This study aims to compare the expression of keratins before and after application of sulforaphane (SF) to determine whether this agent alters skin fragility seen in both intrinsic and extrinsic skin aging and UV light exposure.
The primary purpose of the study is to compare the expression of keratins before and after application of sulforaphane (SF) and determine whether these findings alter skin fragility seen in both intrinsic and extrinsic skin aging as well as in ultraviolet (UV) light exposure. This investigation will be done in collaboration with researchers from the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Bloomberg School of Public Health at Johns Hopkins University. The study population recruited by Johns Hopkins Department of Dermatology will include up to 50 individuals over the age of 18 with healthy skin. Each study participant will have four on-site study visits and will be asked to contribute photographs, undergo non invasive elasticity measurements, use topical sulforaphane for 7 days and contribute up to four biopsy specimens for laboratory study. The investigators will also evaluate any differences in keratins' expression in skin exposed to acute UV light, separately and after pretreatment with sulforaphane.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
OTHER
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
9
Isothiocyanate sulforaphane (SF), derived from broccoli sprouts, has been known to induce an antioxidant response through the Keap1-Nrf2-antioxidant response element pathway.
The investigators will use a Lumera ultraviolet B (UVB) light phototherapy device which allows for targeted delivery of controlled doses of UVB radiation (emission spectrum 290-320 nm).
All areas will be biopsied using standard punch biopsy tools and following standard clinical protocols, including cleansing the skin with an alcohol wipe and injecting local anesthesia with lidocaine and epinephrine. No more than four total skin biopsies will be obtained from a volunteer over the course of the study. After removal of the tissue sample, one or two sutures are placed to close the circular opening. Sutures are removed and a scar is formed, but typically heals well without complications and blends well with the surrounding skin.
Cutaneous Translational Research Program, Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Baltimore, Maryland, United States
Clinical Change Score for Mottled Hyperpigmentation
Clinical assessment of mottled hyperpigmentation pre and post Sulforaphane (SF) treatment will be done for both photoprotected and photodamaged skin treated with sulforaphane. Mottled Hyperpigmentation Score system will be applied, with scale of 0 to 4, 4= clear improvement after 1 week of SF or placebo application.
Time frame: Clinical Change Score for Mottled Hyperpigmentation , up to 1 week
Gene Expression Changes as Assessed by Quantitative Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR)
We will measure the fold-change in gene expression in human skin after acute UV light exposure, separately and in combination with application of topical sulforaphane using RT-PCR.
Time frame: Up to 6 months
Gene Expression Changes as Assessed by Immunohistochemistry (IHC)
We will measure the fold-change in gene expression in human skin after acute UV light exposure, separately and in combination with application of topical sulforaphane using IHC.
Time frame: Up to 6 months
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