Efficacy of micronized titanium dioxide-containing compounds in protection against UVB-induced immunosuppression in humans in vivo.

Micronized pigment-containing sunscreens may provide a good alternative to chemical sunscreens in protection against ultraviolet (UV) B-induced immunosuppression. The metal particles in these products are likely to remain on the skin surface where they can offer broadband protection for both the UVA and UVB regions. We have tested the protective capacity of three titanium dioxide (TiO2)-containing compounds in humans in vivo. The effect on sunburn cell formation has been investigated using transmission electron microscopy, while the mixed epidermal cell lymphocyte reaction (MECLR) has been used as a model for immunosuppression. Furthermore, the influence of titanium on the integrity of the stratum corneum barrier (intercellular lipids and desmosomes) has been examined using freeze fracture electron microscopy. We find that all three compounds protect against sunburn cell formation. The immunoprotection studies show that one of the three compounds does not prevent UVB-induced changes of the MECLR responses. Application of this compound without subsequent UVB irradiation also induces a significant decrease of the MECLR responses. Moreover, the same compound affects the intercellular lipid layers, and desmosomes cannot be detected. The deleterious effect of this compound is probably caused by an incomplete hydrolysis during the TiO2 synthesis. Our findings indicate that micronized pigment-containing compounds can offer good protection against short-term UVB-induced immunomodulation in humans in vivo. However, accurate screening of the synthesis of these compounds is a prerequisite for their safe use as sunscreening agents in human subjects.