title: Epidermal growth factor receptor expression in mice skin upon ultraviolet B exposure - Seborrheic Keratosis as a coincidental and unique finding.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Ultraviolet B (UVB) is the most damaging component of sunlight. It rapidly activates the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) in excessive quantities that quickly overwhelm tissue antioxidants.
  
  
  METHODS
  To demonstrate the effects of UVB radiation on EGFR expression in mice skin and to evaluate the role of antioxidants in the exposed group.
  
  
  METHODS
  After obtaining the approval of the ethical committee, forty mice from BALB/c strain were used in this experiment and were allocated into 3 groups; 10 (control group); 15 (exposure group); and 15 (exposed and treated with antioxidants). Antioxidants were administered through subcutaneous injection. Skin biopsies from all groups were stained with EGFR antibodies. Total antioxidant status (TAS) was evaluated in all groups.
  
  
  METHODS
  The data obtained were analyzed using ANOVA, Duncan's test, and Pearson's Correlation.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The highest EGFR expression in exposure group was of score 3(+) (53%). The highest EGFR expression in treatment group was score 0 (40%). Apoptotic bodies and dermal mast cells increased in exposure group while decreased in treatment group. The mean values for TAS were measured for each group; control group = 1.2 mmol/l; exposure group = 0.87 mmol/l; treatment group =1.3 mmol/l.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  UVB led to Seborrheic Keratosis (SK) in mice through enhancement of EGFR expression. Antioxidants effectively reduced UVB-induced SK, reduced epidermal changes, apoptotic bodies, and decreased dermal mast cells. TAS measurement declined in exposure group, while it was within normal range in most treated cases.
authors: Department of Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sulaimani University/Kurdistan, Iraq.
authors: Azad K
authors: AK
authors: Saeed
authors: Nabil
authors: N
authors: Salmo
keywords: Apoptotic bodies; Ultraviolet B; epidermal growth factor receptor; mast cells; seborrheic keratosis; total antioxidant status