An important part of solar radiation is considered to be Ultraviolet radiation. Though through passing ozone layer it is progressively filtered. Due to the depletion of the ozone layer, the filtering activity of the latter is reduced and as a result more UV radiation, UVB in particular, reaches the Earth’s surface. Ultraviolet radiation is composed of three different wavelengths: UVA, UVB and UVC. Although UVC isn't a cause of skin cancer, UVA and UVB play different roles as for tanning, burning, and photo aging. As a matter of fact, Ultraviolet light can damage DNA in the epidermis. However, through apoptosis the damaged DNA is repaired or deleted in order to prevent the generation of cancer. It is believed that a deficient apoptotic mechanism might make individuals liable to skin cancer. The main factor for generating skin cancer is considered to be the UV radiation which could cause basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and possibly melanoma. For the maintenance of hemostasis, apoptosis plays a key role. This is done via many molecular pathways such as the pathways of tumor suppressor genes like P53, P21 and also the expression of BAX proteins. These pathways are involved in apoptosis after UV radiation. It is clear that the malfunction of these genes and proteins can lower the tolerance of body and cause cancer. The goal of this article is to investigate the molecular pathways of skin cancer derived from Ultra violet radiation as an environmental threat.
The consequences of ozone layer depletion on the health of Poles – a case study of skin melanoma
