Examining skin responses to UV light in day and night shift workers
Pilot Study on DNA Repair Activity in the Skin of Day and Night Shift Workers
This study tests how the skin of night shift workers reacts to UV light compared to day shift workers to see if their different schedules affect skin health and cancer risk.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 48 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 40 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Wright State University Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | radiation |
| Locations | 1 site (Fairborn, Ohio) |
| Trial ID | NCT04122456 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates how the skin of night shift workers reacts to artificial sunlight, specifically ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation, compared to day shift workers. Participants will undergo skin biopsies, which will then be exposed to UVB in a laboratory setting to measure the skin's response. The research aims to understand the potential differences in DNA repair activity in the skin based on work schedules. This could provide insights into skin cancer risks associated with different work shifts.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are fair-skinned individuals aged 18 to 40 who work primarily during the day or night shifts.
Not a fit: Patients with known photosensitivity, diabetes, or a history of skin cancers may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to better understanding and prevention strategies for skin cancer in shift workers.
How similar studies have performed: While there is limited information on similar studies, the investigation of UVB responses in different populations is a relevant area of research.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Male/Female * Fair skin (Fitzpatrick types I and II) * Age 18 to 40 * Able to comprehend procedures/risks * Primarily work and are awake during normal daylight hours (6 am to 6 pm), or primarily work and are awake during night shifts hours (between the hours of 6 pm and 6 am) or may work a mixture of these shifts over the past 3 months. Rotating shifts will be categorized based on the majority of hours worked on average during the last 3 months. Able to fill out a 3-month calendar of work schedule. Exclusion Criteria: * Known photosensitivity * Currently on photosensitizing medications * Diabetes Mellitus * On any hormonal agents (e.g., birth control pills) * History of abnormal scarring * History of skin infections * History of skin cancers * History of sleep disorders such as sleep apnea or insomnia * Known allergy to lidocaine local anesthetic * Pregnancy or nursing * Other serious health issues
Where this trial is running
Fairborn, Ohio
- Wright State Physicians — Fairborn, Ohio, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Jeffrey B Travers, MD, PhD — Wright State University
- Study coordinator: Manager, Clinical Research Operations
- Email: pturesearch@wrightstatephysicians.org
- Phone: 937-245-7500
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.