Drug Given 24-Hours After Nuclear Radiation Exposure Increases Survival Rates

A single injection of the investigative peptide drug TP508 given a day after potentially-lethal exposure to radiation increased survival and delayed mortality.

People exposed to nuclear radiation may have higher chances of survival when they are given an injection, a day after the exposure, says a study.

In the experiment, a single injection of the investigative peptide drug TP508 given 24 hours after a potentially-lethal exposure to radiation significantly increased survival and delayed mortality in mice by counteracting damage to the gastrointestinal system.

Exposure to Nuclear Radiation Affects Baby Gender: Study
Nuclear radiation exposure affects baby gender, and leads to an increase in male births relative to female births.

"The peptide may be an effective emergency nuclear countermeasure after exposure to increase survival," said lead author Carla Kantara from The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) in the US.

The drug was originally developed for use in stimulating repair of skin, bone and muscle tissues. In clinical trials, the drug has been reported to increase healing of diabetic foot ulcers and wrist fractures with no drug-related adverse events.

The threat of a nuclear incident has raised global awareness about the need for medical countermeasures that can prevent radiation-induced damage, even if given a day or more after contact with nuclear radiation.

Japanese Protest As Nuclear Radiation Safety Limits Raised At Schools
Furious parents at the centre of Japan's atomic crisis and hundreds of their supporters rallied in Tokyo Monday against revised nuclear safety standards in schools they say are putting

"Because radiation-induced damage to the intestines plays a key role in how well a person recovers from radiation exposure, it is crucial to develop novel medications capable of preventing GI damage," said Darrell Carney, adjunct professor in biochemistry and molecular biology at UTMB.

The study appeared in the journal Laboratory Investigation.

Qui Vive: Intense Nuclear Radiation Threat, Scientists
Threat of nuclear radiation exposure is graver than formerly believed warn latest reports and scientific reviews.

Source-IANS

UN Upholds Nuclear Radiation Research
Research work on the health effect of nuclear radiation must be followed without being influenced by the nuclear industry, says World Health Organisation.