Modulations of gene expression induced by daily ultraviolet light can be prevented by a broad spectrum sunscreen.

Realistic non-zenithal solar ultraviolet (UV) exposure, obtained using standard ultraviolet daylight spectrum (DUVR), has deleterious impact on epidermal and dermal compartments of human skin. The present study was designed to assess gene expression in human reconstructed skin following exposure to DUVR and the protective effect of a broad spectrum sunscreen. Reconstructed skins were exposed to a realistic daily UV dose of 12 J/cm(2) DUVR in the presence of a sunscreen product (Sun(burn) Protection Factor (SPF)=13 and UVA protection factor UVAPF (PPD) 10.5) or its vehicle. Six hours post exposure, gene expression was investigated in fibroblasts (225 genes) and keratinocytes (244 genes) separately using quantitative PCR arrays. DUVR exposure led to significant modulation of 35 and 66 genes in fibroblasts and keratinocytes, respectively. These genes were involved in extracellular matrix homeostasis, oxidative stress response, cell growth, inflammation and epidermal differentiation. Sunscreen use significantly reduced DUVR-induced gene modulation. Hierarchical clustering showed that gene expression profiles in protected and DUVR-exposed samples were very close to those of unexposed samples. The number of DUVR-modulated genes was significantly decreased by tested sunscreen (zero and four modulated genes in fibroblasts and keratinocytes, respectively). Our results demonstrate that a broad-spectrum sunscreen product is highly effective in protecting reconstructed human skin against DUVR-induced changes in gene expression.