Associations between environmental factors and incidence of cutaneous melanoma. Review

Abstract

BackgroundCutaneous melanoma is one of the most serious skin cancers. It is caused by neural crest-derived melanocytes - pigmented cells normally present in the epidermis and, sometimes, in the dermis.MethodsWe performed a review of current knowledge on the risk factors of cutaneous melanoma. Relevant studies were identified using the PubMed, Science Direct, Medline, Scopus, Scholar Google and ISI Web of Knowledge databases.ResultsMelanoma incurs a considerable public health burden owing to the worldwide dramatic rise in incidence since the mid-1960s. Ultraviolet radiation exposure is the predominant environmental risk factor. The role of geographical (latitude) and individual factors such as skin type, life style, vitamin D levels and antioxidant protection, sunburn, and exposure to other environmental factors possibly contributing to melanoma risk (such as cosmetics including sunscreen, photosensitising drugs, and exogenous hormones) are reviewed in this article. Recently, both rare high risk susceptibility genes and common polymorphic genes contributing to melanoma risk have been identified.ConclusionsCutaneous melanoma is a complex cancer with heterogeneous aetiology that continues to increase in incidence. Introduction of new biomarkers may help to elucidate the mechanism of pathogenesis and individual susceptibility to the disease, and make both prevention and treatment more effective.

Potential Use of Spin Traps to Control ROS in Antipollution Cosmetics—A Review

“…The UV radiation is mainly composed of UV-A (λ = 320-400 nm), UV-B (λ = 280-320 nm), and UV-C (λ = 200-280 nm). UV-C is absorbed by oxygen and ozone in the Earth's atmosphere and does not have any significant impact on the skin [27]. However, the longer wavelength, UV-B and UV-A radiations, have significant effects on the biota.…”

“…UV irradiation is one of main environment pollutants that can cause human carcinogens [27,28]. The UV radiation is mainly composed of UV-A (λ = 320-400 nm), UV-B (λ = 280-320 nm), and UV-C (λ = 200-280 nm).…”

Inflammatory Reactions in Microenvironments, Leading to Melanomagenesis

“…Although primary causes of melanomas are not known, various inducing factors have been reported [4]. Above all, sun exposure plays a primary and supporting role in most melanomas [4]. In sunlight, ultra violet (UV) irradiation is an environmental carcinogen, and has been considered to induce melanomas via DNA damaging, carcinogenic, inflammatory, and immunosuppressive properties [5].…”

“…Incidence of melanoma has been dramatically increasing, i.e. the lifetime risk of melanoma in 1935 was one in 1500 persons and one in 75 persons in 2000 in US [3,4]. Although primary causes of melanomas are not known, various inducing factors have been reported [4].…”

“…the lifetime risk of melanoma in 1935 was one in 1500 persons and one in 75 persons in 2000 in US [3,4]. Although primary causes of melanomas are not known, various inducing factors have been reported [4]. Above all, sun exposure plays a primary and supporting role in most melanomas [4].…”