The soluble receptor ST2 is positively associated with occupational exposure to radiation

Abstract

Purpose Radiation exposure, besides the risk of cancer, may also increase the risk of non-cancer diseases, including cardiovascular disease (CVD). This study investigates whether the soluble form of the ST2 receptor (sST2), an emerging prognostic marker in patients with CVD, can be used to monitor the CVD risk in individuals occupationally exposed to radiation. Materials and methods sST2 in blood plasma from 69 individuals, 45 workers from the nuclear industry and 24 controls, was analyzed using enzyme-linked assay (ELISA). Total antioxidant status (TAS) of blood plasma and levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in lymphocytes were determined by colorimetric and fluorescence assays. Results The data suggest a 5-fold increase in the number of subjects with sST2 levels above the clinical threshold and a 10-fold increase in the number of subjects with TAS levels outside the reference range in the exposed group when compared to the group of non-exposed individuals. The strongest up-regulation of TAS was measured in the group of younger workers with cumulative doses not exceeding 50 mSv. Conclusion The present study may represent an initial step towards the establishment of sST2 as a biomarker for CVD risk estimation in the context of radiation exposure.

ST2 levels increased and were associated with changes in left ventricular systolic function during a three-year follow-up after adjuvant radiotherapy for breast cancer

“…In heart failure patients and in population-based studies, elevated levels were associated with increased mortality [ [11] , [12] , [13] , [14] , [15] , [16] ]. No studies on the effect of RT alone exist, but radiation exposure was associated with increased ST2 levels in nuclear plant workers [ 17 ].…”

Effects of Occupational Exposure to Ionizing Radiation on Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Markers in Healthcare Workers of a University Hospital in Konya, Turkey

“…In contrast, Malekirad et al (2005) and Kumar et al (2016) found the TAS value to be higher in radiology unit workers. Katsarska et al (2016) and Aneva et al (2019) reported that the TAS value was higher in nuclear power plant workers who were occupationally exposed to gamma radiation compared to the group without radiation exposure. Katsarska et al (2016) also noted high levels of ROS in lymphocytes in the group exposed to radiation.…”

Positively association between novel cardiac biomarkers soluble ST2 and heart Dosimetry parameter in thoracic cancer chest radiation

“…Heart radiation exposure can lead to vascular endothelial cells damage and vascular inflammatory reaction, finally interstitial ischemic fibrosis caused by thrombosis or inflammatory reaction. A study demonstrated that the sST2 levels in workers from the nuclear industry were significantly higher (5 folds) than control group without exposure history [17] . When patients receive chest radiotherapy, the heart would be exposed to large doses x ray in a short time, especially in central lung tumors and esophageal cancer.…”