Age-related ability to synthesise vitamin D
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Age-related ability to synthesise vitamin D in the skin on exposure to sunlight
IRAS ID
235670
Contact name
Lesley Rhodes
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Manchester
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 4 months, 1 days
Research summary
To address our research questions we propose a trial of low-level UVR exposures in a comparative study of human volunteers in 2 age groups, young (18-40 years) and aged (65-89 years). Volunteers will be matched for other attributes including skin type and UV dose administered. Biopsy and blood sampling procedures will be identical. All visits and procedures will be undertaken in the Photobiology Unit, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust.
Volunteers will receive a single UV exposure, equivalent to 15 minutes of sunlight exposure in Manchester at midday in June. Skin area exposed will reflect casual summer clothing (T shirt and shorts) with lower legs, arms, hands, neck and face exposed (~35% skin surface area). A 10 x 10cm square will be cut out of the shorts to allow exposure of an upper buttock area for post-UV biopsy. This work will be done between November and February when there is negligible ambient UV and subjects are at their lowest vitamin D status.
Blood samples will be taken pre-UV, and at 24 hours and 1 week post-UV. Skin biopsies from previously protected upper buttock will be taken from an unexposed area of skin and from the exposed area of skin immediately post-UV exposure. Further biopsies will be taken from the exposed area of skin at 24 hours post-UV. Skin and blood samples will be analysed for vitamin D and related molecules. Findings will address a significant knowledge gap - whether ability to synthesise Vitamin D in human skin changes with age.REC name
North West - Greater Manchester West Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/NW/0493
Date of REC Opinion
20 Jul 2018
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion