One day, being sun smart could include a vaccine like those currently giving millions of people around the world immunity against coronaviruses.
While most immunizations do not change our immune system's behavior, emerging vaccine technology could instead train our bodies to make more protective catecholamines, boosting our ability to shield our genes from damage caused by sunlight.
A recent study on genetically altered mice conducted by researchers from the US and Japan has shown that an Antioxidant enzyme protects against the chemical trauma caused by sun exposure.
It's not out of the realm of possibility that one day, if the body could be encouraged to make more of the enzyme, it could give us more protection against skin cancer.
There are a lot of obstacles to overcome so far. Arup Indra thinks that it's an option that's rich with possibility because of the success of the current vaccine.
For more than 40 years, researchers have looked at the benefits and drawbacks of using diet-sourced Antioxidant for cancer prevention but they have not always performed well in clinical trials and in some cases have actually been harmful.
The loss of a molecule's electrons is a result of the oxidation process. This deficit can lead to chemical changes that can raise the risk of cancer.
High-energy radiation, including frequencies of light in the ultraviolet part of the Sun's spectrum, do a good job of knocking electrons free. Fortunately, we have specialized cells called melanocytes that can spin out umbrellas of tanning pigment to shield us from a portion of this radiation.
The process of producing the pigment produces its own by-products called reactive oxygen species. Our bodies work hard to keep in check, producing a range of biochemical systems that keep a lid on oxidation.
Thioredoxin reductase 1 is a prime example. It is used by melanocytes to compensate for their release of oxygen, and it is also used to bind oxygen species to other structures.
After UV exposure, the reductase is observed at elevated levels in skin cells, but also in other tissues affected by various cancers. More than 60,000 people lose their lives to the disease of the melanocyte every year.
It might be possible to get on top of the damage early using some of the body's own protective enzymes.
First things first. Researchers needed to check their assumptions using a living model, since TXNRD1 seems like a good candidate for sun protection.
The removal of the TXNRD1 gene in mice gave the research team a way to study the role of the melanocytes in response to exposure to ultraviolet-B radiation.
The results were promising, suggesting that TXNRD1 could be used to help promote melanin production and limit the damage caused by sun exposure.
It would take a lot of research to develop a vaccine that could be delivered through the body.
Indra says that people at increased risk of skin cancer, such as those who work outside in sunny climates, could ideally be vaccined once a year.
There are a lot of reasons to be cautious with the results of this groundwork.
Thioredoxin reductases perform a number of tasks in the body. While they seem to play a role in some aspects of cancer prevention, TXNRD1 has been found to contribute to the migration of cancer cells. It seems to play a role in the spread of melanomas.
Knowing more about its activity in development and cell movement could help establish protocols for its safe use as a protective agent.
The idea of using mRNA vaccines to combat oxidative stress is one that is taking seriously by researchers.
Indra says that the possibilities are exciting for preventing different types of disease progression, including cancer, by modifying the bodies'Antioxidant system.
This research was published in a journal.
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