The Secondary Role of UV Light in Swimmers' Melanoma Genesis

May 2018 in “ International Journal of Molecular Biology Open Access ”

Abrahám A. Embí

cutaneous melanoma ultraviolet radiation UV hydrogen peroxide H2O2 keratinocytes melanocytes hair follicles catalase

TLDR Hydrogen peroxide is a major risk factor for melanoma in swimmers, more than UV light.

The document explored the higher incidence of cutaneous melanoma in swimmers, suggesting that ultraviolet radiation (UV) was not the sole factor. It proposed that hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) played a significant role in melanoma genesis. H2O2, generated by keratinocytes, could diffuse into melanocytes and contribute to melanoma development. The study highlighted that in water-submerged hair, H2O2 could penetrate hair follicles at specific sites, such as the hair shaft/skin junction and damaged follicular walls. The decomposition of H2O2 by catalase in cells was hypothesized to lead to cancer formation. The research supported the idea that H2O2 was a primary risk factor for melanoma in swimmers, with UV light playing a secondary role.

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