The influence of sex hormones on UVB induced erythema in man.

Author(s): Jemec GB, Heidenheim M

Affiliation(s): Department of Dermatology, University of Copenhagen, Gentofte Hospital, Denmark.

Publication date & source: 1995-05, J Dermatol Sci., 9(3):221-4.

Publication type: Clinical Trial; Randomized Controlled Trial

Clinical and experimental evidence suggests that sex hormones can modify the inflammatory response in a number of diseases. In a pilot study the influence of sex hormones on UV-induced inflammation, testing was done with oestradiol-17beta, testosterone and progesterone, as a double-blind vehicle-controlled study in 47 healthy volunteers. Inflammation was graded using laser-doppler velocimetry. Oestradiol (5 mg/100 g) was found to increase the inflammatory response significantly when compared with placebo or testosterone treated areas (P < 0.03). These findings support previous experimental and epidemiological observations of an increased inflammation following oestrogenic stimulation, and suggest that non-lymphocyte-mediated mechanisms may be involved as well.