Submit to Toxics Review for Toxics Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Radiation Exposure and Health Effects

Print Special Issue Flyer
Special Issue Editors
Special Issue Information
Keywords
Published Papers

A special issue of Toxics (ISSN 2305-6304). This special issue belongs to the section "Metals and Radioactive Substances".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 November 2022) | Viewed by 23195

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Mang Xiao

E-Mail
Guest Editor

Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute, Uniformed Services University of The Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
Interests: ionizing radiation; radiation and radiation-combined injury; hematopoietic; gastrointeste; brain; radiation countermeasures

Dr. Wanchang Cui

E-Mail Website
Co-Guest Editor

Henry M Jackson Foundation for The Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, MD 20817, USA
Interests: ionizing radiation; radiation-induced normal tissue injury; radiation countermeasure; radiation dosimetry; microbiome/metabolome

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue focuses on studies relevant to ionizing radiation exposure-induced injury and health effects. The risk of radiation-induced injury is increased due to the expanding of nuclear proliferation, terrorist activities, and the improper distribution of radioactive materials. In addition, radiation therapy side effects in normal tissues can damage healthy cells and lead to molecular, cellular, and functional disorders. The mechanisms of radiation-mediated multi-organ injury are not well understood and few of the medical countermeasures are FDA approved to treat acute hematopoietic radiation injuries. However, no countermeasures are approved for other organs, such as acute gastrointestinal radiation injury and chronical radiation injuries. Thus, we aim to establish this Special Issue to include articles with the up-to-date research results and information in broad categories involved in: (1) Studies in fundamental and basic radiation science, including the mechanisms of radiation-mediated molecular, cellular, and multiple organ injuries in in vitro and in vivo study models; (2) Radiation dosimetry studies that can estimate/predict either the incurred radiation exposure doses or radiation damages; (3) Developing radiation countermeasures for prevention and mitigation/treatment of radiation injuries. This Special Issue will include review articles and original articles investigating radiation effects and related subjects in the radiation field. (The views expressed here do not necessarily represent those of the Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute, the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, the US Department of Defense, or the National Institute of Health. The Guest Editors declare no competing interests.)

Dr. Mang Xiao
Dr. Wanchang Cui
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Toxics is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

ionizing radiation
radiation-induced normal tissue injury
combined injury with radiation
radiation countermeasure
radiation dosimetry
microbiome/metabolome

Published Papers (11 papers)

Download All Papers

Order results

Result details

Show export options Show export options

Select all

Export citation of selected articles as:

Editorial

Jump to: Research, Review, Other

2 pages, 172 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Attenuating Radiation Exposure, Understanding the Mechanisms of Radiation-Induced Toxicity, and the Development of Radiation Countermeasures

by Wanchang Cui and Mang Xiao

Toxics 2023, 11(4), 306; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics11040306 - 25 Mar 2023

Viewed by 885

Abstract

Radiation exposure is a complex issue that has both benefits and risks for human health [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Radiation Exposure and Health Effects)

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review, Other

12 pages, 1902 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Photoneutrons and Gamma Capture Dose Rates at the Maze Entrance of Varian TrueBeam and Elekta Versa HD Medical Linear Accelerators

by Ibrahim I. Suliman, Ghada A. Khouqeer and Fareed H. Mayhoub

Toxics 2023, 11(1), 78; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics11010078 - 14 Jan 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1722

Abstract

Herein, we evaluated the neutron and gamma capture dose equivalent rates at the maze entrance of Varian TrueBeam and Elekta Versa HD™ medical linear accelerators (linacs) using experimental measurements as well as empirical calculations. Dose rates were measured using calibrated neutron and gamma area survey meters placed side-by-side at the measurement point of interest. Measurements were performed at a source-to-detector distance of 100 cm, with a 10 × 10 cm² field size therapeutic X-ray beam, and a 30 × 30 × 15 cm³ solid water patient equivalent phantom, with a linac operating at 15, 10 MV, and 10 MV flattened filter-free (FFF). Dose rates were also measured at different points at the centerline along the maze towards the maze entrance. The measured dose equivalent rates at the maze entrance were comparable to those reported in the literature. The dose rates along the maze decreased exponentially towards the maze entrance and were significant for short maze lengths. The evaluated empirical methods for estimating neutron dose rates at the maze entrance of a linac proposed by Kersey, the modified Kersey method and Falcão method, agree by a factor of two from the experimental measurements. The results revealed vital radiation protection considerations owing to neutron contamination in external beam therapy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Radiation Exposure and Health Effects)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 4216 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Pharmacokinetic Study of rhIL-18BP and Its Effect on Radiation-Induced Cytokine Changes in Mouse Serum and Intestine

by Wanchang Cui, Lisa Hull, Alex Zizzo, Li Wang, Bin Lin, Min Zhai and Mang Xiao

Toxics 2023, 11(1), 35; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics11010035 - 30 Dec 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1728

Abstract

Administration of recombinant human IL-18 binding protein (rhIL-18BP), a natural antagonist of IL-18, significantly increased mouse survival after lethal doses of irradiation. To further understand the roles of IL-18BP in radiation mitigation, we studied the pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters of rhIL-18BP, and the serum and intestinal cytokine changes in CD2F1 mice treated with vehicle or rhIL-18BP after 9.0 Gy total body irradiation (TBI). For the PK study, non-compartmental pharmacokinetic analysis was performed using PKsolver. Serum and intestine specimens were collected to measure 44-cytokine levels. Principal component analysis showed a clear separation of the non-irradiated samples from the irradiated samples; and partial separation with or without rhIL-18BP treatment. Cytokine clusters that were significantly correlated in the serum or intestine, respectively were identified. On the individual cytokine levels, serum and intestinal cytokines that were significantly changed by irradiation and rhIL-18BP treatment were identified. Finally, cytokines that were significantly correlated between their serum and intestinal levels were identified. The current study established the PK parameters of rhIL-18BP in mice, identified significantly changed cytokines in mouse serum and intestine after radiation exposure and rhIL-18BP treatment. Current data provide critical insights into IL-18BP’s mechanism of action as a radiation mitigator. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Radiation Exposure and Health Effects)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

16 pages, 6634 KiB

Open AccessArticle

T Cells Contribute to Pathological Responses in the Non-Targeted Rat Heart following Irradiation of the Kidneys

by Marek Lenarczyk, Ammar J. Alsheikh, Eric P. Cohen, Dörthe Schaue, Amy Kronenberg, Aron Geurts, Slade Klawikowski, David Mattson and John E. Baker

Toxics 2022, 10(12), 797; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics10120797 - 18 Dec 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1637 | Correction

Abstract

Heart disease is a significant adverse event caused by radiotherapy for some cancers. Identifying the origins of radiogenic heart disease will allow therapies to be developed. Previous studies showed non-targeted effects manifest as fibrosis in the non-irradiated heart after 120 days following targeted X-irradiation of the kidneys with 10 Gy in WAG/RijCmcr rats. To demonstrate the involvement of T cells in driving pathophysiological responses in the out-of-field heart, and to characterize the timing of immune cell engagement, we created and validated a T cell knock downrat on the WAG genetic backgrou nd. Irradiation of the kidneys with 10 Gy of X-rays in wild-type rats resulted in infiltration of T cells, natural killer cells, and macrophages after 120 days, and none of these after 40 days, suggesting immune cell engagement is a late response. The radiation nephropathy and cardiac fibrosis that resulted in these animals after 120 days was significantly decreased in irradiated T cell depleted rats. We conclude that T cells function as an effector cell in communicating signals from the irradiated kidneys which cause pathologic remodeling of non-targeted heart. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Radiation Exposure and Health Effects)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 5336 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Deteriorative Effects of Radiation Injury Combined with Skin Wounding in a Mouse Model

by Li Wang, Bin Lin, Min Zhai, Wanchang Cui, Lisa Hull, Alex Zizzo, Xianghong Li, Juliann G. Kiang and Mang Xiao

Toxics 2022, 10(12), 785; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics10120785 - 14 Dec 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2502

Abstract

Radiation-combined injury (RCI) augments the risk of morbidity and mortality when compared to radiation injury (RI) alone. No FDA-approved medical countermeasures (MCMs) are available for treating RCI. Previous studies implied that RI and RCI elicit differential mechanisms leading to their detrimental effects. We hypothesize that accelerating wound healing improves the survival of RCI mice. In the current study, we examined the effects of RCI at different doses on lethality, weight loss, wound closure delay, and proinflammatory status, and assessed the relative contribution of systemic and local elements to their delayed wound closure. Our data demonstrated that RCI increased the lethality and weight loss, delayed skin wound closure, and induced a systemic proinflammatory status in a radiation dose-dependent manner. We also demonstrated that delayed wound closure did not specifically depend on the extent of hematopoietic suppression, but was significantly influenced by the toxicity of the radiation-induced systemic inflammation and local elements, including the altered levels of proinflammatory chemokines and factors, and the dysregulated collagen homeostasis in the wounded area. In conclusion, the results from our study indicate a close association between delayed wound healing and the significantly altered pathways in RCI mice. This insightful information may contribute to the evaluation of the prognosis of RCI and development of MCMs for RCI. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Radiation Exposure and Health Effects)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 5990 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Radiation Attenuation Assessment of Serpentinite Rocks from a Geological Perspective

by Mostafa A. Masoud, Ahmed M. El-Khayatt, Mohamed G. Shahien, Bottros R. Bakhit, Ibrahim I. Suliman and Ahmed M. Zayed

Toxics 2022, 10(11), 697; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics10110697 - 17 Nov 2022

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2132

Abstract

Serpentinites are metamorphic rocks that are widely applied as aggregates in the production of radiation-shielding concrete. Different varieties of massive serpentinite mountains located in Egypt exist without real investment. Hence, this study aims to evaluate the radiation shielding efficacy of three varieties of serpentinite rocks from different geological perspectives: mineralogical, geochemical, and morphological characteristics. X-ray diffraction, transmitted-light microscopy, and thermal analysis were required to characterize their mineralogical composition, while X-ray fluorescence was necessary to investigate their geochemical features. Moreover, scanning electron microscopy was used to detect their morphological characteristics. On the other hand, the PuBe source and stilbene detector were employed for the experimental determination of fast neutrons and γ-ray attenuations, which were conducted at energy ranges of 0.8–11 and 0.4–8.3 MeV, respectively. Based on the mineralogical, geochemical, and morphological characteristics of these rocks, the radiation attenuation capacity of lizardite > antigorite > chrysotile. However, these serpentinites can be applied as a natural alternative to some radiation-shielding concrete in radiotherapy centers and other counterpart facilities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Radiation Exposure and Health Effects)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 2404 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Biokinetics and Internal Dosimetry of Tritiated Steel Particles

by Rachel Smith, Michele Ellender, Chang Guo, Derek Hammond, Adam Laycock, Martin O. Leonard, Matthew Wright, Michael Davidson, Véronique Malard, Mickaël Payet, Christian Grisolia and Eric Blanchardon

Toxics 2022, 10(10), 602; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics10100602 - 12 Oct 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1383

Abstract

Decommissioning fission and fusion facilities can result in the production of airborne particles containing tritium that could inadvertently be inhaled by workers directly involved in the operations, and potentially others, resulting in internal exposures to tritium. Of particular interest in this context, given the potentially large masses of material involved, is tritiated steel. The International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) has recommended committed effective dose coefficients for inhalation of some tritiated materials, but not specifically for tritiated steel. The lack of a dose coefficient for tritiated steel is a concern given the potential importance of the material. To address this knowledge gap, a “dissolution” study, in vivo biokinetic study in a rodent model (1 MBq intratracheal instillation, 3-month follow-up) and associated state-of-the-art modelling were undertaken to derive dose coefficients for model tritiated steel particles. A committed effective dose coefficient for the inhalation of 3.3 × 10⁻¹² Sv Bq⁻¹ was evaluated for the particles, reflecting an activity median aerodynamic diameter (AMAD) of 13.3 µm, with the value for a reference AMAD for workers (5 µm) of 5.6 × 10⁻¹² Sv Bq⁻¹ that may be applied to occupational inhalation exposure to tritiated steel particles. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Radiation Exposure and Health Effects)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 3246 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fractionated Proton Irradiation Does Not Impair Hippocampal-Dependent Short-Term or Spatial Memory in Female Mice

by Pilar Simmons, Christa Corley and Antiño R. Allen

Toxics 2022, 10(9), 507; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics10090507 - 29 Aug 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1411

Abstract

The environment outside the Earth’s protective magnetosphere is a much more threatening and complex space environment. The dominant causes for radiation exposure, solar particle events and galactic cosmic rays, contain high-energy protons. In space, astronauts need healthy and highly functioning cognitive abilities, of which the hippocampus plays a key role. Therefore, understanding the effects of ¹H exposure on hippocampal-dependent cognition is vital for developing mitigative strategies and protective countermeasures for future missions. To investigate these effects, we subjected 6-month-old female CD1 mice to 0.75 Gy fractionated ¹H (250 MeV) whole-body irradiation at the NASA Space Radiation Laboratory. The cognitive performance of the mice was tested 3 months after irradiation using Y-maze and Morris water maze tests. Both sham-irradiated and ¹H-irradiated mice significantly preferred exploration of the novel arm compared to the familiar and start arms, indicating intact spatial and short-term memory. Both groups statistically spent more time in the target quadrant, indicating spatial memory retention. There were no significant differences in neurogenic and gliogenic cell counts after irradiation. In addition, proteomic analysis revealed no significant upregulation or downregulation of proteins related to behavior, neurological disease, or neural morphology. Our data suggests ¹H exposure does not impair hippocampal-dependent spatial or short-term memory in female mice. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Radiation Exposure and Health Effects)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Editorial, Research, Other

13 pages, 5090 KiB

Open AccessReview

Organ-Specific Endothelial Dysfunction Following Total Body Irradiation Exposure

by Guru Prasad Sharma and Heather A. Himburg

Toxics 2022, 10(12), 747; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics10120747 - 1 Dec 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2143

Abstract

As the single cell lining of the heart and all blood vessels, the vascular endothelium serves a critical role in maintaining homeostasis via control of vascular tone, immune cell recruitment, and macromolecular transit. For victims of acute high-dose radiation exposure, damage to the vascular endothelium may exacerbate the pathogenesis of acute and delayed multi-organ radiation toxicities. While commonalities exist between radiation-induced endothelial dysfunction in radiosensitive organs, the vascular endothelium is known to be highly heterogeneous as it is required to serve tissue and organ specific roles. In keeping with its organ and tissue specific functionality, the molecular and cellular response of the endothelium to radiation injury varies by organ. Therefore, in the development of medical countermeasures for multi-organ injury, it is necessary to consider organ and tissue-specific endothelial responses to both injury and candidate mitigators. The purpose of this review is to summarize the pathogenesis of endothelial dysfunction following total or near total body irradiation exposure at the level of individual radiosensitive organs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Radiation Exposure and Health Effects)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

29 pages, 1055 KiB

Open AccessReview

Comparison of the Medical Uses and Cellular Effects of High and Low Linear Energy Transfer Radiation

by Eric Russ, Catherine M. Davis, John E. Slaven, Dmitry T. Bradfield, Reed G. Selwyn and Regina M. Day

Toxics 2022, 10(10), 628; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics10100628 - 21 Oct 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4157

Abstract

Exposure to ionizing radiation can occur during medical treatments, from naturally occurring sources in the environment, or as the result of a nuclear accident or thermonuclear war. The severity of cellular damage from ionizing radiation exposure is dependent upon a number of factors including the absorbed radiation dose of the exposure (energy absorbed per unit mass of the exposure), dose rate, area and volume of tissue exposed, type of radiation (e.g., X-rays, high-energy gamma rays, protons, or neutrons) and linear energy transfer. While the dose, the dose rate, and dose distribution in tissue are aspects of a radiation exposure that can be varied experimentally or in medical treatments, the LET and eV are inherent characteristics of the type of radiation. High-LET radiation deposits a higher concentration of energy in a shorter distance when traversing tissue compared with low-LET radiation. The different biological effects of high and low LET with similar energies have been documented in vivo in animal models and in cultured cells. High-LET results in intense macromolecular damage and more cell death. Findings indicate that while both low- and high-LET radiation activate non-homologous end-joining DNA repair activity, efficient repair of high-LET radiation requires the homologous recombination repair pathway. Low- and high-LET radiation activate p53 transcription factor activity in most cells, but high LET activates NF-kB transcription factor at lower radiation doses than low-LET radiation. Here we review the development, uses, and current understanding of the cellular effects of low- and high-LET radiation exposure. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Radiation Exposure and Health Effects)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Other

Jump to: Editorial, Research, Review

8 pages, 1753 KiB

Open AccessBrief Report

Effects of Melanized Bacteria and Soluble Melanin on the Intestinal Homeostasis and Microbiome In Vivo

by Yong-guo Zhang, Mackenzie E. Malo, Tanya Tschirhart, Yinglin Xia, Zheng Wang, Ekaterina Dadachova and Jun Sun

Toxics 2023, 11(1), 13; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics11010013 - 23 Dec 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1934

Abstract

Radiation damage is associated with inflammation and immunity in the intestinal mucosa, including gut microbiota. Melanin has a unique capacity to coordinate a biological reaction in response to environmental stimuli, such as radiation exposure. Thus, melanin and melanized microbes have potential to be used for mitigation of injury induced by radiation. The purpose of the current study is to examine the safety of these agents for future targeting gut microbiome to prevent radiation-induced injury. We administered mice with soluble allomelanin and observed its effect on the intestinal physiology and body weight. We then established a melanized bacterial strain in probiotic E. coli Nissle. We measured the body weight of the mice treated with melanized E. coli Nissle. We showed the enhanced bacterial abundance and colonization of the melanized bacteria E. coli Nissle in the intestine. Melanized E. coli Nissle colonized the colon in less than 3 h and showed consistent colonization over 24 h post one oral gavage. We did not find significant changes of bodyweight in the mice treated with melanized bacteria. We did not observe any inflammation in the intestine. These results demonstrate the safety of soluble melanin and melanin-producing bacteria and will support the future studies to treat radiation-induced injuries and restore dysbiosis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Radiation Exposure and Health Effects)

► Show Figures

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Radiation Exposure and Health Effects

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Published Papers (11 papers)

Editorial

Research

Review

Other

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI