Problems of Radiation Medicine and Radiobiology

Bazyka D.,  Sushko V., Chumak A., Buzunov V., Talko V., Yanovych L.

State Institution “National Research Center for Radiation Medicine of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine” – research activities and scientific advance in 2014

Research activities and scientific advance achieved in 2014 at the State Institution “National Research Center for Radiation Medicine of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine” (NRCRM) concerning medical problems of the Chornobyl disaster, radiation medicine, radiobiology, radiation hygiene and epidemiology in collaboration with the WHO network of medical preparedness and assistance in radiation accidents are outlined in the annual report.
Epidemiological cohort studies found increased incidence (1990–2012 gg.) of thyroid cancer in victims of Chernobyl accident (liquidators – in 4.6 times, evacuated – in 4.0 times, residents of contaminated areas – in 1.3 times) and increased incidence of breast cancer in female workers of 1986–1987. (in the 1994–2012 biennium. SIR = 160,0%, 95% CI: 142,4–177,6). Retrospective studies of thyroid cancer (“case-control”) in cohorts and 152 thousand of liquidators were continued together with the US National Cancer Institute. Radiation risks of multiple myeloma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia were found.
Molecular effects of remote period after radiation exposure include changes in gene expression TERF1, TERF2, CCND1, telomere length, the protein expression of cyclin D1, histone gamma-H2AX. An association of molecular changes with cognitive deficits were defined. Genetic polymorphisms of rs2981582 gene FGFR2, rs12443621 gene TNRC9, rs3817198 gene LSP1, rs3803662 gene TNRC9, rs889312 gene MAP3K1 and their association with breast cancer were studied; the expression by tumor cells of estrogen and progesterone receptor, antigens of c-kit, cytokeratins 5/6, TP53 and ki67, amplification status of the gene Her2 / neu, mutation status of the genes BRCA1 (mutations 185delAG and 5382insC) and BRCA2 (mutation 6174delT) were studied. The possibility of persistence of radiation-modified hidden chromosomal instability in consecutive generations of human somatic cells was proven.
The status of reproductive function and peculiarities of baby nutrition in population of contaminated areas were studied. In the framework of National social programs for improving safety, occupational health and working environment in 2014-2018 for the first time in Ukraine developed and successfully completed intercalibration of 18 laboratories for individual monitoring. Studying of medical effects of radiation in interventional cardiologists was started.
Experimental studies concerned the impact of radiomodyficans on cell systems. The report also shows the results of scientific-organizational and health care work, staff training.
The NRCRM Annual Report was approved at the Scientific Council meeting of NAMS on March 17, 2015.

Key words: NRCRM, Chornobyl, radiation effects, epidemiology, radiation hygiene, genomics, treatment of victims, international cooperation, personnel.

Problems of radiation medicine and radiobiology. 2015;20:12-24.