Ethylmethylhydroxypyridine Succinate Effects in the Management of Acute Ultraviolet Skin Damage

Introduction:
It is known that outdoor activities are associated with sunburn, an acute inflammatory skin reaction occurring due to extended exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Effective prevention and treatment of sunburn necessitate broadening the range of topical therapeutic agents, particularly those with antioxidant properties.

Objective:
This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of ethylmethylhydroxypyridine succinate gel in a model of acute UV-induced skin damage in laboratory animals.

Material and methods:
The dorsal skin of Wistar rats was depilated and irradiated with UVA (3.75 J/cm²) and UVB (0.05 J/cm²). The test area was lubricated with 5% ethylmethylhydroxypyridine succinate gel (125 mg/kg). 5% panthenol ointment, a reference preparation, was applied similarly. The animals of the control group were treated with a gel base as a vehicle. 24, 48, and 72 hours after irradiation, the animals were removed from the experiment. Histological investigation, morphometric measurements and biochemical analyses were performed in the skin.

Results:
The ethylmethylhydroxypyridine succinate gel prevented infiltration of inflammatory cells and thickening of the epidermis in the affected skin. It significantly reduced lipid peroxidation product accumulation and mitigated alterations in superoxide dismutase and catalase activity. Moreover, it lowered concentrations of hydroxyproline and glycosaminoglycans in comparison with the control group. These effects were more pronounced than those observed with the reference treatment.

Conclusions:
The potent antioxidant properties of ethylmethylhydroxypyridine succinate demonstrate its therapeutic potential in managing acute UV-induced skin reactions. Further research is warranted to explore its use in photoprotection.