Sunlight radiation as a villain and hero: 60 years of illuminating research.
Int J Radiat Biol
; 95(7): 1043-1049, 2019 07.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-31157572
ABSTRACT
In the 60 years since the inaugural edition of the International Journal of Radiation Biology, much of our understanding of the biological effects of solar radiation has changed. Earlier in the century, sunlight played a 'hero's' role in reducing disabling rickets, while today debate still continues on the amount of sun required before exposure reveals the 'villainous' side of solar radiation. Although knowledge of the ultra violet (UV) component of sunlight as a carcinogen has become widespread, skin cancer rates are still rising yearly. Twentieth century attitudes have seen an about-face in the field of dermatological sun protection, with sunscreens changing from recipes designed to promote a 'healthy tan' to formulations proven to block both ultraviolet B (UVB) and more recently, ultraviolet A (UVA), to minimize premature sun-aging and skin cancer risk. In the early 1960s, DNA was first found to exist within mitochondria, while recently the connections between mitochondrial changes and UV radiation exposure have been expanded. Sixty years ago, understanding of the endocrine systems of mammals was enjoying its infancy. Early discoveries that light, particularly natural light, could have profound effects on functions such as sleep patterns and hormonal balance were made, while today more advanced knowledge has led to lighting improvements having pronounced effects on human wellbeing. Photosensitization 60 years ago was a health concern for both humans and their domestic animals, while today chemically engineered photosensitizing drugs can be administered along with highly directed light to pinpoint delivery targets for drug action. Life on earth is inextricably bound up with solar radiation. This article attempts to outline many of the ways in which our opinions about solar radiation have changed since the journal's inception.
Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Temas:
Geral
/
Prevencao_e_fatores_de_risco
/
Agentes_cancerigenos
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Radiacao_solar
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Radiobiologia
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Luz Solar
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Raios Ultravioleta
Tipo de estudo:
Etiology_studies
Limite:
Animals
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Humans
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Int J Radiat Biol
Assunto da revista:
RADIOLOGIA
Ano de publicação:
2019
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Irlanda