Solar radiation consists of a range of wavelengths, and

has many biological effects and applications. From

solar panels to cancer treatment, from vitamin D

production to cancer induction. Our groups’ research

focuses on UVB, UVA and the visible region of solar

radiation.

Photodynamic therapy is based on

selective accumulation of protoporphyrin IX

in tumor tissue, followed by exposure to

visible light of wavelengths within the

absorption spectrum of PpIX. Upon light

activation, the PpIX molecule transfers

energy to oxygen. This leads to production of

the highly reactive product, singlet oxygen,

which can cause oxidative damage to

biomolecules and tissues close to the site of

its generation

S0

S1

S2

PHOTOSENSITIZER

T1

3O2

1O2

OXYGEN

Phospho-rescence

Fluores-cence

Intersystemcrossing Energy

transfer

Absorption

ENERGY

Internalconversion

Excitation Emission

Biophysics and PDT group,Department of Radiation Biology, Institute for Cancer Research,Oslo University Hospital, Radium HospitalGroup leader: Johan Moan, Prof., PhDTel:22934268 E-mail: johan.moan@fys.uio.no

Web: http://www.rr-research.no/moan

Skin pigmentation and its purposeFolate is the generic term for a family of chemically

similar compounds belonging to the vitamin B family.

Therefore, folates are vital for all living creatures.

Photodegradation of folates in humans is being

investigated and can be clinically applied as well as

shed light on the development of human skin colors.

Plasma og romfysikk, Fysisk institutt

Vitamin D synthesis

Vitamin D, known for decades for its important role for

bone health, is now being investigated as an anticancer

compound. The main source of vitamin D in humans is

exposure of skin to ultraviolet B radiation (UVB, 280-320

nm). It is believed that sun is responsible for up to 90%

of the circulating vitamin D concentrations. Therefore,

any factor that would affect the fluence of UVB at ground

level will impact greatly on the vitamin D status.

Skin cancerSkin ageningImmune supressionEye damage

Schizophrenia

Influenza

Cancer (breast, colon, prostate, lung, lymphomas, malignant melanoma)

DiabetesMetabolic syndrome

Cardio-vascular diseases

OsteomalaciaOsteoporosisRicketsFibromyalgia

Autoimmune diseases

Humans are developed in the spectrum of the sun. Skin colors are adjusted to the

fluence of solar radiation at different latitudes. Vitamin D is given to us when the sun

shines on our skin and skin cancer is generated in us if we expose ourselves too

much to the sun.

We study the diffusion of different wavelenghts of solar radiation through the

atmosphere and down into our skin. Furthermore, we investigate the health effects

of such sun exposure.