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Ultraviolet B-induced DNA Damage in Human Skin and Its Modulation by a Sunscreen¹

Department of Biosciences at Novum, Karolinska Institute, Novum, 141 57 Huddinge [V. J. B., K. H.], and Department of Dermatology, Huddinge Hospital, 141 86 Huddinge [J. A. M.], Sweden

The UVB component of solar radiation is a risk factor for skin cancer, the most common cancer in the Western world. Yet little is known about the induction of DNA damage in human skin by UVB and its modulation by sunscreens. Here, we apply a novel postlabeling high-performance liquid chromatography technique to quantify UVB-induced photoproducts in skin biopsies with and without sunscreen. The results showed 30-fold interindividual variations in levels of DNA damage in unprotected skin of the 14 subjects, probably relating to skin cancer susceptibility. On average, sunscreen guards against DNA damage as expected by the erythemal response, but some individuals are poorly protected.

¹ This study was supported by the Swedish Radiation Protection Institute, EU Environmental and Climate Program, the Swedish Environmental Board, and the Swedish Society for Medical Research.

² To whom requests for reprints should be addressed. Phone: 46-8-608-92-43; Fax: 46-8-608-15-01; E-mail: Kari.Hemminki@cnt.ki.se.

Received 4/ 2/98. Accepted 6/ 1/98.

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