Medindia LOGIN REGISTER
Medindia
Advertisement

Small Molecules in the Blood Might Gauge Radiation Effects After Exposure: Research

by Rukmani Krishna on February 26, 2013 at 10:57 PM
 Small Molecules in the Blood Might Gauge Radiation Effects After Exposure: Research

Doctors currently have no way to accurately measure damage to the body soon after a person is exposed to ionizing radiation.

  • It is therefore difficult to know whether a person is likely to suffer serious effects after an occupational or accidental exposure.
  • This animal study shows that radiation exposure alters the levels of certain small molecules in the blood, perhaps offering a reliable measure of damage to the body.

  • Advertisement

    COLUMBUS, Ohio - Ohio State University cancer researchers have identified molecules in the bloodstream that might accurately gauge the likelihood of radiation illness after exposure to ionizing radiation.

    The animal study, led by researchers at The Ohio State Comprehensive Cancer Center - Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC - James), shows that X-rays or gamma rays alter the levels of certain molecules called microRNA in the blood in a predictable way.
    Advertisement

    If verified in human subjects, the findings could lead to new methods for rapidly identifying people at risk for acute radiation syndrome after occupational exposures or accidents such as the recent Fukushima Daiichi nuclear reactor incident. The microRNA markers might also help doctors plan radiation therapy for individual patients by taking into account how different people respond to radiation treatment, the researchers say.

    The findings are reported in the journal PLOS ONE.

    "Our paper reports the identification of a panel of microRNA markers in mice whose serum levels provide an estimate of radiation response and of the dose received after an exposure has occurred," says senior author Dr. Arab Chakravarti, chair and professor of Radiation Oncology, the Max Morehouse Chair in Cancer Research and co-director of the Brain Tumor Program.

    "Accurate dose evaluation is critical for making medical decisions and for the timely administration of therapy to prevent or reduce acute and late effects."

    The findings might also one day allow doctors to evaluate radiation toxicity during the course of therapy based on an individual's biology. "This would particularly benefit leukemia and lymphoma patients who receive total body irradiation in preparation for stem-cell transplantation," Chakravarti says.

    First author Dr. Naduparambil Jacob, a research assistant professor in radiation oncology, noted that the study could be an important step in the development of biological dosimetry, or biodosimetry, a technology for identifying people at risk for acute radiation illnesses that develop within weeks of radiation exposure, and cancers and degenerative diseases that can occur months or years later.

    "Biodosimetry is an emerging concept that could enable us to identify individuals who need immediate treatment after a radiation exposure and to better develop personalized radiation treatment plans for patients," Jacob says.

    For this study, Chakravarti, Jacob and their colleagues evaluated dose-dependent changes in levels of 88 individual microRNAs in serum from mice after a single acute radiation exposure, and after fractionated doses of radiation that are typical of radiation treatment prior to stem-cell transplantation. Samples were collected from exposed and control animals 24 or 48 hours after exposure.

    Key technical findings include:

    • After a one-time exposure, miRNA-150 showed a clear decrease over time with increasing radiation dose, with a drop of 30 percent after 24 hours and of 50 percent after 48 hours, even at the lowest exposure of one gray of radiation.

    • miRNA-200b and miRNA-762 showed increased levels after radiation exposure, with the changes more pronounced in animals receiving higher doses.

    • Animals receiving fractioned doses showed similar changes; e.g., miRNA-150 dropped about 50 percent after 24 hours in animals receiving 4 gray.

      Source: Eurekalert
    Font : A-A+

    Advertisement

    Advertisement
    Advertisement

    Recommended Readings

    Latest Research News

    Exploring How Hearing Impairment Shapes Dementia Risk
    Study reveals a correlation between hearing impairment and distinct brain region variances, contributing to dementia.
    Coffee and its Role in Neurodegenerative Disorders
    Financial impact of caring for individuals with neurodegenerative disorders reaches hundreds of billions annually in the United States.
    Healthcare Industry Struggles With Tech Skills Shortage
    Experts emphasize that addressing the skills gap demands immediate attention and innovative solutions, including education, re-training, and significant time investment.
    Nano-Probes Uncover Cellular Reactions to Pressure
    New study unveiled the cells' ability to adapt in responses and potential implications for conditions such as diabetes and cancer.
    Brain Cells to Taste Buds Monitor Mindful Eating
    Brainstem recording of tastebud neurons reveals the process of overindulgence of food, opening new avenues for weight loss drugs.
    View All
    This site uses cookies to deliver our services.By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Cookie Policy, Privacy Policy, and our Terms of Use  Ok, Got it. Close
    ×

    Small Molecules in the Blood Might Gauge Radiation Effects After Exposure: Research Personalised Printable Document (PDF)

    Please complete this form and we'll send you a personalised information that is requested

    You may use this for your own reference or forward it to your friends.

    Please use the information prudently. If you are not a medical doctor please remember to consult your healthcare provider as this information is not a substitute for professional advice.

    Name *

    Email Address *

    Country *

    Areas of Interests