Long-term sub-erythemal UVB exposure does not impact circadian rhythms in mice under standard and rotating shift light conditions.

Abstract

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) stated that circadian disruption is a potential carcinogen. However, the impact of environmental carcinogens, including sub-erythemal doses of UVB exposure, on circadian rhythms remains unclear. We evaluated the impact of long-term rotating shift, loss of Per1/2 genes, and chronic UVB exposure on the circadian rhythms of SKH-1 mice for up to 7 months. Real-time locomotion and circadian gene expression were measured in these animals. Mice under rotating shift exhibited a longer period of activity of up to 25.20 h, while those under standard light conditions had a clear 24-h rhythm. mPer1/mPer2 mice, conversely, displayed a shortened period of activity of 23.61 h. Interestingly, chronic UVB exposure had no impact on activity rhythms, though it induced skin tumors in all mice. Rotating shift and loss of mPer1/mPer2 led to circadian dysregulation of all core clock genes, with a notable phase difference in Cry1. These findings provide novel insights into environmental and genetic influences on circadian rhythms.