Low-dose Gamma Irradiation Research Articles

The efect of low-dose gamma radiation on the development of plants from irradiated Pisum sativum sprouts in laboratory experiments

The problem of radiation exposure to organisms is relevant for areas where nuclear industry enterprises are located. Plant biotests are widely used for biotesting of anthropogenic factors affecting the environment, including radiation. The sensitivity of growth and cytogenetic parameters of the biotest based on Pisum sativum to the action of gamma irradiation n has been shown before, but only at high doses. The purpose of this work was to evaluate the influence of low-dose gamma irradiation on the development of Pisum sativum over 6-10 days after irradiating the sprouts. In the experiments, seeds of the Radomir sowing variety from the collection of the pea breeding laboratory of Krasnoyarsk Research Institute of Agriculture - Federal Research Centre Krasnoyarsk Scientific Center SB RAS were used. Pea sprouts were irradiated with a 137Cs source for 24 and 72 hours, with the absorbed dose being 20 and 62 mGy. After irradiation, the sprouts were grown in a climatic chamber on hydroponics for 10 days (240 hours). The control consisted of non-irradiated sprouts grown under identical conditions. The experiments for the first time provided reliable data on the negative effects of gamma irradiation (20 and 62 mGy) on the development of sowing peas 6-10 days after irradiation. A negative effect of gamma irradiation on the growth of the main and lateral roots of young plants was revealed. The experiments with irradiated pea sprouts confirmed the previously known fact that plant roots are more sensitive to irradiation compared to shoots. The pattern of change in the length of the main root of peas over time during germination at a dose of 20 mGy is described by a linear equation, while for a higher dose of irradiation, 62 mGy, the data can be approximated by a logarithmic equation with saturation. The different character of root length dependence on the time of cultivation after irradiation indicates a possible trend in plant growth under various doses of irradiation and cultivation times.

Influence of γ-radiation on magnetoelectrical properties of Bi0.85Sb0.15 (0.001≤x≥0.05) solid solution

Abstract The influence of γ-quantum on the magnetoelectric properties of Bi0.85Sb0.15 <Pbx> (0.001≤x≥0.05) thermoelectrics doped with lead atoms at ~77÷300K and magnetic field induction up to 1.0 Tesla has been studied. It was found that at low doses of gamma irradiation of the Bi0.85Sb0.15 <Pb> solid solution, point defects are formed, which lead to an increase in the concentration of free electrons n, specific electrical conductivity σ and a decrease in the absolute value of the thermo EMF coefficients α and RH. As the dose of γ-quanta increases in the process of subsequent restructuring, point defects accumulate, i.e. accumulation of point defects, which leads to a decrease in the concentration of current carriers and a corresponding change in σ, α. and RH.

Enhanced optical properties of graphite nanoflakes/polydimethylsiloxane nanocomposites induced by low-dose gamma irradiation

Enhanced optical properties of graphite nanoflakes/polydimethylsiloxane nanocomposites induced by low-dose gamma irradiation

Effects of low-dose gamma radiation on DNA measured using a quartz tuning fork sensor

Despite the expected direct effects of radiation on DNA through its direct interaction with the biomolecule, research indicates that radiation also interacts with the DNA’s environment, resulting in indirect effects. Therefore, in this study, we explored the feasibility of using the quartz tuning fork (QTF) sensor system in biomedical applications, specifically in detecting DNA damage caused by low doses of gamma radiation, directly and indirectly. We differentiated between direct and indirect damage by analyzing the fork’s resonance frequency changes. This experiment was divided into three stages: before, during, and after irradiation. Each stage involved samples of pure DNA and DNA in a 60-µL aqueous solution, evaluated under identical conditions. Before irradiation, we measured frequency shifts (Δf) over a 20-min period, resulting in values of 19.34, 20.25, and 7.6 Hz for water, DNA, and DNA in water, respectively. Subsequently, the samples were irradiated with cesium-137 for the specified duration, resulting in frequency shifts of ∼ 39.21, 28.37, and 41.23 Hz for the same conditions. Our investigations showed an increase in Δf from 20.25 to 28.3 Hz at doses ranging from 7.5 to 30 µGy for pure DNA. Interestingly, DNA in aqueous solution exhibited hypersensitivity to radiation, with frequency shifts ranging from 7.6 to 41.23 Hz. Furthermore, we observed a significant difference in frequency shift after irradiation between pure DNA and DNA in water, with shifts of ∼ 70.75–98.45 Hz and 56.32–79.28 Hz for DNA and DNA in water, respectively. This result indicates a significant increase in DNA damage in aqueous environments, driven by the generation of active hydroxyl radicals (OH−), resulting in base damage and an associated increase in strand breaks. Consequently, our research indicates a lack of substantial direct impact on DNA repair owing to the absence of a conducive postirradiation environment. Therefore, QTF is a valuable biomarker for radiation sensitivity and is promising for future applications as a mass-sensitive biosensor.

Retraction Note: Amelioration of thioacetamide-induced hepatic encephalopathy in rats by low-dose gamma irradiation.

Retraction Note: Amelioration of thioacetamide-induced hepatic encephalopathy in rats by low-dose gamma irradiation.

Role of Olive Leaf Extract, Mesenchymal Stem Cells or Low Radiation Dose in Alleviating Hepatic Injury in Rats.

This study was conducted to determine the efficacy of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) or low-dose gamma radiation (LDR) on liver injury compared to the effect of olive leaf extract as a hepatoprotective agent. Rats were allocated into six groups; group I served as the negative control. Group II received 5% dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) in its drinking water for 1 week. Group III was injected with a single dose of 1 × 106 bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) intravenously. Group IV was treated as in group III after 5% DSS treatment. Group V was given 5% DSS, followed by olive leaf extract (OLE) (1000mg/ kg, oral). Group VI: 5% DSS for 1 week, then was exposed to low-dose gamma radiation (LDR) (0.05Gy). Rats treated with OLE, BM-MSCs, or exposed to LDR exerted significant alleviation in all hepatic biomarkers, significant enhancements in oxidative stress parameters, and improvements in inflammatory biomarkers Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and Interferon gamma (INF-γ) hepatic contents compared with those of the DSS group. Histological pictures emphasized the biochemical findings. BM-MSCs might be a valuable therapeutic approach to overcome hepatic injury. Exposure to LDR provided protective mechanisms that allow the body to survive better.

Effects of gamma irradiation treatment on ROS accumulation and carotenoid metabolism in postharvest Cara Cara fruit (Citrus sinensis L. Osbeck) during storage

This study evaluated the effect of low-dose gamma irradiation (0.3–0.9 kGy) on carotenoid accumulation in Cara Cara fruit (Citrus sinensis L. Osbeck) during storage. Additionally, the irradiation-induced ROS (reactive oxygen species) response and transcriptional levels of carotenoid biosynthesis genes were investigated. Immediate irradiation caused a temporary decrease in most carotenoid levels; however, values recovered during storage and were even higher than those of the control, particularly at 0.6 kGy, especially for carotenoid precursors and carotenes. The upregulated expression of psy, zds and lcyb during majority of the storage period, coupled with the strengthened interaction among adjacent carotenoids, might contribute to the enhanced accumulation of carotenoids in irradiated fruit. A highly positive correlation was found among ROS content, total carotenoids, and upstream expression of zds and lcyb, suggesting that the enhanced carotenoid content in irradiated Cara Cara fruits might be regulated by zds and lcyb in response to ROS accumulation. Antioxidant enzymes of APX, SOD, and CAT levels were significantly correlated with ROS accumulation. In summary, gamma irradiation (0.6 kGy) elevated the levels of carotenoids and antioxidant enzymes, which were potentially modulated by ROS in response to irradiation stress.

Low-dose gamma radiation controls let -7a and miR-21 in a solid tumor model.

Low-dose gamma radiation controls let -7a and miR-21 in a solid tumor model.

Combined Effect of Gamma Radiation and Heavy Metals on Some Living Organisms.

The purpose of this study was to systematise scientific publications on the combined effect of gamma radiation and heavy metals on living organisms. For this purpose, the method of analysis was applied, by means of which scientific papers in PubMed, Google Scholar, and other related databases were analysed for compliance with the inclusion criteria, where the objects of research were toxic effects of radiation and heavy metals on cells and adaptation processes. The results revealed that the study of the problem was carried out on organisms such as microalgae, fungi, weed and agricultural plants, fish, laboratory rats, and human cell cultures. In most studies, an antagonistic effect between low doses of gamma radiation and heavy metal salts was reported, which was manifested by a reduction in the cytotoxicity of isolated exposure to each agent separately. However, there are studies showing additive effects, especially in heavy metals. At the molecular level, heavy metal accumulation in combination with low doses of radiation (typically defined as less than 0.1Gy or sievert) induces the expression of metallothionein proteins, which can bind free radicals. At the metabolic level, this is manifested by a decrease in lipid peroxidation products, activation of antioxidant enzymes, and a decrease in apoptosis. The study proved both a direct relationship between zinc and cadmium accumulation in cells and inhibition of caspases and an indirect one, by maintaining mitochondrial membrane integrity through metallothionein.

Determination of Photothermal and EMI Shielding Efficiency of Graphene-Silver Nanoparticle Composites Prepared under Low-Dose Gamma Irradiation.

Silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) have been produced by low-dose (1-20 kGy) gamma irradiation of silver nitrate in the presence of graphene-based material (graphene oxide or electrochemically exfoliated graphene). The large surface area of those graphene-based materials combined with the presence of oxygen-containing functional groups on the surface provided successful nucleation and growth of Ag nanoparticles, which resulted in a uniformly covered graphene surface. The obtained Ag nanoparticles were spherical with a predominant size distribution of 10-50 nm for graphene oxide and 10-100 nm for electrochemically exfoliated graphene. The photothermal efficiency measurement showed a temperature increase upon exposure to a 532 nm laser for all samples and the highest photothermal efficiency was measured for the graphene oxide/Ag NP sample prepared at 5 kGy. Electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding efficiency measurements showed poor shielding for the composites prepared with graphene oxide. On the other hand, all composites prepared with electrochemically exfoliated graphene showed EMI shielding to some extent, and the best performance was measured for the samples prepared at 5 and 20 kGy doses.

Cytokine storm modulation using cholecalciferol and low dose gamma radiation in Escherichia coli infected mice.

This work investigates the efficiency of cholecalciferol and low dose gamma radiation in modulating cytokine storm through their impact on inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokine and protecting against lung and liver injuries. Male Swiss albino mice were exposed to 0.2 Gy gamma radiation/week for four consecutive weeks then injected intraperitoneally (i.p) with a single dose of 8.3 × 106 CFU Escherichia coli/g b.w. then injected i.p. with 1.0 mg/kg cholecalciferol (Vit D3) for 7 days starting 4 h after E. coli injection. The results revealed that Cholecalciferol and low dose gamma radiation caused significant depletion in the severity of E. coli infection (colony forming unit per milliliter), log10 of E. coli, Tumor necrosis factor alpha, Interleukin 6, VEGF, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase levels and significant elevation in IL-10, IL-4, and HO-1. Immunohistochemical analysis of caspase-3 expression in lung tissue section showed low caspase-3 expression in cholecalciferol and low dose gamma radiation treated group. Histopathological examinations were performed in both lung and liver tissues which also emphasis the biochemical findings. Our results exhibit the importance of cholecalciferol and low dose gamma radiation in improving liver function and providing anti-inflammatory response in diseases causing cytokine storm.

Exploring low-dose gamma radiation effects on monoterpene biosynthesis in Thymus vulgaris: insights into plant defense mechanisms.

Thymus vulgaris, commonly known as thyme, is a plant renowned for producing monoterpenes. This study aimed to understand the effects of low-dose gamma radiation, specifically in the range of 1-5Gy, on various traits of Thymus vulgaris, providing context on its importance in agricultural and medicinal applications. The research explored morpho-physiological, biochemical, and gene-expression responses in thyme plants under no gamma- and gamma-ray exposure conditions. The study revealed complex relationships between gamma-ray doses and plant characteristics. In particular, shoot and root lengths initially increased with low doses (1-3Gy) but decreased at higher doses (5Gy), suggesting a dose-dependent threshold effect. Similarly, shoot and root fresh weights displayed an initial increase followed by a decline with increasing doses. Biochemical parameters showed dose-dependent responses, with low to moderate doses (1-3Gy) stimulating enzyme activities and high doses (5Gy) inhibiting them. Gene expression analysis was focused on the following specific genes: thymol synthase, γ-terpinene synthase, and carvacrol synthase. Low to moderate doses increased the expression of these genes, resulting in increased production of bioactive compounds. However, higher doses had diminished effects or suppressed gene expression. Metabolite analysis demonstrated dose-dependent responses, with moderate doses enhancing secondary metabolite production, while higher doses provided limited benefits. These findings underscore the implications of using gamma radiation to enhance secondary metabolite production in plants and its potential applications in agriculture, medicine, and environmental science. The study emphasizes the potential of gamma radiation as an external stressor to influence plant responses and highlights the importance of understanding such effects in various fields.

Effect of different Gamma Rays doses on Seed Germination, Seedling parameter on local seed okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.)

The experiment was carried out to study the effect of different gamma irradiation in 100 -800 Gy with non-irradiated control on seed okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.). The study carried in Microbiology Dept. Directorate of Agricultural Research. Ministry of Science and Technology in 2020. The results showed that 100-300 Gy had positive effects with respect to all studied growth seeding parameters. With increase in radiation above 300 Gy a decreasing germination potential, The lowest germination percentage was recorded at 800Gy,speed of germination was noted by Control (10.00 day) followed by gamma irradiation dose 800(9.90 day) and the same dose was logged lowest mean daily germination (7.85 seed day-1 ), higher doses (800,700,600 ) Gy marked reduction in root, shoot length, vigor index , chlorophyll a chlorophyll b .and total chlorophyll. The result showed a decreasing of the fresh weight of okra when radiation dose was increased While, dry weight was increasing when the radiation dose was increased. This study shows that the low dose gamma radiation may enhance the germination rate and the seedling growth during the early seedling state of okra seeds.

Irradiation Behavior of Analgesic and Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug-Loaded UHMWPE for Joint Replacement.

Local delivery of pain medication can be a beneficial strategy to address pain management after joint replacement, as it can decrease systemic opioid usage, leading to less side and long-term effects. In this study, we used ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), commonly employed as a bearing material for joint implants, to deliver a wide set of analgesics and the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug tolfenamic acid. We blended the drugs with UHMWPE and processed the blend by compression molding and sterilization by low-dose gamma irradiation. We studied the chemical stability of the eluted drugs, drug elution, tensile properties, and wear resistance of the polymer blends before and after sterilization. The incorporation of bupivacaine hydrochloride and tolfenamic acid in UHMWPE resulted in either single- or dual-drug loaded materials that can be sterilized by gamma irradiation. These compositions were found to be promising for the development of clinically relevant drug-eluting implants for joint replacement.

Degradation Characteristics for HTV Silicone Rubber in a Condition of Low-dose Gamma Irradiation

Degradation Characteristics for HTV Silicone Rubber in a Condition of Low-dose Gamma Irradiation

Impact of low-dose gamma irradiation treatment on microbial and chemical properties of raw milk white cheese

Using raw milk in cheese-making has microbiological risks, however a considerable number of artisan cheese makers around the world prefer raw milk, as heat treatment damages natural microbiota and alters the characteristic taste and flavor of the cheese. The potential of the gamma irradiation process to make the raw milk cheese microbiologically safe was investigated in this study. A total of 5 groups of cheese were produced, including control groups (control pasteurized milk cheese and control non-irradiated raw milk cheese). After the white cheese samples were kept in brine for 1 night, they were vacuum-packaged and each group was subjected to gamma irradiation at doses of 1, 2, and 3 kGy, respectively. Chemical composition, pH, acidity, Urea-PAGE images, total aerobic mesophilic bacteria (TAMB), coliform group bacteria, E. coli, yeasts and molds, Lactobacillus and Lactococcus counts of cheese samples were determined during 60 days of storage at 4°C. All analyzes were performed on days 1, 30, and 60 of production. We found that irradiation reduced the microbiological load of the cheeses and slowed down the degradation of αs1-CN and β-CN especially at 3 kGy. Irradiation at 3 kGy successfully inhibited the coliforms and E. coli, however yeast and mold counts were still high due to initial high levels. Our study showed that irradiation of the raw milk cheese is a promising method to reduce the microbial counts to acceptable limits which could reduce the required ripening periods for the microbial safety of raw milk cheeses.

Spirulina as a promising agent in rheumatoid arthritis with no observed hepatic injury

Aim of the workTo examine early mitigation and conservative effects of low-dose gamma radiation (LDR) or spirulina (SPR) algae on inflammation, oxidative stress and liver function in experimentally-induced arthritis in rats, and comparing such effects to conventionally used rheumatoid arthritis (RA) drugs; methotrexate (MTX) and hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) in an attempt to unleash a safer remedy/therapeutic modality for RA management. Materials and methodsMale Wister albino rats were rendered arthritic by sub-plantar injection of 0.1 ml Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA). Adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) rats were treated with each of LDR (0.5 Gy at day 0 of arthritis induction), MTX (1 mg/kg/week, intra-peritoneal), HCQ sulphate (15 mg/kg/day, orally), MTX + HCQ, and SPR (1 g/kg/day, orally) for 28 days. ResultsSub-plantar injection of FCA led to marked increase in paw volume accompanied with increased serum level of C-reactive protein (CRP) and oxidative stress markers including malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) levels. Exposure to LDR did not induce any significant alteration in the estimated parameters. Treatment with MTX and HCQ alone or combined induced deterioration in liver function (transaminases), insignificantly reduced paw edema, yet failed to attenuate CRP, MDA and NO levels. Instead, treatment with SPR significantly guarded against changes in nearly all measured parameters and kept liver function at normal level. ConclusionThis is a leading work showing the hepato-preservative impact of spirulina as a promising alternative therapy during the course management of RA. It could thus be considered as a potential option in the management armamentarium of RA.

Short- and long-term effects of radiation exposure at low dose and low dose rate in normal human VH10 fibroblasts.

Experimental studies complement epidemiological data on the biological effects of low doses and dose rates of ionizing radiation and help in determining the dose and dose rate effectiveness factor. Human VH10 skin fibroblasts exposed to 25, 50, and 100 mGy of 137Cs gamma radiation at 1.6, 8, 12 mGy/h, and at a high dose rate of 23.4 Gy/h, were analyzed for radiation-induced short- and long-term effects. Two sample cohorts, i.e., discovery (n = 30) and validation (n = 12), were subjected to RNA sequencing. The pool of the results from those six experiments with shared conditions (1.6 mGy/h; 24 h), together with an earlier time point (0 h), constituted a third cohort (n = 12). The 100 mGy-exposed cells at all abovementioned dose rates, harvested at 0/24 h and 21 days after exposure, showed no strong gene expression changes. DMXL2, involved in the regulation of the NOTCH signaling pathway, presented a consistent upregulation among both the discovery and validation cohorts, and was validated by qPCR. Gene set enrichment analysis revealed that the NOTCH pathway was upregulated in the pooled cohort (p = 0.76, normalized enrichment score (NES) = 0.86). Apart from upregulated apical junction and downregulated DNA repair, few pathways were consistently changed across exposed cohorts. Concurringly, cell viability assays, performed 1, 3, and 6 days post irradiation, and colony forming assay, seeded just after exposure, did not reveal any statistically significant early effects on cell growth or survival patterns. Tendencies of increased viability (day 6) and reduced colony size (day 21) were observed at 12 mGy/h and 23.4 Gy/min. Furthermore, no long-term changes were observed in cell growth curves generated up to 70 days after exposure. In conclusion, low doses of gamma radiation given at low dose rates had no strong cytotoxic effects on radioresistant VH10 cells.

Effects of exposing Japanese quail eggs to a low dose of gamma radiation and in ovo feeding by two sources of trace elements on embryonic development activities

The present study investigated the influence of exposing quail eggs to low-dose gamma radiation (GR) and in ovo feeding with 2 sources of a mixture of trace elements (Zn, Fe, and Cu), including sulfate (TES) and loaded with montmorillonite (TEM), on embryonic development activities and prehatch quality. A total of 960 eggs on the seventh day of incubation were randomly divided into 6 groups (160 eggs/group) with 4 replicate of 40 eggs in each. A 3 × 2 factorial arrangement experiment was performed and included 3 sources in ovo feeding with a mixture of trace elements (Zn, Fe, and Cu), including 0 mg/egg, 50 mg TES/egg, and 50 mg TEM/egg with egg irradiation using 0 and 0.2 Gy from GR. Eggs injected with 50 mg TEM/egg and exposed to 0.2 Gy from GR (TEM/GR) was significantly (P ≤ 0.05 and 0.01) higher in hatchability, hatch body weight, and relative organ weight (liver, gizzard, proventriculus, heart, and intestine). The obtained results indicated significant (P ≤ 0.05) decreased in the serum concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) in TEM/GR group. There was significant (P ≤ 0.05) increased of catalase (CAT) activity and the concentrations of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) in TEM/GR group; however; total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) was significant (P ≤ 0.05) increased in CT/GR group. Serum concentrations of immunoglobulin M (IgM) (P ≤ 0.05) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) were increased in the TEM/CR group; the concentration of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) significant (P ≤ 0.05) increased in the TEM/GR group; and interleukins (IL6 and IL10) showed no significant differences among the groups. Our results showed increase in thyroxine and myostatin concentrations with TES/CR and CT/GR of our study groups, respectively. The relative mRNA expression levels of the GH, IGF-1, and Fas cell surface death receptor (FAS) genes were significantly (P ≤ 0.05 and 0.01) upregulated in the liver tissue of the TEM/GR group compared with the other groups. In conclusion, TEM/GR was the best treatment for improving prehatch quality, increasing serum antioxidant enzyme activities, and promoting the expression of growth and immune genes in fertilized quail eggs.

Bradysia (Sciara) coprophila larvae up-regulate DNA repair pathways and down-regulate developmental regulators in response to ionizing radiation.

The level of resistance to radiation and the developmental and molecular responses can vary between species, and even between developmental stages of one species. For flies (order: Diptera), prior studies concluded that the fungus gnat Bradysia (Sciara) coprophila (sub-order: Nematocera) is more resistant to irradiation-induced mutations that cause visible phenotypes than the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster (sub-order: Brachycera). Therefore, we characterized the effects of and level of resistance to ionizing radiation on B. coprophila throughout its life cycle. Our data show that B. coprophila embryos are highly sensitive to even low doses of gamma-irradiation, whereas late-stage larvae can tolerate up to 80 Gy (compared to 40 Gy for D. melanogaster) and still retain their ability to develop to adulthood, though with a developmental delay. To survey the genes involved in the early transcriptional response to irradiation of B. coprophila larvae, we compared larval RNA-seq profiles with and without radiation treatment. The up-regulated genes were enriched for DNA damage response genes, including those involved in DNA repair, cell cycle arrest, and apoptosis, whereas the down-regulated genes were enriched for developmental regulators, consistent with the developmental delay of irradiated larvae. Interestingly, members of the PARP and AGO families were highly up-regulated in the B. coprophila radiation response. We compared the transcriptome responses in B. coprophila to the transcriptome responses in D. melanogaster from 3 previous studies: whereas pathway responses are highly conserved, specific gene responses are less so. Our study lays the groundwork for future work on the radiation responses in Diptera.