A role for natural agents including vitamin D compounds in the prevention of skin cancer
Access status:
USyd Access
Type
ThesisThesis type
Doctor of PhilosophyAuthor/s
Ince, Furkan AkifAbstract
Skin cancer is the most diagnosed cancer in Australia. The primary cause of skin cancer is exposure to solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Previous studies by our group have shown that the inclusion of the vitamin D-like compound, curcumin, enhances the ability of a commercial sunscreen ...
See moreSkin cancer is the most diagnosed cancer in Australia. The primary cause of skin cancer is exposure to solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Previous studies by our group have shown that the inclusion of the vitamin D-like compound, curcumin, enhances the ability of a commercial sunscreen to protect against UV-induced DNA damage. Several vitamin D analogs and vitamin D-like compounds have previously been shown to protect against acute UV-induced damage. However, not all compounds that were able to protect against acute UV damage were protective against photocarcinogenesis in a chronic UV model. Additionally, evidence of adverse impacts due to commercial sunscreens, has raised concern around their use. The studies within this thesis sought to investigate the photoprotective mechanisms of vitamin D analogs as well as a natural homemade sunscreen formulation. Moreover, the potential human health impacts from four sunscreen UV filters were investigated. Aim 1 investigates five biomarkers in an acute UV model. It was found that pCREB was the best candidate as a biomarker since all compounds that have previously been shown the prevent carcinogenesis, were able to prevent UV-induced CREB phosphorylation. Aim 2 investigates a natural homemade sunscreen (NHSS) formulation and its ability to prevent acute UV-induced damage. The studies herein found that the NHSS protects against some forms of acute UV damage. Additionally, the active ingredients of the NHSS, protected some skin cell types from UV-induced death. Finally, Aim 3 investigates four UV filters and their potential impacts on human health. Few studies were found that investigated three of the UV filters, highlighting the need for more studies. Studies found to investigate oxybenzone suggest an association between oxybenzone and short-term human health impacts. Overall, this thesis provides some insight into a more efficient manner of investigating compounds that could be utilised in commercial sunscreen formulations.
See less
See moreSkin cancer is the most diagnosed cancer in Australia. The primary cause of skin cancer is exposure to solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Previous studies by our group have shown that the inclusion of the vitamin D-like compound, curcumin, enhances the ability of a commercial sunscreen to protect against UV-induced DNA damage. Several vitamin D analogs and vitamin D-like compounds have previously been shown to protect against acute UV-induced damage. However, not all compounds that were able to protect against acute UV damage were protective against photocarcinogenesis in a chronic UV model. Additionally, evidence of adverse impacts due to commercial sunscreens, has raised concern around their use. The studies within this thesis sought to investigate the photoprotective mechanisms of vitamin D analogs as well as a natural homemade sunscreen formulation. Moreover, the potential human health impacts from four sunscreen UV filters were investigated. Aim 1 investigates five biomarkers in an acute UV model. It was found that pCREB was the best candidate as a biomarker since all compounds that have previously been shown the prevent carcinogenesis, were able to prevent UV-induced CREB phosphorylation. Aim 2 investigates a natural homemade sunscreen (NHSS) formulation and its ability to prevent acute UV-induced damage. The studies herein found that the NHSS protects against some forms of acute UV damage. Additionally, the active ingredients of the NHSS, protected some skin cell types from UV-induced death. Finally, Aim 3 investigates four UV filters and their potential impacts on human health. Few studies were found that investigated three of the UV filters, highlighting the need for more studies. Studies found to investigate oxybenzone suggest an association between oxybenzone and short-term human health impacts. Overall, this thesis provides some insight into a more efficient manner of investigating compounds that could be utilised in commercial sunscreen formulations.
See less
Date
2024Rights statement
The author retains copyright of this thesis. It may only be used for the purposes of research and study. It must not be used for any other purposes and may not be transmitted or shared with others without prior permission.Faculty/School
Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Medical SciencesAwarding institution
The University of SydneyShare