Shorter UVB Wavelength Light Most Damaging To Mitochondrial DNA

MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Jennifer Latimer PhD
Department of Dermatology at Newcastle University
Newcastle, UK

MedicalResearch: What is the background for this study?

Dr. Latimer: There is extensive knowledge of the wavelength effects of UV on the skin to the nuclear DNA level. However the effects on mitochondrial DNA were unknown. The mitochondria have important links with aging and skin cancer and therefore knowing the individual UV wavelength effects is important.

MedicalResearch: What are the main findings?

Dr. Latimer: The main findings of this study were that the shorter and more energetic UVB wavelengths of UV were the most damaging to mitochondrial DNA. Furthermore we found that the skin fibroblast cells – those predominant in the deeper dermis layers of the skin were more sensitive to UV than keratinocytes, the main cells within the upper epidermis layer of the skin.

MedicalResearch: What should clinicians and patients take away from your report?

Dr. Latimer: This study stresses the damaging effects of UV and therefore emphasizes the importance of protecting your skin from it.

MedicalResearch: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this study?

Dr. Latimer: Future research as a result of this study could involve investigating newer technologies and campaigns in an aim to improve attitudes, enthusiasm and ability to protect skin from the damaging effects of UV.

Citation:

Determination of the Action Spectrum of UVR-Induced Mitochondrial DNA Damage in Human Skin Cells
Latimer JA1, Lloyd JJ2, Diffey BL3, Matts PJ4, Birch-Machin MA3.

J Invest Dermatol. 2015 Jun 1. doi: 10.1038/jid.2015.194. [Epub ahead of print]

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Jennifer Latimer PhD Department of Dermatology at Newcastle University, & Newcastle, UK (2015). Shorter UVB Wavelength Light Most Damaging To Mitochondrial DNA 

Last Updated on July 1, 2015 by Marie Benz MD FAAD

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