 |
|
Could vitamin D save us from radiation?
November 10, 2008Radiological health expert Daniel Hayes, Ph.D., of the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene suggests that a form of vitamin D could be one of our body's main protections against damage from low levels of radiation. Writing in the International Journal of Low Radiation, Hayes explains that calcitriol, the active form of vitamin D, may protect us from background radiation and could be used as a safe protective agent before or after a low-level nuclear incident.
Biologists and pharmacologists who specialize in radiation and health are keen to find an effective agent that could be given by mouth, have few side effects and would protect us against a suspected or impending nuclear event, whether an accident, terrorist attack, or other incident.
In terms of protecting people from the long-term effects of radiation, cancer formation would be the main focus. The ideal agent would act by blocking DNA damage or by halting the progression of damaged cells that might eventually grow into cancers.
While a drug is yet to be found with such ideal radio-protective properties, other researchers have demonstrated that certain dietary supplements have at least some of the desired properties. Hayes argues that vitamin D, and in particular its biologically active form, could be the key ingredient in radiological protection.
"Our general understanding and appreciation of the multifaceted protective actions of vitamin D have recently entered a new era," says Hayes, "It is now becoming recognized that its most active molecular form, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, may offer protection against a variety of radiation- and otherwise-induced damages."
Hayes has reviewed the various biochemical mechanisms by which vitamin D protects users_ from the low levels of natural radiation released by the rocks on which we stand and the skies above us. He points out that calcitriol is involved in cell cycle regulation and control of proliferation, cellular differentiation and communication between cells, as well as programmed cell death (apoptosis and autophagy) and antiangiogenesis.
Calcitriol is the form of vitamin D that activates the body's Vitamin D Receptor (VDR), which allows gene transcription to take place and the activation of the innate immune response.
It is possible that several of the transcribed by the VDR will help transcribe proteins that protect the body against radiation.
"Vitamin D by its preventive/ameliorating actions should be given serious consideration as a protective agent against sublethal radiation injury, and in particular that induced by low-level radiation," concludes Hayes.
Inderscience Publishers
While a drug is yet to be found with such ideal radio-protective properties, other researchers have demonstrated that certain dietary supplements have at least some of the desired properties. Hayes argues that vitamin D, and in particular its biologically active form, could be the key ingredient in radiological protection.
"Our general understanding and appreciation of the multifaceted protective actions of vitamin D have recently entered a new era," says Hayes, "It is now becoming recognized that its most active molecular form, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, may offer protection against a variety of radiation- and otherwise-induced damages."
Hayes has reviewed the various biochemical mechanisms by which vitamin D protects users_ from the low levels of natural radiation released by the rocks on which we stand and the skies above us. He points out that calcitriol is involved in cell cycle regulation and control of proliferation, cellular differentiation and communication between cells, as well as programmed cell death (apoptosis and autophagy) and antiangiogenesis.
Calcitriol is the form of vitamin D that activates the body's Vitamin D Receptor (VDR), which allows gene transcription to take place and the activation of the innate immune response.
It is possible that several of the transcribed by the VDR will help transcribe proteins that protect the body against radiation.
"Vitamin D by its preventive/ameliorating actions should be given serious consideration as a protective agent against sublethal radiation injury, and in particular that induced by low-level radiation," concludes Hayes.
Inderscience Publishers
Science News and Science Current Events Tag Cloud
This tag cloud is a visual representation of term frequencies of random science news topics with common terms grouped together and emphasized by their display size.
Second-hand Smoke Infants Cancer Diagnosis Dialysis Arrhythmia Blood Sugar Amyloid Beta Cyclones Wetlands Space Weather Pheromone Cardiovascular Disease Neutrinos Radiotherapy Fear Glacier Plate Tectonics Nutrition Hepatitis B Rhinovirus Nervous System Water Drosophila Amygdala Cosmic Dust
See More: Science News Tags
Radiation Current Events and Radiation News RSSEarth's most prominent rainfall feature creeping northward
The rain band near the equator that determines the supply of freshwater to nearly a billion people throughout the tropics and subtropics has been creeping north for more than 300 years.
Blood stem cell growth factor reverses memory decline in mice
A human growth factor that stimulates blood stem cells to proliferate in the bone marrow reverses memory impairment in mice genetically altered to develop Alzheimer's disease, researchers at the University of South Florida and James A. Haley Hospital found.
Study shows PET can measure effectiveness of novel breast cancer treatment
A new study published in the July issue of The Journal of Nuclear Medicine shows that positron emission tomography (PET) scans in mice can be used to determine whether a novel type of breast cancer treatment is working as intended.
Spanish scientists develop echo-location in humans
A team of researchers from the University of Alcalá de Henares (UAH) has shown scientifically that human beings can develop echolocation, the system of acoustic signals used by dolphins and bats to explore their surroundings.
Researchers Find a Way to Reduce Patient Radiation Dose During Pulmonary CT Angiography
While screening for possible pulmonary emboli using pulmonary CT angiography, a new study shows that radiologists can effectively lower the patient radiation dose by approximately 44% and improve vascular enhancement without deterioration of image quality.
Cancer survivors at greater risk of birth complications; special monitoring needed
Survivors of childhood cancer run particular risks when pregnant and should be closely monitored.
Composites for energy
Advanced composite materials are playing a vital role in improved design and reduced operating costs for renewable energy technologies.
New MRI technique could mean fewer breast biopsies in high-risk women
A University of Wisconsin-Madison biomedical engineer and colleagues have developed a method that, applied in MRI scans of the breast, could spare some women with increased breast cancer risk the pain and stress of having to endure a biopsy of a questionable lump or lesion.
World's largest aerosol sensing network has leafy origins
Twenty years ago, Brent Holben was part of a NASA team studying vegetation from space. In an unlikely career twist, his research morphed into the study of a critical, if overlooked, subplot in the story of climate change.
A new approach to engineering for extreme environments
Composite materials such as fiberglass, which take on a mix of properties of their constituent compounds, have been around for decades. Now, an MIT materials scientist is taking composites to the nanoscale, where entirely new properties, not found in any of the original compounds, can emerge.
More Radiation Current Events and Radiation News Articles
 |
Handbook of Radiation Effects by Andrew Holmes-Siedle (Author), Len Adams (Author) A handbook of engineers to fill the gap in the fields of high-energy radiation environments, electronic device physics and materials. Provides a straightforward account of the problems which arise when high-energy radiation bombards matter and of engineering methods for solving those problems. |
 |
The Neutralizer-Neutralize Hazardous Cell Phone Radiation and Electromagnetic Pollution (3 Pack) by Aulterra Thanks to modern technology and science you can now protect yourself from harmful EMF's from your cell phone, computer/T.V. screen, and microwave ovens. The Neutralizer prevents our DNA from breaking 100% of the time. Protect yourself and your loved ones!!!! No one knows the long term effect this may have on your health. |
 |
Radiation by Marillion Specially-priced reissue of this prog-rock band's 1998 album, often cited as one of the best of their recent offerings. 9 tracks including 'Under The Sun', 'These Chains' and more. Sanctuary. |
 |
Radiation Detection and Measurement by Glenn F. Knoll (Author) A Classic Text on Radiation Detection and Measurement Now Updated and Expanded Building on the proven success of this widely-used text, the Third Edition will provide you with a clear understanding of the methods and instrumentation used in the detection and measurement of ionizing radiation. It provides in-depth coverage of the basic principles of radiation detection as well as illustrating their application in a full set of modern instruments. In addition to a complete description of well-established detection and spectroscopic methods, many recently developed approaches are also explored. These include extensive new discussions of semiconductor detectors with unique properties, recently developed scintillation materials and photomultiplier tubes, and several gas-filled detectors of new... |
 |
Radiation Protection and Dosimetry: An Introduction to Health Physics by Springer This book provides an overview of all relevant topics in the field of radiation protection (health physics).Radiation Protection and Dosimetryserves as an essential handbook for practicing health physics professionals, and is also ideal as a teaching text for courses at the university level. The text is organized to introduce the reader to basic principles of radiation emission and propagation, to review current knowledge and historical aspects of the biological effects of radiation, and to cover important operational topics such as radiation shielding and dosimetry. In addition to presenting the most up to date treatment of the topics and references to the literature, most chapters contain numerical problems with their solutions for use in teaching or self assessment. A chapter... |
 |
Fellowes Premium Liteview Glare Filter 16IN/17IN Anti Static/Radiation by Fellowes Multiple layer optically coated glass eliminates over 99% of glare. Hanging, flat frame features universal clip design for customized fit. New Opti-Clean Surface cleans easily with water and soft, dry cloth. Meets AOA specifications for VDT (video display terminal) glare reduction. Radiation/Static models reduce 99.9% of VLF/ELF E-field radiation, plus safely dissipate damaging static electricity and reduce dust buildup through the use of the attached grounding wire. Traditional tint glass models enhance image contrast for easier viewing. LiteView tint glass models maximize screen brightness and increase color definition. |
 |
Eforcity Universal Anti-Radiation Protector Great with Eforcity Universal Cell Phone Reception Antenna Booster |
 |
Radiation Meter by Sper Scientific Small and light enough to go anywhere, yet sensitive enough to detect minuscule amounts of gamma, beta or X-rays. Excellent for scanning lab work areas and clothing for traces of radioactivity after clean-up, or as a personal monitor in areas of potential radiation exposure. Useful in school labs for geology and science projects. One-button operation, can be used by untrained personnel. Uses a Geiger-Mueller tube detector. The Meterregisters 0~10mR/hour (milli-Roentgen) and 0~100 uSv/hour (microsieverts) on a dual scale. Audible clicking will increase with the amount of background radiation. Beeping begins at 20mR/hr, increasing in frequency in proportion to the radiation level. Powered by a 9-Volt battery, included, which lasts 50 hours at normal background levels. Note: Radiation Meter... |
 |
Radiation: A Slow Death Directed By: Hitomi Kamanaka The consequences of nuclear warfare, as well as the general effects of atmospheric radiation, are explored through the eyes of its victims in this compelling and unsettling documentary. Originally, the Japanese word "hibakusha" was used to refer to the survivors of the atomic bomb. Here, the director goes back to its literal meaning, "victim of radiation" to include new generations of sufferers who have emerged globally. This film documents the lives of these sufferers including Iraqi children irradiated by the use of depleted uranium ammunition during the Gulf War, American farmers living near the Hanford plutonium factory in Washington state, and survivors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Though separated by time and space, their common peril delivers a strong message to the contemporary... |
 |
Understanding Radiation Science: Basic Nuclear and Health Physics by James, Mannie Shuler (Author) The purpose of Understanding Radiation Science: Basic Nuclear and Health Physics is to provide the reader a basic understanding of radiation science. Therefore, basic nuclear physics and health physics principles are presented through chapters on atomic structure, types of radiation, terminology and units, radiation biology, exposure and controls, background radiation, personnel monitoring, and radiation instrumentation. The book concludes with chapters on historical events and definitions. This book provides introductory information for students starting their education in nuclear physics, health physics and nuclear engineering. The material covered in this book is appropriate for all types of radiation workers. Persons studying to take the health physics certification exam, radiation... |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |