Octocrylene (OCT) and titanium (IV) oxide (TiO2) are one of the most commonly used UV filters in sunscreens and other personal care products. There is currently no clear evidence as to whether they act protectively against melanoma or may even pose a risk factor in the development of this most dangerous and aggressive form of skin cancer. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the potential influence of OCT and TiO2 (in micron-sized nanoparticles and particles; nano-TiO2 and micro-TiO2) on proliferative activity, cytotoxicity, and mRNA expression for the ABCB5 transporter expressed by melanoma cells. The ABCB5 transmembrane protein was tested for its known role in the initiation, local invasion, and metastasis of various cancers, including melanoma. METHODS: WM-266-4 metastatic melanoma cell line (ATCC) was exposed to selected concentrations of OCT, nano-TiO2 and micro-TiO2 at various time intervals (2 h, 8 h, 24 h, 48 h, 120 h, 144 h) . Proliferative activity was measured by the MTT assay and cytotoxicity by the LDH assay. Target gene expression (ABCB5) was detected by real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) using TaqMan® probes. RESULTS: Our results suggest an overall decreased proliferative activity, cytotoxic effect, and increased mRNA expression for the ABCB5 transporter (p (0.05) in metastatic melanoma cells after OCT and nano-TiO2 exposure. With a longer exposure time and a higher filter concentration compared to control cells, the results are more typical. Because of this, we hypothesize that surviving cells could be much more invasive and aggressive, which may also explain the microscopically determined cellular cannibalism. Micro-TiO2 in the same cell line also has a cytotoxic effect, but with prolonged exposure time in surviving cells, mRNA expression for the ABCB5 transporter decreases. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that the use of products containing OCT or nano-TiO2 is not recommended for patients diagnosed with metastatic melanoma, as this may accelerate disease progression, enhance chemoresistance, and lead to disease recurrence. In contrast to these filters, however, the use of micro-TiO2 products in these patients could be safe. Further research will need to reinforce the results obtained with this study by examining healthy human melanocyte cell culture and primary human melanoma cell line. This doctoral dissertation opens up a new promising research area, with the aim of better elucidating the etiology and contributing to better melanoma prevention.
D.09 Tutoring for postgraduate students
COBISS.SI-ID: 298372096Patent application for Membrane for separation of STEM cells from biological samples, production process of SAID membrane, and process and device for separation, comprising SAID membrane
F.33 Slovenian patent
COBISS.SI-ID: 22001430Invited lecture entitled Genomics and precision medicine in Inflammatory bowel disease. Lecture was presented in Summer School Advances in Precision Medicine na Universidad de La Laguna, Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
B.04 Guest lecture
COBISS.SI-ID: 512919096Invited lecture on International Conference Cannabinoids under scrutiny : their toxicity and medical utility.
B.04 Guest lecture
COBISS.SI-ID: 34303961