Photocarcinogenesis and molecular mechanism

Abstract

Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) reaches to the earth surface through sunlight, and every living organism gets exposed to it multiple times during their life span. Excessive exposure to UVR has adverse effects and could lead to skin aging, eye damage, and skin cancer. UVA and UVB components of UVR, both can penetrate the skin and have the potential of causing skin damage. UVR exposure causes DNA damage leading to somatic mutations either directly or through the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). UVR plays a role in initiation, promotion, and progression of cancer via affecting the oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes, inflammation, immunosuppression, signaling pathways, and mitochondrial DNA damage. Although exposure to sunlight is almost unavoidable, appropriate precautions should be taken while outside either for pleasure or work. This chapter comprehensively summarizes the aspects about photocarcinogenesis, factors and molecular mechanisms involved in photo-induced skin cancer, treatments available, and photoprotection.