Sun and ski holidays improve vitamin D status, but are associated with high levels of DNA damage.
Skin cancer is caused by solar UVR, which is also essential for vitamin D production. DNA damage (thymine dimers: T-T dimers) and vitamin D (25(OH)D) synthesis are both initiated by solar UVB. We aimed to investigate the simultaneous adverse and beneficial effects of solar UVB exposure in holidaymakers. Sun-seekers and skiers (n=71) were observed over 6 days through on-site monitoring, personal diary entries, and recording of personal UVB exposure doses with electronic dosimeters. Urine and blood samples were analyzed for T-T dimers and 25(OH)D, respectively. The volunteers had a statistically significant increase in vitamin D. There were strong associations between UVB exposure and post-holiday levels of T-T dimers and vitamin D, as well as between post-holiday T-T dimers and vitamin D. We conclude that UVB-induced vitamin D synthesis is associated with considerable DNA damage in the skin. These data, on two major health predictors, provide a basis for further field studies that may result in better understanding of the risks and benefits of "real life" solar exposure. However, vitamin D status can be improved more safely through the use of vitamin D dietary supplements.
Department of Dermatological Research, University of Copenhagen, Bispebjerg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark. Electronic address: bibi.petersen@regionh.dk.
Bibi
B
Petersen
Department of Dermatological Research, University of Copenhagen, Bispebjerg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Hans C
HC
Wulf
Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain.
Margarita
M
Triguero-Mas
Department of Dermatological Research, University of Copenhagen, Bispebjerg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Peter A
PA
Philipsen
Department of Dermatological Research, University of Copenhagen, Bispebjerg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Elisabeth
E
Thieden
Department of Dermatological Research, University of Copenhagen, Bispebjerg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Peter
P
Olsen
Department of Dermatological Research, University of Copenhagen, Bispebjerg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Jakob
J
Heydenreich
Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain.
Payam
P
Dadvand
Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain.
Xavier
X
Basagaña
Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institute, Novum, Huddinge, Sweden.
Tove S
TS
Liljendahl
St John's Institute of Dermatology, Guy's Hospital, King's College London, London, UK.
Graham I
GI
Harrison
Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institute, Novum, Huddinge, Sweden.
Dan
D
Segerbäck
Unit of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria.
Alois W
AW
Schmalwieser
St John's Institute of Dermatology, Guy's Hospital, King's College London, London, UK.
Antony R
AR
Young
Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain.
Mark J
MJ
Nieuwenhuijsen
D000328:Adult; D001493:Bathing Beaches; D004249:DNA Damage; D005260:Female; D006693:Holidays; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011740:Pyrimidine Dimers / Q000737:chemistry; D012865:Skiing; D012867:Skin / Q000528:radiation effects; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology; D013472:Sunlight / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013997:Time Factors; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014807:Vitamin D / Q000097:blood*; D014808:Vitamin D Deficiency / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000628:therapy*
D011740:Pyrimidine Dimers; D014807:Vitamin D