Molecular modifications of dermal and epidermal biomarkers following UVA exposures on reconstructed full-thickness human skin

Abstract

Ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation adversely affects skin health and appearance via multiple molecular pathways. Biologically relevant UVA damage are classified as short-term effects (e.g. formation of reactive oxygen species [ROS], inflammation, photo-oxidation, DNA damage, immunosuppression, photoallergy and cell-mediated contact hypersensitivity) or long-term effects (elastosis, photoageing and photocarcinogenesis). Single and chronic experimental exposure to UVA are limited in humans by ethical concerns, and furthermore it is impossible to quantify long-term endpoints such as photoageing over the life-span of a human volunteer. The aim of the present study was to investigate the biological relevance of the Phenion^® FT skin model for use in photobiological studies. Biological responses to acute and repeated UVA exposures were investigated by monitoring the kinetics of gene expression during the post-irradiation period. By using a dynamic approach, we were able to define early and stable markers of UVA-induced effects that could be predictive of UVA damage in vivo. The transcriptomic approach applied to 3D human tissues appears to be an encouraging method for gaining a deeper understanding of the UVA effects on skin and for studying the dermal response with non-invasive techniques.