As global knowledge of how human skin interacts with light increases, there has been a greater focus on the biochemical processes that occur in the human body following exposure to light, in particular the creation of a necessary vitamin: vitamin D
The vitamin D debate is complex and contentious, especially whether intentionally increasing UV exposure delivers health benefits that outweigh the known increased risk of skin cancer, and likely melanoma associated with heightened UV exposure.
We recently discussed the the long and successful history of Sunsmart in Australia. With the incidence of skin cancer rising globally now linked to increasing UV exposure and, potentially, climate change, Sunsmart’s message is more important than ever.
As we head into another southern hemisphere summer, Sunsmart’s work will again become apparent and visible, notably in the form of large sunhats on primary school children (perhaps one of their most significant and effective initiatives). And their work has had some profound results.
Sitting quietly, almost hidden in the ‘Our Achievements” section of their website, is the remarkable, but humbly formatted statement that Sunsmart has, ‘decreased rates of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer in young people’.
The research that underpins afamelanotide began over 20 years ago in the US. At that time the dramatic increase in incidence of skin cancer and its impacts were beginning to be discovered and new solutions sought. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) sponsored researchers to explore applications for various peptides as part of its melanoma prevention strategy.
This study led them to investigate peptides that acted on melanocyte receptors. The rationale behind this being that increased melanin leads to more efficient photoprotection, as melanin is a highly successful and naturally occurring UV quencher and filter. By consistently increasing melanin in the skin, skin damage from light and UV radiation can be lessened.
Those of you that follow pharmaceutical development and Clinuvel in particular will know that we recently presented at Rodman and Renshaw’s 11th Annual Healthcare Conference in New York. It’s serendipitous that the following week found another conference taking place in the same city, although involving a rather different topic. The coincidence draws attention to a connection that is of increasing urgency and importance.
We recently discussed a new facet of climate change and speculated about the implications for the incidence of skin cancer, but the consequences for our health in relation to climate change are much broader and more critical.
Our health generally is susceptible to, and even reliant upon environmental factors. Things such as temperature, air quality, UV, light radiation and humidity affect our well being constantly.
Researchers have located a new consequence of global warming, and most of us are likely to notice it. Global warming is undoubtedly having an effect on weather internationally. South Eastern Australia’s record drought and intense bushfire seasons are testimony enough.
However, researchers from the University of Toronto have pointed to a troubling new side effect. High altitude winds are shifting as a result of global warming, and this could result in a redistribution of the ozone layer. Meaning that in some areas where there is less ozone, there will be more, and vice versa, causing significant changes in the amount of UVB radiation filtering through to the regions below.
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