Fukushima Thyroid Examination Part 4

The Tenth Report of Fukushima Prefecture Health Management Survey was released on February 13, 2013.

The Radiation Medical Science Center of Fukushima Medical University now has an English site where they have complete, official translation of the previous survey results.
http://www.fmu.ac.jp/radiationhealth/results/

However, the newly released result has not been officially translated yet.  Excerpts of the new thyroid examination result are translated into English in this article.  In addition, some critical information from the February 13, 2013 Committee meeting is included.

The thyroid examination section of the survey is shown in this link.
www.pref.fukushima.jp/imu/kenkoukanri/250213siryou2.pdf (Japanese)

It contains new thyroid examination results from April 1, 2012 through January 21, 2013, for Fiscal Year Heisei 24 (FYH24) which ends on March 31, 2013.  As of January 25, 2013, 111,546 of eligible 128,082 children underwent the examination in FYH24.  In FYH23, 38,114 of 47,766 eligible children underwent examination.  As a whole, 149,660 of 175,848 eligible children, about half of the Fukushima children, already underwent examination.

The results compiled up to January 21, 2013 revealed that 41,947 (44.2%) of 94,975 children had thyroid ultrasound abnormalities.  Together with 38,114 children (13,645 or 35.8% had thyroid ultrasound abnormalities) tested in the last half of Fiscal Year Heisei 23 (FYH23)  from October 2011 through March 2012, a total of 55,592 (41.8%) of 133,089 Fukushima children have been found to have ultrasound abnormalities.  

The Fukushima Prefecture Health Management Survey Planning Committee revealed that 10 of 186 eligible for the secondary examination from FYH23 were suspected of having thyroid cancer as a result of the examination.  They reported that three of them were confirmed to have papillary carcinoma of thyroid gland and already had surgery.  The remaining seven have 80% chance of having cancer based on their biopsy results.  These children’s identities were not revealed, including their estimated thyroid exposure dose and place of residence, citing protection of their privacy.

The ten children included 3 boys and 7 girls, and their average age was 15.  The average size of their tumor was 15 mm.

The three children who already had surgery include a female child between age 16 and 18 who had a C assessment in the last result, as publicized in mid-November 2012.  They are all apparently doing well after surgery, being followed on an outpatient basis at this time.

There were 549 children eligible for secondary examination from FYH24, with 200 more children likely to be added from Koriyama-city and Miharu-machi where the primary examination is currently conducted.  Of these 549 children, 36 have finished the secondary examination, but the results have not been released.


The percentage of abnormalities from FYH24 at 44.2% is higher than previous results of 42.7% and 43.1%, and the overall abnormality rate, for FYH23 and FYH24 combined, of 41.8% is higher than the last result of 40%.  The proportion of children with nodules equal to and larger than 5.1 mm and any size cysts have increased.

 ******

Consideration was given to increase the number of children who could be examined by offering the examination for grade school and junior high school students at schools where the children attend .  In addition, public venues with good traffic access were chosen as the examination sites.

Efforts were made to structure a more effective and efficient examination system so that the examination implementation period may be shortened:
   ● Try to obtain a facility where 700 to 800 may be examined per day.
   ● In actually implementing the examination, manage the sensitivity of the equipment in order to achieve an examination with high standards.  Attempt to examine 700 to 800 children by structuring a more effective reception and guidance.

As of November 1, 2012, the thyroid examination began at facilities outside Fukushima Prefecture for those children who have evacuated Fukushima.  An agreement has been reached with 77 facilities outside Fukushima Prefecture to provide examination.

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Note:
H23 refers to Heisei Year 23, which is the same as 2011.
FYH23 refers to Fiscal Year Heisei 23 which runs from April 1, 2011 through March 31, 2012.
H24 refers to Heisei Year 24, which is the same as 2012.
FYH24 refers to Fiscal Year Heisei 24 which runs from April 1, 2012 through March 31, 2012.

*****
For a complete English translation of the thyroid examination section of the Sixth and Seventh Reports of Fukushima Prefecture Health Management Survey, please refer to these links.
http://fukushimavoice-eng.blogspot.com/2012/07/thyroid-examination-by-fukushima.html
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B68f83tqq7QuZUdCZXhTLVl2dEE/edit?pli=1

For a complete, official English translation of the thyroid examination section of the Eighth Report of Fukushima Prefecture Health Management Survey, please refer to this link.
www.fmu.ac.jp/radiationhealth/results/media/2_Thyroid_Ultrasound_Examination.pdf

For a complete, official translation of the thyroid examination section of the Ninth Report of Fukushima Prefecture Health Management Survey, please refer to this link.
www.fmu.ac.jp/radiationhealth/results/media/9-2_Thyroid.pdf

*****

The Tenth Report of Fukushima Prefecture Health Management Survey (excerpt)
February 13, 2013

Summary of Thyroid Examination Results ①


[Explanation of assessment classifications]
・A1 and A2 will be observed until the next round of examinations (after FYH26 or FY2014).
・B and C will undergo secondary examination.  (Notice of the date and place of the secondary examination will be sent to them).
※A2 will be treated as B if the thyroid gland condition warrants the need for a secondary examination.
※Examination results for FYH24 (FY2012) include completed results up to January 21, 2013.

※Some cases have both nodules and cysts.

*********
Summary of Thyroid Examination Results ②

1. Distribution by age and gender for each assessment classification category.
(For each category the left column shows the number of boys, the middle column shows the number of girls, and the right column shows the total, based on age groups in five-year intervals.)
The upper table is for FYH23 (FY2011).  The lower table is for FYH24 (FY2012), which shows the completed results up to January 21, 2013.


2. Proportion of each assessment classification category by age.  
In the tables of horizontal bar graphs, the left table is for boys and the right for girls.  For each age group, in five-year intervals, the top bar shows FYH23 (FY2011) and the bottom bar FYH24 (FY2012).   



*********
Details of Thyroid Examination Results (FYH24 Exam: Cysts)



①　Size breakdown of cysts found at thyroid examination conducted in FYH24 (FY2012)





Total Results

●Of 94,975 who were examined in FYH24 (FY2012), 41,439 or 43.6% (35.1% in FYH23) had cysts.  
 Of these, 23,833 had cysts equal to or smaller than 3.0 mm, which are considered not to be cysts in ordinary medical examinations,.
 Moreover, 17,606 had cysts equal to or larger than 3.1 mm, comprising 18.5% (16.7% in FYH23) of the total examined.

● More girls tended to have cysts equal to or larger than 3.1 mm (43.7% boys and 56.3 % girls: 43.3% boys and 56.7 % girls in FYH23).

*********
Details of Thyroid Examination Results (FYH24 Exam: Nodules)



①　Size breakdown of nodules found at thyroid examination conducted in FYH24 (FY2012)



② Size distribution of nodules



Total Results

●Of 94,975 who were examined in FYH24 (FY 2012), 951 or 1.0% (1.0% in FYH23) had nodules.

●Of 951 who had nodules, 538, or 0.6% (0.5% in FYH23) of the total examined, had nodules large enough to require secondary examination.
 In addition, 364 of the 538 mentioned above had nodules which were 5.1 mm to 10.0 mm in size, comprising 67.7% (68.5% in FYH23) of the 538 requiring secondary examination.

●174 had nodules which were larger than 10.0 mm, comprising 0.18% (0.15% in FYH23) of the total examined.

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Implementation Status of FYH24 (FY2012) Secondary Thyroid Examination

■Summary of Secondary Thyroid Examination (All-prefecture Preliminary Examination)

FYH23 examination: 186 qualified.
                                 151 finished and 76 had biopsy.  
                                 10 had suspicion of thyroid cancer.
                                 3 were confirmed to have papillary thyroid cancer and had surgery.
                                  
FYH24 examination: 549 qualified with 200+ more anticipated.
                                 Currently being conducted.
                                 9 had biopsy, but results not released yet.                           

■　Implementation status of secondary thyroid examination (All-prefecture preliminary examination).  (As of January 28, 2013)



※1 Those who will be re-checked at the standard examination after April 2014 due to the absence of abnormalities.
※2 Those who have moved onto regular medical care schedule, to be re-checked mostly 6 months to one year later.

■ Implementation Schedule for FYH24 and FYH 25 Secondary Thyroid Examination

Implementation Schedule for FYH25 Thyroid Examination

(All-prefecture Preliminary Examination)

Radioactive Cesium and Heart Chapter 4: Pathophysiological Characteristics of Effects of Radioactive Cesium on Heart

By Yury Bandazhevsky

Revised English translation by Yuri Hiranuma

Original full version “Radioactive Caesium and Heart”
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B3fFCVXEJlbvQkluX2tocjVZd2c/edit

    Thus, it is possible to make a conclusion about harmful influences of this radionuclide on the cardiovascular system after analyzing the following data: results of ECG examination of the children of various ages with varying degrees of incorporation of radioactive cesium in the body; microscopic studies of organs of individuals in the territories affected by the Chernobyl accident; and lastly laboratory experiments with animals.  This effect is manifested not only due to its direct impact on cellular structures but also its indirect influences through a series of systems, in particular the nervous and endocrine systems.

    A direct effect of radioactive cesium on the heart is due to its selective accumulation in the myocardial cells compared to other organs and tissues (Fig. 9 &10).  Perhaps it is due to the intensive functioning of the Na+/K+ pump: since Cs-137 is similar to potassium, it is absorbed by cardiomyocytes fairly easily.  This process involves the structures of cellular membranes, and this radionuclide interacts with them easily.15 This is accompanied by suppression of a very essential enzyme such as creatine phosphokinase, which is involved in the cellular energetic metabolism: accumulation, transport, and utilization of high energy phosphates.  Creatine phosphokinase (CPK) catalyzes the reversible phosphorylation reaction which involves transfer of a phosphate group from adenosine triphosphate (ATP) to creatine and from phosphocreatine to adenosine diphosphate (ADP). 1

Figure 9. Accumulation of Cs-137 in organs and bodies of experimental animals
1-heart, 2-liver, 3-spleen, 4-kidneys, 5-whole body

Figure 10. Accumulation of Cs-137 in the internal organs of albino rats with a daily intake of 180 Bq
1-whole body, 2-liver, 3-kidneys, 4-myocardium, 5-spleen, 6-skeletal muscles, 7-testicles, 8-lungs
    Creatine phosphokinase is localized in different subcellular structures: cytoplasm, mitochondria, microsomes, nuclei, sarcoplasmic reticulum and myofibrils. According to the existing concept, mitochondrial creatine phosphokinase catalyzes the formation of phosphocreatine from ATP, which is produced within the mitochondrial matrix as a result of oxidative phosphorylation. The resulting phosphocreatine moves into the cytoplasm according to the concentration gradient or by rapid diffusion to specific isoenzymes of creatine phosphokinase and in particular to be:

· related to the structures responsible for muscle contraction; the M-line of myofibrils.
· associated with the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ adenosine triphosphatase.

· related to the sarcoplasm and the Na+/K+ adenosine triphosphatase.
· associated with postsynaptic membrane, rich in acetylcholine receptors and ATPases.
    Mitochondrial creatine phosphokinase holds together the outer and inner surfaces of the mitochondrial membrane, creating its structure.1  
    Localization of creatine phosphokinase in the area of M-line creates conditions that allow continuous renewal of ATP to ensure proper contractile function of myofibrils (Fig. 11).  The resulting creatine returns to mitochondria in order to again become a substrate for phosphorylation.  

Figure 11. Intercalated disks of cardiac muscles (scheme).
1-basement membrane of cardiomyocyte, 2-sarcolemma of cardiomyocyte, 3-mitochondrion, 4-myofibrils, 5-sarcoplasma, 6-cytoplasmic network, 7-thin filament (actin), 8-thick filament (myosin), 9-intercalated disk, 10-light disk (I-band), 11-dark disk (A-band), 12-Z disk, 13-M-disk, 14-desmosome (macular adherans), 15 nexus (gap junction), 16-fascia adherens (by Bargmann & Schulce; modified).

    Thus a decrease in the enzyme activity indicates serious structural and metabolic defects in the energetic complex of cardiomyocytes.  This is observed as changes in the mitochondrial system in the form of an increase in the number and size of mitochondria and the increase in the number of lamellar cristae and their subsequent destruction.  It is also observed as aggregation of mitochondria and changes in the number of intermitochondrial contacts (Fig.12).

Figure 12. Aggregation, increase in the  number, and increase in the size of mitochondria of cardiomyocytes of rats with incorporation of radioactive cesium in the body at 45 Bq/kg. Magnification X30,000.

    Inhibition of the energy complex could be related to a direct influence of radioactive cesium on the membrane structure as well as an influence of several metabolites, particularly thyroid hormones, considering that these hormones have toxic effects on the mitochondrial system. 13　In this regard, activities of creatine phosphokinase are  inhibited in Graves’ disease or in experimentally induced hyperhyroidism. 1   It is possible that under the influence of radioactive cesium an increased amount of free thyroxin damages myocardial cells by affecting these enzymes.  This hypothesis is proven by the increase in the frequency of ECG changes that parallels the free thyroxine level in blood of children with radioactive cesium incorporation of higher than 37 Bq/kg (Fig. 13).  Thus it is possible to assume the role of thyroxin in occurrence of arrhythmias.
 



Figure 13. Dependence of serum thyroxine (T4) level in children on the amount of incorporated Cs-137 (P <0.001 between Groups 1 and 3).

    In men, activity of creatine phosphokinase is greater than in women. 1   It cannot be ruled out that the vulnerability of this enzyme in myocardial cells under the influence of radioactive cesium is the leading cause of sudden deaths in men.8,29,41
    It should be noted that a decrease in the activity of alkaline phosphatase in the myocardial structures is indicative of the development of degenerative processes specific for exposure to ionizing radiation. 36
    The nature of structural changes, in the myocardial cells of laboratory animals with the incorporation of radioactive cesium and individuals living in areas contaminated with radioactive cesium, indicates impairment of permeability of sarcoplasmic reticulum membrane for Ca2+.  This may be due to the direct effect of this radionuclide on the cell membrane as well as the radioactive rays emitted as it decays.  The resulting peroxidation of fatty acid chains of phospholipids leads to changes in the cell membrane’s structure and permeability to different ions, including Ca2+ .  At the same time, it naturally changes the activity of membrane-bound enzymes.  Excess production of free hydroxy radicals and amplification of lipid peroxidation contribute to the destruction of cell membranes.

    The Ca2+ transport system of the myocardial sarcoplasmic reticulum is actively involved in the process of contraction-relaxation of myofibrils by way of releasing and accumulation of Ca2+.  If the system is damaged due to various agents, including radioactive cesium, the level of free Ca2+ in cardiomyocytes increases and the relaxation of myofibrils is disrupted.

    Changes in the contractile apparatus are reflected in changes observed in the double ray refraction of myofibrils: appearance of segmental and subsegmental contractures, intracellular myocytolysis, primary cluster disintegration of myofibrils, cytolysis, and eventually coagulative or colliquative necrosis. 32
    Contractive alterations of segmental and subsegmental types are defined in the polarized light by enhancement of the anisotropy of the A-band of myofibrils.  They look like a radiant cross strip with cross sections of striated myofibrils between them.  When examined under the light microscope, they are visible due to the greater density and eosinophilia.  Ten days’ worth of radioactive cesium incorporation by rats of Vistar line (cesium concentration was 60-100 Bq/kg) also led to these alterations (Fig. 14).



Figure 14. Histological section of animal myocardium after incorporation of radioactive cesium in food (concentration in the body at 100 Bq/kg).  Diffuse contracture in myofibrils of cardiomyocytes.  Diffuse myocytolysis.  Focal infiltration of lymphohistiocytic cells.  Stained with hemotoxylin and eosin.  Magnification X125.
 
In the primary cluster disintegration of myofibrils, the isotropic spaces are found between anisotropic clusters (Fig 15).  This, unlike contractures, is severe and irreversible damages to cardiomyocytes indicating their death.  It should be noted that primary cluster disintegration is often found in acute cardiac insufficiency. 30,31

Figure 15. Histological section of myocardium of  a woman who died in childbirth.  Radioactive cesium concentration in heart at 105 Bq/kg.  Primary cluster disintegration of myofibrils.  Loosening of muscle fibers.  Intermuscular edema. Stained with hematoxylin and eosin.  Magnification X250.

Cytolysis or in vivo autolysis of myocardiocytes is also an irreversible condition.  It tends to be diffuse under the influence of radioactive cesium (Fig. 16,17).
Figure 16. Histological section of animal myocardium after incorporation of radioactive cesium (concentration in the body at 900 Bq/kg).  Diffuse myocytolysis.  Pronounced intertissue edema.  Stained with hematoxylin and eosin.  Magnification X125.

Figure 17. Histological section of myocardium of a 43-year-old Dobrush resident who died suddenly. Raioactive cesium concentration 45 Bq/kg.  Diffuse myocytolysis.  Intermuscular edema.  Fragmentation of muscle fibers.  Stained with hematoxylin and eosin.  Magnification x125.

    The above changes are observed not only under the exposure to radioactive cesium but also when there are metabolic damages due to intoxication, hypoxia, or functional overload 14,24,40 and under the influence of extreme environmental factors contributing to the development of stress reactions. 27,28,31  It is observed that these reactions occur when the  Ca2+  concentration in cardiomyocytes is increased. 28

    The leading role in the mechanism of injury is played by the effects of catecholamines (noradrenaline, adrenaline) on the beta-adrenergic receptors of the myocardium.  This does not have any connection with ischemic damage to the heart. 28
    The total scheme of the effects on heart is influenced by a wide variety of factors through stress reactions.  High concentrations of catecholamines increase the number and timing of opening of the voltage-dependent and receptor-dependent calcium channels, resulting in the accumulation of Ca2+ in cardiomyocytes.  In addition, cells of conducting system are damaged earlier and to a greater degree, since they have low resting potential and the input ion current, which is responsible for the action potential, is primarily calcium.10   Moreover, this system has predominantly adrenergic innervation. 28

    As a result of the process, cells end up with a high concentration of Ca2+.   When these Ca2+ are inappropriately released from the cell, arrhythmias, or rhythm disturbances can occur.  We emphasize that it is directly related to the function of the cationic pumps.  A significant role in the energy supply for the pump is played by the creatine phosphokinase and glycolytic systems. 28  In order to cause relaxation of myocardium and break bridges between thin actin and thick myosin myofibrils, it is necessary to coordinate both of these systems.  This includes sarcoplasmic reticulum ATPase, which transports Ca2+  back into the cistern of sarcoplasmic reticulum.  It should be noted that this is an energy-requiring process, comprising nearly 15% of all energetic consumption of the cardiac muscles. 25

    Considering the duration of influence of radioactive cesium on people living in the contaminated territories and the suppression of noradrenaline production in the cells of cerebral hemispheres, 23 it is not hard to imagine the leading role of catecholamines in causing contractures of muscle fibers.  It could just happen in cases of strong stress reactions.  In reality, accumulation of Ca2+ in the cells under the influence of radioactive cesium can occur due to the energy deficit caused by damage to the energy supply system within the cell membranes, including mitochondria and structures of sarcoplasmic reticulum.  That is why the cells cannot release Ca2+ in a timely manner.  Calcium ions enter the cells very intensively due to the destruction of membrane phospholipids by free radical hydroxyl groups.  In this situation it does not take much effort to cause significant myocardial damage.  Death of cardiomyocytes can occur due to prolonged energy deficits, caused by physical exertion, acute infectious processes and alcohol intoxication.

    Cardiac activity could be stopped by increasing the concentration of radioactive cesium in the body.  In particular, a rapid administration of a large amount of the Cs-137 radionuclide, reaching the concentration of 1,000 Bq/kg within 5 days, caused cardiac arrest in rats.  In this case the radioactive agent itself became the direct cause of death.   To a lesser degree, the source of recontractions of myofibrils of cardiomyocytes in the presence of radioactive cesium accumulation could be an emotional stress, resulting in the release of catecholamines.  This is due to the fact that in long-term cesium toxicity, there is a progressive suppression of function of the sympathetic nervous system, reducing the adaptive reserve of the body.17  At the same time it is impossible to exclude the role of catecholamines in cardiac damage under the influence of radioactive cesium.

    This has been confirmed by the results of clinical and laboratory testing of children with chronic gastrointestinal pathology.  There was a directly proportional relationship between the frequency of hypersympatheticotonic variant of the autonomic nervous system reactivity and the amount of radioactive cesium in the body.  Based on the above data, it is necessary to conclude that the energy deficit in the calcium transport system, appearing during the radioactive cesium incorporation, leads to disruption of cardiac rhythm, disorders of contractile apparatus of cardiomyocytes, and eventually cardiac arrest.

    Injuries to the cardiovascular system could not be examined separately from other organs and systems, particularly the kidneys.  As the main organ of excretion of radioactive cesium from the body,16 kidneys are significantly affected even at a small Cs-137 concentration.  Kidneys also undergo similar damaging effects as the cardiovascular system, first and foremost in the glomerular apparatus. 6,7   In the muscle fibers within the arterioles, there are changes identical to those observed in the myocardium.  Contractures of myofibrils lead to a prolonged spasm of the arterioles, stopping the circulation in the structures of the nephron.  Deaths of cellular elements form a specific structural change in the glomeruli, a phenomenon called melting icicles.  Dystrophic and necrobiotic changes gradually appear, accompanied by wrinkling and fragmentation of the glomeruli (Fig. 18 &19).  

Figure 18. Histological section of albino rat kidney with a radioactive cesium concentration in the whole body at 900 Bq/kg.  Necrosis and fragmentation of glomeruli with cavity formation.  Necrosis and hyaline droplet dystrophy of tubular epithelium.  Stained with hematoxylin and eosin.  Manification x250.

Figure 19. Histological section of kidney of a 71-year-old female patient in Gomel.  She died of adhesions of abdominal cavity and right lung acute lobar pneumonia with consolidation and fibrino-purulent component, complicated by bilateral pulmonary edema.  Radioactive cesium concentration in kidneys was 300 Bq/kg.  Fluid accumulation in glomerular cavities.  Hyaline droplets and hydropic dystrophy of tubular epithelium.  Interstitial tissue edema.  Stained with hematoxylin and eosin.  Magnification x125.
 
    Cavity formation without any marked cellular reaction is typical as the influence of radioactive cesium on kidney’s tissues.  With the ability to cause hyper-contractions (excess contractions) of muscle fibers in arterioles, this radionuclide damages the processes of vascular microcirculation in kidneys.  It should be noted that there is an absence of necessary inflammatory reactions of the body in response to the damages in kidneys and other organs.  In our opinion, this is due to the suppression of synthesis of biologically active substances, such as inflammatory mediators, in specialized cells.
    Damaged glomeruli cease functioning.  Histologic characteristics of kidneys under the influence of radioactive cesium are the same as those of thrombotic microangiopathy. 2   This is no coincidence.  In both cases, the microcirculatory channeling system of nephron is blocked at the level of arterioles, leading to necrobiotic processes.
    Development of renal insufficiency is the reason for accumulation of metabolic waste products in the body.  They have toxic effects, along with the toxic effects of radioactive cesium itself, on the vital organs and systems.  Also characteristic are the inflammatory processes of serous membranes, particularly of pericardium (Fig. 20) and pleura (Fig. 21).
Figure 20. Histological section of animal myocardium with Cs-137 incorporation at 900 Bq/Kg in the body.  Infiltration of epicardium and pericardium with neutrophils and lymphocytes.  Pronounced myocytolysis.  Stained with hematoxylin and eosin.  Magnification x125.



Figure 21. Histological section of animal lung with Cs-137 incorporation at 900 Bq/kg in the body.  Plethora from rupture of blood vessels in the alveolar lumen.  Infiltration of visceral pleura with neutrophilic leukocytes, lymphocytes and histiocytes.  Stained with hematoxylin and eosin.  Magnification x125.

    Injuries to the vascular system of kidneys may be one of the main reasons for the increase in blood pressure, especially diastolic pressure, in children.  However, considering the hidden, latent course of this pathological process, it could only manifest later, after ordinary medical treatments proved insufficient.  Therefore, regular assessment of kidney and cardiac function must be done in children living in areas contaminated with radioactive cesium, using modern laboratory and technological diagnostic methods.
    Liver is also negatively affected by the influence of radioactive cesium.  Individuals who lived in the Gomel region had significant levels of radioactive cesium in their liver. 6  In most of those cases, histologic examinations revealed marked dystrophic and necrobiotic changes in the hepatocytes (Fig. 22).

Figure 22.  Histological section of liver from a 40-year-old Gomel resident who died of sudden death.  Radioactive cesium concentration in the liver was 142 Bq/kg.  Fat and protein degeneration with necrosis of hepatocytes.  Stained with hematoxylin and eosin.  Magnification x125.

    Similar changes were observed in the experimental animals under the influence of radioactive cesium.  Immediately there was a disruption of the hepatocyte function, particularly synthetic and detoxifying functions.

    Impairment to the synthetic function of hepatocytes is manifested as a progressive decrease in the synthesis of L1-globulin and L2-globulin with an increasing concentration of radioactive cesium in the body.  This will undoubtedly affect the state of metabolism in other organs, including the heart.
    Oxidation of steroid hormones, especially the adrenal cortical hormones, takes place in the liver.  Also destruction of catecholamines, the hormones of adrenal medulla, noradrenaline and adrenalin, takes place by way of methylation reaction.  A huge role of liver is detoxification of ammonia, by utilizing it in the synthesis of urea.  Inefficiency in both synthetic and detoxifying functions of liver leads to the appearance of metabolic dysfunction, which leads to an adverse effect on the state of myocardium.
    Thus, metabolic dysfunction, occurring in the body incorporating radioactive cesium, may contribute to disturbances in the structure and function of cardiomyocytes.

Conclusion

    While working on this book, I kept thinking about the need to inform every civilized individual of the dangers of radioactive substances when incorporated into the body.  Unfortunately, the attitude of the present society to this issue is, at best, indifference.  We pay a very high price for this in the form of human lives.  Intelligent ignorance leads to a tragedy.  To a great extent the blame rests on medical scientists.  Not only did they not try to inform population using previously obtained data, but they did not study adverse changes in the body due to incorporation of radionuclides.
    I am aware that this little book cannot make up for the lack of information on the existing problem.  Nevertheless,  I hope it will raise some interest, leading to discussion of the problem.  This will undoubtedly be helpful.

    Based on the information presented, some conclusions can be drawn.

    Whether we like it or not, radionuclides, especially radioactive cesium, are present in our environment.  Without any protective measures, they enter a human body mainly through food and water, becoming incorporated in organs and tissues.  The greatest danger to human life represents the incorporation of radioactive cesium in the cardiac muscles of growing bodies.
    When myocardial cells are penetrated by the radionuclide Cs-137, structural and metabolic changes follow, leading to the energy deficits and disruption of their main functions, and in some cases death.  A series of changes occur, indicating direct damage of the cardiac muscles as well as damage to many organs and systems regulating its activity.  Cardiomyocytes are damaged not only directly due to radioactive cesium but also due to natural metabolites when there is disruption in their production, transport, binding, excretion, and degradation (Fig. 23).

Figure 23. Diagram for the influence of radioactive cesium on cardiomyocytes
(CPK=creatine phosphokinase, ATP=adenosine triphosphate)

    Degree of severity of pathological changes is directly dependent on the amount of radioactive cesium in the body and cardiac muscles. Long-term incorporation of the radionuclide in the body greater than 30 Bq/kg is highly undesirable, possibly leading to serious consequences.
    In most cases the effect of existing concentration of radioactive cesium in the body (10-20 Bq/kg) does not lead to death.  However, the influence of radioactive cesium on the energy apparatus of cardiomyocytes significantly reduces their adaptive capacity.  It might become impossible to  function in a variety of stressful and ordinary situations, such as physical and mental stress, hypoxia, extreme temperature fluctuations, drinking alcohol, infections, and allergic diseases.
　   
    It should be recognized that radioactive cesium is a potent damaging agent and it should be treated as a delayed poison to cell actions.  

    Undermining the energetic mechanism for cardiomyocytes, it causes cardiomyopathy, characterized by cardiac rhythm disturbances, abnormalities in myocardial contractility, and spasms of peripheral blood vessels.  It should be noted that the effect of incorporated radioactive cesium on humans and animals suggests its involvement in energetic and metabolic processes, primarily as a chemical element rather than a source of radiation.  Nevertheless, the latter involvement, as a source of radiation, cannot be excluded completely.  This is especially pronounced with prolonged exposure to small amounts of this radionuclide.  The main reason for pathological changes of the kidney due to the influence of radioactive cesium is arteriole spasm, which causes necrosis of the glomerular loops and destruction of the nephron structures.  The vasoconstrictive effect of cesium was noted by S.S. Botkin in 1888. 11

    Therefore, radioactive cesium is one of the major etiologic factors in high blood pressure in children living in radioactively contaminated areas.  This has been confirmed by numerous observations. 20
    As the basis of prophylaxis of cardiovascular diseases in population living in the areas affected by the Chernobyl accident, relevant issues include the reduction of the amount of radionuclides, above all radioactive cesium, by reduction of its content in food as well as its elimination from the body with adsorbing agents.  These measures will play an important role in improving the metabolism of myocardium.


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4. Bandazhevsky GS. Functional modifications of myocardium in postnatal ontogenesis under the influence of incorporated radionuclides. PhD thesis. Moscow; 1996.
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6. Bandazhevsky YuI. Pathology of Incorporated Radiation. Minsk: Belarusian State Technical University; 1999.
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