Sunburn and skin cancer: Protect your skin from UV dangers!

Sunburn and skin cancer: Protect your skin from UV dangers!

An alarming increase in skin cancer cases is increasingly being observed, with the main cause being excessive UV radiation. According to researchers at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), these rays not only lead to oxidative stress, but also significant damage to DNA. In their study, published in the journalNature Communicationswas published, the scientists are exploring the function of photolyase, a light-dependent enzyme that helps repair DNA damage caused by UV radiation.

The research focuses on the Somali cave fish (Phreatichthys andruzzii). This fish has retained photolyases for millions of years despite living in an environment where there is no sunlight. This is particularly notable because many placental mammals, including humans, have lost this ability. Somali cavefish CPD photolyase can effectively repair DNA damage caused by oxidative stress even in the absence of light. These findings could be crucial to better understand environmental damage and to develop potential new treatment approaches to promote DNA repair processes.

Sunlight and its effects on the skin

In addition to the findings of KIT research, Dr. med. Carmen Loquai and Prof. Dr. med. Stephan Grabbe from the Department of Dermatology, Allergology and Venereology at the Essen University Hospital examines the harmful effects of sunlight on human skin. Sunlight consists not only of visible light and heat rays, but also of various types of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which are particularly dangerous for the skin. UV-B rays are known to cause sunburns and skin cancer through direct DNA damage, while UV-A rays promote skin aging.

Statistics show that over 100,000 people in Germany develop new skin cancer every year, with over 3,000 dying as a result. This worrying trend correlates with the depletion of the ozone layer, which leads to increased UV radiation exposure. Especially in summer and at high altitudes, the UV-B content is higher compared to UV-A, which increases the harmful effects.

Protection and prevention of skin damage

The skin responds to UV radiation with various mechanisms to protect itself, including thickening of the top layer of skin and increased production of melanin. This is a complicated process that varies greatly from skin type to skin type. For example, skin type 1 always burns and rarely tans, while skin type 4 rarely burns and tans well.

Long-term UV exposure is associated with an increased risk of skin damage, premature aging and genetic mutations. Particular attention should be paid to the cells' alarm signal, sunburn, which is accompanied by redness and swelling. Comprehensive skin cancer screening is crucial, especially for risk groups who should be examined more often.

In this context, it is important to take preventive measures. Dr. For example, Loquai and Prof. Grabbe recommend wearing protective clothing, applying light protection filters 20 minutes before sun exposure and avoiding direct sunlight during midday. Scientists are even studying the use of sunscreens that contain DNA repair enzymes to protect skin from UV damage.

In conclusion, the research on the Somali cavefish and photolyase DNA repair mechanisms, combined with the epidemiological studies on skin cancer and UV radiation, could provide a new perspective on combating these diseases.

For more information on the harmful effects of UV radiation on the skin and measures to prevent it, see Oncology run and the studies on DNA repair processes PMC. For detailed insights into research at KIT see KIT.