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Yin W, Li R, Zhang Z, Wang Y, Tang X, Zhu L, Yao H, Li K. Causal association between skin cancer and immune cells: mendelian randomization (MR) study. BMC Cancer 2024; 24:849. [PMID: 39020276 PMCID: PMC11256556 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-024-12603-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Numerous meta-analyses and clinical studies have shown that subtypes of immune cells are associated with the development of skin cancer, but it is not clear whether this association is causal or biased. Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis reduces the effect of confounding factors and improves the accuracy of the results when compared to traditional studies. Thus, in order to examine the causal relationship between various immune cell and skin cancer, this study employs two-sample MR. METHODS This study assesses the causal association between 731 immune cell characteristics and skin cancer using a two-sample Mendel randomization (MR) methodology. Multiple MR methods were used to bias and to derive reliable estimates of causality between instrumental variables and outcomes. Comprehensive sensitivity analyses were used to validate the stability, heterogeneity and horizontal multiplicity of the results. RESULTS We discovered that potential causal relationships between different types of immune cells and skin cancer disease. Specifically, one type of immune cell as potentially causal to malignant melanoma of skin (MM), eight different types of immune cells as potentially causal to basal cell carcinoma (BCC), four different types of immune cells as potentially causal to actinic keratosis (AK), and no different types of immune cells were found to have a potential causal association with squamous cell carcinoma(SCC), with stability in all of the results. CONCLUSION This study demonstrates the close connection between immune cells and skin cancer disease by genetic means, which enriches the current knowledge about the role of immune cells in skin cancer and also contributes to the design of therapeutic strategies from an immunological perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Yin
- Cancer Biotherapy Center, Key Laboratory of Melanoma Research, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University (Tumor Hospital of Yunnan Province), Kunming, Yunnan Province, 650000, China
| | - Ruilei Li
- Cancer Biotherapy Center, Key Laboratory of Melanoma Research, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University (Tumor Hospital of Yunnan Province), Kunming, Yunnan Province, 650000, China
| | - Zhaoqi Zhang
- Cancer Biotherapy Center, Key Laboratory of Melanoma Research, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University (Tumor Hospital of Yunnan Province), Kunming, Yunnan Province, 650000, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Cancer Biotherapy Center, Key Laboratory of Melanoma Research, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University (Tumor Hospital of Yunnan Province), Kunming, Yunnan Province, 650000, China
| | - Xinghua Tang
- Cancer Biotherapy Center, Key Laboratory of Melanoma Research, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University (Tumor Hospital of Yunnan Province), Kunming, Yunnan Province, 650000, China
| | - Lin Zhu
- Cancer Biotherapy Center, Key Laboratory of Melanoma Research, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University (Tumor Hospital of Yunnan Province), Kunming, Yunnan Province, 650000, China
| | - Hong Yao
- Cancer Biotherapy Center, Key Laboratory of Melanoma Research, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University (Tumor Hospital of Yunnan Province), Kunming, Yunnan Province, 650000, China.
| | - Ke Li
- Cancer Biotherapy Center, Key Laboratory of Melanoma Research, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University (Tumor Hospital of Yunnan Province), Kunming, Yunnan Province, 650000, China.
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Zambrano-Román M, Padilla-Gutiérrez JR, Valle Y, Muñoz-Valle JF, Guevara-Gutiérrez E, López-Olmos PA, Sepúlveda-Loza LC, Bautista-Herrera LA, Valdés-Alvarado E. PTCH1 Gene Variants, mRNA Expression, and Bioinformatics Insights in Mexican Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma Patients. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:191. [PMID: 38534460 DOI: 10.3390/biology13030191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Skin cancer is one of the most frequent types of cancer, and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) constitutes 20% of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) cases. PTCH1, a tumor suppressor gene involved in the Sonic hedgehog signaling pathway, plays a crucial role in neoplastic processes. METHODS An analytical cross-sectional study, encompassing 211 cSCC patients and 290 individuals in a control group (CG), was performed. A subgroup of samples was considered for the relative expression analysis, and the results were obtained using quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) with TaqMan® probes. The functional, splicing, and disease-causing effects of the proposed variants were explored via bioinformatics. RESULTS cSCC was predominant in men, especially in sun-exposed areas such as the head and neck. No statistically significant differences were found regarding the rs357564, rs2236405, rs2297086, and rs41313327 variants of PTCH1, or in the risk of cSCC, nor in the mRNA expression between the cSCC group and CG. A functional effect of rs357564 and a disease-causing relation to rs41313327 was identified. CONCLUSION The proposed variants were not associated with cSCC risk in this Mexican population, but we recognize the need for analyzing larger population groups to elucidate the disease-causing role of rare variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianela Zambrano-Román
- Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias Biomédicas (IICB), Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44340, Mexico
- Doctorado en Genética Humana, Departamento de Biología Molecular y Genómica, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44340, Mexico
| | - Jorge R Padilla-Gutiérrez
- Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias Biomédicas (IICB), Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44340, Mexico
| | - Yeminia Valle
- Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias Biomédicas (IICB), Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44340, Mexico
| | - José Francisco Muñoz-Valle
- Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias Biomédicas (IICB), Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44340, Mexico
| | - Elizabeth Guevara-Gutiérrez
- Departamento de Dermatología, Instituto Dermatológico de Jalisco "Dr. José Barba Rubio", Secretaría de Salud Jalisco, Zapopan 45190, Mexico
| | - Patricia Aidé López-Olmos
- Departamento de Dermatología, Instituto Dermatológico de Jalisco "Dr. José Barba Rubio", Secretaría de Salud Jalisco, Zapopan 45190, Mexico
| | | | | | - Emmanuel Valdés-Alvarado
- Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias Biomédicas (IICB), Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44340, Mexico
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D'Anniballe VM, Huang MN, Lueck BD, Nicholson LT, McFatridge I, Gunn MD. Antigen-loaded Monocyte Administration and Flt3 Ligand Augment the Antitumor Efficacy of Immune Checkpoint Blockade in a Murine Melanoma Model. J Immunother 2023; 46:333-340. [PMID: 37737688 PMCID: PMC10592023 DOI: 10.1097/cji.0000000000000487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
Undifferentiated monocytes can be loaded with tumor antigens (Ag) and administered intravenously to induce antitumor cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses. This vaccination strategy exploits an endogenous Ag cross-presentation pathway, where Ag-loaded monocytes (monocyte vaccines) transfer their Ag to resident splenic dendritic cells (DC), which then stimulate robust CD8 + CTL responses. In this study, we investigated whether monocyte vaccination in combination with CDX-301, a DC-expanding cytokine Fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 ligand (Flt3L), could improve the antitumor efficacy of anti-programmed cell death (anti-PD-1) immune checkpoint blockade. We found that Flt3L expanded splenic DC over 40-fold in vivo and doubled the number of circulating Ag-specific T cells when administered before monocyte vaccination in C57BL/6 mice. In addition, OVA-monocyte vaccination combined with either anti-PD-1, anti-programmed cell death ligand 1 (anti-PD-L1), or anti-cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4 (anti-CTLA-4) suppressed subcutaneous B16/F10-OVA tumor growth to a greater extent than checkpoint blockade alone. When administered together, OVA-monocyte vaccination improved the antitumor efficacy of Flt3L and anti-PD-1 in terms of circulating Ag-specific CD8 + T cell frequency and inhibition of subcutaneous B16/F10-OVA tumor growth. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration that a cancer vaccine strategy and Flt3L can improve the antitumor efficacy of anti-PD-1. The findings presented here warrant further study of how monocyte vaccines can improve Flt3L and immune checkpoint blockade as they enter clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent M D'Anniballe
- Department of Immunology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
| | | | - Benjamin D Lueck
- Department of Immunology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
| | | | - Ian McFatridge
- Department of Immunology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
| | - Michael D Gunn
- Department of Immunology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
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Hasan N, Nadaf A, Imran M, Jiba U, Sheikh A, Almalki WH, Almujri SS, Mohammed YH, Kesharwani P, Ahmad FJ. Skin cancer: understanding the journey of transformation from conventional to advanced treatment approaches. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:168. [PMID: 37803407 PMCID: PMC10559482 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01854-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Skin cancer is a global threat to the healthcare system and is estimated to incline tremendously in the next 20 years, if not diagnosed at an early stage. Even though it is curable at an early stage, novel drug identification, clinical success, and drug resistance is another major challenge. To bridge the gap and bring effective treatment, it is important to understand the etiology of skin carcinoma, the mechanism of cell proliferation, factors affecting cell growth, and the mechanism of drug resistance. The current article focusses on understanding the structural diversity of skin cancers, treatments available till date including phytocompounds, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, photothermal therapy, surgery, combination therapy, molecular targets associated with cancer growth and metastasis, and special emphasis on nanotechnology-based approaches for downregulating the deleterious disease. A detailed analysis with respect to types of nanoparticles and their scope in overcoming multidrug resistance as well as associated clinical trials has been discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazeer Hasan
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, 110062, India
| | - Arif Nadaf
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, 110062, India
| | - Mohammad Imran
- Frazer Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, 4102, Australia
| | - Umme Jiba
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, 110062, India
| | - Afsana Sheikh
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, 110062, India
| | - Waleed H Almalki
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Umm Al-Qura University, 24381, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Salem Salman Almujri
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, King Khalid University, 61421, Asir-Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Prashant Kesharwani
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, 110062, India.
- Center for Global Health Research, Saveetha Medical College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Kuthambakkam, India.
| | - Farhan Jalees Ahmad
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, 110062, India.
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5
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Characterization of Aging-Related Genes to Predict Prognosis and Evaluate the Tumor Immune Microenvironment in Malignant Melanoma. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2022; 2022:1271378. [PMID: 35368886 PMCID: PMC8970875 DOI: 10.1155/2022/1271378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Objective. Malignant melanoma (MM) is one of the most malignant types of skin cancer and its incidence and mortality rates are increasing worldwide. Aging is well recognized as a significant risk factor for cancer. However, few studies have analyzed in depth the association between aging-related genes (AGs) and malignant melanoma prognosis with tumor immune microenvironment. Methods. Here, we downloaded 471 MM patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) with RNA sequence and clinicopathological data. 58 AGs from the TCGA dataset were examined using Cox regression and the LASSO assay. As a result, a gene signature for aging-related genes was created. The time-dependent ROC curve and Kaplan–Meier analysis were calculated to determine its predictive capability. Moreover, we created a nomogram for the clinicopathologic variables and the AGs gene signature to determine overall survival (OS). We also explored the association between three immune checkpoints, immune cell infiltration, and the aging-related gene signature. Results. We established an aging risk model to identify and predict the immune microenvironment in malignant melanoma. Then we developed and validated a prognosis risk model using three AGs (CSNK1E, C1QA, and SOD-2) in the GSE65904 dataset. The aging signature was positively associated with clinical and molecular characteristics and can be used as a prognostic factor for malignant melanoma. The low aging risk score was associated with a poor prognosis and indicated an immunosuppressive microenvironment. Conclusions. To summarize, we established and validated a model of aging risk based on three aging-related genes that acted as an independent prognostic predictor of overall survival. Besides, it also characterized the immune response in the malignant melanoma microenvironment and could provide a potential indicator of individualized immunotherapy in malignant melanoma.
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Hoffmann JC, Schön MP. Integrin α E(CD103)β 7 in Epithelial Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:6211. [PMID: 34944831 PMCID: PMC8699740 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13246211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Interactions of both the innate and the adaptive immune system with tumors are complex and often influence courses and therapeutic treatments in unanticipated ways. Based on the concept that CD8+T cells can mediate important antitumor effects, several therapies now aim to amplify their specific activity. A subpopulation of CD8+ tissue-resident T lymphocytes that express the αE(CD103)β7 integrin has raised particular interest. This receptor presumably contributes to the recruitment and retention of tumor-infiltrating immune cells through interaction with its ligand, E-cadherin. It appears to have regulatory functions and is thought to be a component of some immunological synapses. In TGF-rich environments, the αE(CD103)β7/E-cadherin-interaction enhances the binding strength between tumor cells and infiltrating T lymphocytes. This activity facilitates the release of lytic granule contents and cytokines as well as further immune responses and the killing of target cells. Expression of αE(CD103)β7 in some tumors is associated with a rather favorable prognosis, perhaps with the notable exception of squamous cell carcinoma of the skin. Although epithelial skin tumors are by far the most common tumors of fair-skinned people, there have been very few studies on the distribution of αE(CD103)β7 expressing cells in these neoplasms. Given this background, we describe here that αE(CD103)β7 is scarcely present in basal cell carcinomas, but much more abundant in squamous cell carcinomas with heterogeneous distribution. Notwithstanding a substantial number of studies, the role of αE(CD103)β7 in the tumor context is still far from clear. Here, we summarize the essential current knowledge on αE(CD103)β7 and outline that it is worthwhile to further explore this intriguing receptor with regard to the pathophysiology, therapy, and prognosis of solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna C. Hoffmann
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany;
| | - Michael P. Schön
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany;
- Lower Saxony Institute of Occupational Dermatology, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
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7
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Dinnessen MAW, Visser O, Tonino SH, Posthuma EFM, Blijlevens NMA, Kersten MJ, Lugtenburg PJ, Dinmohamed AG. Risk of second primary malignancies in patients with follicular lymphoma: a population-based study in the Netherlands, 1989-2018. Blood Cancer J 2021; 11:179. [PMID: 34775466 PMCID: PMC8590687 DOI: 10.1038/s41408-021-00574-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Manette A W Dinnessen
- Department of Research and Development, Netherlands Comprehensive Cancer Organisation (IKNL), Utrecht, The Netherlands.
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Department of Hematology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, LYMMCARE (Lymphoma and Myeloma Center Amsterdam), Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Otto Visser
- Department of Registration, Netherlands Comprehensive Cancer Organisation (IKNL), Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Sanne H Tonino
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Department of Hematology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, LYMMCARE (Lymphoma and Myeloma Center Amsterdam), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Eduardus F M Posthuma
- Department of Internal Medical, Reinier de Graaf Gasthuis, Delft, The Netherlands
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Nicole M A Blijlevens
- Department of Hematology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Marie José Kersten
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Department of Hematology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, LYMMCARE (Lymphoma and Myeloma Center Amsterdam), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Pieternella J Lugtenburg
- Department of Hematology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Avinash G Dinmohamed
- Department of Research and Development, Netherlands Comprehensive Cancer Organisation (IKNL), Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Registration, Netherlands Comprehensive Cancer Organisation (IKNL), Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Hematology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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8
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Heydari P, Kharaziha M, Varshosaz J, Javanmard SH. Current knowledge of immunomodulation strategies for chronic skin wound repair. J Biomed Mater Res B Appl Biomater 2021; 110:265-288. [PMID: 34318595 DOI: 10.1002/jbm.b.34921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
In orchestrating the wound healing process, the immune system plays a critical role. Hence, controlling the immune system to repair skin defects is an attractive approach. The highly complex immune system includes the coordinated actions of several immune cells, which can produce various inflammatory and antiinflammatory cytokines and affect the healing of skin wounds. This process can be optimized using biomaterials, bioactive molecules, and cell delivery. The present review discusses various immunomodulation strategies for supporting the healing of chronic wounds. In this regard, following the evolution of the immune system and its role in the wound healing mechanism, the interaction between the extracellular mechanism and immune cells for acceleration wound healing will be firstly investigated. Consequently, the immune-based chronic wounds will be briefly examined and the mechanism of progression, and conventional methods of their treatment are evaluated. In the following, various biomaterials-based immunomodulation strategies are introduced to stimulate and control the immune system to treat and regenerate skin defects. Other effective methods of controlling the immune system in wound healing which is the release of bioactive agents (such as antiinflammatory, antigens, and immunomodulators) and stem cell therapy at the site of injury are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parisa Heydari
- Department of Materials Engineering, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mahshid Kharaziha
- Department of Materials Engineering, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Jaleh Varshosaz
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science, Isfahan University of Medical Science, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Shaghayegh Haghjooy Javanmard
- Applied Physiology Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
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Reichrath J. Lessons Learned from Paleolithic Models and Evolution for Human Health: A Snap Shot on Beneficial Effects and Risks of Solar Radiation. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2020; 1268:3-15. [PMID: 32918211 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-46227-7_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
How to deal with the powerful rays of the sun represents a fundamental question of environmental medicine, affecting skin cancer prevention campaigns and many other aspects of public health. However, when preparing recommendations for sunlight exposure, physicians, scientists, and other health authorities are in a dilemma, because solar radiation exerts both positive and negative effects on human health. While positive effects are at least in part mediated via the UV(Ultraviolet)-B-induced cutaneous synthesis of vitamin D, negative effects include the UV-mediated photocarcinogenesis of skin cancer. During the last century, interest in the positive effects of the sun on our health increased dramatically after the introduction of the so-called vitamin D/cancer hypothesis. In the late 1930s, Peller and Stephenson reported higher rates of skin cancer but lower rates of other cancers among the US Navy personnel. Several years later, Apperly reported an association between latitude and cancer mortality rate in North America. He argued that the "relative immunity to cancer is a direct effect of sunlight". Although the hypothesis that sun exposure may be beneficial against cancer had been proposed early, these observations supporting the hypothesis were ignored for nearly 40 years, until a clear mechanism was proposed. In the 1980s, Garland and Garland published a pilot study focusing on colon cancer and suggested that the possible benefits of sun exposure could be attributed to vitamin D. Later, the proposed protective role of vitamin D was extended to many other types of cancer. Subsequent laboratory investigations supported potential anti-carcinogenic effects of vitamin D compounds. We know today that many, but not all, of the positive effects of the sun on human health are mediated by the UV-induced cutaneous synthesis of vitamin D and other photoproducts. However, because of the abovementioned dilemma, there is an ongoing controversial discussion in scientific communities and in the general population that how much sunlight is optimal for human health. This chapter summarizes the content of the third edition of "Sunlight, Vitamin D and Skin Cancer," a book specifically designed and organized to be an up-to-date review covering the most important aspects of the ongoing debate on how much sun is good for human health and how to balance between the positive and negative effects of solar and artificial UV-radiation, including lessons learned from Paleolithic models and evolution .
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Affiliation(s)
- Jörg Reichrath
- Center for Clinical and Experimental Photodermatology and Department of Dermatology, Saarland University Medical Center, Homburg, Germany.
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