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Assessment of Metformins Protective Effects Against UVB-Induced Skin Damage and Hyperpigmentation in an Ex Vivo Human Skin Perfusion Model
Ufot, Aniekanabasi I BS, MS; Mahajan, Naresh PhD; Rivera del Rio Hernandez, Alexa MD; Bosco, Samantha, BS; Egro, Francesco , MBChB, MSc, MRCS; Gusenoff, Jeffrey MD; Rubin, J. Peter MD, FACS, MBA; Ejaz, Asim PhD.
University of Pittsburgh, Department Of Plastic Surgery
2025-01-10
Presenter: Aniekanabasi Ufot
Affidavit:
Yes
Director Name: J. Peter Rubin
Author Category: Medical Student
Presentation Category: Basic Science Research
Abstract Category: Aesthetics
Ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation is a major environmental stressor that induces various skin structural changes including DNA damage. Chronic exposure to UVB causes photoaging and carcinogenesis, while acute exposure results in immediate skin injury. Although Melanin production provides some protection, its dysregulation can cause hyperpigmentation. Metformin, an FDA-approved antidiabetic drug known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and DNA repair properties, shows potential as a skin protectant. This study investigates the effects of metformin on an ex-vivo human skin model exposed to both acute and chronic UVB radiation.
Full-thickness human skin flaps were obtained, maintained on a perfusion system and exposed to UVB radiation. The chronic UVB group received time here 200 mJ/cm2 UVB daily for seven days, while the acute UVB group received a single high dose of 1400 mJ/cm2. Each group was subdivided into metformin-treated and without metformin groups, with a non-UVB-exposed as control. Topical metformin was applied after each UVB exposure and biopsies were taken at time 0, 24, 48, 72, 96, 120, and 144 hr. Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E), Fontana-Masson, and gamma-H2AX (γH2AX) stains were used for histological analysis.
UVB induced significant epidermal thinning, melanin deposition, and DNA damage, particularly in the acute group. Metformin-treated skin exhibited reduced melanin production, improved epidermal integrity, and less DNA damage vs untreated UVB groups. Control biopsies remained intact with minimal pigmentation and DNA damage.
These findings suggest metformin can mitigate UVB-induced skin damage, hyperpigmentation, and genetic injury. This study supports metformin as a promising therapeutic strategy for UV-induced skin disorders.
