2023-10-03 04:04:04
pte20231003001 Medicine/Wellness, Research/Development
Scientists at Binghamton University have clarified the cause of the dreaded sclera
Skin: UV light transforms healthy structure into a leather look (Photo: binghamton.edu)
Binghamton (pte001/03.10.2023/06:00)
UV radiation particularly attacks the collagen in the skin and gradually leads to a leather look. Researcher of the Binghamton University have studied the fibrous protein that holds tissue, tendons, cartilage and bones together in the body. “We don’t want to scare anyone and say, ‘Don’t go in the sun.’ But prolonged exposure to UV light can make the skin harder and lead to a higher risk of cancer-causing problems,” said study author Guy German.
Length of UV exposure is important
The new findings from German, his graduate student Zachary Lipsky and undergraduate Abraham Ittycheri build on previous research that focused on the outer stratum corneum, the top layer of skin. This time, the Binghamton team analyzed skin samples before and following different lengths of UV exposure.
“One way to characterize the material properties of the skin is to perform a mechanical stretch test. If it stretches very easily, it is relatively compliant. However, if it is much more difficult to stretch, it can be said to be much stiffer,” says Ittycheri. He compared skin types with and without UV exposure.
Collagen fibers become dense
According to the researchers, the more UV radiation the skin absorbs, the collagen fibers in the skin become denser and closer together, leading to more stiffness. German sees connections with the networking theory of aging, according to which the accumulation of unwanted molecular bonds over time can lead to cell failure.
The skin defends itself once morest the harmful effects of UV light by compacting itself. Assistant Professor Tracy Hookway compares this to the consequences of a heart attack. In any case, the body tries to prevent greater damage, in the case of a heart attack by partially shutting down the muscle.
Sometimes, she adds, the body’s response keeps people alive but doesn’t necessarily lead to a good outcome and can lead to other medical problems later. The researchers are now trying to find antidotes to the densification of collagen fibers. They suspect that many people continue to forego sun protection. Some people already rely on taking collagen. However, whether it really helps is controversial.
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