrease in thymine dimer positive cells and an up-regulation of p53-p21/Cip1 in epidermis. Carcinogenesis. 2004 Aug;25(8):1459-65. Epub 2004 Mar 19.
Katiyar SK. Treatment of Silymarin, a plant flavonoid, prevents ultraviolet light-induced immune suppression and oxidative stress in mouse skin. Int J Oncol. 2002 Dec;21(6):1213-22.
Singh RP, Tyagi AK, Zhao J, and Agarwal R. Silymarin inhibits growth and causes regression of established skin tumors in SENCAR mice via modulation of mitogen-activated protein kinases and induction of apoptosis. Carcinogenesis. 2002 Mar;23(3):499-510.
Jifu Zhao, Moushumi Lahiri-Chatterjee, Yogesh Sharma and Rajesh Agarwal. Inhibitory effect of a flavonoid antioxidant Silymarin on benzoyl peroxide-induced tumor promotion, oxidative stress and inflammatory responses in SENCAR mouse skin. Carcinogenesis, Vol. 21, No. 4, 811-816, April 2000.
Lahiri-Chatterjee M, Katiyar SK, Mohan RR, and Agarwal R. A flavonoid antioxidant, Silymarin, affords exceptionally high protection against tumor promotion in the SENCAR mouse skin tumorigenesis model. Cancer Res. 1999 Feb 1;59(3):622-32.
Zhao J, Sharma Y, and Agarwal R. Significant inhibition by the flavonoid antioxidant Silymarin against 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate-caused modulation of antioxidant and inflammatory enzymes, and cyclo-oxygenase-2 and interleukin-1-alpha expression in SENCAR mouse epidermis: implications in the prevention of Stage I tumor production. Mol Carcinog. 1999 Dec;26(4):321-33.

The multiple functions of Silymarin make it an ideal ingredient for skin care and skin cancer prevention. Silymarin is a water soluble powder which can be bought from http://bulkactives.com, it can easily be added to creams and lotions and is an easy to use active for making your own DIY skin care products.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_AJ_Su

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It is a fact that melanoma is the deadliest of skin cancers

It is a fact that melanoma is the deadliest of skin cancers. Furthermore, the rate of this type of skin cancer has doubled over the course of the last two decades. Another disturbing fact is that it is becoming ever more common in young adults and in children as well. In this situation, many research institutes and treatment centres carry out studies which are intended to identify the precise causes of this condition and to produce a cure. Learn more about some of their latest findings. Different Causes It is known that melanoma typically occurs in skin cells which have been damaged by UV rays. However, the precise way in which ultraviolet light works to cause cellular damage is not known. In recent times, researchers have made great progress in this field. The latest studies show that the UV rays work to cause cellular damage leading to this type of skin cancer in two different ways. One of the ways in which UV rays can cause this condition is through damage of skin cells during childhood leading to sunburn. Even though the tumour develops many years later, it is this initial change in the cellular DNA which has triggered it. The other way in which the condition can be caused is through regular exposure to UV radiation during adulthood. This can still lead to tumour formation even without the presence of sunburn. Advanced Combination Treatment A recent study which involved 500 melanoma patients from 20 different countries has revealed that combining two separate drugs for the treatment of this condition can produce more effective results. The two medications attacked the tumours in two different ways. The combined therapy helped to extend the period during which the growth of the tumours was inhibited from 6 to 9 months and even 10 months in some cases. In 10% of the patients, the existing tumours were completely eliminated. Melanoma Vaccine Development The vaccine is intended to be used for the treatment of this type of skin cancer and not for its prevention. Still, it works in the same way as ordinary vaccines designed to prevent virus infections. It contains weakened melanoma cells or specific compounds which are present in such sells. They are purposefully injected in the body in order to trigger an immune response. If this happens, the body's immune system will work to destroy the abnormal cells. Previously made vaccines have not been greatly effective, but the scientists are working on making more advanced ones. Hopefully, melanoma research will produce a cure for this condition soon. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8748695

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It is a well-known fact of life that exposure to UV light, especially the UVA component, festers skin disorders like melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers. Superficial remedies such as sunscreens are effective only to a limited extent. This realization has led to investigation of new methods to protect the skin from photo-damaging effects of solar UV radiation, or "photo-carcinogenesis" as it is called. Recent years have seen considerable interest in identifying naturally-occurring botanicals, such as silymarin, with anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and which exhibit anti-carcinogenic and anti-mutagenic functionality.
It is in this light that the medicinal benefits of milk thistle have been a subject of intense research by scientists. Though its value as a medicine for a host of health conditions, including dermatological, has been known for over 2,000 years, it is only now that science has seriously begun looking at the role played by milk thistle and "Silymarin", its active compound, in treating skin damage.
In an experiment conducted at Palacky University in Czechoslovakia (1), researchers studied the impact of two components of Silybum marianum (technical name for milk thistle) as both a preventative as well as treatment intervention for skin damage against UVA exposure. Their findings were positive, in that it was discovered that these two components - collectively known as "flavonolignans" - perform a host of functions, such as increasing the viability of keratinocytes in irradiated cells, inhibiting the production of ROS, stopping further depletion of ATP and GSH taking place at intracellular level, and halting the peroxidation of membrane lipids. Further, the activation of caspases-3 process that UVA exposure initiates gets halted and reversed when the two components of Silybum marianum are applied. The overall picture that emerges, therefore, is that Silybum marianum is a good candidate to be considered for inhibiting UV damage.
An interesting experiment conducted on mice at the University of Alabama in Birmingham has been reported in the March-April 2008 issue of Photochem Photobiology journal (2). Two observations from this research are of special relevance to us here. One, it is the CD11b+ cells, which are the major source of oxidative stress in UV-irradiated skin, were inhibited by Silymarin. The flavonoid also suppresses the infiltration of leukocytes that UV exposure had induced. The second important observation is that Silymarin not only halts UV damage, it also acts as a preventive measure. Another researcher has gone one step ahead with the identification of yet another reversal that this chemical performs to UV action: it reduces the volume of H2O2-producing and cytokine interleukin-10 producing cells, both of whose generation is activated by UV (6).
Nearly the same conclusion has been arrived at by researchers working in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Colorado (3). Their research has shown a positive effect of Silibinin on the repair of UVB-induced DNA damage. Another experiment conducted at the Department of Dermatology of the University of Alabama has observed the inhibition affect that the flavonoid has on tumor promoters such as 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate, mezerein, benzoyal peroxide and okadaic acid (4).
Topical application of Silibinin prior to, or immediately after, UV irradiation has been found to inhibit thymine dimer positive cell generation that UV induces in the epidermis (5). This research has also shown that terminal sunburn cell formation that is again induced by UV is inhibited too, when Silibinin is applied.
A strong case for Silymarin being a very effective agent in inhibiting and reversing carcinogen and tumor-promoter-induced cancers is made by two independent researches. In both the experiments (7), (8), it has been reported that Silibinin inhibits cancer-causing cells (ERK1/2 activation) and promotes benign cells (JNK1/2, p38), making it an effective cancer-intervention agent for cancer.
A paper published in the journal "Cancer Research" details yet another in-depth investigation carried out on the efficacy of Silymarin as a possible intervention agent against Stage I and Stage II tumors (9). The paper reports that the milk thistle extract has been found to be especially useful in Stage I tumor suppression, and inhibits edema, hyperplasia, proliferation index and oxidant state which take place due to UV irradiation. This same result has been arrived by an independent group of researchers, who used a different chemical to induce skin edema in mice (10).
From the above researches being conducted around the world, it may safely be concluded that Silymarin is proving to be very effective in inhibiting UV-induced skin damage, and the day may not be far when milk thistle becomes one of the major ingredients in sunscreen lotions.
References
Svobodová A, Zdarilová A, Walterová D, and Vostálová J. Flavonolignans from Silybum marianum moderate UVA-induced oxidative damage to HaCaT keratinocytes. J Dermatol Sci. 2007 Dec;48(3):213-24. Epub 2007 Aug 3.
Katiyar SK, Meleth S, and Sharma SD. Silymarin, a flavonoid from milk thistle (Silybum marianum L.) inhibits UV-induced oxidative stress through targeting infiltrating CD11b+ cells in mouse skin. Photochem Photobiol. 2008 Mar-Apr;84(2):266-71. Epub 2007 Nov 28.
Singh RP, and Agarwal R. Mechanisms and preclinical efficacy of silibinin in preventing skin cancer. Eur J Cancer. 2005 Sep;41(13):1969-79.
Katiyar SK. Silymarin and skin cancer prevention: anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects. Int J Oncol. 2005 Jan;26(1):169-76.
Dhanalakshmi S, Mallikarjuna GU, Singh RP, and Agarwal R. Silibinin prevents ultraviolet radiation-caused skin damages in SKH-1 hairless mice via a decrease in thymine dimer positive cells and an up-regulation of p53-p21/Cip1 in epidermis. Carcinogenesis. 2004 Aug;25(8):1459-65. Epub 2004 Mar 19.
Katiyar SK. Treatment of Silymarin, a plant flavonoid, prevents ultraviolet light-induced immune suppression and oxidative stress in mouse skin. Int J Oncol. 2002 Dec;21(6):1213-22.
Singh RP, Tyagi AK, Zhao J, and Agarwal R. Silymarin inhibits growth and causes regression of established skin tumors in SENCAR mice via modulation of mitogen-activated protein kinases and induction of apoptosis. Carcinogenesis. 2002 Mar;23(3):499-510.
Jifu Zhao, Moushumi Lahiri-Chatterjee, Yogesh Sharma and Rajesh Agarwal. Inhibitory effect of a flavonoid antioxidant Silymarin on benzoyl peroxide-induced tumor promotion, oxidative stress and inflammatory responses in SENCAR mouse skin. Carcinogenesis, Vol. 21, No. 4, 811-816, April 2000.
Lahiri-Chatterjee M, Katiyar SK, Mohan RR, and Agarwal R. A flavonoid antioxidant, Silymarin, affords exceptionally high protection against tumor promotion in the SENCAR mouse skin tumorigenesis model. Cancer Res. 1999 Feb 1;59(3):622-32.
Zhao J, Sharma Y, and Agarwal R. Significant inhibition by the flavonoid antioxidant Silymarin against 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate-caused modulation of antioxidant and inflammatory enzymes, and cyclo-oxygenase-2 and interleukin-1-alpha expression in SENCAR mouse epidermis: implications in the prevention of Stage I tumor production. Mol Carcinog. 1999 Dec;26(4):321-33.

The multiple functions of Silymarin make it an ideal ingredient for skin care and skin cancer prevention. Silymarin is a water soluble powder which can be bought from http://bulkactives.com, it can easily be added to creams and lotions and is an easy to use active for making your own DIY skin care products.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_AJ_Su

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What Do the Latest Melanoma Studies Reveal?

t is a fact that melanoma is the deadliest of skin cancers. Furthermore, the rate of this type of skin cancer has doubled over the course of the last two decades. Another disturbing fact is that it is becoming ever more common in young adults and in children as well. In this situation, many research institutes and treatment centres carry out studies which are intended to identify the precise causes of this condition and to produce a cure. Learn more about some of their latest findings.

Different Causes

It is known that melanoma typically occurs in skin cells which have been damaged by UV rays. However, the precise way in which ultraviolet light works to cause cellular damage is not known. In recent times, researchers have made great progress in this field. The latest studies show that the UV rays work to cause cellular damage leading to this type of skin cancer in two different ways.

One of the ways in which UV rays can cause this condition is through damage of skin cells during childhood leading to sunburn. Even though the tumour develops many years later, it is this initial change in the cellular DNA which has triggered it. The other way in which the condition can be caused is through regular exposure to UV radiation during adulthood. This can still lead to tumour formation even without the presence of sunburn.

Advanced Combination Treatment

A recent study which involved 500 melanoma patients from 20 different countries has revealed that combining two separate drugs for the treatment of this condition can produce more effective results. The two medications attacked the tumours in two different ways. The combined therapy helped to extend the period during which the growth of the tumours was inhibited from 6 to 9 months and even 10 months in some cases. In 10% of the patients, the existing tumours were completely eliminated.

Melanoma Vaccine Development

The vaccine is intended to be used for the treatment of this type of skin cancer and not for its prevention. Still, it works in the same way as ordinary vaccines designed to prevent virus infections. It contains weakened melanoma cells or specific compounds which are present in such sells. They are purposefully injected in the body in order to trigger an immune response. If this happens, the body's immune system will work to destroy the abnormal cells. Previously made vaccines have not been greatly effective, but the scientists are working on making more advanced ones.

Hopefully, melanoma research will produce a cure for this condition soon.

Use an effective method for the early detection of Melanoma which will help you to protect yourself and your family from this dangerous condition. Take the first step towards more effective prevention now.

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Skin cancer continues to be the most commonly diagnosed form of cancer in the United States

Skin cancer continues to be the most commonly diagnosed form of cancer in the United States. Skin cancer remains the second most common cancer for women between the ages of 20-29 years old. Many skin cancers are directly linked to both indoor and outdoor tanning behaviors. Although outdoor tanning occurs through a variety of avenues (sports, workplace, etc.) indoor tanning in the United States mainly occurs within tanning salons with special tanning beds.
Tanning beds are specially designed devices that emit UV radiation and light during a predetermined amount of time. Recently, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified tanning beds as carcinogenic to human. This is their most serious classification and helped to reinforce the decisions of many states to ban the use of tanning beds for people under the age of 16 and to require parental consent for anyone under the age of 18.
Interestingly, several high profile cases of skin cancer among beauty pageant participants have led to multiple pushes for more restrictive tanning laws in a variety of different states. Although it may seem that this push against tanning is only in the United States, it has truly became an international fight. Several western European Countries have enacted similar restrictions and Brazil and five of Australia's states have banned tanning completely.
Of people who do use tanning beds there are several behaviors that are particularly risky. These are:

• Failing to wear the provided goggles (this can cause severe eye issues or even ocular melanoma)
• Beginning with long exposures - this can cause burning
• Failing to follow the manufacturer recommended exposure times that are based on skin type
• Tanning while using medications that may make you more sensitive to UV rays.
• Tanning while under the age of 16 - the younger an individual begins tanning the more likely their chances of developing skin cancer.

Although many tanning companies may claim that indoor tanning is the "safest way to get vitamin D" this is simply not true. The majority of Americans are able to receive their recommended amount of Vitamin D through their diets and normal everyday sunlight exposure. The FDA and FTC have recently begun to investigate and prosecute major tanning bed companies in regards to multiple false claims regarding the vitamin D statements.
In conclusion, tanning beds are a dangerous habit. The United States still has thousands of salons that offer tanning, but regulations are becoming stricter and more prevalent. Of particular concern is the wide amount of false and misinformation regarding the safety of indoor tanning. The Surgeon general, along with the CDC and FDA, are steadily working to help raise public awareness about the dangers of indoor tanning.

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Statistics show that in four decades the cases of skin cancer have tripled

Statistics show that in four decades the cases of skin cancer have tripled. This naturally poses the question for protecting the skin from the UV rays of the sun as they can cause DNA changes in cells and lead to the growth of tumours. Sunscreen products are widely used, but it is important to have an idea of how well they can protect you and how they can lower melanoma risk. Find out more about their significance for the prevention of the deadliest form of skin cancer.
How Sunscreen Works
This type of topical treatment has ingredients which work to prevent the penetration of the sun's UV rays into the skin. The different ingredients work in two main ways. They either reflect the harmful rays or diffuse them. Given this, it is logical to conclude that sunscreen can help to lower melanoma risk.
At the same time, you have to keep in mind that the treatment cannot reflect and diffuse all the UV radiation which the skin is exposed to. They reduce the penetration of the UV rays into the skin significantly, but not completely. This is true even for the products with SPF50 and higher.
What Research Shows
Research studies on the link between the use of sunscreen and lower melanoma risk have shown mixed results. Some of the most recent ones are very promising. A study conducted in 2011 among 1,600 showed that the application of sunblock alone can reduce the risk by as much as half.
However, there are also studies which have shown that this product may actually increase the risk of the condition. This may be due to the fact that people tend to stay longer hours in the sun when they apply sunscreen. Generally, there is no solid evidence that the use of this type of product alone can reduce the risk.
Factors for Effectiveness
The effectiveness of the protective topical treatment depends not only on the product, but on the way in which it is applied. Experts suggest that the product has to be used every day irrespective of the weather outdoors. It has reapplied every half an hour or so during outdoor activities, especially when the person is sweating. Similarly, it has to be reapplied after a swim.
Conclusion
Overall, sunscreen alone may help to reduce melanoma risk, but in order for it to produce the best results it has to be combined with other protective measures. These include avoiding the sun during the hours of the day when the UV radiation is the strongest and covering as much of the body as possible with clothing.

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