Study on the combined effects of ultraviolet B Light and atorvastatin on atorvastatin, 7,12-Dimethylbenz[a]anthracene and croton oil induced skin carcinogenesis in the mice

Abstract

Various factors involve in the development of skin cancers that one of the factors increases the incidence of skin cancer is the sun's ultraviolet rays. Objecive: The aim of this study was to investigate the carcinogenicity of ultraviolet B rays in the development of skin tumors caused by atorvastatin, dimethylbenz (a) anthracene (DMBA) and croton oil. Methods: 60 mice were divided into three groups of 20 each and their hairs were removed with a Moser and shaving cream. The group I received DMBA plus Croton oil, the group II were given atorvastatin, DMBA and Croton oil and the group III includes ultraviolet light, atorvastatin, DMBA and Croton oil were administered separately on the skin of each mice and the development of skin cancer was assessed for a period of 30 weeks. Results: By week Sixteenth the first tumor was observed in the group receiving ultraviolet light, atorvastatin, DMBA and Croton oil. However, in the control group tumors were visible at the end of week 18. Also, the number and percentage of tumors of the groups receiving ultraviolet light, atorvastatin plus DMBA and Croton oil were highest at different time of intervals. Conclusion: Ultraviolet B radiation (with atorvastatin, DMBA and Croton oil) has the ability to increase the tumor rate compared to the use of atorvastatin in addition to DMBA and Croton oil. UVB rays have the greatest carcinogenic effect on other skin cells than other UV rays. UVB directly damages DNA and the DNA repair system and suppresses cellular immunity. However, the exact mechanism of tumor induction by UVB in those animals receiving atorvastatin remains elusive and needs further experimentations.