Using Mass Spectrometry to Measure the Effects of Low Dose Radiation Exposure on the Liver Lipidome

Abstract

For many years it has been widely accepted that low dose radiation (LDR) exposure is completely harmless to humans, however this may not be true. The effects of LDR on humans may be subtle but there is growing evidence to suggest that LDR exposure may result in some radiogenic effects. Although LDR may not result in direct cell death, mutations may occur and initiate cancerous behaviour. Previous studies suggest that continuous exposure to LDR may implicate significant changes in overall lipid metabolism, especially in the liver. In this study, we explore the possible lipidomic effects of LDR through systemic alpha-radiation exposure via injection of 210Po in male Wistar rats and measuring the relative changes in lipid composition in their livers.