Real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis of a 3895-bp mitochondrial DNA deletion in epithelial swabs and its use as a quantitative marker for sunlight exposure in human skin

摘要

SummaryBackground The use of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) damage as a reliable and highly sensitive biomarker of ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure in both the dermis and epidermis has now been well developed by our group and others. We have previously identified a 3895-bp mtDNA deletion which occurred more frequently and to a higher level in usually sun-exposed skin as opposed to occasionally sun-exposed skin. This work focused on older-aged individuals and, in particular, perilesional, histologically normal skin biopsies taken from patients with skin cancer.