Abstract
The current radiation protection system is based on the assumption that there is a threshold of low dose radiation below which no significant non-cancer effects are observed. However, recent epidemiological evidence points to an excess risk of late occurring cardiovascular diseases at much lower radiation doses and after longer time intervals than previously thought.
Since these epidemiological data lack statistical power, additional evidence has to come from experimental data.
The endothelium is considered as a critical target in the development of radiation-related cardiovascular diseases. In the current project, the effects of acute and fractionated low and medium dose radiation (0.05 -5Gy) have been investigated on endothelial cells (EA.hy926) in vitro. In particular, different endpoints that play a role in the inception and further development of atherosclerosis were assessed by X-irradiation (acute radiation) for detecting Reactive Oxygen Species and Mitochondrial DNA damage (common deletion). In addition, fractionated radiation was done in order to assess nuclear DNA damage and apoptosis in endothelial cells.
Therefore, this project could contribute to a better radiation protection system.
Original language | English |
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Place of Publication | Gent, Belgium |
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State | Published - 13 Jun 2013 |