Changes of Lipid Peroxide and Antioxidant Enzymes by UVB-Induced Oxidative Stress

Ultraviolet B (UVB) exposure is known to cause oxidative damage in the skin. In this study, we investigated the acute effects of UVB exposure on the skin and liver. Lipid peroxide levels, the mRNA level and activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were examined in ICR mice which were exposed to a single dose of UVB (3 KJ/㎡). In the exposed skin, lipid peroxides increased at 3 h after the UVB exposure (p＜.001) and then the amount gradually decreased in a time dependent manner. In the liver, lipid peroxides peaked at 24 h after the exposure and maintained at that level for up to 3 days (p＜.001). The mRNA level and activity of SOD and CAT increased in the exposed skin, but there was no significant change reported in the liver. Our results exhibited that oxidative damage by the exposure of UVB has an effects not only on the exposed skin, but also on liver. The increase of the antioxidant enzymes in response to UVB, might induce the recovery of damaged lesions.