Effect of Topical Sulforaphane on Skin Fragility Seen in Skin Aging and With Ultraviolet Exposure
Condition: Aging
Intervention: Sulforaphane; Narrow-band Ultraviolet B exposure; 4 mm skin punch biopsy
Intervention description: 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.
Intervention MeSH terms: Sulforaphane
Phase: Phase 2
Study type: Interventional
Primary purpose: Other
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: None (Open Label)
Enrollment: 9.0
Sex: All
Minimum age: 18 Years
Healthy volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers
Keywords: aging; ultraviolet exposure; skin fragility; sulforaphane

Summary:

      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.
    

Eligibility criteria:

        Inclusion Criteria:

          1. Participants must be over the age of 18 years old with healthy skin;

          2. Must be healthy enough to undergo skin biopsy, UV light irradiation, and other study
             procedures in the opinion of the investigator;

          3. Must be willing to comply with the requirements of the protocol;

          4. Must have the ability to understand and communicate with the investigator;

          5. Participant must provide informed consent.

        Exclusion Criteria:

          1. Subjects who are unable to provide informed consent;

          2. Subject with significant medical history or current skin diseases that the
             investigator feels is not safe for study participation;

          3. Subjects who have been treated with systemic retinoids or steroids within the past
             month prior to entry to the study;

          4. Subjects who have been treated with topical steroids, retinoids or other topical drugs
             used within 2 weeks prior to entry to the study;

          5. Recently treated or current skin diseases that would affect clinical evaluation and
             biopsy;

          6. Subjects with a known allergy to broccoli.

          7. Presence or suspicion of bleeding disorder or diathesis which would complicate biopsy.

          8. Subjects with a history of excessive scar or keloid formation in the past 10 years.

          9. Pregnant or nursing subjects (self-reported).

         10. Subjects with known allergy to anesthetics used.

         11. Patients with history of investigational drug use in the 30 days prior to entry into
             the study.