Scholarlink

Background <p>Meningiomas account for a significant proportion of primary central nervous system tumors. While ionizing radiation is a well-documented risk factor, the role of non-ionizing radiation, particularly chronic ultraviolet (UV) exposure, remains unclear. This study investigates the potential relationship between prolonged solar radiation exposure and meningioma severity in an equatorial high-altitude population.</p> Methods <p>This epidemiological, observational, retrospective study included 405 patients diagnosed with meningiomas at two national reference hospitals in Quito, Ecuador (2850&#xa0;m.a.s.l.). Demographic, clinical, and UV exposure characteristics were analyzed. Patients were stratified by altitude (&lt; 2000 vs. ≥2000&#xa0;m.a.s.l.) and cumulative solar radiation exposure. Meningioma severity was classified according to the WHO grading system. Statistical analyses included chi-square tests, Mann-Whitney tests, and multivariate logistic regression.</p> Results <p>Meningioma severity was not directly associated with altitude (<i>p</i> = 0.110). However, prolonged solar exposure (&gt; 2&#xa0;h/day) significantly increased the likelihood of developing high-grade meningiomas (<i>p</i> = 0.008*; OR = 3.55, 95% CI 1.40–9.03). Occupational exposure was higher in lower-altitude regions, and early morning UV exposure (7:00–10:59&#xa0;h) was more prevalent at &lt; 2000&#xa0;m.a.s.l. No significant differences were observed in sun protection usage (<i>p</i> = 0.200).</p> Conclusion <p>Prolonged exposure to non-ionizing solar radiation may be associated with increased meningioma severity. Although this study does not establish causality, it supports a hypothesis that chronic UV exposure could contribute to tumor aggressiveness through oxidative and DNA damage–related mechanisms. Further longitudinal and molecular studies are warranted to validate these findings and elucidate the biological pathways involved.</p>

错误：搜索内容不能为空，请输入英文关键词
错误：关键词超出字数限制，请精简
高级检索

Meningiomas, Altitude, and Solar Radiation: A Groundbreaking Hypothesis on Environmental Influence and Tumor Severity in Ecuadorian Patients

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年12月2日

查看全文
  • Nathalie Cevallos-Navia,
  • Fabricio González-Andrade

摘要

Background

Meningiomas account for a significant proportion of primary central nervous system tumors. While ionizing radiation is a well-documented risk factor, the role of non-ionizing radiation, particularly chronic ultraviolet (UV) exposure, remains unclear. This study investigates the potential relationship between prolonged solar radiation exposure and meningioma severity in an equatorial high-altitude population.

Methods

This epidemiological, observational, retrospective study included 405 patients diagnosed with meningiomas at two national reference hospitals in Quito, Ecuador (2850 m.a.s.l.). Demographic, clinical, and UV exposure characteristics were analyzed. Patients were stratified by altitude (< 2000 vs. ≥2000 m.a.s.l.) and cumulative solar radiation exposure. Meningioma severity was classified according to the WHO grading system. Statistical analyses included chi-square tests, Mann-Whitney tests, and multivariate logistic regression.

Results

Meningioma severity was not directly associated with altitude (p = 0.110). However, prolonged solar exposure (> 2 h/day) significantly increased the likelihood of developing high-grade meningiomas (p = 0.008*; OR = 3.55, 95% CI 1.40–9.03). Occupational exposure was higher in lower-altitude regions, and early morning UV exposure (7:00–10:59 h) was more prevalent at < 2000 m.a.s.l. No significant differences were observed in sun protection usage (p = 0.200).

Conclusion

Prolonged exposure to non-ionizing solar radiation may be associated with increased meningioma severity. Although this study does not establish causality, it supports a hypothesis that chronic UV exposure could contribute to tumor aggressiveness through oxidative and DNA damage–related mechanisms. Further longitudinal and molecular studies are warranted to validate these findings and elucidate the biological pathways involved.