title: Ultraviolet radiation, vitamin D and the development of obesity, metabolic syndrome and type-2 diabetes.
abstract: Obesity is increasing in prevalence in many countries around the world. Its causes have been traditionally ascribed to a model where energy intake exceeds energy consumption. Reduced energy output in the form of exercise is associated with less sun exposure as many of these activities occur outdoors. This review explores the potential for ultraviolet radiation (UVR), derived from sun exposure, to affect the development of obesity and two of its metabolic co-morbidities, type-2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. We here discuss the potential benefits (or otherwise) of exposure to UVR based on evidence from pre-clinical, human epidemiological and clinical studies and explore and compare the potential role of UVR-induced mediators, including vitamin D and nitric oxide. Overall, emerging findings suggest a protective role for UVR and sun exposure in reducing the development of obesity and cardiometabolic dysfunction, but more epidemiological and clinical research is required that focuses on measuring the direct associations and effects of exposure to UVR in humans.
authors.affiliation: Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia. shelley.gorman@telethonkids.org.au.
authors.forename: Shelley
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Gorman
authors.affiliation: Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia. shelley.gorman@telethonkids.org.au and National Centre of Epidemiology and Public Health, Research School of Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory.
authors.forename: Robyn M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Lucas
authors.affiliation: Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia. shelley.gorman@telethonkids.org.au.
authors.forename: Aidan
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Allen-Hall
authors.affiliation: Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia. shelley.gorman@telethonkids.org.au.
authors.forename: Naomi
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Fleury
authors.affiliation: Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, and NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University of Southampton and University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK.
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Feelisch
mesh_terms: D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D024821:Metabolic Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000378:metabolism; D009765:Obesity / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000378:metabolism; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays; D014807:Vitamin D / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D014807:Vitamin D