Effects of Ultraviolet-C Radiation on Skin Trace Element Concentrations (Copper, Zinc, and Iron) in Wistar Rats: An Atomic Absorption Spectrometry Study

• Sumaya Alusta

  Department of Physics to divide the Physiotherapy Department, Faculty of Health Sciences Al Ajilat, University of Zawia, Libya

  Author

• Eman Alsqyar

  Department of Dermatology and Venereology to divide the Physiotherapy department, Faculty of health sciences/, Al Ajilat University of Zawia, Libya

  Author

• Antisar Ibashouk

  Department of Chemistry Science to divide the Physiotherapy department, Faculty of Health Sciences/ Al Ajilat University of Zawia, Libya

  Author

Ultraviolet-C (UVC) radiation is a known inducer of oxidative stress and cutaneous injury. However, its specific impact on essential trace element homeostasis in dermal tissue remains inadequately characterized.  This study investigated the effects of artificial UVC radiation (254 nm) on the concentrations of copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and iron (Fe) in the skin of Wistar rats.  Forty adult Wistar rats were allocated into one control group and three experimental groups exposed to UVC radiation for 8, 16, or 24 days (8 hours daily). Trace element concentrations in skin homogenates were quantified using atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). Statistical comparisons between control and exposed groups were performed using Student's t-test, with significance set at p < 0.05.  UVC exposure induced a significant, duration-dependent decline in all three trace elements. Compared to controls, Cu levels decreased from 0.20 ± 0.04 mg/g to 0.03 ± 0.01 mg/g (p < 0.05), Zn levels from 15.5 ± 1.56 mg/g to 6.32 ± 0.48 mg/g (p < 0.05), and Fe levels from 4.66 ± 1.23 mg/g to 0.32 ± 0.12 mg/g (p < 0.05) after 24 days. Iron exhibited the most pronounced reduction.  Prolonged UVC radiation significantly depletes essential trace elements in rat skin in a time-dependent manner. These findings provide quantitative evidence for UVC-induced micronutrient dyshomeostasis, which may contribute to UV-mediated dermatological pathology.

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