Future Skin Cancer Risk In Children May Be Increased By Beach Vacations

Vacationing at the shore led to a 5 percent increase in nevi (more commonly called "moles") among 7-year-old children, according to a paper published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research.



Number of nevi is the major risk factor for malignant melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer. Melanoma rates have been rising dramatically over recent decades. More than 62,000 Americans are diagnosed with melanoma each year and more than 8,000 die.



The study was conducted among children who lived in Colorado, but lead author Lori Crane, Ph.D., M.P.H., chair of the Department of Community and Behavioral Health at the Colorado School of Public Health, said the findings are applicable worldwide.



"Parents of young children need to be cautious about taking their kids on vacations that are going to be sun-intensive at waterside locations, where people are outside for whole days at a time in skin-exposing swimsuits," said Crane.



Crane said parents often mistakenly believe that sunscreen is a cure-all. Although it does offer some protection, the likelihood is that children stay out in the sun longer, thus increasing their risk.



"We recommend that, for young children, parents keep the kids involved in indoor activities from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. to decrease risk, or if they are to be outside, that they wear shirts with sleeves," said Crane.



Crane and colleagues examined 681 white children born in 1998 who were lifetime residents of Colorado. Vacation histories were assessed by interview and skin exams were used to evaluate the development of nevi.



Researchers observed that each waterside vacation one or more years prior to the exam at age 7 was linked to a 5 percent increase in nevi, or skin moles, less than two mm. "Daily sun exposure at home did not seem to be related to the number of moles, while waterside vacations were. Vacations may impart some unique risk for melanoma," said Crane.



Crane and colleagues also found that young boys had a 19 percent higher risk than young girls for nevi development. "This may be due to an increased likelihood among boys to want to stay outdoors," said Crane.



Finally, higher incomes were associated with greater risk, as those with higher incomes were more likely to take waterside vacations.


The mission of the American Association for Cancer Research is to prevent and cure cancer. Founded in 1907, AACR is the world's oldest and largest professional organization dedicated to advancing cancer research. The membership includes more than 28,000 basic, translational and clinical researchers; health care professionals; and cancer survivors and advocates in the United States and 80 other countries. The AACR marshals the full spectrum of expertise from the cancer community to accelerate progress in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer through high-quality scientific and educational programs. It funds innovative, meritorious research grants. The AACR Annual Meeting attracts more than 17,000 participants who share the latest discoveries and developments in the field. Special conferences throughout the year present novel data across a wide variety of topics in cancer research, treatment and patient care. The AACR publishes five major peer-reviewed journals: Cancer Research; Clinical Cancer Research; Molecular Cancer Therapeutics; Molecular Cancer Research; and Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention. The AACR's most recent publication and its sixth major journal, Cancer Prevention Research, is dedicated exclusively to cancer prevention, from preclinical research to clinical trials. The AACR also publishes CR, a magazine for cancer survivors and their families, patient advocates, physicians and scientists. CR provides a forum for sharing essential, evidence-based information and perspectives on progress in cancer research, survivorship and advocacy.

Patients Say MPM Medical's Regenecare Gel Significantly Reduced The Itching And Pain Of Skin Rashes Triggered By Anti Cancer Drugs

Patients undergoing cancer treatment reported that using Regenecare hydrogel significantly reduced the pain and itching associated with the sometimes-severe skin rashes caused by anti-cancer drugs.


Conducted by the Western University of Health Sciences, the study substantiated the findings of nine previous clinical trials recognizing Regenecare for its pain-relieving and wound-healing benefits. Manufactured by MPM Medical, Inc., Regenecare is the only wound and pain management product of its kind on the market.


"Pain management is one of the most-significant issues facing healthcare today," said MPM President Paul Miller. "Many patients stop or forgo treatment because they cannot tolerate the itching and painful side effects often associated with these treatments. Regenecare is a unique hydrogel whose benefits are substantiated by science and validated by patients."


The six-week study followed 13 patients who were taking a class of anti-cancer drugs that, while effective, often produce a severe rash on a patient's face, neck, back and legs. If scratched, these rashes can become infected. Patients reported "significant reduction" of itching when using Regenecare, according to the study.


Researchers credit Regenecare's unparalleled pain relief and wound healing to its formulation of 2% lidocaine (for local pain management), marine collagen (to promote tissue formation), Aloe vera (to enhance circulation and to promote emollient effect) and sodium alginate (to absorb exudates).


"Pain is the leading cause of disability in the United States and is straining our healthcare system," according to the National Pain Care Policy Act of 2008 (H.R. 2994). Among other things, the pending legislation seeks "to improve the assessment, understanding and treatment of pain."


MPM offers Regenecare HA as an over-the-counter version of the prescription Regenecare. Regenecare HA has the same formulation, but it also contains hyaluronic acid, which enhances moisture and healing. Consumers may purchase Regenecare and other MPM products online at MPMmedicalinc.


About RBC Life SciencesRBC Life Sciences (OTC Bulletin Board: RBCL) develops, manufactures and markets high-quality nutritional supplements and personal care products to a growing population of consumers seeking wellness and a healthy lifestyle. Under its MPM Medical, Inc., brand, RBC Life Sciences also develops and markets to health care professionals in the United States proprietary prescription and nonprescription products for advanced wound care and pain management. All products are tested for quality assurance in-house, and by outside independent laboratories, to comply with regulations in the U.S. and in more than thirty countries in which the products are distributed. For more information, visit the Company's Web site at rbclifesciences.


The statements above, other than statements of historical fact, may be forward-looking. Actual events will be dependent upon a number of factors and risks including, but not limited to, changes in plans by the Company's management, delays or problems in production, changes in the regulatory process, changes in market trends, and a number of other factors and risks described from time to time in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.


RBC Life Sciences

rbclifesciences

First Systemic Therapy For Fatal Childhood Disease Performed By U Of M

University of Minnesota Children's Hospital, Fairview physicians have performed the first bone marrow and cord blood transplant to treat recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB).



Children with RDEB lack a protein that anchors skin to the body, resulting in fragile skin that sloughs off with little movement or friction. They suffer painful wounds and must be bandaged at all times to protect their skin from further damage and infection. The 18-month-old boy who was transplanted has the most severe form of RDEB, which also causes skin to slough off on the inside of the body, affecting the mouth, esophagus, and gastrointestinal tract. EB is genetic and severe forms are always fatal. Those who live to be young adults get an aggressive form of skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma.



With the help of an EB mouse model and in collaboration with investigators at Columbia University, University of Minnesota researchers were able to correct the disease in mice using bone marrow. They tested various types of adult stem cells to determine which would give rise to the development of type VII collagen -- the protein people with RDEB lack. One type of immature cells from bone marrow proved to be the best at producing anchoring fibrils that bind the skin to the body.



This is the first time physicians have approached EB from a systemic perspective, using transplant as a means to rid the body of the defective blood system and replace it with a healthy blood system that produces type VII collagen.



"Our goal is to determine the usefulness of stem cells, whether from the umbilical cord blood or adult tissues like bone marrow, in the treatment of human disease," said John E. Wagner, M.D., professor of Pediatrics and director of the Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Blood and Marrow Transplantation and director of clinical research of the Stem Cell Institute at the University of Minnesota. "There are hundreds of thousands of children and adults waiting for new breakthroughs in stem cell research, and time is never enough. In two years, the team was able to move this project forward remarkably fast -- from testing in animal models to treating patients. Time will tell whether this risky treatment will work as effectively in humans. But, RDEB is a horribly debilitating, life-threatening disease with no existing curative therapy."



The boy received both umbilical cord blood and bone marrow from a perfectly matched sibling. If the results mimic the animal model, doctors anticipate the healthy blood system will aid in the skin's ability to produce type VII collagen necessary to anchor the skin and lining cells of the gastrointestinal tract to the body. Doctors anticipate in early 2008 -- approximately 100 days after transplant -- they will be able to judge whether this the treatment helped.



"This represents a real change in thinking within the dermatological community. The possibility of this approach compels us to explore more broadly the way some skin diseases are typically treated," said Maria Hordinsky, M.D., head of the Department of Dermatology at the University of Minnesota and member of the care team.







The pediatric BMT program at the University of Minnesota Children's Hospital, Fairview is internationally recognized for its pioneering work in umbilical cord blood and bone marrow transplantation, including the world's first successful BMT in 1968. In 2000, Wagner and team performed the first umbilical cord blood transplant from a sibling donor "created" after embryo selection. The program leads the nation in the use of umbilical cord blood in the treatment of adults and children and in the development of innovative treatments of various rare genetic diseases such as adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) and Fanconi anemia.



The transplant was done as part of a clinical trial funded by donations made to the University of Minnesota EB Fund and Children's Cancer Research Fund in Minneapolis.

Bradley Pharmaceuticals Skin Cancer Screening Tour Helps Save Lives By Encouraging Visits To Dermatologists

Bradley
Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NYSE: BDY) announced today that The Skin Cancer
Screening Tour, sponsored by Bradley's Doak Dermatologics subsidiary in
partnership with The Skin Cancer Foundation, has screened to date more than
3400 individuals. In addition, the media coverage surrounding the Screening
Tour has helped raise awareness of the importance of visiting a
dermatologist, even beyond the scope of the Tour, for early detection of
skin cancer.


At each stop on the Tour, local dermatologists volunteer their time in
the 38-foot Mobile Diagnosis Vehicle (MDv), custom-built by Doak
Dermatologics, performing free skin cancer examinations in two fully
outfitted exam rooms. To date, almost 40% of those screened were identified
as requiring further medical attention for a cancer-related skin condition.


Among the more than 3400 people screened, participating physicians have
identified the following:


-- 825 people with Actinic Keratosis
Actinic Keratosis (AK) affects 1.3 million people annually. AK is the
most common type of precancerous skin lesion. If left untreated, AK can
lead to Squamous Cell Carcinoma.


-- 94 with Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) is a form of skin cancer that affects
200,000 Americans each year. SCCs can spread quickly.


-- 303 with Basal Cell Carcinoma
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) is a common form of skin cancer, affecting
more than 800,000 Americans annually.


-- 37 with Melanoma
Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer and has increased more
rapidly than any other form of skin cancer during the past 10 years.
Similar to previously mentioned conditions, if melanoma is diagnosed
and removed early, it is almost 100 percent curable.


Doak created The Skin Cancer Screening Tour in response to the
Company's knowledge of the prevalence of skin cancer, heightened by the
acquisition of a major topical therapy for the precancerous skin condition
Actinic Keratosis. More than 1.3 million people will be diagnosed with skin
cancer this year, and in the US, there are more cases of skin cancer than
breast, prostate, lung and colon cancers combined. Because early detection
and treatment are critical to a positive outcome, Doak launched The Skin
Cancer Screening Tour as a public service.


In addition to carrying out screenings on the MDv, The Skin Cancer
Screening Tour is conducting a skin cancer awareness campaign in major
media outlets across the country, urging people to be screened whether
aboard the MDv or by their local dermatologist. For those who cannot visit
the MDv, Doak has created a website with a full listing of dermatologists
by zip code. To date, information on the Tour has appeared in over 250
newspapers and national magazines and on numerous local TV and radio
stations, enabling millions of people to be exposed to the message. For
example, on May 29, 2006, Bradley President and CEO, Daniel Glassman,
appeared on America Health Radio with Scott Broder to discuss the
importance of regular skin cancer screenings. According to Mr. Broder, this
segment was "one of the most popular and well-received shows ever broadcast
on American Health Radio."















Mr. Glassman stated, "Through its Doak Dermatologics subsidiary,
Bradley is extremely proud to be a part of this important effort to draw
attention to the importance of annual screenings and early detection for
skin cancer. We are particularly grateful to the local dermatologists who
have provided their skill and time to this important initiative. We
recognize there is a skin cancer epidemic, and drawing the public's
attention to the necessity of regular visits to dermatologists is a
critical step in gaining control of it. We believe that the statistics from
this tour show that we are helping to generate important awareness, and
encouraging people to visit their dermatologist."


The MDv has conducted screenings in San Francisco; Los Angeles;
Phoenix; Dallas; Houston; Tampa; Miami; West Palm Beach; Atlanta;
Nashville; Avalon, New Jersey; Chicago; and is currently at locations in
Washington, DC, including the Pentagon. The Tour will be traveling through
the Northeastern US during the second half of 2006 and will be extended
into 2007.


To learn more about The Skin Cancer Screening Tour and find a list of
upcoming stops, please visit skincancerscreeningtour.


Please visit Bradley Pharmaceuticals web site at: bradpharm
Bradley Pharmaceuticals common stock is listed on the NYSE under the
symbol BDY.


Bradley Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NYSE: BDY) was founded in 1985 as a
specialty pharmaceutical company and markets to niche physician specialties
in the U.S. and 38 international markets. Bradley's success is based on the
strategy of Acquire, Enhance and Grow. Bradley Acquires non-strategic
brands, Enhances these brands with line extensions and improved
formulations and Grows the products through promotion, advertising and
selling activities to optimize life cycle management. Bradley
Pharmaceuticals is comprised of Doak Dermatologics, specializing in topical
therapies for dermatology and podiatry; Kenwood Therapeutics, providing
gastroenterology, respiratory and other internal medicine brands; and A.
Aarons, which markets authorized generic versions of Doak and Kenwood
therapies.


Important announcement:


July 26-30, 2006 - Doak Dermatologics will be exhibiting at the Summer
Meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology, held in San Diego, CA.


August 7-10, 2006 - Doak Dermatologics will be exhibiting at the American
Podiatric Medical Association, held in Las Vegas, NV.


Daniel Glassman will present at the RBC's Healthcare Conference, to be
held in New York City, December 12-14, 2006.


Daniel Glassman will present at the Raymond James & Associates 28th
Annual Institutional Investors Conference, to be held at the Hyatt
Regency Grand Cypress in Orlando, FL., March 4-7, 2007.


Bradley Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

bradpharm

Dermatologists Can Help Minimize The Effects Of Stress And Emotions On Skin, Hair And Nails

In the emotional rollercoaster of life, sometimes the "down" periods have long-lasting effects on more than just our mood. In fact, numerous studies link factors that impact our emotional well-being such as stress, depression and anxiety to an increase in skin, hair or nail problems. Now, dermatologists are advising patients to recognize these secondary symptoms and to seek treatment early before they cause additional stress.


Speaking today at the American Academy of Dermatology's SKIN academy (Academy), dermatologist and clinical psychologist Richard G. Fried, MD, PhD, FAAD, of Yardley, Pa., discussed the reciprocal relationship between feelings and appearance, and how failing to address these concerns can affect how we look, feel and function.


"When patients are going through a rough period in their lives, negative emotions can wreak havoc on their appearance," said Dr. Fried. "So, as a result, patients might start to notice that their hair is thinning, their skin is inflamed or their nails are brittle which can be physical manifestations of their mental state. These unwanted physical changes can have a profoundly negative impact on how they feel. The negative emotions can trigger a vicious cycle of worsening skin, hair and nails leading to worsening of their emotional state and can lead to further worsening of the skin problem. Dermatologists can play a key role in helping patients not only alleviate these physical symptoms, but also help enhance their quality of life during a difficult time."


Psychodermatology Interventions


Stress can manifest itself on one's appearance in many ways, primarily by making the skin more sensitive and more reactive. For example, Dr. Fried noted that stress can make rosacea more red, result in acne lesions that are more inflamed and more persistent, cause brittle nails and ridging of the nails, cause hair loss, cause or worsen hives, and cause excessive perspiration. In addition, stress also is a known trigger or can be a worsening factor for fever blisters, psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis and has even been shown to impair skin barrier function and dehydrate the skin allowing more irritants, allergens, and infectious agents to penetrate the skin and cause problems. Stressed skin often appears stressed, distressed and older.















"When it comes to treating patients who we suspect may be experiencing skin, hair or nail problems as a result of stress or other emotional factors, it is helpful to ask them whether their skin seems to look or feel worse when they are stressed," said Dr. Fried. "Beyond the direct physiological effects of stress, patients under stress also tend to neglect or abuse their skin, lacking the energy and motivation to adhere to their skin care regimens. There also might be signs of stress-related behaviors such as scratching, pulling or rubbing that can exacerbate problems."


To successfully treat stress-related dermatologic conditions, Dr. Fried recommends that traditional dermatologic therapies should be used in conjunction with appropriate stress management strategies. For example, Dr. Fried discussed how stress reduction interventions and techniques can reduce the culmination of negative events that can worsen many of these problems.


To illustrate the seriousness of living with skin problems, Dr. Fried points to studies showing that people tend to be more distressed by skin, hair or nail problems since they are so visible and uncomfortable, than by other serious medical conditions, such as heart disease or diabetes.


"When dermatologists treat both the skin and stress, the skin often clears more quickly and completely as the native influences of stress are diminished," said Dr. Fried. "Consequently, their overall anxiety level can decrease and they may start to feel better about how they look and how they're feeling emotionally."


Moving to the microscopic level, Dr. Fried added that stress reduction can decrease the release of pro-inflammatory stress hormones and chemicals. For example, release of neuropeptides (or stress chemicals released from the nerve endings) can be reduced with stress management techniques. This often results in skin that looks and functions better. These interventions can reduce blood vessel over-activity, resulting in less blushing or flushing. Decreasing stress allows the patient to focus more positive energy on good skin care rather than negative behaviors.


"It is fair to say that when people are under stress, they tend to 'fall off the wagon' in terms of practicing good skin care," said Dr. Fried. "They may not use their sunscreen or their skin care products when they're feeling stressed, because all of their energy and focus is being diverted by their ongoing stress. They also might not be eating or sleeping as well or staying hydrated, which all can contribute to a dull or lack-luster appearance."


With accurate diagnoses by a dermatologist, effective treatments improve the appearance and function of the skin. This alone can substantially reduce patients' stress and improve their skin, hair and nail conditions. However, Dr. Fried noted that if stress is clearly interfering with patients' overall well-being and ability to cope, simultaneous stress management interventions are warranted. In some instances, referral to a mental health professional who has an interest and understanding of skin problems may be warranted.


Cosmetic Interventions


While skin rejuvenation procedures have been shown to significantly improve a person's outward appearance, studies suggest these types of cosmetic interventions also can have positive effects on how people feel and how they function.


"When people feel more attractive and more confident in their appearance, they tend to perform better in other areas of their lives in their work, family life, social life, and marriage or personal relationships," explained Dr. Fried. "Under the right circumstances, cosmetic procedures can be a powerful ally. But it's important for patients to understand that these procedures are not a panacea. Realistic expectations are the key to effectively delivered promises."


Currently, Dr. Fried is analyzing data from a 2008 study designed to measure the positive ripple effects of botulinum toxin injections on other aspects of patients' lives. In this study, 76 middle-aged patients were treated with one botulinum toxin injection and then asked to complete a questionnaire during their follow-up visit to gauge how they felt following the procedure.


"The results of our study clearly showed that patients treated with botulinum toxin experienced substantial benefits," said Dr. Fried. "In fact, 29 percent reported feeling less anxious, 36 percent said they feel more relaxed, and 49 percent were more optimistic. Even a portion of patients diagnosed with seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, prior to treatment reported they felt less sadness during the winter following botulinum toxin injection."


A previous study conducted by Dr. Fried evaluated the clinical and psychological effects of the use of alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) in 32 patients. After 12 weeks, patients demonstrated significant improvements in facial skin tone and fine wrinkling, and reported satisfaction with their physical appearance and the quality of their interpersonal relationships.


"The results of these two studies echo observations of recognized experts from around the world that cosmetic interventions can improve a patient's self-image and help them feel better about themselves," added Dr. Fried. "Feeling stressed, depressed or anxious is exhausting, and patients who report improvements in these negative feelings following a cosmetic procedure can use that redirected energy to pursue new interests that can enhance their lives."


For proper diagnosis and treatment of any skin, hair or nail conditions, Dr. Fried advised patients to consult their dermatologist to determine the root of the problem and discuss the potential benefits of any treatment.


Headquartered in Schaumburg, Ill., the American Academy of Dermatology (Academy), founded in 1938, is the largest, most influential, and most representative of all dermatologic associations. With a membership of more than 15,000 physicians worldwide, the Academy is committed to: advancing the diagnosis and medical, surgical and cosmetic treatment of the skin, hair and nails; advocating high standards in clinical practice, education, and research in dermatology; and supporting and enhancing patient care for a lifetime of healthier skin, hair and nails.


American Academy of Dermatology (AAD)

930 E Woodfield Rd.

Schaumburg

IL 60173-4927

United States

aad

Singapore Scientist Says Novel Discovery Suggests New Approach For Age-Defying, Anti-Wrinkling Treatments

In the new print issue of Nature Genetics, scientists in Singapore and Germany report that mutations in the PYCR1 gene cause the rare genetic condition that results in premature skin aging and that is known as "wrinkly skin syndrome."



Their findings not only suggest that increasing levels of the PYCR1 protein could reverse conditions that cause fast aging and wrinkly skin but also provide insight into how some unexpected genes help maintain youthful skin.



Bruno Reversade, Ph.D. of Singapore's Institute of Medical Biology (IMB) led the international research team that involved collaborations with over 15 hospitals and research centres in 13 countries.



Using bioinformatics tools, Dr. Reversade and his team analyzed DNA samples collected worldwide from patients who, at a young age, displayed signs of premature aging. They identified the PYCR1 gene on chromosome 17 of these patients to be defective and found specific mutations in the gene that led to conditions often seen in elderly people, such as loose skin, loss of bone density, hip dislocation and cataract.



They also determined that skin and bone were the two tissues most severely affected in patients with wrinkly skin syndrome. Since skin and bone contain high levels of the PYCR1 protein under normal circumstances, developing therapies that could increase the activity of the PYCR1 protein could possibly reverse the process of aging in affected individuals or slow it down in normal people.



The scientists found that the PYCR1 protein is located in mitochondria, the cell's "power house," providing energy for the cell's consumption. In their experiments, they observed changes in mitochondrial morphology and cell death in the connective tissues of individuals with PYCR1 mutations.



To determine the effects of reduced levels of PYCR1 protein, the scientists studied the growth of frog and fish models in which the PYCR1 gene had been experimentally shut off. They found that the mitochondrial function in the animal models' skin was altered, and there was also an increased occurrence of cell death.



"Our findings confirm the significance of mitochondrial function in the aging process," said Dr. Reversade. "They also unexpectedly highlight the importance of metabolism as PYCR1 is important in the synthesis of proline, a common amino acid involved in metabolism. Age-defying and anti-wrinkling treatments for common disorders related to ageing may also benefit from sustaining proline metabolism."



"We are excited by these findings of Bruno and colleagues, which open up new possibilities in the field of aging and skin research," added Birgit Lane, Ph.D., a skin biologist and Executive Director of IMB, one of the research institutes sponsored by Singapore's A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research).



"The study is a great example of scientific synergy - when clinicians and scientists from around the world come together to share their specialist skills and knowledge, they can discover new insights into complex medical conditions," said Dr. Lane. "Rare genetic disorders often provide surprising revelations. Pooling resources and targeting research to find new ways of combating disease - and benefiting people faster - is exactly what we try to do at IMB."



Dr. Reversade, a developmental biologist, holds a Principal Investigator position at IMB and an adjunct faculty position at the National University of Singapore. In previously published papers in such journals as Cell and Nature Cell Biology, he has reported several landmark discoveries explaining how identical twins can be produced from a single embryo.



Fellow of the Branco Weiss Foundation, he is the first recipient of an A*STAR Investigatorship, a programme that provides competitive and prestigious fellowships to support the next generation of international scientific leaders, offering them funding support for set-up costs and research staff, and access to state-of-the-art scientific equipment and facilities at A*STAR.

Cream Makes Skin Produce Sunless Tan

A cream which has been shown to trigger the skin to produce a tan without direct exposure to sunlight has been developed by scientists at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Children's Hospital Boston, USA. Studies on genetically engineered, fair-skinned, red-haired mice, were successful.


You can read about this experiment in the journal Nature.


The mice were genetically engineered to have a disorder called xeroderma pigmentosum, their skin behaves in a similar way to skin of fair-skinned and/or red-haired people who do not tan, but burn when exposed to UV radiation (sunlight). The cells in their skin can't repair DNA damage caused by radiation.


The cream makes the skin behave as if it were hit by the sun's ultraviolet light. Fair-skinned people, as well as people with red hair, do not tan properly. They have a MC1R defect, a receptor which when triggered produces pigmentation. This defect means lower production of cAMP, a chemical which stimulates the melanocytes to produce pigmentation. In simple terms, this means that these people do not tan - they burn when exposed to sunlight. Many people with this rare genetic disorder have to stay in indoors while the sun is shining.


The more your skin is burned when exposed to sunlight the higher your chances are of developing skin cancer.


The scientists applied a cream, which contained Forskolin, a chemical from the Forskohli plant, a tropical mint plant from India, to the skin of the mice. Forskolin is known to raise cAMP levels. The mice's skin got darker as a result - they developed a tan. The scientists found that the tan looked virtually identical to the tan achieved from exposure to the sun.


If human skin reacts in the same way to this cream, it will mean that fair-skinned and/or red haired people can be triggered to produce the same pigmentation.


Apart from developing a sunless sun tan, the cream also seems to protect the skin better from exposure to UV light, meaning better protection from skin cancer.


Whether or not this cream can benefit humans in the same way as the genetically-engineered mice remains to be seen. Human skin is much thicker than the skin of mice. The cream needs to penetrate deeply enough to trigger the production of pigments.


Dr David Fisher, team leader, said "These studies suggest that a drug-induced rescue of the tanning mechanism may correspondingly rescue at least some aspect of skin cancer protection. Such sunless tanning may also dissuade sun-seeking behaviours, which undoubtedly contribute significantly to high skin cancer incidence."


Topical drug rescue strategy and skin protection based on the role of Mc1r in UV-induced tanning

John A. D'Orazio, Tetsuji Nobuhisa, Rutao Cui, Michelle Arya, Malinda Spry, Kazumasa Wakamatsu, Vivien Igras, Takahiro Kunisada, Scott R. Granter, Emi K. Nishimura, Shosuke Ito, David E. Fisher

Nature 443, 340 - 344 (21 Sep 2006)

-- Click here to see article (must be subscriber)

-- Click here to see Nature's news article on this