Chronic Contamination of Rats with 137Cesium Radionuclide: Impact on the Cardiovascular System

Abstract

Cardiovascular system impairment has been observed in children and in liquidators exposed to the Chernobyl nuclear power plant accident. No experimental studies of animals have analyzed whether these disorders might be attributed to chronic ingestion of low levels of cesium 137 ((137)Cs). Biochemical, physiological, and molecular markers of the cardiovascular system were analyzed in rats exposed through drinking water to (137)Cs at a dose of 500 Bq kg(-1) (6500 Bq l(-1)). Plasma concentrations of CK and CK-MB were higher (+52%, P < 0.05) in contaminated rats. No histological alteration of the heart was observed, but gene expression was modified in the atria. Specifically, levels of ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme) and BNP (brain natriuretic peptide) gene expression increased significantly (P < 0.05). ECG analysis did not disclose any arrhythmia except ST- and RT-segment shortening (-9% and -11%, respectively, P < 0.05) in rats exposed to (137)Cs. Mean blood pressure decreased (-10%, P < 0.05), and its circadian rhythm disappeared. Overall, chronic contamination by an extreme environmental dose of (137)Cs for 3 months did not result in cardiac morphological changes, but the cardiovascular system impairments we observed could develop into more significant changes in sensitive animals or after longer contamination.

Chronic internal exposure to low dose 137CS induces positive impact on the stability of atherosclerotic plaques by reducing inflammation in APOE-/- MICE

“…Thus far, two studies tested the effects of chronic exposure to 137 Cs, at doses comparable to post-accident exposure, on the cardiovascular system [32,42]. These two studies yielded contradictory results.…”

“…These two studies yielded contradictory results. One reported alterations in the cardiovascular system of children who have lived in contaminated territories [42], whereas the other showed subtle changes in blood pressure and in atrial expression of some genes, without any structural, pathological or clinical disorders, in an animal model [32]. Internal exposure to 137 Cs during several months was previously reported to have no significant effects in different physiological systems (digestive No difference is observed after 6 months exposure, however, after 9 months exposure, a significant increase in αSMA + area is noted for the group exposed to 20 kBq/l.…”

“…These questions are particularly pertinent in the setting where the re-population of contaminated territories is envisioned after a nuclear accident. An experimental study in rats showed that chronic exposure to low doses of 137 Cs decreased mean arterial blood pressure but increased the expression of angiotensin and brain natriuretic peptide [32], which could have opposite effects on atherosclerosis. However, in diabetic mice, repeated low-dose radiation reduced lipid levels and attenuated inflammation [33], and reduced cardiac expression of multiple inflammatory agents [34].…”

The Metabolomic Approach Identifies a Biological Signature of Low-dose Chronic Exposure to Cesium 137

“…5) Experimental studies in rats chronically contaminated by 137 Cs, which is the most persistent radionuclide dispersed in this area (half-life of 30 years), have showed molecular and physiological effects in different metabolic pathways without, however, any major homeostatic deregulation. [7][8][9][10] Currently, analytical sensitivity is increasing with the use of new noninvasive methods. One of these is metabolomics, which appears useful 11) for finding specific biomarkers of chronic radiocesium exposure.…”

Magnetic composites as an effective technology for removal of radioactive cesium

“…Cesium is water soluble and behaves similarly to potassium and sodium in a biological behavior profile. In addition, radioactive cesium can trigger negative health effects including carcinoma of the liver, kidney, bladder, renal function, cardiovascular disease, and gastrointestinal distress (Grignard et al 2008;Guéguen et al 2008;Souidi et al 2006). Matrices as several different polymers, zeolitelike materials, clay minerals, biomass, and metal oxides have previously been investigated for Cs removal (Gupta and Dubey 2005;Mercer and Ames 1978).…”