Original scientific paper
The Mechanisms of UV Radiation in the Development of Malignant Melanoma
Mirna Šitum
Marija Buljan
Suzana Ožanić Bulić
Dubravka Šimić
Abstract
The sunlight was one of the first agents recognized to be carcinogenic for humans. There is convincing evidence from
epidemiologic studies that exposure to solar radiation is the major cause of cutaneous melanoma in light-pigmented populations
and plays a role in the increasing incidence of this malignancy. The molecular mechanisms by which UV radiation
exerts its varied effects are not completely understood, however, it is considered that UVA and UVB are equally critical
players in melanoma formation. Whereas UVA can indirectly damage DNA through the formation of reactive oxygen
radicals, UVB can directly damage DNA causing the apoptosis of keratinocytes by forming the sunburn cells. Besides action
through mutations in critical regulatory genes, UV radiation may promote cancer through indirect mechanisms,
e.g. immunosuppression and dysregulation of growth factors. The carcinogenic process probably involves multiple sequential
steps, some, but not all of which involve alterations in DNA structure.
Keywords
melanoma; UV radiation; photoimmunology; oncogene
Hrčak ID:
27414
URI
Publication date:
16.1.2007.
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