Long-term effects of radiation dose on inflammatory markers in atomic bomb survivors

Abstract

i b 2 P 1 f c h w i o i d h b w a Atomic bomb survivors have a persistently increased risk f cancer, hepatitis, and cardiovascular and autoimmune iseases. There is no clear explanation for these late ffects of radiation exposure. One hypothesis is that radiaion causes chronic low-grade inflammation, with elevated irculating levels of cytokines. Proinflammatory cytokines, uch as interleukin 6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) , and nterferon , and anti-inflammatory cytokines, such as inerleukin 10, are synthesized predominantly by macrohages and lymphocytes, and regulate the inflammatory esponse. Interleukin 6 in turn induces the synthesis of cute-phase plasma proteins, such as C-reactive protein. ncreased levels of inflammatory cytokines, even within the ormal range, have been associated with an increased risk of ardiovascular disease. Chronic low-grade inflammation ay also influence the production of immunoglobulins by B ells.