Metabolic bone disease of nutritional origin (Ca/vitamin D3 deficiency) is common in pet reptiles. This study aimed to investigate the effects of four dietary supplements with or without artificial UVB irradiation. Selected blood parameters, health and growth were also examined. Thirty-six, one-month-old bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps) were housed individually and fed five times a week; dietary supplements were given daily. Blood samples were taken from 3 animals in each group (n = 18) seven times, once at 7, 9, 11, 13 and 15, and twice at 16 months of age (with 2 weeks difference). Measured parameters were Ca (2.6 ± 0.5 mmol*L-1), Ca2+ (1.2 ± 0.2 mmol*L-1), uric acid (358 ± 243 µmol*L-1), total protein (66.2 ± 14.9 g*L-1), alanine-aminotransferase (<1-83 U*L-1), Na+ (161 ± 8.0 mmol*L-1) and K+ (3.9 ± 1.1 mmol*L-1). The UVB exposure enhances both the Ca (P = 0.0489) and Ca2+(P=0.0222) levels. The 24-h fasting before sampling resulted in significantly (P < 0.0001) lower uric acid values. The effect of age seems clinically relevant in total protein, with lower levels in juveniles (P=0.0016). Treatments did not affect the animals' body weight and length; all of them were clinically healthy.

Acute UV response of early erythema and late edema in SKH1 mice.

Previously, we reported that UVB irradiation significantly reduces IKKα mRNA levels, while IKKα protein levels remain stable, a phenomenon maintained by constitutive nitric oxide synthase (cNOS) and NF-κB activity. In this study, we systematically investigated the transcriptional regulation of IKKα in response to UVB, with a focus on the role of cNOS. Using a series of luciferase reporter constructs containing deletions and site-specific mutations in the IKKα promoter, we evaluated promoter activity in HEK293 cells (cNOS-null) and HEK293cNOS cells (stably expressing cNOS). Our data identified two regulatory elements critical for UVB-inducible IKKα promoter activity: the second p53-binding site and the Ets-1 site. cNOS overexpression enhanced both basal and UVB-induced promoter activities in a dose-dependent manner. Interestingly, the promoter region spanning -940 to -438 harbors a repressive element that limits IKKα transcription. Although UVB activates the IKKα promoter, as shown by luciferase activity, it simultaneously inhibits transcriptional elongation. This likely explains the paradoxical reduction in endogenous IKKα mRNA levels. The effect is not due to decreased mRNA stability, highlighting transcriptional elongation as a key regulatory bottleneck. In parallel, invivo studies using SKH-1 mice chronically exposed to solar-simulated UV (sUV) showed that cNOS knockout mice developed more tumors and exhibited significantly reduced IKKα expression compared to wild-type controls. These results demonstrate that cNOS regulates IKKα at multiple levels-promoter activation, transcriptional elongation, and protein stability. This multilayered control enhances our understanding of UV-induced skin pathogenesis and supports cNOS-IKKα signaling as a potential target for therapeutic intervention in skin cancer.

Hydroxysafflower yellow a protects against UVA- and UVB-induced skin aging by suppressing cell apoptosis and SASP via targeting JNK and p38 MAPK pathway.

Madecassoside attenuated UVB irradiation-induced skin ferroptosis by targeting POR.

Tracking photoinhibition and failure dynamics in algae under combined exposure to UVB and water-accommodated oil fractions.

Comparative analysis of the NAC gene family in five Polygonaceae species, focusing on Rheum officinale Baill.

UVB radiation (290–320 nm) induces oxidative stress, reducing cell viability and degrading collagen in human dermal fibroblasts (HDF). Samia ricini, a non-mulberry silkworm, produces sericin—a natural protein with antioxidant, UV-protective, and anti-aging properties. However, its photoprotective potential remains underexplored, particularly in Indonesia. This study investigates the protective effects of Samia ricini cocoon extract (EKUS) against UVB-induced damage in HDF cells, as evaluated by measuring cell viability using the MTT assay and collagen production through the Sirius Red assay. HDF cells seeded at 5×10³ and 1×10⁴ cells/well were irradiated with UVB (280 mJ cm-²) and treated with EKUS at concentrations ranging from 15.625 to 1000 µg mL-1. EKUS showed no cytotoxicity in normal HDF cells across this concentration range. Pre-treatment with 500 µg mL-1 EKUS maintained cell viability above 80 % post-UVB exposure. At 1000 µg mL-1 , EKUS significantly enhanced cell viability to 123.86 ± 16.77 % and 128.39 ± 13.22 % at 5×10³ and 1×10⁴ cells/well, respectively. In collagen assays, EKUS at 900 µg mL-1 increased collagen production to 146.30 ± 27.20 % (5×10³ cells/well) and 189.04 ± 9.66 % (1×10⁴ cells/well), compared to UVB-treated controls. These findings indicate that EKUS exhibits significant photoprotective effects by preserving cell viability and enhancing collagen synthesis in UVB-exposed HDF cells. Additional studies are suggested to confirm its potential in more intricate models.

ABSTRACT Silicon heterojunction solar cells are among the leading PV technologies for high‐efficiency modules, but their sensitivity to UV radiation raises durability concerns for outdoor deployment. In this study, we investigate the UV‐induced degradation of silicon heterojunction cell precursors by isolating the impact of subcell layers under controlled UVA and UVB irradiations. Our results identify the front hydrogenated amorphous silicon (i/n)a‐Si:H layers as key degradation sites, exhibiting significant losses in minority carrier lifetime and iV oc ( mV). Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy indicated a selective degradation of high stretching mode Si–H n bonding configurations, creating defects at the c‐Si/a‐Si:H interface and releasing free hydrogen. These mobile and reactive hydrogen species intensely degrade both passivation mechanisms (chemical and field‐effect) by electrically inhibiting dopants via P–H complex formation. Light soaking treatments combining thermal and light activation enable significant passivation and conductivity recovery through hydrogen redistribution, though reversibility diminishes at high UVA doses, indicating a photon‐dose‐dependent degradation threshold. These findings provide mechanistic insights into UVID pathways and highlight the importance of hydrogen management and UV attenuation strategies for long‐term SHJ module reliability.

Background: Excess Ultraviolet (UV) exposure accelerates photoaging and remains the predominant cause of cutaneous malignancy worldwide. While topical sunscreens are central to photoprotection, their efficacy depends on user adherence and application accuracy. Systemic photoprotection through oral agents such as nicotinamide (vitamin B3 amide) has emerged as a promising adjunctive strategy, enhancing DNA repair and mitigating UV-induced immunosuppression. Objective: To evaluate the short-term photoprotective effect of a novel drinkable nicotinamide solution in attenuating UV-induced erythema. Methods: Eleven healthy adults (Fitzpatrick phototypes II-IV, ages 22-67) underwent controlled 308 nm UVB irradiation (250 mJ/cm² and 350 mJ/cm²) to two adjacent sun-protected skin sites (forearm or abdomen). After baseline imaging and assessment, participants ingested a single 4.5 g dose of a proprietary nicotinamide-containing supplement. One hour post-ingestion, two additional adjacent sites were irradiated with identical UVB doses. Erythema was graded at two and eight hours by four blinded dermatologists using a standardized Minimal Erythema Dose (MED) scale. Results: All participants completed the protocol without adverse events. In every subject, erythema intensity was visibly and measurably reduced at sites irradiated after supplement ingestion compared with baseline exposures, independent of age, sex or phototype. Representative images demonstrated consistent attenuation of UV-induced erythema across both dose levels. Conclusion: A single oral dose of this skin targeting supplement, taken 1-2 hours prior to UV exposure, can help mitigate the intensity of acute cutaneous erythema from excess UV exposure and, when taken daily over time, can provide additional protection against chronic photodamage. As such, systemic supplementation with this oral supplement represents a novel and synergistic adjunct to conventional photoprotective measures including topics sunblocks, sunscreens and UV protective clothing, offering additional defense against both the immediate effects of ultraviolet exposure and the long-term risk of skin cancer development associated with cumulative sun damage.

Multi-omics reveal UV-B irradiation plays positive roles in flavonoids and phenolic accumulation in Glycyrrhiza inflata

Although CsbD-like proteins have been studied extensively in bacteria, their functions in eukaryotes remain largely uncharacterized. Our study investigated the CsbD homolog MaCsbD in the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium acridum and uncovered its importance for coping with environmental stress. Loss of MaCsbD resulted in delayed conidial germination, reduced conidial yield, and heightened sensitivity to UV-B irradiation and heat shock. The mechanism analysis revealed that the absence of MaCsbD led to a decline in DNA repair capacity, a weakening of the antioxidant defense mechanism, and a reduction in the induction of heat shock proteins. The determination of the accumulation levels of protective metabolites, melanin, and trehalose in the conidia showed that their contents were significantly decreased. Phylogenetic analysis further revealed that CsbD-like domains are conserved across fungi, suggesting an evolutionary role in stress adaptation. Virulence against locusts was unchanged, indicating that MaCsbD primarily supports abiotic stress tolerance rather than pathogenicity. MaCsbD is therefore required for robust fungal stress responses and identifies a potential target for improving the field performance of fungal biocontrol strains.

Vitamin D is essential for maintaining bone health, calcium and phosphorus metabolism, and proper immune system function. Its deficiency is a global concern, and one potential solution for enhancement of vitamin D intake by consumption of biofortified mushrooms. The aim of this study was to optimise the analytical determination of ergosterol and ergocalciferol (vitamin D₂) using the HPLC-DAD method, evaluate the method based on selected validation parameters, and apply it to the analysis of shiitake mushrooms (Lentinula edodes). The experimental material was subjected to the influence of a selected stress factor (UV-B radiation) to potentially transform the precursor ergosterol into ergocalciferol. Method validation established detection limits and limits of quantification for ergosterol and ergocalciferol - LODs were 2.69 µg.mL-1 and 1.84 µg.mL-1, and LOQs were 8.06 µg.mL-1 and 5.53 µg.mL-1, respectively. Fruiting bodies of shiitake mushrooms were exposed to UV-B irradiation for different durations (0–60 min). The pre-treatment of the experimental material included drying, saponification, and subsequent liquid-liquid extraction of the analytes, followed by low-pressure evaporation and reconstruction. Using high-performance liquid chromatography with diode-array detection (HPLC-DAD) analysis, the concentrations of ergosterol and ergocalciferol were determined. The results indicate a positive correlation between UV-B exposure duration and the formation of vitamin D₂. Longer exposure to UV-B radiation led to a higher ergocalciferol concentration, confirming the effectiveness of this method for mushroom biofortification. The findings highlight the importance of mushrooms as a natural source of vitamin D and confirm that UV-B exposure can enhance their nutritional value, making them a promising dietary component for addressing vitamin D deficiency.

Effects of UV-B irradiation on the induction of physiological traits and defense enzyme activities in shallots ( <i>Allium cepa</i> L.) against <i>Fusarium acutatum</i> infection

Distinctive response of ROS generation to multi-spectral irradiations during DOM photodegradation from eutrophic and oligotrophic lakes.

Saponins from Dioscorea nipponinca Makino rehabilitate UVB-induced skin photoaging by inhibiting oxidative stress and apoptosis via targeting STAT3.

To diversify noodle products and explore novel ingredient applications, this study developed vitamin D2-fortified noodles utilizing ultrafine powder of straw mushroom (Volvariella volvacea), systematically investigating the effects of straw mushroom powder (SMP) addition levels (0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, and 25%) on wheat flour properties and noodle quality. Following SMP preparation via UV-B irradiation and superfine grinding, comprehensive evaluations were conducted using texture analysis, rheological testing, thermal analysis, microstructural observation, and sensory assessment. Results showed that flour blend lightness decreased with increasing SMP proportion. All samples exhibited excellent water holding capacity and thermal stability. Dough stability time and farinograph quality index decreased as SMP increased. Noodle shear and tensile characteristics did not change significantly (p > 0.05) at ≤10% SMP levels, but higher addition levels caused shear force and tensile strength to decrease due to disruption of the gluten network structure (scanning electron microscopy-confirmed), while simultaneously increasing hardness and significantly reducing elasticity, adhesiveness, chewiness, and resilience. Rheology indicated that all samples behaved as elastic-dominant solids, but SMP weakened the gel network strength. Based on sensory evaluation, noodles with 5% SMP addition achieved the optimal balance among flavor, color, and texture, resulting in the highest overall acceptability. Furthermore, the farinographic properties of the 5% SMP dough showed no significant difference compared to the control group, confirming its processing feasibility. This research provides practical reference for the exploitation and utilization of straw mushroom resources in noodle products.

3, 7-dihydroxy-2, 4-dimethoxyphenanthrene protects against UVB-induced skin hyperpigmentation via antioxidant and anti-melanogenic mechanisms.

The β-glucan from Lentinus alleviates UVB-induced dermal fibroblasts senescence and skin photoaging.

ABSTRACT Laccase exhibits low stability under UV solar radiation, which can compromise its catalytic activity in bioremediation processes. The present study shows, for the first time, an efficient, low‐cost, and environmentally sustainable strategy for enhancing enzyme photostability using a naturally occurring Patagonian montmorillonite clay, without the need for surface functionalization or chemical modification. Photostability was assessed spectroscopically by comparing the enzymatic activity of free and immobilized laccase before and after UVB irradiation. Immobilization significantly improved enzyme photoprotection, retaining 95% of its initial activity after irradiation contrast to only 40% for the free enzyme. The clay's protective effect is attributed primarily to its inherent light‐scattering capacity and absorbing radiation property. These results underscore the potential of Patagonian montmorillonite as a simple, scalable, reusable, and ecofriendly platform for enzyme‐based bioremediation technologies. This approach opens new avenues for the practical application of microbial enzymes in open environments where photoinactivation could limit their use.