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Tanning salon exposure suppression of DNA repair capacity and mitogen-induced DNA synthesis

L L Larcom1, T E Morris, M E Smith

  • 1Department of Microbiology, Clemson University, SC 29634.

Photochemistry and Photobiology
|April 1, 1991
PubMed

Insights

Tanning salon exposure significantly impairs immune cell function and DNA repair in healthy adults. This finding suggests potential risks for immunosuppressed individuals and increased cancer risk from environmental mutagens.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Genetics
  • Dermatology

Background:

  • Commercial tanning salons utilize ultraviolet radiation (UVR) for cosmetic purposes.
  • UVR exposure is known to have immunosuppressive and genotoxic effects.
  • The impact of tanning salon UVR on immune cell function and DNA repair requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the effects of tanning salon UVR exposure on mitogen responsiveness and DNA repair capacity in lymphocytes.
  • To evaluate the potential health risks associated with commercial tanning.
  • To determine if tanning affects the body's ability to repair genetic damage.

Main Methods:

  • Lymphocytes were collected from healthy adults before and 24 hours after tanning salon exposure.
  • Mitogen responsiveness was measured using phytohemagglutinin stimulation.
  • DNA repair capacity was assessed via unscheduled DNA synthesis (UDS).

Main Results:

  • Tanning exposure significantly inhibited phytohemagglutinin-induced mitogenesis in lymphocytes.
  • The ability of lymphocytes to repair DNA lesions via UDS was significantly reduced post-exposure.
  • All individuals studied showed impairment in at least one of the measured immune functions.

Conclusions:

  • Commercial tanning salon UVR exposure suppresses key immune functions, including mitogen response and DNA repair.
  • This immunosuppression and impaired DNA repair may pose significant hazards to immunosuppressed individuals (e.g., cancer patients, HIV carriers).
  • Tanning exposure could potentially enhance the carcinogenic effects of environmental mutagens, increasing overall cancer risk.

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