Elucidation of homeostatic mechanism in response to environmental changes due to natural radiation

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21K04954
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 31010:Nuclear engineering-related
• Research Institution: Japan Atomic Energy Agency
• Principal Investigator: Kanzaki Norie 国立研究開発法人日本原子力研究開発機構, 核燃料・バックエンド研究開発部門 人形峠環境技術センター, 研究職 (70826510)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: ラドン / 低線量放射線 / 抗酸化機能

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In this study, we conducted a metabolomic analysis focusing on the antioxidant function after radon inhalation. We comprehensively analyzed metabolites in the lungs and serum, and summarized the results as differences in irradiation conditions. According to serum analysis, the mice developed an antioxidant state after radon inhalation. However, the effect on the lungs following radon inhalation could not be clearly demonstrated. Then, the results were compared with the results of high-dose exposure from X-ray irradiation experiments. Furthermore, data analysis was performed using machine learning. Finally, we suggested that there are differences between biological responses to radon concentration and biological responses to inhalation time.

Free Research Field

放射線生物学、情報科学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究では、ラドン吸入後のマウス肺の被ばく影響を評価するため、抗酸化物質グルタチオンの持つチオール基に余分なイオウが結合した活性イオウ分子種に着目したメタボローム解析を行い、超低線量で慢性的に被ばくしたときの生体内の酸化ストレス状態がどのように制御されているかを明らかにした。被ばくとイオウ代謝の関連は分かっていないことが多く、放射線生物学分野でも新しい有益な知見が得られたと言える。また、適度な外部刺激によって酸化ストレスが制御される機構の一端が解明され、酸化ストレス関連疾患の新しい治療戦略等にも役立つと期待できる。