Scientists Spot Gene Linked to Tanning ‘Addiction’

A recent study suggests that people who carry a particular gene variant may be more likely to develop an addiction to tanning. Whether from the sun or from a tanning bed, the idea that ultraviolet light can be addictive is still fairly new, although the recent studies are presenting biological evidence that some people can and do develop a dependence on ultraviolet radiation, similar to the way that some people become dependent on drugs. A researcher at the Yale School of Public Health, Brenda Cartmel, stated that “It’s probably a very small percentage of people who tan that become dependent,” but to develop refined therapies understand why some people become dependent is important. Unfortunately due to indoor tanning, people getting skin cancer are at younger and younger ages. 

Given that ultimately what they want to do is prevent skin cancer, the team of researchers wanted to see if there are any gene variants connected to tanning dependence, since genes are known to sway the risk of addiction. Saliva samples were taken from 79 people that showed signs of tanning dependence and from 213 people who tanned but showed no signs of being addicted at all. From the two different groups, over 300,000 gene variations, there was one gene that noticeably stuck out called PTCHD2. This gene’s exact job is not known for sure but it does generally act in the brain. For the reason that the biology behind tanning dependence and its possible consequences are so important, the research will keep continuing. 

In a recent study it was found that exposing mice to a daily dose of ultraviolet light boosted the blood levels of beta-endorphins. Beta-endorphins are substances created by the pituitary gland and function specifically as neurotransmitters between nerve cells. Beta-endorphins have drug-like qualities creating multiple effects. Response to pain is an example. In addition to response to pain, beta-endorphins are released during periods of intense excitement; capable of enhancing moods and fostering feelings of relaxation. These are the “feel-good” hormones and act on the same pathways in the brain as opiate drugs, like heroine and morphine.

For this particular study, these hormones ultimately suggest that the UV exposure is rewarding to the brain because the sunlight triggers the skin to synthesize vitamin D and eventually the brain evolved to find the UV exposure rewarding. Developing a dependence on tanning or more specifically UV light may seem in a way ridiculous but the potential consequences can be devastating. As a person who loves the beach and loves the sun and also used to love indoor tanning, I found this article extremely interesting.

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