Psoraleenilääkkeiden

Psoraleenilääkkeet, also known as psoralens, are a class of naturally occurring or synthetic compounds that are used in photochemotherapy. They are primarily derived from plants of the Apiaceae and Rutaceae families. Psoralens work by absorbing ultraviolet A (UVA) light. When activated by UVA radiation, psoralens intercalate into DNA and form covalent cross-links between DNA strands. This DNA damage inhibits cell replication and can induce apoptosis, or programmed cell death.

The most common application of psoralen therapy is in the treatment of dermatological conditions such as psoriasis, vitiligo, and certain types of eczema. This treatment is known as PUVA (Psoralen + UVA). Patients are given either oral or topical psoralen, followed by exposure to controlled doses of UVA light. The efficacy of PUVA therapy is attributed to the psoralens' ability to reduce inflammation and the overactive immune responses characteristic of these skin diseases.

While effective, psoralen therapy is associated with several side effects. Acute side effects can include nausea, vomiting, and skin sensitivity to sunlight (phototoxicity), leading to sunburn-like reactions. Long-term risks may include premature skin aging and an increased risk of skin cancer, particularly squamous cell carcinoma. Therefore, psoralen therapy is typically administered under strict medical supervision, with careful monitoring of dosage and exposure levels to minimize potential harms. Research continues to explore new formulations and delivery methods to enhance the safety and efficacy of psoralen-based treatments.