Ultraviolet Exposure, Antioxidant Use and Skin Erythema at Extreme High Altitude
Study Details
Study Description
Brief Summary
With the increasing tourism and adventure travel into extreme environments comes the need to reassess the required protection against ultraviolet (UV) radiation and possible other oxidative stresses. This is an observational study of UV radiation exposure and skin erythema while at extreme altitude (Mt. Everest). In addition to UV exposure, skin erythema, antioxidant use (such as vitamins C and E) will be measured.
Hypothesis:
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UV radiation at extreme altitude has larger effects on the skin than at sea level; therefore requiring an adjustment of the antioxidant use for adequate protection.
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The skin is an accurate reflection of UV and oxidative stress exposure
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The efficacy of oxidatives stress is reflective of the ethnicity of the individual.
Condition or Disease | Intervention/Treatment | Phase |
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Detailed Description
The literature widely acknowledges the deleterious effects of UV radiation on skin health, via production of oxidative free radicals. Consequently, there have been numerous studies on the potential dermatological/anti-carcinogenic benefits of anti-oxidants, such as vitamins C and E, melatonin, green tea, zinc, and selenium. There is, however, a limited amount of literature on the quantity of UV exposure in high-risk settings, such as extreme altitude and equatorial zones. Currently, there is no literature on UV exposure on Mount Everest. Additionally, the efficacy of antioxidants (topical or systemic) has not yet been established in this environment.
This will be an observational study where the principal investigator will collect accumulated ultraviolet exposure at different extreme altitudes during a 6 week period of a summit expedition on the north side of Mt. Everest. Included in the data collection will be patient demographics, time, altitude, temperature, use of anti-oxidants, sunscreen (weighed), and skin erythema (spectophotometer).
Study Design
Outcome Measures
Primary Outcome Measures
Eligibility Criteria
Criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
- Participants part of the expedition who are willing to wear the monitor, and disclose information of diet/antioxidant supplements and topical sunblock.
Exclusion Criteria:
- Participants who are unwilling to carry the UV monitor or disclose their demographics
Contacts and Locations
Locations
Site | City | State | Country | Postal Code | |
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1 | Mount Everest, North side | Kathmandu | Nepal |
Sponsors and Collaborators
- Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
- Ontario Centres of Excellence
Investigators
- Principal Investigator: Ivy S Cheng, MD, Sunnybrook Hospital Emergency Department
- Principal Investigator: Lothar D Lilge, PhD, Ontario Cancer Institute
Study Documents (Full-Text)
None provided.More Information
Additional Information:
Publications
- Bailey DM, Kleger GR, Holzgraefe M, Ballmer PE, Bärtsch P. Pathophysiological significance of peroxidative stress, neuronal damage, and membrane permeability in acute mountain sickness. J Appl Physiol (1985). 2004 Apr;96(4):1459-63. Epub 2003 Oct 31.
- Bartsch P, Bailey DM, Berger MM, Knauth M, Baumgartner RW. Acute mountain sickness: controversies and advances. High Alt Med Biol. 2004 Summer;5(2):110-24. Review.
- IARC monographs on the evaluation of carcinogenic risks to humans. Solar and ultraviolet radiation. IARC Monogr Eval Carcinog Risks Hum. 1992;55:1-316. Review.
- Moehrle M, Dennenmoser B, Garbe C. Continuous long-term monitoring of UV radiation in professional mountain guides reveals extremely high exposure. Int J Cancer. 2003 Mar 1;103(6):775-8.
- Moehrle M, Garbe C. Does mountaineering increase the incidence of cutaneous melanoma? A hypothesis based on cancer registry data. Dermatology. 1999;199(3):201-3.
- Moehrle M, Garbe C. Personal UV dosimetry by Bacillus subtilis spore films. Dermatology. 2000;200(1):1-5.
- Nishigori C. Cellular aspects of photocarcinogenesis. Photochem Photobiol Sci. 2006 Feb;5(2):208-14. Epub 2005 Dec 1. Review.
- Pinnell SR. Cutaneous photodamage, oxidative stress, and topical antioxidant protection. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2003 Jan;48(1):1-19; quiz 20-2. Review.
- Solorzano et al. Columbia: 40 Million People Exposed to Extreme Ultraviolet Radiation During the Whole Year. Radiation Protection Dosimetry 2000; 91(1-3): 325-328
- 005-2007