Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 31, 2026
Pharmacologic Induction of Epidermal Melanin and Protection Against Sunburn in a Humanized Mouse Model
Published on: September 7, 2013
Tanning salon exposure and molecular alterations
S E Whitmore1, W L Morison, C S Potten
1Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
Background:
Human studies of the short-term cellular effects of tanning salon exposures are lacking. Findings of such studies may prove extremely helpful in educating consumers considering or currently attending tanning salons.
Objective:
Our purpose was to determine whether tanning salon exposure causes DNA alterations and p53 protein expression in epidermal keratinocytes and/or circulating peripheral lymphocytes.
Methods:
Eleven subjects received 10 full-body tanning salon exposures over a 2-week period. UV-induced DNA cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers and p53 protein expression were examined, comparing pretreatment peripheral blood lymphocytes and epidermal biopsy specimens with analogous specimens obtained after the 10 tanning salon exposures.
Results:
Cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers in DNA and p53 protein expression were detected in epidermal keratinocytes, but were absent in lymphocytes.
Conclusion:
Similar to outdoor sun exposure, short-term recreational tanning salon exposure causes molecular alterations believed essential in the development of skin cancer.
Insights
Tanning salon UV exposure causes DNA damage and p53 protein expression in skin cells, similar to sun exposure. These molecular changes are linked to skin cancer development.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Molecular Biology
- Photobiology
Background:
- Limited human studies exist on the short-term cellular effects of tanning salon use.
- Understanding these effects is crucial for consumer education regarding tanning salon risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate DNA alterations and p53 protein expression in skin cells and lymphocytes after tanning salon exposure.
- To assess the cellular impact of artificial UV radiation from tanning beds.
Main Methods:
- Eleven subjects underwent 10 tanning salon sessions over two weeks.
- DNA cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers and p53 protein levels were analyzed in skin biopsies and blood samples before and after exposure.
Main Results:
- DNA damage (cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers) and p53 protein were detected in epidermal keratinocytes.
- No significant alterations were observed in circulating peripheral lymphocytes.
Conclusions:
- Tanning salon exposure induces molecular changes in skin cells, mirroring effects of natural sunlight.
- These UV-induced alterations are considered critical early steps in skin carcinogenesis.
![Chemical-Induced Skin Carcinogenesis Model Using Dimethylbenz[a]Anthracene and 12-O-Tetradecanoyl Phorbol-13-Acetate (DMBA-TPA)](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcloudfront.jove.com%2FCDNSource%2Fteasers%2F60445.jpg&w=3840&q=50)
Related Concept Videos
01:08Nucleotide Excision Repair
01:39Mutations
01:08Nucleotide Excision Repair
01:35Mutations
Chromosomal Alterations Are Large-Scale Mutations
While point mutations are changes in a single nucleotide in...
01:38Nucleotide Excision Repair
Cells are regularly exposed to mutagens—factors in the environment that can damage DNA and generate mutations. UV radiation is one of the most common mutagens and is estimated to introduce a significant number of changes in DNA. These include bends or kinks in the structure, which can block DNA replication or transcription. If these errors are not fixed, the damage can cause mutations, which in turn can result in cancer or disease depending on which sequences are...
01:30Skin Cancer
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...