Biological consequences of cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers.
In the skin many molecules may absorb ultraviolet (UV) radiation upon exposure. In particular, cellular DNA strongly absorbs shorter wavelength solar UV radiation, resulting in various types of DNA damage. Among the DNA photoproducts produced the cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs) are predominant. Although these lesions are efficiently repaired in the skin, this CPD formation results in various acute effects (erythema, inflammatory responses), transient effects (suppression of immune function), and chronic effects (mutation induction and skin cancer). The relationships between the presence of CPD in skin cells and the subsequent biological consequences are the subject of the present review.
Vink
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TNO, Skin Effects Testing and Photobiology, P.O. Box 360 AJ, Zeist, The Netherlands. a.vink@voeding.tno.nl
Roza
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D000818:Animals; D004249:DNA Damage; D004890:Erythema / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007108:Immune Tolerance / Q000528:radiation effects; D011740:Pyrimidine Dimers / Q000276:immunology*; D012867:Skin / Q000276:immunology / Q000528:radiation effects*; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays
D011740:Pyrimidine Dimers