COMPARISON OF ANTIOXIDANTS LEVEL IN TWO AREAS WITH HIGH AND LOW LEVELS OF ULTRAVIOLET B IN ISFAHAN PROVINCE

Background: ultraviolet radiation can contribute to various damages to body organs especiallyto skin. however, the effect of ultraviolet b on the function of viruses, immunologicchanges and antioxidants levels which protect human skin health are still unknown. we aimedto find the harmful level of uvb that can be helpful in taking preventive action against the increasingdepletion of ozone layer.methods: in this cross-sectional study conducted in isfahan population, two areas with high andlow levels of uvb radiation were investigated based on the information obtained from meteorologicaloffice. samples in each area were selected by a cluster-sampling method. 250 persons were assignedto each group. the antioxidant capacity and glutathione peroxide level of samples were measured.data were analyzed with student t test by using spss software.results: the mean (± standard deviation) of malondialdehide in high and low uvb radiationareas were 2.8 ± 0.32 and 1.65 ± 0.38 nmoles/ml, respectively (p < 0.001). mean (± standarddeviation) of antioxidants capacity levels were 81.6 ± 2.36 ìmol/l in patients living in low uvbradiation area and 76.5 ± 2.6 ìmol/l in patients living in high uvb radiation area (p < 0.0001).glutathione peroxide levels were 38.2 ± 1.7 and 35.3 ± 1.9 ìmol/l in areas with low and highuvb radiation respectively (p < 0.0001).conclusion: findings of this study indicates that the amount of free radicals and antioxidantcapacity in high uvb radiation areas are less than areas with low levels of uvb radiation.therefore, it is suggested that necessary considerations should be taken into account for the residentsof such areas in order to reduce its health damages.