Ultraviolet Radiation Damage Research Articles

Mapping the Complex Journey of Swimming Pool Contaminants: A Multi-Method Systems Approach

Swimming pool owners worldwide face the challenging task of keeping their pool water balanced and free from contaminants. However, swimming pool water (SPW) quality management is complex with the countless processes and interactions of interlinked system variables. For example, contamination with sunscreen residues is inevitable as users apply sunscreen to protect their skin from damaging ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Nanoparticulate titanium dioxide (nano-TiO2) is one such residues that have received criticism due to potential human health and environmental risks. Despite ongoing research studies, management strategies of nano-TiO2 in swimming pools are still limited. Therefore, this paper focuses on developing a multi-method approach for identifying and understanding interdependencies between TiO2 particles and an aquatic environment such as a swimming pool. Given the complexity of the system to be assessed, the authors utilise a systems approach by integrating cross-matrix multiplication (MICMAC) and Systems Thinking techniques. The developed conceptual model visually depicts the complex system, which provides users with a basic understanding of swimming pool chemistry, displaying the numerous cause-and-effect relationships and enabling users to identify leverage points that can effectively change the dynamics of the system. Such systems-level understanding, and actions will help to manage nano-TiO2 levels in an efficient manner. The novelty of this paper is the proposed methodology, which uses a systems approach to conceptualise the complex interactions of contaminants in swimming pools and important pathways to elevated contaminant levels.

Light Availability Affects the Symbiosis of Sponge Specific Cyanobacteria and the Common Blue Aquarium Sponge (Lendenfeldia chondrodes).

Simple SummaryMarine sponges contain associated microorganisms in high numbers. This study gives insight into how environmental conditions such as light availability affects the symbiotic relationship between phototrophic bacteria that obtain energy from sunlight for the synthesis of organic compounds and the marine host in which they are found. A controlled aquarium experiment with defined light levels ranging from darkness to higher light intensity demonstrates how light conditions change the number of these bacteria and, consequently, host performance. Sponge growth performance was significantly affected by the number of these bacteria. Moreover, the common blue aquarium sponge Lendenfeldia chondrodes has proven to be perfectly suited as a model organism to study marine host-symbiont interactions.Bacterial symbionts in marine sponges play a decisive role in the biological and ecological functioning of their hosts. Although this topic has been the focus of numerous studies, data from experiments under controlled conditions are rare. To analyze the ongoing metabolic processes, we investigated the symbiosis of the sponge specific cyanobacterium Synechococcus spongiarum and its sponge host Lendenfeldia chondrodes under varying light conditions in a defined aquarium setting for 68 days. Sponge clonal pieces were kept at four different light intensities, ranging from no light to higher intensities that were assumed to trigger light stress. Growth as a measure of host performance and photosynthetic yield as a proxy of symbiont photosynthetic activity were measured throughout the experiment. The lack of light prevented sponge growth and induced the expulsion of all cyanobacteria and related pigments by the end of the experiment. Higher light conditions allowed rapid sponge growth and high cyanobacteria densities. In addition, photosynthetically active radiation above a certain level triggered an increase in cyanobacteria’s lutein levels, a UV absorbing protein, thus protecting itself and the host’s cells from UV radiation damage. Thus, L. chondrodes seems to benefit strongly from hosting the cyanbacterium S. spongiarum and the relationship should be considered obligatory mutualistic.

Clinical-Pathological Evaluation and Prognostic Analysis of 228 Merkel Cell Carcinomas Focusing on Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes, MCPYV Infection and ALK Expression

Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare and aggressive primary neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin, whose pathogenesis can be traced back to UV radiation damage or Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) infection. Despite some improvements on the characterization of the disease partly due to its increased incidence, crucial pathogenetic and prognostic factors still need to be refined. A consecutive series of 228 MCC from three hospitals in Turin was collected with the aim of both analyzing the apparent increase in MCC incidence in our area and investigating the distribution and prognostic role of clinical-pathological parameters, with a focus on MCPyV status, ALK tumor expression and tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). Review of morphology and conventional immunohistochemical staining was possible in 191 cases. In 50 cases, the expression of the novel neuroendocrine marker INSM1 was additionally assessed. Fourteen cases of MCC of unknown primary skin lesion were identified and separately analyzed. While confirming an exponential trend in MCC incidence in the last decades and providing a description of histological and cytological features of a large series of MCC, the present study concludes that 1) INSM1 is a highly sensitive marker in both skin and lymph node primary MCC; 2) positive MCPyV status, brisk TILs and lower tumor size and thickness are independent positive prognostic parameters, and the combination of the former two may provide a novel tool for prognostic stratification; 3) ALK is expressed 87% of MCC and associated with positive viral status, and could represent a prognostic biomarker, if validated in larger series.

Why Is Skin Cancer Risk Elevated at Higher Altitudes?

One of the strongest risk factors for skin cancer is direct exposure to the sun. Sunlight emits ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which can damage the DNA of the cells in our bodies. UV exposure causes mutations in DNA, and these accumulated mutations can lead to skin cancer. Melanin is a pigment present in the skin that gives skin its color. Melanin also helps protect skin against UV radiation and sun damage. In addition to protective effects of the skin, most of the damaging ultraviolet radiation from the sun is filtered out by the Earth’s atmosphere. However, at higher altitudes, there is less atmospheric filtering of UV radiation. Therefore, ultraviolet radiation exposure is increased at high altitudes, which explains the higher risk of skin cancer in regions with high elevation.

Greater understanding about the role of mucin proteins in the skin

British Journal of DermatologyVolume 186, Issue 3 p. e116-e116 Plain Language SummaryFree Access Greater understanding about the role of mucin proteins in the skin First published: 07 March 2022 https://doi.org/10.1111/bjd.20990AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat Abstract Linked Article: Kim and Choi. Br J Dermatol 2022; 186:532–543. The outermost layer of skin, the epidermis, provides a physical barrier of protection from harmful substances and invasion of pathogens such as viruses and bacteria. Part of this skin barrier consists of types of proteins called mucins. Mucins are also found in other organs of the body but less is known about their role in the skin than in other organs. However, we know that mucin can be used as a diagnostic clue in some skin disorders, for example, that there is overexpression of mucin in some skin cancers. In this study, from Korea, we set out to understand more about the role of mucin proteins in the skin. We found that several mucin proteins are expressed in human skin and among these, mucin-like protein 1 (MUCL1) showed high expression and also a clear negative association with melanogenesis (the production of melanin pigments, which determine the colour of our skin and that protect us against ultraviolet radiation damage). As the mucin layer is mostly composed of the amino acids serine and threonine we investigated the relationship of these amino acids with MUCL1. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins. We found that the amino acid threonine could regulate MUCL1 in melanocytes (the cells producing melanin) and melanoma cells (i.e. cells found in some forms of skin cancers). This study provides a greater understanding about the role of mucins and threonine in skin dysfunction. Volume186, Issue3March 2022Pages e116-e116 RelatedInformation

UV radiation damage of human gamma D crystallin: role of tryptophans

Cataract is one of the main causes of blindness worldwide and is due to aggregation of eye lens proteins. Age, UV radiation, oxidation, metal ions, deamidation, and truncations are factor risks that cause protein damage and induce aggregation. Human γD (HgD) crystallin is one of the most abundant crystallins in the lens nucleus and its non-amyloid aggregation is

Plant Secondary Metabolites against Skin Photodamage: Mexican Plants, a Potential Source of UV-Radiation Protectant Molecules.

Human skin works as a barrier against the adverse effects of environmental agents, including ultraviolet radiation (UVR). Exposure to UVR is associated with a variety of harmful effects on the skin, and it is one of the most common health concerns. Solar UVR constitutes the major etiological factor in the development of cutaneous malignancy. However, more than 90% of skin cancer cases could be avoided with appropriate preventive measures such as regular sunscreen use. Plants, constantly irradiated by sunlight, are able to synthesize specialized molecules to fight against UVR damage. Phenolic compounds, alkaloids and carotenoids constitute the major plant secondary metabolism compounds with relevant UVR protection activities. Hence, plants are an important source of molecules used to avoid UVR damage, reduce photoaging and prevent skin cancers and related illnesses. Due to its significance, we reviewed the main plant secondary metabolites related to UVR protection and its reported mechanisms. In addition, we summarized the research in Mexican plants related to UV protection. We presented the most studied Mexican plants and the photoprotective molecules found in them. Additionally, we analyzed the studies conducted to elucidate the mechanism of photoprotection of those molecules and their potential use as ingredients in sunscreen formulas.

Programmed gene expression change in mouse skin after ultraviolet radiation damage.

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a major cause of skin damage and carcinogenesis. Here, we systematically analyse the acute gene expression change in skin in vivo after UV exposure, aiming to establish the common C57BL/6 mouse strain as a convenient model for future pathological research and drug discovery. The back fur of C57BL/6 mice was depilated, and a mixed UV light source was used to irradiate the skin. Full-thickness skin samples were collected at 0, 0.5, 2, 6, 12 and 24h. Total RNAs were extracted and subjected to RNA sequencing analysis. We found that the gene expression change in mouse skin is highly similar to previous reports in human skin. These include down-regulation of differentiation-related genes and extracellular matrix genes, and up-regulation of cytokine/chemokine genes. An early wave of activator protein 1 (AP-1) expression is induced, whereas activation of the p53 pathway is not significant. The impact of the AP-1 transcription factors and the antioxidant tea polyphenols is discussed. The analysis of acute gene expression change in skin after UV irradiation provides a starting point to investigate how the skin responds to genotoxic stress.

Microbes in the gut relate to melanoma severity

Abstract Linked Article: Vitali et al. Br J Dermatol 2022; 186:106–116. Melanoma is a skin cancer arising from melanocytes (the cells producing melanin, a pigment determining the colour of our skin that is able to protect us against ultraviolet radiation damage). It is a serious type of cancer, causing the greatest number of skin cancer-related deaths worldwide. Microorganisms (fungi, yeasts and bacteria) living in association with our body are termed ‘microbiota’. We have evolved to live in cooperation (symbiosis) with our microbiota. Knowing already about the ability of the gut microbiota to interact with the host immune system, and also knowing that melanoma is a type of cancer that strongly activates the immune system, we conducted this study to see if the microbiota living in patient’s gut could be linked to the degree of the severity of their disease. We studied the gut ecosystem using an approach called next-generation sequencing to identify all the microbes. The study was conducted in Italy, involving patients with melanoma and healthy control participants. Our results showed that patients with melanoma have a different gut microbiota than healthy controls. Also, that in the patients with melanoma both the bacterial and fungi community profiles are linked to the severity of the disease. We conclude that the microbiota in early-stage melanoma changes along with the severity of the disease. Our results suggest promising future developments in early melanoma research. Linked Article: Vitali et al. Br J Dermatol 2022; 186:106–116.

Photoprotective effects of sweet potato leaf polyphenols and caffeic acid against UV-induced skin-damage in BALB/C nude mice.

This study aimed at clarifying the mechanism by which sweet potato leaf polyphenols (SPLPs) ameliorate ultraviolet (UV) radiation damage, using the BALB/c hairless female mouse model. The moisture and hydroxyproline (HYP) contents of the model mouse skin and the thickness of the epidermis and dermis were determined by staining and histological examination. Anti-oxidative enzyme activities, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and protein carbonyl content in skin tissue and serum were investigated. Expression of inflammatory markers and mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathways were evaluated. Topical caffeic acid at 30 mg kg-1 most strongly inhibited the decrease in skin moisture, HYP content, and the thickening of the epidermis. Topical SPLP at 100 mg kg-1 most significantly inhibited the dermal thickening, increased the activities of the superoxide dismutase, catalase as well as glutathione peroxidase, and decreased the content of serum MDA and protein carbonyls markedly. Furthermore, the topical SPLP suppressed the UV-induced rise in the inflammatory markers MMP-1, TNF-α, and NF-κB, and alleviated phosphorylation levels of the stress-signaling proteins JNK and p38. Thus, topical SPLP provided the best overall protection for mouse skin from UV-induced damage.

Nanosecond extreme ultraviolet radiation damage on thin film mirrors

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Novel amphibian-derived antioxidant peptide protects skin against ultraviolet irradiation damage.

Given the adverse impact of ultraviolet irradiation on human skin, as well as currently limited interventions, the discovery of new molecules with anti-photodamage potency remains critical. In this research, we obtained a new bioactive peptide (named OS-LL11, amino acid sequence 'LLPPWLCPRNK') from Odorrana schmackeri. Results showed that OS-LL11 could directly scavenge free radicals and sustain the viability of mouse keratinocytes challenged by ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation or hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) by decreasing the levels of lipid peroxidation, malondialdehyde, and reactive oxygen species while increasing the level of catalase, Keap-1, HO-1, GCLM, and NQO1. Interestingly, topical application of OS-LL11 protected mouse skin against UVB irradiation damage by up-regulating the levels of superoxide dismutase, glutathione, and nitric oxide, but down-regulating the levels of H2O2, IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, 8-OHdG, Bcl-2, and Bax, as well as the number of apoptotic bodies. Our research demonstrated the anti-photodamage activity of a novel amphibian-derived peptide and the potential underlying mechanisms related to its free radical scavenging ability and antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic activities. This study provides a new molecule for the development of anti-skin photodamage drugs or cosmetics and highlights the prospects of amphibian-derived peptides in photodamaged skin intervention.

Impact of ultraviolet radiation on the retina

Light has acrucial role in the visual process. For nonvisible radiation in the short-wave spectrum, there are natural mechanisms that protect the human retina from damaging ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Here, the dose (=energy) makes the poison. Damage caused by UV light mainly affects the outer retina, particularly the photoreceptors and the retinal pigment epithelium. While retinal damage due to increased UV radiation exposure can potentially still occur up to the age of20, in adulthood, exposure of the retina to UV radiation can no longer be assumed, due to decreasing transmission properties of the natural lens. The natural lens, modern intraocular lenses, and wearing of sunglasses with appropriate filter function, particularly in childhood and adolescence, provide arelevant reduction in UV radiation exposure of the retina.

Expression of p53 up-regulated modulator of apoptosis (PUMA) in non-melanoma skin cancer of long-term immunosuppressed solid organ transplant recipients compared to immunocompetent patients.

The risk of UV radiation (UVR)-induced non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is dramatically increased in immunosuppressed organ transplant recipients compared to immunocompetent patients. In the skin, p53 up-regulated modulator of apoptosis (PUMA) is a central regulator of apoptosis in response to UVR damage and immune response regulation. Data on the expression of PUMA in patients with NMSC relative to immune status is limited To study differences in the expression and distribution of PUMA in cutaneous SCC and BCC by immunohistochemistry between immunocompetent patients and organ transplant recipients, and the effect of CsA-containing immunosuppressive maintenance regimens on this expression. PUMA expression in SCC (n = 34) and BCC (n = 20) was analysed comparatively by immunohistochemical staining in matched cohorts of 27 immunocompetent patients and 27 organ transplant recipients SCC and BCC showed unequivocal positive PUMA expression, however, there was no significant difference in NMSC between organ transplant recipients and immunocompetent patients. A 17% reduction in staining score for PUMA in SCC, but not in BCC, of organ transplant recipients treated with a cyclosporin (CsA)-containing regimen was noted compared to organ transplant recipients without chronic CsA intake (p = 0.0381) PUMA expression in SCC, but not BCC, is significantly reduced by CsA-containing therapy, suggesting a disturbance of apoptosis by iatrogenic immunosuppression with a divergent impact on SCC and BCC.

Ancient Giant Sequoias Are Dying: Scientists Refuse to Acknowledge the Cause

California’s Giant Sequoias and Coast Redwoods, long symbols of strength, longevity, and resilience, have survived natural climate change for as long as 3,000 years, but are now succumbing to human manipulation of the natural environment. Scientists concerned with the wellbeing of these magnificent trees blame their recent die-offs on climate change, drought, and insects while turning a blind eye to the primary underlying cause: environmental modification by jet-emplacement in the troposphere of toxic particles evidenced as coal combustion fly ash. Said aerosolized particulates cause droughts and deluges, heat the troposphere, contaminate rain, snow, and fog with plant-killing toxins including chemically-mobile aluminum, coat foliage, and exacerbate forest fires. The aerial spraying depletes stratospheric ozone, allowing damaging ultraviolet radiation B and C to reach Earth’s surface. These environmental stressors weaken the trees to the point they are attacked by insects and pathogenic fungi. Here we disclose the unspoken, underlying cause of the die-offs of Giant Sequoias and Coast Redwoods. Through a diabolically-deceptive, Trojan horse, United Nations’ International Treaty the governments of sovereign nations were coerced to wage environmental warfare against their own citizens and the natural environment under the guise of peaceful environmental modification. Remaining trees, and indeed much of the life on Earth, can only be saved if this environmental modification is halted.

Recent advances in the discovery of novel marine natural products and mycosporine-like amino acid UV-absorbing compounds.

Bioactive compounds from marine environments represent a rich source of bioproducts for potential use in medicine and biotechnology. To discover and identify novel marine natural products (MNPs), evaluating diverse biological activities is critical. Increased sensitivity and specificity of omics technologies, especially next-generation high-throughput sequencing combined with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance, are speeding up the discovery of novel bioactive compounds. Mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) isolated from many marine microorganisms are among highly promising MNPs characterized by ultraviolet radiation (UV) absorbing capacities and are recognized as a potential source of ecologically friendly sunscreens. MAAs absorb damaging UV radiation with maximum absorption in the range of 310–360 nm, including both UVA and UVB ranges. MAAs are also characterized by other biological activities such as anti-oxidant, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory activities. The application of modern omics approaches promoted some recent developments in our understanding of MAAs’ functional significance and diversity. This review will summarize the various modern tools that could be applied during the identification and characterization of MNPs, including MAAs, to further their innovative applications.Key points • New omics technologies are speeding up the discovery of novel bio-products • The vast diversity of bioactive capacities of marine natural products described • Marine microorganisms as a source of environmentally friendly sunscreens

The ultraviolet radiation environment and shielding in pit craters and cave skylights on Mars

Caves and their entrances have been proposed as habitable environments and regions that could have preserved evidence of life, mostly due to their natural shielding from the damaging ionizing and non-ionizing radiation present on the surface. However, no studies to date have quantitatively determined the shielding offered by these voids on Mars. This paper describes the ultraviolet (UV) radiation environment in such environments by means of extensive radiative transfer (RT) model simulations applied to representative void geometries on Mars. The spatial and temporal characterization of the radiation field inside each void geometry is also performed. The RT model was previously tested against in situ Mars Science Laboratory UV observations on the Martian surface; the model showed excellent performance in terms of predicting the UV irradiances. The results presented here strongly suggest that pit craters and cave skylights are effectively shielded from the damaging UV radiation found on the Martian surface. In particular, locations on the floors of pit craters and skylights without cavernous spaces strongly attenuate UV irradiance at latitudes higher than ~45°; observing in several cases irradiances of the order of ~2% of those values found on the surface. Numerical simulations of cave entrances show a reduction even more than two orders of magnitude in UV radiation, both in the maximum instantaneous and cumulative doses, throughout the year and at any location of the planet. The attenuated UV irradiance in cavernous spaces remains stable in a 10 Myr timescale, while at the same time the photosynthetically active radiation is higher than the minimum required for Earth-like phototrophs. The intermediate radiation environment between the damaging radiation on the surface and the permanent darkness of a hypothetical cave offered by voids on Mars may represent favorable environments for habitability without constraining the type of energy source for potential as-yet unknown Martian organisms.

X-ray and UV Radiation Damage of dsDNA/Protein Complexes.

Simple SummaryOne of the most common diseases in the world is cancer. The development of an appropriate treatment pathway for cancer patients seems to be crucial to fight this disease. Therefore, solving the problem that affects more and more people in an aging society is crucial. The study presents the results of radiation and photochemical damage to DNA interacting with proteins (specifically/non-specifically). The obtained results of the analysis of photoliths and radiolites by means of the LC-MS technique allowed to identify possible mechanisms of degradation of DNA interacting with proteins. Results suggest the protective action of protein against hydroxyl radicals or solvated electrons and increased damaging effect when sensitized DNA is irradiated by UV light (280 or 320 nm) compared to the DNA alone (without protein interaction).Radiation and photodynamic therapies are used for cancer treatment by targeting DNA. However, efficiency is limited due to physico-chemical processes and the insensitivity of native nucleobases to damage. Thus, incorporation of radio- and photosensitizers into these therapies should increase both efficacy and the yield of DNA damage. To date, studies of sensitization processes have been performed on simple model systems, e.g., buffered solutions of dsDNA or sensitizers alone. To fully understand the sensitization processes and to be able to develop new efficient sensitizers in the future, well established model systems are necessary. In the cell environment, DNA tightly interacts with proteins and incorporating this interaction is necessary to fully understand the DNA sensitization process. In this work, we used dsDNA/protein complexes labeled with photo- and radiosensitizers and investigated degradation pathways using LC-MS and HPLC after X-ray or UV radiation.

BIOPROSPECTION OF UV-SCREENING COMPOUNDS FROM LICHENS INHABITING THE INDIAN STATE OF SIKKIM

Lichens show mutualistic relationship between algae/cyanobacteria and fungi and are found in diverse environmental conditions ranging from sea levels to high alpine elevations. They can tolerate and survive in harsh environmental conditions such as habitats having low temperature, desiccation, high temperature and ultraviolet radiation (UVR). Lichens have developed several photoprotective mechanisms such as light scattering, radiation screening, activation of antioxidants and macromolecules, thermal dissipation, membrane repair and synthesis of UV protective compounds such as despides, diphenyl ether, xanthones, anthraquinones, mycosporines, mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) and scytonemin to cope up with damaging UVR. MAAs are water-soluble molecules that absorb short wavelength solar UVR and disperse the energy as heat. Scytonemin is a small hydrophobic alkaloid pigment present in the extracellular sheath of several cyanobacteria as a protective mechanism against UVR. In the present study, bioprospection of lichen was done for screening of UV-absorbing compounds MAAs and scytonemin from different regions of Sikkim, India. Tentative identification and partial purification of these compounds was done with the help of high-performance liquid chromatography. Scytonemin showed absorption maxima at 252, 278, 385 nm and peaks at 347 and 410 nm showed the presence of scytonemin-3a-imine and gloeocapsin respectively. MAAs showed absorption maxima at 325.1 and 308 nm corresponding to mycosporine-NMA:Ser and mycosporine-taurine respectively. Scytonemin and MAAs display multiple roles, functioning as a potent UV-sunscreen and antioxidant molecules, and can be exploited in cosmetic and other industries for the development of novel drugs and pharmaceuticals, hence their bioprospection from different sources becomes crucial

081 Ultraviolet light-induced collagen degradation inhibits melanoma invasion

Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) increases the incidence of cutaneous melanoma. The ageing, sun-exposed dermis accumulates UVR damage, and older patients develop more melanomas at UVR-exposed sites. As fibroblasts play key roles in the stromal response to UVR and in cancer progression, we investigated how long term UVR modifies dermal fibroblast function and how this affects melanoma invasion. Chronic UVR exposure on dermal fibroblasts showed that extracellular matrix pathways, particularly those involved in collagen catabolism, were upregulated in the absence of acute UVR.