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Contact Information:

Miss Suzanne Pilkington
+44 161 275 5368
Suzanne.Pilkington@manchester.ac.uk


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Be Part of Research - Trial Details - Lipid mediators of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) induced skin inflammation

Lipid mediators of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) induced skin inflammation

Not Recruiting

Open to: All Genders

Age: Adult

Medical Conditions

Topic: Skin
Subtopic: Skin (all Subtopics)
Disease: Dermatology


This information is provided directly by researchers and we recognise that it isn't always easy to understand. We are working with researchers to improve the accessibility of this information.


When human skin is exposed to sunlight it develops an inflammatory response known as sunburn. This is a major factor for skin damage, premature skin ageing and the development of cancer. We have discovered that very potent fat (lipid) molecules called ‘eicosanoids’ are produced by the body during the early stages of sunburn. However, there is a lack of studies on how these molecules contribute to resolving skin inflammation. In this study we want to investigate the network of lipids that are responsible for resolving skin inflammation. We wish to study (a) the timing for the production of specific lipids and how this may differ in people who tend to sunburn compared to those who tend to tan, (b) the effect of nutrients contained in fish oils that have been shown to possess sun-protective effects, and to understand (c) how sunlight and nutrients in the diet may affect the manufacture of these lipids and (d) the contribution to this made by different types of skin cells. Understanding how sunburn is resolved will reveal biological markers (biomarkers) related to skin inflammation and can help with the discovery of new treatments.

Start dates may differ between countries and research sites. The research team are responsible for keeping the information up-to-date.  

The recruitment start and end dates are as follows:

01 Oct 2011 01 Oct 2014

Exposure of the skin on the upper buttock to ultraviolet light (UV), measurements of skin redness, and skin sampling (skin biopsies or skin blisters) from unexposed and UV-exposed areas of the upper buttock. Participants will also take oral omega-3 fatty acid supplements for 3 months.


Healthy white Caucasian male and female individuals aged between 18 and 60 years.

You can take part if:



You may not be able to take part if:


1. History of skin cancer2. Taking photoactive or anti-inflammatory medication3. Sunbathing, sunbed use or phototherapy in the past 3 months4. Taking nutritional supplements containing polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA)5. Consuming more than 2 portions of oily fish per week6. Pregnancy7. Unable to eat fish or gelatine


Below are the locations for where you can take part in the trial. Please note that not all sites may be open.

  • Photobiology Unit, Dermatological Sciences
    Salford
    M6 8HD

Understanding how sunburn is resolved will reveal biomarkers related to skin inflammation and can help with the discovery of new treatments. We do not expect there to be any disadvantage or adverse effect from taking part. You may experience some redness of the skin after the UV exposures. Some discomfort will be felt at the time of skin sampling and in the days following the procedures, which may include redness, irritation and pain at the site. There is also a small risk of infection and bleeding with biopsies. A small permanent scar will be left on your skin at each biopsy site.


The study is sponsored by University of Manchester and funded by Wellcome Trust (UK) ref: 094028/B/10/Z.




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Read full details for Trial ID: ISRCTN47896115

Or CPMS 10920

Last updated 18 January 2017

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