Effects of topical L-selenomethionine with topical and oral vitamin E on pigmentation and skin cancer induced by ultraviolet irradiation in Skh:2 hairless mice

Background: The antioxidants selenium and vitamin E can be effective in reducing acute and chronic ultraviolet (UV)-induced skin damage. Objective: This study investigated whether topical L-selenomethionine with topical RRR-α-tocopherol (Eol) or oral RRR-α-tocopheryl acetate (Eac) can reduce the incidence of UV-induced skin damage more than treatment with each alone. Methods: Skh:2 hairless pigmented mice were treated with lotion vehicle, L-selenomethionine lotion, Eol lotion, oral Eac, L-selenomethionine plus Eol lotion, or L-selenomethionine lotion plus oral Eac and exposed to UVB. Skin pigmentation was scored, and the number of skin tumors per animal was counted weekly. Results: Mice treated with selenium and vitamin E had significantly less acute and chronic UV-induced skin damage. Conclusion: Topical L-selenomethionine alone and combined with vitamin E gave the best protection against UV-induced blistering and pigmentation. In protecting against skin cancer, topical Eol and topical L-selenomethionine plus oral Eac were best. Significant synergy of L-selenomethionine with vitamin E was not observed.