Evaluation of Effectiveness of Ultraviolet Emitting Lamps on the Cutaneous Production of Vitamin D: Relationship of the Lamps Vitamin D Producing Potential to the Production of 8-Hydroxy-2'-Deoxyguanosine and Nitric Oxide.

Background/aim: To assess the effectiveness of three UV emitting lamps on the cutaneous production of vitamin D, a marker of DNA damage and nitric oxide production in human skin.

Materials And Methods: Human skin samples (skin types II, III and IV) obtained from surgery were exposed to three different UV emitting lamps for varying times and then extracted and chromatographed to determine the vitamin D content. The skin samples exposed to the 3 UV emitting lamps were also evaluated for 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (a marker of DNA damage) and nitric oxide production.

Results: It was observed that the spectral output of the 3 lamps had different effects on the cutaneous production of vitamin D, 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine and nitric oxide production. One lamp demonstrated optimal production of vitamin D with the least amount of DNA damage and intermediate production of nitric oxide suggesting that it could be developed into a device for treating vitamin D deficiency.

Conclusion: The spectral output of the experimental UVB emitting lamps significantly influenced the cutaneous production of vitamin D 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine and nitric oxide.