Development of a DNA-dosimeter system for monitoring the effects of solar-ultraviolet radiation

Solar radiation sustains and affects all life forms on Earth. In recent years, the increase in environmental levels of solar-UV radiation due to depletion of the stratospheric ozone layer, as a result of anthropogenic emission of destructive chemicals, has highlighted serious issues of social concer...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Photochemical & photobiological sciences 2009-01, Vol.8 (1), p.111-120
Main Authors: Schuch, André Passaglia, da Silva Galhardo, Rodrigo, de Lima-Bessa, Keronninn Moreno, Schuch, Nelson Jorge, Menck, Carlos Frederico Martins
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Biochemistry
Biomaterials
Chemistry
DNA - radiation effects
DNA Damage
Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation
Physical Chemistry
Plant Sciences
Sunlight
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Summary:Solar radiation sustains and affects all life forms on Earth. In recent years, the increase in environmental levels of solar-UV radiation due to depletion of the stratospheric ozone layer, as a result of anthropogenic emission of destructive chemicals, has highlighted serious issues of social concern. This becomes still more dramatic in tropical and subtropical regions, where the intensity of solar radiation is higher. To better understand the impact of the harmful effects of solar-UV radiation on the DNA molecule, we developed a reliable biological monitoring system based on the exposure of plasmidDNA to artificial UV lamps and sunlight. The determination and quantification of different types of UV photoproducts were performed through the use of specific DNA repair enzymes and antibodies. As expected, a significant number of CPDs and 6-4PPs was observed when the DNA-dosimeter system was exposed to increasing doses of UVB radiation. Moreover, CPDs could also be clearly detected in plasmidDNA when this system was exposed to either UVA or directly to sunlight. Interestingly, although less abundant, 6-4PPs and oxidative DNA damage were also generated after exposure to both UVA and sunlight. These results confirm the genotoxic potential of sunlight, reveal that UVA may also produce CPDs and 6-4PPs directly in naked DNA and demonstrate the applicability of a DNA-dosimeter system for monitoring the biological effects of solar-UV radiation.
ISSN:1474-905X
1474-9092
DOI:10.1039/b810085c