PubMed · 10332124
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J Murtaugh. 1999. Early detection.. https://doi.org/10.14219/jada.archive.1999.0263
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The glutathione S-transferases (GST) are a supergene family of dimeric, enzymes that catalyse the conjugation of glutathione (GSH) to a variety of electrophiles including arene oxides, unsaturated carbonyls, organic halides and other substrates. Their importance is suggested by the finding that GST enzymes are expressed in probably all life forms. In humans, polymorphism in GST genes has been associated with susceptibility to various diseases though some recent data indicate that these genotypes modify disease phenotype. Thus, GST genotypes alone and in combination have been linked with clinical outcome.
Recent estimations show that over 25% of the Dutch population make regular use of tanning equipment. This use is still increasing, in spite of improving knowledge on the potential hazards of ultraviolet radiation. There are different motivations to use the tanning equipment. Younger women are largely represented in the group of sunbed users. Recent studies have brought the testimony that intermittent sun exposure (e.g. during holidays) is an important risk factor for skin cancer (notably basal cell carcinoma and melanoma). The investigations have not provided convincing evidence on the relation between the use of artificial devices and the development of skin cancer. This is partly caused by the fact that sunbed users are generally very motivated to get a tan. It is therefore difficult to distinguish between the effect of natural sun and of artificial UV radiation. In the Netherlands, the analyses of scientific data provide the basis for recommendations concerning sun exposure and use of sunbeds. There is an effort to provide the general public with qualified, professional information on the responsible way of tanning.
Basal cell carcinoma of the skin (BCC) is the most common cancer worldwide. Unlike most other human malignancies, BCCs rarely metastasise. In this investigation, we show that the serine protease urokinase plasminogen activator (u-PA), which is causally involved in metastasis, is expressed at lower levels in BCCs compared to other skin cancers, such as squamous-cell carcinomas (SCCs) or malignant melanomas. Similarly, the u-PA receptor as well as the inhibitor PAI-1 were present at lower levels in BCCs relative to both SCCs and melanomas. In contrast to u-PA, tissue-plasminogen activator, which is not thought to be involved in metastasis, was present at similar levels in the different types of skin lesion investigated. We conclude that the failure of BCCs to metastasise may at least be partially related to low expression of components of the u-PA system.