Abstract
Our previous investigations on phototherapy have indicated that this procedure might involve a genetic as well as a carcinogenic hazard by virtue of its ability to modify the intracellular DNA of human cells in tissue culture. Because of this observation techniques for modifying the phototherapy regimen have been advocated. Thus, it has been suggested that intermittent phototherapy might be a safer alternative. Current studies in this laboratory indicate, however, that varying the “on-off” cycle does not prevent DNA damage. On the contrary, the DNA of human cells exposed to an intermittent illumination regimen (30 min off-on cycle) was more damaged than the DNA of cells exposed to the same light dosage administered continuously. It appears that the enhanced DNA degradation is a reflection of the DNA repair process. In this connection it is noteworthy that permanent changes (genetic or carcinogenic) probably are a consequence of such DNA repair (e.g. error-prone repair, misrepair). Thus, intermittent phototherapy may not be a satisfactory alternative in view of its potential effect on DNA repair processes.
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Speck, W., Santella, R. & Rosenkranz, H. INTERMITTENT PHOTOTHERAPY: EFFECT ON INTRACELLULAR DNA. Pediatr Res 11, 542 (1977). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197704000-01036
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197704000-01036