Development of a point-of-care radiation biodosimeter: studies using novel protein biomarker panels in non-human primates. (2nd January 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Balog, Robert P.; Chang, Polly; Javitz, Harold S.; Lee, Shirley; Lin, Hua; Shaler, Thomas; Cooper, David E.
• Is Part Of: International journal of radiation biology. Volume 96:Number 1(2020)
• Page Start: 35
• Page End: 46
• Publication Date: 2020-01-02
• Subjects: Radiation biodosimetry -- blood biomarkers -- NHP irradiation studies -- immunoassays -- mass spectroscopy; Radiation -- Physiological effect -- Periodicals; Radiobiology -- Periodicals; 571.45
• DOI: 10.1080/09553002.2018.1532612
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0955-3002

Abstract

Abstract: Purpose: There is a need to rapidly triage individuals for absorbed radiation dose following a significant nuclear event. Since most exposed individuals will not have physical dosimeters, we are developing a method to assess exposure dose based on the analysis of a specific panel of blood proteins that can be easily obtained from a fingerstick blood sample. Materials and methods: In three large non-human primate (NHP) studies, animals were exposed to single acute total body doses of x-ray or gamma radiation. A total of 895 blood samples were obtained at baseline and for 7 days after exposure, to evaluate the temporal progression of markers in each of 10 animals (5M/5F) in six dose groups receiving 0–10 Gy. We used tandem mass spectrometry and immunoassay techniques to identify radiation-responsive proteins in blood plasma samples. Results: A blood protein biomarker panel was developed based on analysis of blood plasma samples obtained from several irradiation studies in NHPs that aimed to simulate acute radiation injury in humans from a nuclear exposure event. Panels of several subsets of proteins were shown to accurately classify plasma samples into two exposure groups either above or below a critical dose threshold with sensitivities and specificities exceeding 90%. Conclusion: This study lays the groundwork for developing a radiation biodosimetry triage tool. Our results in NHPs must be compared with those in human patients undergoing radiotherapy to determine if the biomarker panel proteins exhibit a similar radiation response and allow adequate classification power in humans.