GamilaS M Elsaeed's scientific contributions

Background Phototherapy induces DNA damage by direct and indirect (oxidative) effects, which are prevented by ultraviolet (UV) filters and antioxidants. Aim Our goal was to assess DNA damage and oxidative stress associated with phototherapy and to prove the efficacy of UV filters and antioxidants for the prevention of DNA damage. Patients and methods The study included 160 jaundiced neonates who had been exposed to phototherapy for at least 48 h. The neonates were divided into four groups, 40 neonates in each group. The first (control) group received phototherapy only; the second group received antioxidants before and during phototherapy; the third group received phototherapy under an umbrella of UV filters; and the fourth group received phototherapy under both UV filters and antioxidants. DNA damage was assayed by the comet assay. Plasma total antioxidant capacity and total oxidant status levels were also measured and then oxidative stress index was calculated for all the four groups before and 48 h after phototherapy. Results The first group showed significant DNA damage accompanied with severe deterioration in all oxidative stress parameters by about 19%; the second group showed a decreasing trend as regards DNA damage and oxidative stress parameter deterioration to about 9%; the third group showed a more decreasing trend than group II to about 5%; but on the other hand, the fourth group showed complete DNA protection from damage with no changes in oxidative stress parameters. Conclusion Phototherapy causes DNA damage that can be completely prevented by combined concurrent use of UV filters and antioxidants.