In vivo study on the effect of astaxanthin cream on preventing inflammation in skin tissue exposed to acute UVB by reducing MDA and IL-6 levels

Background: Continuous UVB exposure induces lipid peroxidation and inflammation, with Malondialdehyde (MDA) as an indicator, leading to interleukin-6 (IL-6) secretion. Astaxanthin, a powerful antioxidant, is 50-100 times stronger than vitamin C, but its effects on MDA and IL-6 in UVB exposed skin have not been studied. Objective: This study aims To determine the effect of astaxanthin cream on MDA and IL-6 levels in individuals exposed to acute UVBrays. Methods: An experimental post-test-only control group design with four groups: healthy (K1), negative control (K2), and two treatment groups (K3, K4) exposed to UVBand given 0.05% and 0.1% astaxanthin cream, respectively. UVBirradiation was at 302 nm for 15 minutes, 5 days. MDA levels were measured using the TBARS method, and IL-6 levels were measured using ELISA. Data were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis and ANOVA tests. Results: Average MDA levels were K1 (0.688 nmol/mL), K2 (0.766 nmol/mL), K3 (0.486 nmol/mL), and K4 (0.731 nmol/mL), with significant differences found (p=0.001). Average IL-6 levels were K1 (8.78 ng/L), K2 (6.23 ng/L), K3 (6.49 ng/L), and K4 (7.59 ng/L), with significant differences (p=0.003). Conclusion: Astaxanthin cream reduces MDA and IL-6 levels following acute UVB exposure.