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The Journal of Investigative Dermatology Apr 2023
Topics: Sunlight; Keratinocytes; Cellular Senescence
PubMed: 36702706
DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2022.12.010 -
Nutrients May 2023The last decades of global development have, due to rapid urbanization, pressuring entire populations to changes in lifestyle and dietary habits, led to an increase in...
The last decades of global development have, due to rapid urbanization, pressuring entire populations to changes in lifestyle and dietary habits, led to an increase in the prevalence of mental disorders, including stress. This study explored how lifestyle and dietary factors, such as physical activity, sun exposure, and vitamin D intake are related to perceived stress in a Mediterranean-based population. Physical activity level was evaluated using the international physical activity questionnaires (IPAQ), sun exposure was evaluated using the sunlight exposure measurement questionnaire (SEM-Q), and validated food frequency questionnaires (FFQs) were used to assess dietary intakes. The perceived stress of the study participants was evaluated using the perceived stress scale (PSS). Multivariate logistic regression models were used to test for potential associations. In the most adjusted model, an inverse association between physical activity level, sunlight exposure, vitamin D intake, and high perceived stress was found (OR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.51, 1.00, OR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.52, 0.99, OR = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.53, 0.89, respectively). However, when stratifying the population by level of physical activity, the retrieved associations with sunlight exposure and dietary vitamin D intake were significant only among those individuals reporting being moderately to highly physically active (OR = 0.16, 95% CI: 0.08, 0.33 and OR = 0.46, 95% CI: 0.28, 0.76, respectively), while results on low physically active participants were null. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that higher dietary intake of vitamin D and sunlight exposure are associated with a lower likelihood of having high perceived stress among physically active individuals.
Topics: Humans; Adult; Sunlight; Vitamin D; Vitamins; Exercise; Stress, Psychological; Vitamin D Deficiency
PubMed: 37242183
DOI: 10.3390/nu15102301 -
Medycyna Pracy 2016The health risk related to an excessive exposure to solar radiation (SR) is well known. The Sun represents the main exposure source for all the frequency bands of... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The health risk related to an excessive exposure to solar radiation (SR) is well known. The Sun represents the main exposure source for all the frequency bands of optical radiation, that is the part of the electromagnetic spectrum ranging between 100 nm and 1 mm, including infrared (IR), ultraviolet (UV) and visible radiation. According to recent studies, outdoor workers have a relevant exposure to SR but few studies available in scientific literature have attempted to retrace a detailed history of individual exposure.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
We propose a new method for the evaluation of SR cumulative exposure both during work and leisure time, integrating subjective and objective data. The former is collected by means of an interviewer administrated questionnaire. The latter is available through the Internet databases for many geographical regions and through individual exposure measurements. The data is integrated into a mathematical algorithm, in order to obtain an esteem of the individual total amount of SR the subjects have been exposed to during their lives.
RESULTS
The questionnaire has been tested for 58 voluntary subjects. Environmental exposure data through online databases has been collected for 3 different places in Italy in 2012. Individual exposure by electronic UV dosimeter has been measured in 6 fishermen. A mathematical algorithm integrating subjective and objective data has been elaborated.
CONCLUSIONS
The method proposed may be used in epidemiological studies to evaluate specific correlations with biological effects of SR and to weigh the role of the personal and environmental factors that may increase or reduce SR exposure. Med Pr 2016;67(5):577-587.
Topics: Environmental Exposure; Epidemiologic Studies; Humans; Neoplasms, Radiation-Induced; Occupational Exposure; Sunburn; Sunlight; Ultraviolet Rays
PubMed: 27819697
DOI: 10.13075/mp.5893.00461 -
International Journal of Environmental... Oct 2016Obesity is a significant burden on global healthcare due to its high prevalence and associations with chronic health conditions. In our animal studies, ongoing exposure... (Review)
Review
Obesity is a significant burden on global healthcare due to its high prevalence and associations with chronic health conditions. In our animal studies, ongoing exposure to low dose ultraviolet radiation (UVR, found in sunlight) reduced weight gain and the development of signs of cardiometabolic dysfunction in mice fed a high fat diet. These observations suggest that regular exposure to safe levels of sunlight could be an effective means of reducing the burden of obesity. However, there is limited knowledge around the nature of associations between sun exposure and the development of obesity and cardiometabolic dysfunction, and we do not know if sun exposure (independent of outdoor activity) affects the metabolic processes that determine obesity in humans. In addition, excessive sun exposure has strong associations with a number of negative health consequences such as skin cancer. This means it is very important to "get the balance right" to ensure that we receive benefits without increasing harm. In this review, we detail the evidence around the cardiometabolic protective effects of UVR and suggest mechanistic pathways through which UVR could be beneficial.
Topics: Animals; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Humans; Metabolic Syndrome; Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease; Obesity; Risk Factors; Sunlight; Ultraviolet Rays
PubMed: 27727191
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph13100999 -
International Journal of Cancer Oct 1997To assess the association between the incidence of cutaneous melanoma; intermittent, occupational and total sun exposure; and history of sunburn at different ages, we... (Review)
Review
To assess the association between the incidence of cutaneous melanoma; intermittent, occupational and total sun exposure; and history of sunburn at different ages, we conducted a systematic review using results of all published case-control studies which have assessed incident melanoma, sun exposure and sunburn. Twenty-nine studies contributed data on sun exposure and 21 on sunburn. Overall, there was a significant positive association (odds ratio [OR] = 1.71) for intermittent exposure, a significantly reduced risk for heavy occupational exposure (OR = 0.86) and a small, marginally significant excess risk for total exposure (OR = 1.18). There was a significantly increased risk with sunburn at all ages or in adult life (OR = 1.91) and similarly elevated relative risks for sunburn in adolescence (OR = 1.73) and in childhood (OR = 1.95). There was significant heterogeneity with all of these estimates except that of all ages or adult sunburn. These results show the specificity of the positive association between melanoma risk and intermittent sun exposure, in contrast to a reduced risk with high levels of occupational exposure. The association with sunburn also is likely to reflect intermittent exposure; the results do not suggest any strong relationship to age at sunburn. These associations are similar to those reported for basal cell skin cancer but different from those reported for squamous cell cancer. The mechanisms by which intermittent exposure increases risk, while other patterns of exposure do not, remain to be elucidated.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Case-Control Studies; Child; Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; Female; Humans; Male; Melanoma; Meta-Analysis as Topic; Middle Aged; Occupational Exposure; Odds Ratio; Risk Factors; Skin Neoplasms; Sunburn; Sunlight; Ultraviolet Rays
PubMed: 9335442
DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1097-0215(19971009)73:2<198::aid-ijc6>3.0.co;2-r -
International Maritime Health 2020Travelling has been growing in popularity over the last several decades. Eye diseases, e.g. decreased visual acuity, inflammatory or degenerative lesions, chronic... (Review)
Review
Travelling has been growing in popularity over the last several decades. Eye diseases, e.g. decreased visual acuity, inflammatory or degenerative lesions, chronic diseases or eye trauma, affect all groups of travelers. The main risk factors contributing to the manifestation or exacerbation of common ocular diseases include exposure to dry air (inside the airplane cabin or in air-conditioned hotel rooms), exposure to chlorinated or salty water (swimming/bathing in swimming pools or in the sea), and sudden changes in the weather conditions. In addition, travelers to tropical destinations are at risk of ocular diseases which are rarely seen in temperate climate, e.g. onchocerciasis, loiasis, gnatostomosis, African trypanosomosis, or trachoma. The most common condition of the eye seen in travelers is conjunctivitis; it may be either of cosmopolitan (bacterial or viral infections, allergic inflammation) or tropical etiology, e.g. arboviral infections (zika, chikungunya). Given the fact that a large proportion of the general population have decreased visual acuity and many of them wear contact lenses rather than glasses, keratitis has become a common health problem among travelers as well; the major risk factors in such cases include sleeping in contact lenses, prolonged exposure to air-conditioning, working with a computer or swimming/bathing in microbiologically contaminated water (e.g. Acanthoamoeba protozoa). Conditions affecting the cornea, conjunctiva or lens may also occur due to excessive exposure to solar radiation, especially if travelers wear glasses without a UV protection.
Topics: Contact Lenses; Eye Diseases; Humans; Risk Factors; Sunlight; Swimming; Travel
PubMed: 32212152
DOI: 10.5603/IMH.2020.0015 -
International Journal of Environmental... Dec 2018There have been many public health recommendations for avoiding UV radiation exposures. This is primarily due to concerns about skin cancer and especially melanoma, the...
There have been many public health recommendations for avoiding UV radiation exposures. This is primarily due to concerns about skin cancer and especially melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer. However, UV radiation is also known as the primary source of vitamin D and other compounds needed for good health. This brief commentary lists several of the many important recent studies of adverse health effects associated with low sun exposure, including some specific cancers, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, autism, Alzheimer's disease, and age-related macular degeneration. Our conclusion is that non-burning UV exposure is a health benefit and-in moderation-should be recommended as such.
Topics: Environmental Exposure; Humans; Public Health; Ultraviolet Rays
PubMed: 30544646
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15122794 -
Optometry and Vision Science : Official... Feb 2017To evaluate feasibility and repeatability of measures for ocular sun exposure and conjunctival ultraviolet autofluorescence (UVAF), and to test for relationships between...
PURPOSE
To evaluate feasibility and repeatability of measures for ocular sun exposure and conjunctival ultraviolet autofluorescence (UVAF), and to test for relationships between the outcomes.
METHODS
Fifty volunteers were seen for two visits 14 ± 2 days apart. Ocular sun exposure was estimated over a 2-week time period using questionnaires that quantified time outdoors and ocular protection habits. Conjunctival UVAF was imaged using a Nikon D7000 camera system equipped with appropriate flash and filter system; image analysis was done using ImageJ software. Repeatability estimates were made using Bland-Altman plots with mean differences and 95% limits of agreement calculated. Non-normally distributed data was transformed by either log10 or square root methods. Linear regression was conducted to evaluate relationships between measures.
RESULTS
Mean (±SD) values for ocular sun exposure and conjunctival UVAF were 8.86 (±11.97) hours and 9.15 (±9.47) mm, respectively. Repeatability was found to be acceptable for both ocular sun exposure and conjunctival UVAF. Univariate linear regression showed outdoor occupation to be a predictor of higher ocular sun exposure; outdoor occupation and winter season of collection both predicted higher total UVAF. Furthermore, increased portion of day spent outdoors while working was associated with increased total conjunctival UVAF.
CONCLUSIONS
We demonstrate feasibility and repeatability of estimating ocular sun exposure using a previously unreported method and for conjunctival UVAF in a group of subjects residing in Ohio. Seasonal temperature variation may have influenced time outdoors and ultimately calculation of ocular sun exposure. As winter season of collection and outdoor occupation both predicted higher total UVAF, our data suggests that ocular sun exposure is associated with conjunctival UVAF and, possibly, that UVAF remains for at least several months after sun exposure.
Topics: Adult; Conjunctiva; Environmental Exposure; Female; Healthy Volunteers; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Reproducibility of Results; Seasons; Sunlight; Surveys and Questionnaires; Ultraviolet Rays; Young Adult
PubMed: 27820717
DOI: 10.1097/OPX.0000000000001014 -
PloS One 2022To determine the prevalence and risk factors for pterygium in geographically diverse regions of India.
The association of sun exposure, ultraviolet radiation effects and other risk factors for pterygium (the SURE RISK for pterygium study) in geographically diverse adult (≥40 years) rural populations of India -3rd report of the ICMR-EYE SEE study group.
PURPOSE
To determine the prevalence and risk factors for pterygium in geographically diverse regions of India.
METHODS
A population-based, cross-sectional multicentric study was conducted in adults aged ≥40 years in plains, hilly and coastal regions of India. All participants underwent a detailed questionnaire-based assessment for sun exposure, usage of sun protective measures, exposure to indoor smoke, and smoking. Detailed ocular and systemic examinations were performed. Pterygium was diagnosed and graded clinically by slit-lamp examination. Association of pterygium with sociodemographic, ophthalmological, and systemic parameters was assessed. Physical environmental parameters for the study period were estimated.
RESULTS
Of the 12,021 eligible subjects, 9735 (81% response rate) participated in the study. The prevalence of pterygium in any eye was 13.2% (95% CI: 12.5%-13.9%), and bilateral pterygium was 6.7% (95% CI: 6.2-7.2). The prevalence increased with age (<0.001) irrespective of sex and was highest in those aged 60-69 years (15.8%). The prevalence was highest in coastal (20.3%), followed by plains (11.2%) and hilly regions (9.1%). On multi-logistic regression, pterygium was positively associated with coastal location (P<0.001), illiteracy (P = 0.037), increasing lifetime sun exposure (P<0.001), and negatively associated with BMI ≥25 kg/m2 (P = 0.009).
CONCLUSION
Pterygium prevalence is high in the rural Indian population. The association of pterygium with several potentially modifiable risk factors reflects its multifactorial etiology and provides targets for preventive measures.
Topics: Adult; Conjunctiva; Cross-Sectional Studies; Humans; Prevalence; Pterygium; Risk Factors; Rural Population; Sunlight; Ultraviolet Rays
PubMed: 35862365
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0270065 -
Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer... Jun 2022Sunlight exposure, the main source of endogenous vitamin D synthesis, may increase the risk of non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSC) development. Vitamin D receptor (VDR)...
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE
Sunlight exposure, the main source of endogenous vitamin D synthesis, may increase the risk of non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSC) development. Vitamin D receptor (VDR) polymorphisms are associated with various malignancies. This study aimed to examine the associations between vitamin D status and VDR FokI polymorphisms in Iranian subjects with NMSC.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This case-control study included 73 diagnosed cases of NMSC and 72 healthy controls from dermatology clinics at Razi Hospital, Tehran, Iran. A questionnaire was used to assess sunlight exposure. The extracted DNA from whole blood samples was genotyped and serum concentrations of 25-hydroxycalciferol (25(OH)D)) and intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) were measured.
RESULTS
We found a significant higher duration of cumulative sunlight exposure in cases compared with controls (p<0.001). However, 25(OH)D and iPTH concentrations were not significantly different between cases and controls (30±15 vs. 29±15 ng/mL, p=0.78 and 46.0±20 vs. 40.5±23 pg/mL, p=0.14, respectively). We did not observe any significant increased risk of NMSC due to f allele, as compared with FF (OR =2.33, 95% CI 0.81-6.75, p=0.12).
CONCLUSION
Though sunlight exposure was associated with increased NMSC risk, there were no significant associations between vitamin D status or VDR FokI polymorphisms with NMSC development in our subjects.
Topics: Case-Control Studies; Humans; Iran; Receptors, Calcitriol; Skin Neoplasms; Sunlight; Vitamin D; Vitamins
PubMed: 35763633
DOI: 10.31557/APJCP.2022.23.6.1927