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At least 541 records · Page 30Linked to original sources
PubMed2006

Cis-urocanic acid, a sunlight-induced immunosuppressive factor, activates immune suppression via the 5-HT2A receptor.

Exposure to UV radiation induces skin cancer and suppresses the immune response. To induce immune suppression, the electromagnetic energy of UV radiation must be absorbed by an epidermal photoreceptor and converted into a biologically recognizable signal. Two photoreceptors have been recognized: DNA and trans-urocanic acid (UCA). Trans-UCA is normally found in the outermost layer of skin and isomerizes to the cis isomer upon exposure to UV radiation. Although UCA was identified as a UV photoreceptor years ago, and many have documented its ability to induce immune suppression, its exact mode of action remains elusive. Particularly vexing has been the identity of the molecular pathway by which cis-UCA mediates immune suppression. Here we provide evidence that cis-UCA binds to the serotonin [5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)] receptor with relatively high affinity (Kd = 4.6 nM). Anti-cis-UCA antibody precipitates radiolabeled 5-HT, and the binding is inhibited by excess 5-HT and/or excess cis-UCA. Similarly, anti-5-HT antibody precipitates radiolabeled cis-UCA, and the binding is inhibited by excess 5-HT or excess cis-UCA. Calcium mobilization was activated when a mouse fibroblast line, stably transfected with the human 5-HT2A receptor, was treated with cis-UCA. Cis-UCA-induced calcium mobilization was blocked with a selective 5-HT2A receptor antagonist. UV- and cis-UCA-induced immune suppression was blocked by antiserotonin antibodies or by treating the mice with 5-HT2A receptor antagonists. Our findings identify cis-UCA as a serotonin receptor ligand and indicate that the immunosuppressive effects of cis-UCA and UV radiation are mediated by activation of the 5-HT2A receptor.

Animals↗
PubMed1974

The wavelengths in sunlight effective in producing skin cancer: a theoretical analysis.

DNA is taken as the target for skin cancer induced by ultraviolet light, and the known data on the sensitivity of DNA as a function of wavelength are summarized. The sun's spectrum at the surface of the earth and the DNA action spectrum are used to calculate the carcinogenic effectiveness as a function of wavelength. The most effective wavelengths at 30 degrees N latitude are <305 nm, and a 1% change in atmospheric ozone results in a 2% change in the effective dose of ultraviolet light. Since both the basic biological and physical data are reasonably precise, the major requirement for a quantitative evaluation of the dose response relation for ultraviolet-induced skin cancer in man is better epidemiological data to compare with data from animal models.

DNA↗
PubMed2002

Seasonal influences on immunological parameters in HIV-infected homosexual men: searching for the immunomodulating effects of sunlight.

In view of the capacity of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) to induce suppression of various immunological parameters and to enhance the viral replication of HIV, we investigated whether seasonal influences on immunological parameters that are relevant for HIV infection could be identified. As the sunny season is associated with high levels of ambient UVR, a decline of immunological parameters and an increase of the HIV viral load during the summer months might ensue. We analysed the immunological data of the HIV-infected homosexual men who participated in the Amsterdam Cohort Study on HIV infection and AIDS (1984-1996; n = 556). The effect of season on the individual development of various immunological parameters in time was examined by means of a random effects model for repeated measurements. Lower levels in the mean number of CD4+ T cells and the mean CD4+/CD8+ ratio were found during summer and spring, respectively (P = 0.0001/0.0001). For the CD8+ T cells, high mean values were observed both in April and September (P = 0.0001). The highest T-cell reactivity values were found during the summer (P = 0.0001). No effect of season on the viral load was established. The seasonal effect on CD4+ T cells seemed to be more pronounced at a more advanced stage of the HIV infection. It is concluded that the lower CD4+ T-cell counts during summer support the notion that solar UVR may have a suppressive effect on the cellular immunity of HIV-infected persons. However, whether this observation can be attributed to the effect of ambient UVR solely is questionable, as the other immunological parameters follow different seasonal courses and other reports suggest that both internal and environmental factors influence immunological parameters.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Sunlight and cortical cataract.

We undertook a prospective clinical study to test our initial impression that cortical opacities are seldom present in the upper part of the lens. Data analysis revealed that of 174 eyes having cortical opacities, only 15 (8.62%) had opacities in the area of the lens between the 10- and 2-o'clock positions. Lid retraction, defined as upper lid position at or above the limbus, was seen in 13 (88.66%) of these eyes. Our study indicates that in the absence of lid retraction, cortical opacities are very rarely seen in the upper segment of the lens, a segment that is normally covered by the upper lid. This suggests a protective effect of the upper lid against cortical opacities, and indirectly it supports the theory that senile cortical opacities may be the result of thermal damage to the lens.

Adult↗
PubMed1985

Determination of 23 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in atmospheric particulate matter of the Paris area and photolysis by sunlight.

Twenty-three polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) were determined in atmospheric particulate matter in 4 places of the Paris area at several times of the year. Fractionation was performed by reversed-phase high-pressure liquid chromatography. Determination was done by recording emission or excitation fluorescence spectra via a stopped-flow technique. Triphenylene was also extemporaneously determined by its phosphorescence spectrum at low temperature. Among the PAH determined dibenz(e,ghi)perylene has not been detected before in atmospheric particulate matter. The 10 more abundant PAH ranged from 0.1 to 40 ng/m3 of filtered air. Concentrations in August are from 14 to 250 times less than in January depending on the PAH. The reasons for this difference of behaviour among the PAH were investigated with regard to their photochemical and non-photochemical reactivity.

Air Pollutants↗
PubMed1980

Do sunlight and vitamin D reduce the likelihood of colon cancer?

It is proposed that vitamin D is a protective factor against colon cancer. This hypothesis arose from inspection of the geographic distribution of colon cancer deaths in the U.S., which revealed that colon cancer mortality rates were highest in places where populations were exposed to the least amounts of natural light--major cities, and rural areas in high latitudes. The hypothesis is supported by a comparison of colon cancer mortality rates in areas that vary in mean daily solar radiation penetrating the atmosphere. A mechanism involving cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) is suggested. The possibility that an ecological fallacy or other indirect association explains the findings is explored.

Calcium↗