The mechanisms of cardiovascular risks after low radiation doses (CARDIORISK)

Aim of the study

Epidemiological studies have shown that women, who have received radiation therapy for breast cancer, have a higher risk of developing heart and blood vessel atherosclerosis. Similar increase in risk was observed among the survivors of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki. CARDIORISK examines cellular mechanisms that are activated by the low doses of ionising radiation and that lead to the development of heart and blood vessel atherosclerosis.

Implementation

STUK’s part of the project will be executed in collaboration with Helmholz Center in Munich, Germany, and will analyse effects of low doses radiation on cell proteome (HC) and phospho-proteome (STUK). The analysis of phospho-proteome responses to low dose ionising radiation in human endothelial cell line EA.hy926 and mouse primary heart endothelial cells (HUVEC) will be performed at STUK.

Dissemination and exploitation of results

The project will provide information about the possible biochemical mechanisms of the development of radiation-induced atherosclerosis. This information will be of use in development of clinical treatment and in prevention of this disease. Results will be published in a peer-review journal and presented at an international conference. The results will also be included as a part of the final raport of the CARDIORISK project.

Collaborators

Technische Universitaet München – Klinikum Rechts Der Isar, Germany; Technische Universitaet Dresden, Germany; Vereinigte Het Nederlands Kanker Instituut, Netherlands; Institut De Radioprotection Et De Surete Nucleaire, France; Queen’s University Belfast, UK; University of Sheffield, UK; Maria Sklodowska-Curie Memorial Cancer Center, Poland; Helmholtz Zentrum München, Germany; Universitaet Leipzig, Germany and Universiteit Maastricht, the Netherlands.

Timetable

2008–2010

Responsible scientist

Dariusz Leszczynski

Page updated 15/05/2009