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Zhang Q, Wang W, Shang S, Li X, Zhao T, Zhang P, Wu D, Zhou K, Lu X. Unveiling the immune-modulating power of THz-FEL irradiation. JOURNAL OF PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY. B, BIOLOGY 2024; 259:113017. [PMID: 39226855 DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2024.113017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2024] [Revised: 08/03/2024] [Accepted: 08/16/2024] [Indexed: 09/05/2024]
Abstract
As terahertz (THz) technology advances, the interaction between THz radiation and the living body, particularly its effects on the immune system, has attracted extensive attention but remains poorly understood. This study firstly elucidated that exposure to 3 THz-FEL radiation markedly suppressed contact hypersensitivity reactions in mice induced by DNFB, as evidenced by a reduction in ear thickness and a discernible recovery in the Th1/Th2 cell balance. 3 THz irradiation led to cellular stress in the irradiated skin locale, increasing the levels of IL-4 and IL-10 and modulating the activity and migration of dendritic cells and mast cells. Furthermore, THz irradiation precipitated a rapid alteration in the skin lipidome, altering several categories of bioactive lipids. These findings offer new insights into the immunomodulatory effects of THz radiation on living organisms and the potential underlying mechanisms, with implications for the development of therapeutic approaches in managing skin allergic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of the Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, Shaanxi, China
| | - Weijun Wang
- China Academy of Engineering Physics, Institute of Applied Electronics, Mianyang 621900, Sichuan, China; National Key Laboratory of Science and Technology on Advanced Laser and High Power Microwave, Mianyang 621900, Sichuan, China
| | - Sen Shang
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of the Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xu Li
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of the Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, Shaanxi, China
| | - Tingting Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of the Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, Shaanxi, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- China Academy of Engineering Physics, Institute of Applied Electronics, Mianyang 621900, Sichuan, China; National Key Laboratory of Science and Technology on Advanced Laser and High Power Microwave, Mianyang 621900, Sichuan, China
| | - Dai Wu
- China Academy of Engineering Physics, Institute of Applied Electronics, Mianyang 621900, Sichuan, China; National Key Laboratory of Science and Technology on Advanced Laser and High Power Microwave, Mianyang 621900, Sichuan, China
| | - Kui Zhou
- China Academy of Engineering Physics, Institute of Applied Electronics, Mianyang 621900, Sichuan, China; National Key Laboratory of Science and Technology on Advanced Laser and High Power Microwave, Mianyang 621900, Sichuan, China.
| | - Xiaoyun Lu
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of the Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, Shaanxi, China.
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2
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Zhang M, Xiao W, Zhang C, Zhang L. Terahertz Kerr Effect of Liquids. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 22:9424. [PMID: 36502125 PMCID: PMC9739268 DOI: 10.3390/s22239424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, tremendous advancements have been made in various technologies such as far-infrared, low-frequency Raman, and two-dimensional (2D) Raman terahertz (THz) spectroscopies. A coherent method has emerged from numerous experimental and theoretical investigations of molecular dynamics in liquids by comparing linear and non-linear spectroscopic techniques. Intermolecular hydrogen bond vibration, molecular reorientation motion, and interaction between molecule/ionic solute and hydrogen bonds have been demonstrated to occur in the THz region, which are closely related to their physical/chemical properties and structural dynamics. However, precise probing of various modes of motion is difficult because of the complexity of the collective and cooperative motion of molecules and spectral overlap of related modes. With the development of THz science and technology, current state-of-the-art THz sources can generate pulsed electric fields with peak intensities of the order of microvolts per centimeter (MV/cm). Such strong fields enable the use of THz waves as the light source for non-linear polarization of the medium and in turn leads to the development of the emerging THz Kerr effect (TKE) technique. Many low-frequency molecular motions, such as the collective directional motion of molecules and cooperative motion under the constraint of weak intermolecular interactions, are resonantly excited by an intense THz electric field. Thus, the TKE technique provides an interesting prospect for investigating low-frequency dynamics of different media. In view of this, this paper first summarizes the research work on TKE spectroscopy by taking a solid material without low-frequency molecular motions as an example. Starting from the principle of TKE technology and its application in investigating the properties of solid matter, we have explored the low-frequency molecular dynamics of liquid water and aqueous solutions using TKE. Liquid water is a core of life and possesses many extraordinary physical and biochemical properties. The hydrogen bond network plays a crucial role in these properties and is the main reason for its various kinetic and thermodynamic properties, which differ from those of other liquids. However, the structure of the hydrogen bond network between water and solutes is not well known. Therefore, evaluating the hydrogen bond-related kinetic properties of liquid water is important.
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3
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Sun L, Li Y, Yu Y, Wang P, Zhu S, Wu K, Liu Y, Wang R, Min L, Chang C. Inhibition of Cancer Cell Migration and Glycolysis by Terahertz Wave Modulation via Altered Chromatin Accessibility. Research (Wash D C) 2022. [DOI: 10.34133/2022/9860679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Metastasis and metabolic disorders contribute to most cancer deaths and are potential drug targets in cancer treatment. However, corresponding drugs inevitably induce myeloid suppression and gastrointestinal toxicity. Here, we report a nonpharmaceutical and noninvasive electromagnetic intervention technique that exhibited long-term inhibition of cancer cells. Firstly, we revealed that optical radiation at the specific wavelength of 3.6 μm (i.e., 83 THz) significantly increased binding affinity between DNA and histone via molecular dynamics simulations, providing a theoretical possibility for THz modulation- (THM-) based cancer cell intervention. Subsequent cell functional assays demonstrated that low-power 3.6 μm THz wave could successfully inhibit cancer cell migration by 50% and reduce glycolysis by 60%. Then, mRNA sequencing and assays for transposase-accessible chromatin using sequencing (ATAC-seq) indicated that low-power THM at 3.6 μm suppressed the genes associated with glycolysis and migration by reducing the chromatin accessibility of certain gene loci. Furthermore, THM at 3.6 μm on HCT-116 cancer cells reduced the liver metastasis by 60% in a metastatic xenograft mouse model by splenic injection, successfully validated the inhibition of cancer cell migration by THM in vivo. Together, this work provides a new paradigm for electromagnetic irradiation-induced epigenetic changes and represents a theoretical basis for possible innovative therapeutic applications of THM as the future of cancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan Sun
- Innovation Laboratory of Terahertz Biophysics, National Innovation Institute of Defense Technology, Beijing 100071, China
- School of Psychological and Cognitive Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Yangmei Li
- Innovation Laboratory of Terahertz Biophysics, National Innovation Institute of Defense Technology, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Yun Yu
- Innovation Laboratory of Terahertz Biophysics, National Innovation Institute of Defense Technology, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Peiliang Wang
- Innovation Laboratory of Terahertz Biophysics, National Innovation Institute of Defense Technology, Beijing 100071, China
- Aerospace Information Research Institute, School of Electronic, Electrical and Communication Engineering, University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Key Laboratory of Electromagnetic Illumination and Sensing Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Shengquan Zhu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Precancerous Lesion of Digestive Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Disease, Beijing 100171, China
| | - Kaijie Wu
- Innovation Laboratory of Terahertz Biophysics, National Innovation Institute of Defense Technology, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Yan Liu
- Innovation Laboratory of Terahertz Biophysics, National Innovation Institute of Defense Technology, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Ruixing Wang
- Innovation Laboratory of Terahertz Biophysics, National Innovation Institute of Defense Technology, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Li Min
- Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Precancerous Lesion of Digestive Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Disease, Beijing 100171, China
| | - Chao Chang
- Innovation Laboratory of Terahertz Biophysics, National Innovation Institute of Defense Technology, Beijing 100071, China
- School of Physics, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
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4
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Cherkasova OP, Serdyukov DS, Nemova EF, Ratushnyak AS, Kucheryavenko AS, Dolganova IN, Xu G, Skorobogatiy M, Reshetov IV, Timashev PS, Spektor IE, Zaytsev KI, Tuchin VV. Cellular effects of terahertz waves. JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL OPTICS 2021; 26:JBO-210179VR. [PMID: 34595886 PMCID: PMC8483303 DOI: 10.1117/1.jbo.26.9.090902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
SIGNIFICANCE An increasing interest in the area of biological effects at exposure of tissues and cells to the terahertz (THz) radiation is driven by a rapid progress in THz biophotonics, observed during the past decades. Despite the attractiveness of THz technology for medical diagnosis and therapy, there is still quite limited knowledge about safe limits of THz exposure. Different modes of THz exposure of tissues and cells, including continuous-wave versus pulsed radiation, various powers, and number and duration of exposure cycles, ought to be systematically studied. AIM We provide an overview of recent research results in the area of biological effects at exposure of tissues and cells to THz waves. APPROACH We start with a brief overview of general features of the THz-wave-tissue interactions, as well as modern THz emitters, with an emphasis on those that are reliable for studying the biological effects of THz waves. Then, we consider three levels of biological system organization, at which the exposure effects are considered: (i) solutions of biological molecules; (ii) cultures of cells, individual cells, and cell structures; and (iii) entire organs or organisms; special attention is devoted to the cellular level. We distinguish thermal and nonthermal mechanisms of THz-wave-cell interactions and discuss a problem of adequate estimation of the THz biological effects' specificity. The problem of experimental data reproducibility, caused by rareness of the THz experimental setups and an absence of unitary protocols, is also considered. RESULTS The summarized data demonstrate the current stage of the research activity and knowledge about the THz exposure on living objects. CONCLUSIONS This review helps the biomedical optics community to summarize up-to-date knowledge in the area of cell exposure to THz radiation, and paves the ways for the development of THz safety standards and THz therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga P. Cherkasova
- Institute of Laser Physics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Russian Federation
- Novosibirsk State Technical University, Russian Federation
| | - Danil S. Serdyukov
- Institute of Laser Physics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Russian Federation
- Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Russian Federation
| | - Eugenia F. Nemova
- Institute of Laser Physics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Russian Federation
| | - Alexander S. Ratushnyak
- Institute of Computational Technologies of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Russian Federation
| | - Anna S. Kucheryavenko
- Institute of Solid State Physics of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Russian Federation
- Prokhorov General Physics Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Russian Federation
| | - Irina N. Dolganova
- Institute of Solid State Physics of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Russian Federation
- Sechenov University, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Russian Federation
- Sechenov University, World-Class Research Center “Digital Biodesign and Personalized Healthcare,” Russian Federation
| | - Guofu Xu
- Polytechnique Montreal, Department of Engineering Physics, Canada
| | | | - Igor V. Reshetov
- Sechenov University, Institute for Cluster Oncology, Russian Federation
- Academy of Postgraduate Education FSCC FMBA, Russian Federation
| | - Peter S. Timashev
- Sechenov University, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Russian Federation
- Sechenov University, World-Class Research Center “Digital Biodesign and Personalized Healthcare,” Russian Federation
- N.N. Semenov Institute of Chemical Physics, Department of Polymers and Composites, Russian Federation
- Lomonosov Moscow State University, Department of Chemistry, Russian Federation
| | - Igor E. Spektor
- Prokhorov General Physics Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Russian Federation
| | - Kirill I. Zaytsev
- Prokhorov General Physics Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Russian Federation
- Sechenov University, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Russian Federation
- Bauman Moscow State Technical University, Russian Federation
| | - Valery V. Tuchin
- Saratov State University, Russian Federation
- Institute of Precision Mechanics and Control of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Russian Federation
- National Research Tomsk State University, Russian Federation
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5
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Safonova TN, Fedorov AA, Surnina ZV, Sikach EI, Ozheredov IA. [Experimental investigation of the safety of terahertz radiation in corneal hydration assessment]. Vestn Oftalmol 2021; 137:58-67. [PMID: 34156779 DOI: 10.17116/oftalma202113703158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Application of terahertz (THz) radiation in novel non-invasive biomedical technologies has recently received considerable attention. However, experimental data about the safety of exposure to THz radiation for biological objects (including eye structures in vivo) are limited. To our knowledge, the safety of THz reflectometry (frequency range of 0.30-0.40 THz) has not been closely examined in an animal model with subsequent morphological assessment of corneal tissues. PURPOSE To assess the safety of pulsed THz radiation with various parameters (time, power, and frequency) for the cornea in a rabbit model. MATERIAL AND METHODS The sample for the current study consisted of 18 Chinchilla rabbits (18 eyes). Corneal imaging and epithelial cell density before and after the exposure were evaluated using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). The histological study for objective assessment of the cornea state (day 1 and day 14) was performed after experiment termination. RESULTS Single and multiple exposures of laser radiation at a frequency below 0.1 THz and power density below 30 nW/cm2 do not cause visible structural changes in any layers of the rabbit cornea. The results obtained in the long-term period showed insignificant reversible morphological changes only within the epithelium. CONCLUSION The described parameters of terahertz and subterahertz radiation can be considered safe for assessing changes in corneal epithelium hydration level using non-invasive methods based on THz reflectometry.
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Affiliation(s)
- T N Safonova
- Research Institute of Eye Diseases, Moscow, Russia
| | - A A Fedorov
- Research Institute of Eye Diseases, Moscow, Russia
| | - Z V Surnina
- Research Institute of Eye Diseases, Moscow, Russia
| | - E I Sikach
- Research Institute of Eye Diseases, Moscow, Russia
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6
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Abufadda MH, Erdélyi A, Pollák E, Nugraha PS, Hebling J, Fülöp JA, Molnár L. Terahertz pulses induce segment renewal via cell proliferation and differentiation overriding the endogenous regeneration program of the earthworm Eisenia andrei. BIOMEDICAL OPTICS EXPRESS 2021; 12:1947-1961. [PMID: 33996209 PMCID: PMC8086446 DOI: 10.1364/boe.416158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Terahertz (THz) irradiation of excised Eisenia andrei earthworms is shown to cause overriding of the genetically determined, endogenously mediated segment renewing capacity of the model animal. Single-cycle THz pulses of 5 µJ energy, 0.30 THz mean frequency, 293 kV/cm peak electric field, and 1 kHz repetition rate stimulated the cell proliferation (indicated by the high number of mitotic cells) and both histogenesis and organogenesis, producing a significantly higher number of regenerated segments. The most conspicuous alteration in THz-treated animals was the more intense development of the new central nervous system and blood vessels. These results clearly demonstrate that THz pulses are capable to efficiently trigger biological processes and suggest potential applications in medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud H. Abufadda
- Institute of Physics, University of Pécs, Pécs, 7624, Hungary
- MTA-PTE High-Field Terahertz Research Group, Pécs, 7624, Hungary
| | - Anita Erdélyi
- Institute of Biology, University of Pécs, Pécs, 7624, Hungary
| | - Edit Pollák
- Institute of Biology, University of Pécs, Pécs, 7624, Hungary
| | - Priyo S. Nugraha
- Institute of Physics, University of Pécs, Pécs, 7624, Hungary
- Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, 7624, Hungary
- MTA-PTE High-Field Terahertz Research Group, Pécs, 7624, Hungary
| | - János Hebling
- Institute of Physics, University of Pécs, Pécs, 7624, Hungary
- Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, 7624, Hungary
- MTA-PTE High-Field Terahertz Research Group, Pécs, 7624, Hungary
| | - József A. Fülöp
- Institute of Physics, University of Pécs, Pécs, 7624, Hungary
- Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, 7624, Hungary
- ELI-ALPS, ELI-HU Nonprofit Ltd., Szeged, 6728, Hungary
| | - László Molnár
- Institute of Biology, University of Pécs, Pécs, 7624, Hungary
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Mizuno M, Kitahara H, Sasaki K, Tani M, Kojima M, Suzuki Y, Tasaki T, Tatematsu Y, Fukunari M, Wake K. Dielectric property measurements of corneal tissues for computational dosimetry of the eye in terahertz band in vivo and in vitro. BIOMEDICAL OPTICS EXPRESS 2021; 12:1295-1307. [PMID: 33796354 PMCID: PMC7984789 DOI: 10.1364/boe.412769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Revised: 01/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
The dielectric constant of the normal corneal tissue of a rabbit eye was obtained in vitro in the range from approximately 0.1 to 1 THz, and the drying process on the eye surface exposed to high-power terahertz waves was investigated by in vivo reflectance measurement using terahertz time-domain spectroscopy. When the rabbit eye was exposed to terahertz waves at 162 GHz for 6 min with an irradiation power of 360 or 480 mW/cm2, the reflectance temporally increased and then decreased with a temperature increase. Based on multiple-reflection calculation using the dielectric constant and anterior segment optical coherence tomography images, those changes in reflectance were attributed to drying of the tear and epithelium of the cornea, respectively. Furthermore, the drying progressed over a temperature increase of around 5°C under our exposure conditions. These findings suggest that the possibility of eye damage increases with the progress of drying and that the setting of the eye surface conditions can be a cause of disagreement between computational and experimental data of absorbed energy under high-level irradiation because reflectance is related to terahertz wave penetration in the eye tissue. The time-domain spectroscopic measurements were useful for the acquisition of the dielectric constant as well as for the real-time monitoring of the eye conditions during exposure measurement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya Mizuno
- National Institute of Information and Communications Technology, Koganei, Tokyo 184-8795, Japan
| | - Hideaki Kitahara
- Research Center for Development of Far-Infrared Region, University of Fukui, Fukui 910-8507, Japan
| | - Kensuke Sasaki
- National Institute of Information and Communications Technology, Koganei, Tokyo 184-8795, Japan
| | - Masahiko Tani
- Research Center for Development of Far-Infrared Region, University of Fukui, Fukui 910-8507, Japan
| | - Masami Kojima
- Medical Research Institute, Kanazawa Medical University, Kahoku, Ishikawa 920-0293, Japan
| | - Yukihisa Suzuki
- Graduate School of Systems Design, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-0397, Japan
| | - Takafumi Tasaki
- Medical Research Institute, Kanazawa Medical University, Kahoku, Ishikawa 920-0293, Japan
- Department of Medical Zoology, Kanazawa Medical University, Kahoku, Ishikawa 920-0293, Japan
| | - Yoshinori Tatematsu
- Research Center for Development of Far-Infrared Region, University of Fukui, Fukui 910-8507, Japan
| | - Masafumi Fukunari
- Research Center for Development of Far-Infrared Region, University of Fukui, Fukui 910-8507, Japan
| | - Kanako Wake
- National Institute of Information and Communications Technology, Koganei, Tokyo 184-8795, Japan
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8
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Liu YC, Ke L, Yang SWQ, Nan Z, Teo EPW, Lwin NC, Lin MTY, Lee IXY, Chan ASY, Schmetterer L, Mehta JS. Safety profiles of terahertz scanning in ophthalmology. Sci Rep 2021; 11:2448. [PMID: 33510290 PMCID: PMC7843699 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-82103-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Terahertz (THz) technology has emerged recently as a potential novel imaging modality in biomedical fields, including ophthalmology. However, the ocular biological responses after THz electromagnetic exposure have not been investigated. We conducted a rabbit study to evaluate the safety profiles of THz scanning on eyes, at a tissue, cellular, structural and functional level. Eight animals (16 eyes) were analysed after excessive THz exposure (control, 1 h, 4 h, and 1 week after continuous 4-h exposure; THz frequency = 0.3 THz with continuous pulse generated at 40 µW). We found that at all the time points, the corneas and lens remained clear with no corneal haze or lens opacity formation clinically and histopathologically. No thermal effect, assessed by thermographer, was observed. The rod and cone cell-mediated electroretinography responses were not significantly altered, and the corneal keratocytes activity as well as endothelial viability, assessed by in-vivo confocal microscopy, was not affected. Post-exposed corneas, lens and retinas exhibited no significant changes in the mRNA expression of heat shock protein (HSP)90AB1), DNA damage inducible transcript 3 (DDIT3), and early growth response (EGR)1. These tissues were also negative for the inflammatory (CD11b), fibrotic (fibronectin and α-smooth muscle actin), stress (HSP-47) and apoptotic (TUNEL assay) responses on the immunohistochemical analyses. The optical transmittance of corneas did not change significantly, and the inter-fibrillar distances of the corneal stroma evaluated with transmission electron microscopy were not significantly altered after THz exposure. These results provide the basis for future research work on the development of THz imaging system for its application in ophthalmology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Chi Liu
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, The Academia, 20 College Road, Discovery Tower, Level 12, Singapore, 169856, Singapore. .,Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore, Singapore. .,Ophthalmology and Visual Science Academic Clinical Research Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore.
| | - Lin Ke
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Steve Wu Qing Yang
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Zhang Nan
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ericia Pei Wen Teo
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, The Academia, 20 College Road, Discovery Tower, Level 12, Singapore, 169856, Singapore
| | - Nyein Chan Lwin
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, The Academia, 20 College Road, Discovery Tower, Level 12, Singapore, 169856, Singapore
| | - Molly Tzu-Yu Lin
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, The Academia, 20 College Road, Discovery Tower, Level 12, Singapore, 169856, Singapore
| | - Isabelle Xin Yu Lee
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, The Academia, 20 College Road, Discovery Tower, Level 12, Singapore, 169856, Singapore
| | - Anita Sook-Yee Chan
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, The Academia, 20 College Road, Discovery Tower, Level 12, Singapore, 169856, Singapore.,Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore, Singapore.,Ophthalmology and Visual Science Academic Clinical Research Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Leopold Schmetterer
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, The Academia, 20 College Road, Discovery Tower, Level 12, Singapore, 169856, Singapore.,Ophthalmology and Visual Science Academic Clinical Research Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore.,School of Chemical and Biomedcial Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore.,Center for Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jodhbir S Mehta
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, The Academia, 20 College Road, Discovery Tower, Level 12, Singapore, 169856, Singapore.,Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore, Singapore.,Ophthalmology and Visual Science Academic Clinical Research Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
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9
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Szakmany GP, Orlov AO, Bernstein GH, Porod W. Cavity-Backed Antenna-Coupled Nanothermocouples. Sci Rep 2019; 9:9606. [PMID: 31270373 PMCID: PMC6610083 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-46072-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2019] [Accepted: 06/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
This paper reports a two-orders-of-magnitude improvement in the sensitivity of antenna-coupled nanothermocouple (ACNTC) infrared detectors. The electrical signal generated by on-chip ACNTCs results from the temperature difference between a resonant antenna locally heated by infrared radiation and the substrate. A cavity etched under the antenna provides two benefits. It eliminates the undesirable cooling of the hot junction by thermally isolating the antenna from the substrate. More importantly, careful cavity design results in constructive interference of the incident radiation reflected back to the antenna, which significantly increases the detector sensitivity. We present the cavity-depth-dependent response of ACNTCs with cavity depths between 1 μm and 22 μm. When constructive interference is maximized, the thermal response increases by 100-fold compared to devices without the cavity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gergo P Szakmany
- Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, 46556, USA.
| | - Alexei O Orlov
- Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, 46556, USA
| | - Gary H Bernstein
- Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, 46556, USA
| | - Wolfgang Porod
- Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, 46556, USA
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10
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Koyama S, Narita E, Suzuki Y, Shiina T, Taki M, Shinohara N, Miyakoshi J. Long-term exposure to a 40-GHz electromagnetic field does not affect genotoxicity or heat shock protein expression in HCE-T or SRA01/04 cells. JOURNAL OF RADIATION RESEARCH 2019; 60:417-423. [PMID: 31197350 PMCID: PMC6640906 DOI: 10.1093/jrr/rrz017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2018] [Revised: 12/17/2018] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Millimeter waves are used in various fields, and the risks of this wavelength range for human health must be carefully evaluated. In this study, we investigated the effects of millimeter waves on genotoxicity and heat shock protein expression in human corneal epithelial (HCE-T) and human lens epithelial (SRA01/04) cells. We exposed the cells to 40-GHz millimeter waves at 1 mW/cm2 for 24 h. We observed no statistically significant increase in the micronucleus (MN) frequency or the level of DNA strand breaks in cells exposed to 40-GHz millimeter waves relative to sham-exposed and incubator controls. Heat shock protein (Hsp) expression also exhibited no statistically significant response to the 40-GHz exposure. These results indicate that exposure to 40 GHz millimeter waves under these conditions has little or no effect on MN formation, DNA strand breaks, or Hsp expression in HCE-T or SRA01/04 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shin Koyama
- Laboratory of Applied Radio Engineering for Humanosphere, Research Institute for Sustainable Humanosphere, Kyoto University, Uji, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Eijiro Narita
- Laboratory of Applied Radio Engineering for Humanosphere, Research Institute for Sustainable Humanosphere, Kyoto University, Uji, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yukihisa Suzuki
- Department of Electrical & Electronic Engineering, Graduate Schools of Science and Engineering, Tokyo Metropolitan University, 1-1, Hachioji, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takeo Shiina
- Department of Electrical & Electronic Engineering, Graduate Schools of Science and Engineering, Tokyo Metropolitan University, 1-1, Hachioji, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masao Taki
- Department of Electrical & Electronic Engineering, Graduate Schools of Science and Engineering, Tokyo Metropolitan University, 1-1, Hachioji, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Naoki Shinohara
- Laboratory of Applied Radio Engineering for Humanosphere, Research Institute for Sustainable Humanosphere, Kyoto University, Uji, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Junji Miyakoshi
- Laboratory of Applied Radio Engineering for Humanosphere, Research Institute for Sustainable Humanosphere, Kyoto University, Uji, Kyoto, Japan
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11
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Shen F, Qin J, Han Z. Planar antenna array as a highly sensitive terahertz sensor. APPLIED OPTICS 2019; 58:540-544. [PMID: 30694237 DOI: 10.1364/ao.58.000540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2018] [Accepted: 12/09/2018] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
In this paper, a planar comb-shaped antenna array for terahertz sensing based on the excitation of spoof surface plasmon modes is proposed. The structure is constructed by an array of three periodic rectangular grooves perforated through metal stripes on top of a silicon substrate. The effective detection of lactose is given as an example to demonstrate the ability of this structure to enhance detection sensitivity. In transmission mode, the sensing signal of lactose using the antenna array was 7.6 times larger than that of using a silicon substrate. In reflection mode, the sensing signal of lactose increased almost 13 times using our proposed antenna array compared to that of using a silicon substrate, exhibiting high sensitivity in terahertz sensing. Further, lactose thickness could be predicted based on the reflectance at the peak using our proposed structure. Our results indicate that the proposed structure has great potentiality in the field of biological and chemical sensing.
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12
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Liu YC, Ke L, Mehta JS. Evaluation of Corneal Oedema – Tools we Have and Those Under Investigation. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019. [DOI: 10.17925/eor.2019.13.2.76] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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13
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Alfihed S, Bergen MH, Holzman JF, Foulds IG. A detailed investigation on the terahertz absorption characteristics of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). POLYMER 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2018.08.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
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14
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Abstract
Polymerization of monomeric actin into filaments has pivotal roles in cell motility, growth, differentiation, and gene expression. Therefore, techniques of manipulating actin polymerization, including actin-binding chemicals, have been developed for understanding and regulating multiple biological functions. Here, we demonstrate that irradiation with terahertz (THz) waves is a novel method of modulating actin polymerization. When actin polymerization reaction is performed under irradiation with 0.46 THz waves generated by a Gyrotron, actin polymerization was observed to be activated by monitoring the fluorescence of pyrene actin fluorophores. We also observed the number of actin filaments under a fluorescence microscope using the polymerized actin probe SiR-actin. The number of actin filaments was increased by 3.5-fold after THz irradiation for 20 min. When the THz irradiation was applied to a steady-state actin solution, in which elongation and depolymerization of actin filaments were equilibrated, increased actin polymerization was observed, suggesting that the THz irradiation activates actin polymerization, at least in the elongation process. These results suggest that THz waves could be applied for manipulating biomolecules and cells.
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15
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Shi X, Qin J, Han Z. Enhanced terahertz sensing with a coupled comb-shaped spoof surface plasmon waveguide. OPTICS EXPRESS 2017; 25:278-283. [PMID: 28085821 DOI: 10.1364/oe.25.000278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
A comb-shaped waveguide based on the excitation of coupled spoof surface plasmon (CSSP) mode is investigated, and is found to have a pronounced effect for the enhancement of fingerprint detection sensitivity in the terahertz (THz) regime. Composed of two oppositely oriented metal stripes with single-side comb-shaped corrugations, the waveguide is formed due to the coupling of SSP modes supported by metal corrugations on both sides and the mode is tightly localized between the central gap, which provides a perfect site for accommodating the samples in THz sensing. The effective detection of thin-layer lactose is given as an example to demonstrate the sensitive detection of it at a thickness of only a few microns. A transmission spectrum through the waveguide with a pronounced dip at its characteristic absorption frequency of 0.529THz is shown, which can never be observed using the transmission through a lactose layer with the same thickness.
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16
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Koyama S, Narita E, Shimizu Y, Suzuki Y, Shiina T, Taki M, Shinohara N, Miyakoshi J. Effects of Long-Term Exposure to 60 GHz Millimeter-Wavelength Radiation on the Genotoxicity and Heat Shock Protein (Hsp) Expression of Cells Derived from Human Eye. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2016; 13:ijerph13080802. [PMID: 27509516 PMCID: PMC4997488 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph13080802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2016] [Revised: 07/26/2016] [Accepted: 08/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Human corneal epithelial (HCE-T) and human lens epithelial (SRA01/04) cells derived from the human eye were exposed to 60 gigahertz (GHz) millimeter-wavelength radiation for 24 h. There was no statistically significant increase in the micronucleus (MN) frequency in cells exposed to 60 GHz millimeter-wavelength radiation at 1 mW/cm² compared with sham-exposed controls and incubator controls. The MN frequency of cells treated with bleomycin for 1 h provided positive controls. The comet assay, used to detect DNA strand breaks, and heat shock protein (Hsp) expression also showed no statistically significant effects of exposure. These results indicate that exposure to millimeter-wavelength radiation has no effect on genotoxicity in human eye cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shin Koyama
- Laboratory of Applied Radio Engineering for Humanosphere, Research Institute for Sustainable Humanosphere, Kyoto University, Uji, Kyoto 611-0011, Japan.
| | - Eijiro Narita
- Laboratory of Applied Radio Engineering for Humanosphere, Research Institute for Sustainable Humanosphere, Kyoto University, Uji, Kyoto 611-0011, Japan.
| | - Yoko Shimizu
- Laboratory of Applied Radio Engineering for Humanosphere, Research Institute for Sustainable Humanosphere, Kyoto University, Uji, Kyoto 611-0011, Japan.
| | - Yukihisa Suzuki
- Department of Electrical & Electronic Engineering, Graduate Schools of Science and Engineering, Tokyo Metropolitan University, 1-1, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-0397, Japan.
| | - Takeo Shiina
- Department of Electrical & Electronic Engineering, Graduate Schools of Science and Engineering, Tokyo Metropolitan University, 1-1, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-0397, Japan.
| | - Masao Taki
- Department of Electrical & Electronic Engineering, Graduate Schools of Science and Engineering, Tokyo Metropolitan University, 1-1, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-0397, Japan.
| | - Naoki Shinohara
- Laboratory of Applied Radio Engineering for Humanosphere, Research Institute for Sustainable Humanosphere, Kyoto University, Uji, Kyoto 611-0011, Japan.
| | - Junji Miyakoshi
- Laboratory of Applied Radio Engineering for Humanosphere, Research Institute for Sustainable Humanosphere, Kyoto University, Uji, Kyoto 611-0011, Japan.
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17
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Koyama S, Narita E, Shimizu Y, Shiina T, Taki M, Shinohara N, Miyakoshi J. Twenty Four-Hour Exposure to a 0.12 THz Electromagnetic Field Does Not Affect the Genotoxicity, Morphological Changes, or Expression of Heat Shock Protein in HCE-T Cells. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2016; 13:ijerph13080793. [PMID: 27527204 PMCID: PMC4997479 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph13080793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2016] [Revised: 07/22/2016] [Accepted: 08/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
To investigate the cellular effects of terahertz (THz) exposure, human corneal epithelial (HCE-T) cells derived from human eye were exposed to 0.12 THz radiation at 5 mW/cm² for 24 h, then the genotoxicity, morphological changes, and heat shock protein (Hsp) expression of the cells were examined. There was no statistically significant increase in the micronucleus (MN) frequency of cells exposed to 0.12 THz radiation compared with sham-exposed controls and incubator controls, whereas the MN frequency of cells treated with bleomycin for 1 h (positive control) did increase significantly. Similarly, there were no significant morphological changes in cells exposed to 0.12 THz radiation compared to sham-exposed controls and incubator controls, and Hsp expression (Hsp27, Hsp70, and Hsp90α) was also not significantly different between the three treatments. These results indicate that exposure to 0.12 THz radiation using the present conditions appears to have no or very little effect on MN formation, morphological changes, and Hsp expression in cells derived from human eye.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shin Koyama
- Laboratory of Applied Radio Engineering for Humanosphere, Research Institute for Sustainable Humanosphere, Kyoto University, Uji, Kyoto 611-0011, Japan.
| | - Eijiro Narita
- Laboratory of Applied Radio Engineering for Humanosphere, Research Institute for Sustainable Humanosphere, Kyoto University, Uji, Kyoto 611-0011, Japan.
| | - Yoko Shimizu
- Laboratory of Applied Radio Engineering for Humanosphere, Research Institute for Sustainable Humanosphere, Kyoto University, Uji, Kyoto 611-0011, Japan.
| | - Takeo Shiina
- Department of Electrical & Electronic Engineering, Graduate Schools of Science and Engineering, Tokyo Metropolitan University, 1-1, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-0397, Japan.
| | - Masao Taki
- Department of Electrical & Electronic Engineering, Graduate Schools of Science and Engineering, Tokyo Metropolitan University, 1-1, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-0397, Japan.
| | - Naoki Shinohara
- Laboratory of Applied Radio Engineering for Humanosphere, Research Institute for Sustainable Humanosphere, Kyoto University, Uji, Kyoto 611-0011, Japan.
| | - Junji Miyakoshi
- Laboratory of Applied Radio Engineering for Humanosphere, Research Institute for Sustainable Humanosphere, Kyoto University, Uji, Kyoto 611-0011, Japan.
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18
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Sergeeva S, Demidova E, Sinitsyna O, Goryachkovskaya T, Bryanskaya A, Semenov A, Meshcheryakova I, Dianov G, Popik V, Peltek S. 2.3THz radiation: Absence of genotoxicity/mutagenicity in Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium. MUTATION RESEARCH-GENETIC TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MUTAGENESIS 2016; 803-804:34-8. [PMID: 27265378 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrgentox.2016.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2015] [Revised: 05/06/2016] [Accepted: 05/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The mutagenicity and genotoxicity in bacteria of 2.3THz radiation (THz) produced by a free-electron laser (NovoFEL) were evaluated; exposures were 5, 10, or 15min at average power 1.4W/cm(2). Two Ames mutagenicity test strains of Salmonella typhimurium, TA98 and TA102, were used. For the genotoxicity test, we measured SOS induction in Escherichia coli PQ37. No significant differences were found between exposed and control cells, indicating that THz radiation is neither mutagenic nor genotoxic under these conditions. Nevertheless, a small increase in total cell number of S. typhimurium after 15min exposure, and an increase in β-galactosidase and alkaline phosphatase activities in E.coli PQ37, were observed, indicating some effect of THz radiation on cell metabolism. We also examined the combined effect of 4-NQO (8μM; positive control) and THz exposure (5min) on genotoxicity in E.coli PQ37. Unexpectedly, THz radiation decreased 4-NQO genotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svetlana Sergeeva
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics RAS, Prospekt Lavrentyeva 10, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia.
| | - Elisaveta Demidova
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics RAS, Prospekt Lavrentyeva 10, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia
| | - Olga Sinitsyna
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics RAS, Prospekt Lavrentyeva 10, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia
| | - Tatiana Goryachkovskaya
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics RAS, Prospekt Lavrentyeva 10, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia
| | - Alla Bryanskaya
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics RAS, Prospekt Lavrentyeva 10, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia
| | - Artem Semenov
- Budker Institute of Nucleic Physics SB RAS, Prospekt Lavrentyeva 11, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia
| | - Irina Meshcheryakova
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics RAS, Prospekt Lavrentyeva 10, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia
| | - Grigory Dianov
- Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology, University of Oxford, Department of Oncology, Roosevelt Drive, OX37DQ Oxford, UK
| | - Vasiliy Popik
- Budker Institute of Nucleic Physics SB RAS, Prospekt Lavrentyeva 11, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia
| | - Sergey Peltek
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics RAS, Prospekt Lavrentyeva 10, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia
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19
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Amicis AD, Sanctis SD, Cristofaro SD, Franchini V, Lista F, Regalbuto E, Giovenale E, Gallerano GP, Nenzi P, Bei R, Fantini M, Benvenuto M, Masuelli L, Coluzzi E, Cicia C, Sgura A. Biological effects of in vitro THz radiation exposure in human foetal fibroblasts. MUTATION RESEARCH-GENETIC TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MUTAGENESIS 2015; 793:150-60. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mrgentox.2015.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2015] [Accepted: 06/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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20
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Lu X, Ishida Y, Mishina T, Nguyen MT, Yonezawa T. Enhanced Terahertz Emission from CuxO/Metal Thin Film Deposited on Columnar-Structured Porous Silicon. BULLETIN OF THE CHEMICAL SOCIETY OF JAPAN 2015. [DOI: 10.1246/bcsj.20150173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xu Lu
- Division of Materials Science and Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Hokkaido University
| | - Yohei Ishida
- Division of Materials Science and Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Hokkaido University
| | - Tomobumi Mishina
- Department of Physics, Graduate School of Science, Hokkaido University
| | - Mai Thanh Nguyen
- Division of Materials Science and Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Hokkaido University
| | - Tetsu Yonezawa
- Division of Materials Science and Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Hokkaido University
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21
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Abstract
Terahertz (THz) spectroscopic sensing and imaging has identified its potentials in a number of areas such as standoff security screening at portals, explosive detection at battle fields, bio-medical research, and so on. With these needs, the development of an intense and broadband THz source has been a focus of THz research. In this work, we report an intense (~10 mW) and ultra-broadband (~150 THz) THz to infrared (IR) source with a Gaussian wavefront, emitted from nano-pore-structured metallic thin films with femtosecond laser pulse excitation. The underlying mechanism has been proposed as thermal radiation. In addition, an intense coherent THz signal was generated through the optical rectification process simultaneously with the strong thermal signal. This unique feature opens up new avenues in biomedical research.
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22
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Hwang Y, Ahn J, Mun J, Bae S, Jeong YU, Vinokurov NA, Kim P. In vivo analysis of THz wave irradiation induced acute inflammatory response in skin by laser-scanning confocal microscopy. OPTICS EXPRESS 2014; 22:11465-75. [PMID: 24921268 DOI: 10.1364/oe.22.011465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
The recent development of THz sources in a wide range of THz frequencies and power levels has led to greatly increased interest in potential biomedical applications such as cancer and burn wound diagnosis. However, despite its importance in realizing THz wave based applications, our knowledge of how THz wave irradiation can affect a live tissue at the cellular level is very limited. In this study, an acute inflammatory response caused by pulsed THz wave irradiation on the skin of a live mouse was analyzed at the cellular level using intravital laser-scanning confocal microscopy. Pulsed THz wave (2.7 THz, 4 μs pulsewidth, 61.4 μJ per pulse, 3Hz repetition), generated using compact FEL, was used to irradiate an anesthetized mouse's ear skin with an average power of 260 mW/cm(2) for 30 minutes using a high-precision focused THz wave irradiation setup. In contrast to in vitro analysis using cultured cells at similar power levels of CW THz wave irradiation, no temperature change at the surface of the ear skin was observed when skin was examined with an IR camera. To monitor any potential inflammatory response, resident neutrophils in the same area of ear skin were repeatedly visualized before and after THz wave irradiation using a custom-built laser-scanning confocal microscopy system optimized for in vivo visualization. While non-irradiated control skin area showed no changes in the number of resident neutrophils, a massive recruitment of newly infiltrated neutrophils was observed in the THz wave irradiated skin area after 6 hours, which suggests an induction of acute inflammatory response by the pulsed THz wave irradiation on the skin via a non-thermal process.
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23
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Kim KT, Park J, Jo SJ, Jung S, Kwon OS, Gallerano GP, Park WY, Park GS. High-power femtosecond-terahertz pulse induces a wound response in mouse skin. Sci Rep 2014; 3:2296. [PMID: 23907528 PMCID: PMC3731731 DOI: 10.1038/srep02296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2013] [Accepted: 07/05/2013] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Terahertz (THz) technology has emerged for biomedical applications such as scanning, molecular spectroscopy, and medical imaging. Although a thorough assessment to predict potential concerns has to precede before practical utilization of THz source, the biological effect of THz radiation is not yet fully understood with scant related investigations. Here, we applied a femtosecond-terahertz (fs-THz) pulse to mouse skin to evaluate non-thermal effects of THz radiation. Analysis of the genome-wide expression profile in fs-THz-irradiated skin indicated that wound responses were predominantly mediated by transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) signaling pathways. We validated NFκB1- and Smad3/4-mediated transcriptional activation in fs-THz-irradiated skin by chromatin immunoprecipitation assay. Repeated fs-THz radiation delayed the closure of mouse skin punch wounds due to up-regulation of TGF-β. These findings suggest that fs-THz radiation initiate a wound-like signal in skin with increased expression of TGF-β and activation of its downstream target genes, which perturbs the wound healing process in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyu-Tae Kim
- Departments of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 110-799, Korea
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24
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Terahertz Frequency Continuous-Wave Spectroscopy and Imaging of Explosive Substances. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013. [DOI: 10.1155/2013/419507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Continuous-wave terahertz (THz) radiation spectroscopy was performed on high explosive materials using a tuneable optical parametric oscillator (OPO). Military grade, solid-phase, explosive substances, such as cyclotetramethylenetetranitramine (HMX), cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine (RDX), pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN), and composition-4, were spectrally scanned over the 0.7–1.9 THz frequency range under experimental conditions modeling that of “real-world” security screenings. Spectral peak locations and spectral line broadening effects were quantified using a Lorentz lineshape fit algorithm. The full-width half-maximum (FWHM) parameter computed by the Lorentz fit algorithm was shown to help in the identification of samples with broad and sparse spectral characteristics. A concealed explosives identification scheme was demonstrated through raster scan THz frequency radiation imaging at specific OPO tuning frequencies.
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25
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Genetic damage in human cells exposed to non-ionizing radiofrequency fields: A meta-analysis of the data from 88 publications (1990–2011). MUTATION RESEARCH-GENETIC TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MUTAGENESIS 2012; 749:1-16. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mrgentox.2012.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2012] [Revised: 09/16/2012] [Accepted: 09/17/2012] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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26
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Hintzsche H, Jastrow C, Heinen B, Baaske K, Kleine-Ostmann T, Schwerdtfeger M, Shakfa MK, Kärst U, Koch M, Schrader T, Stopper H. Terahertz radiation at 0.380 THz and 2.520 THz does not lead to DNA damage in skin cells in vitro. Radiat Res 2012. [PMID: 23181591 DOI: 10.1667/rr3077.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
The question whether nonionizing electromagnetic radiation of low intensity can cause functional effects in biological systems has been a subject of debate for a long time. Whereas the majority of the studies have not demonstrated these effects, some aspects still remain unclear, e.g., whether high-frequency radiation in the terahertz range affects biological systems. In particular for frequencies higher than 0.150 THz, investigations of the ability of radiation to cause genomic damage have not been performed. In the present study, human skin cells were exposed in vitro to terahertz radiation at two specific frequencies: 0.380 and 2.520 THz. Power intensities ranged from 0.03-0.9 mW/cm(2) and the cells were exposed for 2 and 8 h. Our goal was to investigate whether the irradiation induced genomic damage in the cells. Chromosomal damage was not detected in the different cell types after exposure to radiation of both frequencies. In addition, cell proliferation was quantified and found to be unaffected by the exposure, and there was no increase in DNA damage measured in the comet assay for both frequencies. For all end points, cells treated with chemicals were included as positive controls. These positive control cells clearly showed decreased proliferation and increased genomic damage. The results of the present study are in agreement with findings from other studies investigating DNA damage as a consequence of exposure to the lower frequency range (<0.150 THz) and demonstrate for the first time that at higher frequencies (0.380 and 2.520 THz), nonionizing radiation does not induce genomic damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henning Hintzsche
- Institut für Pharmakologie und Toxikologie, Universität Würzburg, Germany
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Hintzsche H, Jastrow C, Kleine-Ostmann T, Kärst U, Schrader T, Stopper H. Terahertz electromagnetic fields (0.106 THz) do not induce manifest genomic damage in vitro. PLoS One 2012; 7:e46397. [PMID: 23029508 PMCID: PMC3459899 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0046397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2012] [Accepted: 08/31/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Terahertz electromagnetic fields are non-ionizing electromagnetic fields in the frequency range from 0.1 to 10 THz. Potential applications of these electromagnetic fields include the whole body scanners, which currently apply millimeter waves just below the terahertz range, but future scanners will use higher frequencies in the terahertz range. These and other applications will bring along human exposure to these fields. Up to now, only a limited number of investigations on biological effects of terahertz electromagnetic fields have been performed. Therefore, research is strongly needed to enable reliable risk assessment.Cells were exposed for 2 h, 8 h, and 24 h with different power intensities ranging from 0.04 mW/cm(2) to 2 mW/cm(2), representing levels below, at, and above current safety limits. Genomic damage on the chromosomal level was measured as micronucleus formation. DNA strand breaks and alkali-labile sites were quantified with the comet assay. No DNA strand breaks or alkali-labile sites were observed as a consequence of exposure to terahertz electromagnetic fields in the comet assay. The fields did not cause chromosomal damage in the form of micronucleus induction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henning Hintzsche
- Institut für Pharmakologie und Toxikologie, Universität Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | | | | | - Uwe Kärst
- Helmholtz-Zentrum für Infektionsforschung, Braunschweig, Germany
| | | | - Helga Stopper
- Institut für Pharmakologie und Toxikologie, Universität Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- * E-mail:
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28
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Bennett D, Taylor Z, Tewari P, Sung S, Maccabi A, Singh R, Culjat M, Grundfest W, Hubschman JP, Brown E. Assessment of corneal hydration sensing in the terahertz band: in vivo results at 100 GHz. JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL OPTICS 2012; 17:97008-1. [PMID: 23085925 PMCID: PMC3449294 DOI: 10.1117/1.jbo.17.9.097008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2012] [Revised: 07/22/2012] [Accepted: 08/14/2012] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Terahertz corneal hydration sensing has shown promise in ophthalmology applications and was recently shown to be capable of detecting water concentration changes of about two parts in a thousand in ex vivo corneal tissues. This technology may be effective in patient monitoring during refractive surgery and for early diagnosis and treatment monitoring in diseases of the cornea. In this work, Fuchs dystrophy, cornea transplant rejection, and keratoconus are discussed, and a hydration sensitivity of about one part in a hundred is predicted to be needed to successfully distinguish between diseased and healthy tissues in these applications. Stratified models of corneal tissue reflectivity are developed and validated using ex vivo spectroscopy of harvested porcine corneas that are hydrated using polyethylene glycol solutions. Simulation of the cornea's depth-dependent hydration profile, from 0.01 to 100 THz, identifies a peak in intrinsic reflectivity contrast for sensing at 100 GHz. A 100 GHz hydration sensing system is evaluated alongside the current standard ultrasound pachymetry technique to measure corneal hydration in vivo in four rabbits. A hydration sensitivity, of three parts per thousand or better, was measured in all four rabbits under study. This work presents the first in vivo demonstration of remote corneal hydration sensing.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Bennett
- Center for Advanced Surgical and Interventional Technology, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA.
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29
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Weightman P. Prospects for the study of biological systems with high power sources of terahertz radiation. Phys Biol 2012; 9:053001. [PMID: 22931749 DOI: 10.1088/1478-3975/9/5/053001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The emergence of intense sources of terahertz radiation based on lasers and electron accelerators has considerable potential for research on biological systems. This perspective gives a brief survey of theoretical work and the results of experiments on biological molecules and more complex biological systems. Evidence is accumulating that terahertz radiation influences biological systems and this needs to be clarified in order to establish safe levels of human exposure to this radiation. The use of strong sources of terahertz radiation may contribute to the resolution of controversies over the mechanism of biological organization. However the potential of these sources will only be realized if they are accompanied by the development of sophisticated pump-probe and multidimensional experimental techniques and by the study of biological systems in the controlled environments necessary for their maintenance and viability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Weightman
- Department of Physics, University of Liverpool, Oxford Street, Liverpool L69 7ZE UK.
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Taylor ZD, Singh RS, Bennett DB, Tewari P, Kealey CP, Bajwa N, Culjat MO, Stojadinovic A, Lee H, Hubschman JP, Brown ER, Grundfest WS. THz Medical Imaging: in vivo Hydration Sensing. IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON TERAHERTZ SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 2011; 1:201-219. [PMID: 26085958 PMCID: PMC4467694 DOI: 10.1109/tthz.2011.2159551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
The application of THz to medical imaging is experiencing a surge in both interest and federal funding. A brief overview of the field is provided along with promising and emerging applications and ongoing research. THz imaging phenomenology is discussed and tradeoffs are identified. A THz medical imaging system, operating at ~525 GHz center frequency with ~125 GHz of response normalized bandwidth is introduced and details regarding principles of operation are provided. Two promising medical applications of THz imaging are presented: skin burns and cornea. For burns, images of second degree, partial thickness burns were obtained in rat models in vivo over an 8 hour period. These images clearly show the formation and progression of edema in and around the burn wound area. For cornea, experimental data measuring the hydration of ex vivo porcine cornea under drying is presented demonstrating utility in ophthalmologic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary D Taylor
- Department of Bioengineering and the Center for Advanced Surgical and Interventional Technology (CASIT), University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095 USA ( )
| | - Rahul S Singh
- Department of Bioengineering, Department of Surgery, and the Center for Advanced Surgical and Interventional Technology (CASIT), University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095 USA
| | - David B Bennett
- Department of Electrical Engineering and the Center for Advanced Surgical and Interventional Technology (CASIT), University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095 USA
| | - Priyamvada Tewari
- Department of Bioengineering and the Center for Advanced Surgical and Interventional Technology (CASIT), University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095 USA
| | - Colin P Kealey
- Department of Surgery and the Center for Advanced Surgical and Interventional Technology (CASIT), University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095 USA
| | - Neha Bajwa
- Department of Bioengineering and the Center for Advanced Surgical and Interventional Technology (CASIT), University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095 USA
| | - Martin O Culjat
- Department of Bioengineering, Department of Surgery, and the Center for Advanced Surgical and Interventional Technology (CASIT), University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095 USA
| | - Alexander Stojadinovic
- Department of Surgery, Walter Reed Army Medical Center and the Combat Wound Initiative Program, Washington, DC 20307 USA
| | - Hua Lee
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California at Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106 USA
| | - Jean-Pierre Hubschman
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095 USA
| | - Elliott R Brown
- Department of Physics, Wright State University, Dayton, OH 45435 USA
| | - Warren S Grundfest
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Department of Bioengineering, Department of Surgery, and the Center for Advanced Surgical and Interventional Technology (CASIT), University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095 USA
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Hintzsche H, Jastrow C, Kleine-Ostmann T, Stopper H, Schmid E, Schrader T. Terahertz radiation induces spindle disturbances in human-hamster hybrid cells. Radiat Res 2011; 175:569-74. [PMID: 21388294 DOI: 10.1667/rr2406.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate and quantify the production of spindle disturbances in A(L) cells, a human-hamster hybrid cell line, by 0.106 THz radiation (continuous wave). Monolayer cultures in petri dishes were exposed for 0.5 h to 0.106 THz radiation with power densities ranging from 0.043 mW/cm(2) to 4.3 mW/cm(2) or were kept under sham conditions (negative control) for the same period. As a positive control, 100 µg/ml of the insecticide trichlorfon, which is an aneuploidy-inducing agent, was used for an exposure period of 6 h. During exposure, the sample containers were kept at defined environmental conditions in a modified incubator as required by the cells. Based on a total of 6,365 analyzed mitotic cells, the results of two replicate experiments suggest that 0.106 THz radiation is a spindle-acting agent as predominately indicated by the appearance of spindle disturbances at the anaphase and telophase (especially lagging and non-disjunction of single chromosomes) of cell divisions. The findings in the present study do not necessarily imply disease or injury but may be important for evaluating possible underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Hintzsche
- Institut für Pharmakologie und Toxikologie, Universität Würzburg, Germany.
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Wang C, Gong J, Xing Q, Li Y, Liu F, Zhao X, Chai L, Wang C, Zheltikov AM. Application of terahertz time-domain spectroscopy in intracellular metabolite detection. JOURNAL OF BIOPHOTONICS 2010; 3:641-645. [PMID: 20533431 DOI: 10.1002/jbio.201000043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Using terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS), we have investigated the THz spectra of astaxanthin and riboflavin and the spectra of two kinds of cell, haenatcoccus plusivalis and bacillus subtilis, which could produce astaxanthin and riboflavin, respectively, during their metabolite process. Riboflavin was found to be much more absorptive to THz radiation and have richer spectral characteristics than astaxanthin. As an intracellular metabolite, riboflavin could be distinguished from the cells by using THz-TDS. The technique has potential applications in high-throughput screening of industrial strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changlei Wang
- Centre for THz Waves, Ultrafast Laser Laboratory, College of Precision Instrument and Optoelectronics Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, P.R. China.
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Wilmink GJ, Rivest BD, Roth CC, Ibey BL, Payne JA, Cundin LX, Grundt JE, Peralta X, Mixon DG, Roach WP. In vitro investigation of the biological effects associated with human dermal fibroblasts exposed to 2.52 THz radiation. Lasers Surg Med 2010; 43:152-63. [PMID: 20740621 DOI: 10.1002/lsm.20960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/23/2010] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Terahertz (THz) radiation sources are increasingly being used in military, defense, and medical applications. However, the biological effects associated with this type of radiation are not well characterized. In this study, we evaluated the cellular and molecular response of human dermal fibroblasts exposed to THz radiation. METHODS In vitro exposures were performed in a temperature-controlled chamber using a molecular gas THz laser (2.52 THz, 84.8 mW cm(-2), durations: 5, 10, 20, 40, or 80 minutes). Both computational and empirical dosimetric techniques were conducted using finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) modeling approaches, infrared cameras, and thermocouples. Cellular viability was assessed using conventional MTT assays. In addition, the transcriptional activation of protein and DNA sensing genes were evaluated using qPCR. Comparable analyses were also conducted for hyperthermic and genotoxic positive controls. RESULTS We found that cellular temperatures increased by 3°C during all THz exposures. We also found that for each exposure duration tested, the THz and hyperthermic exposure groups exhibited equivalent levels of cell survival (≥90%) and heat shock protein expression (∼3.5-fold increases). In addition, the expression of DNA sensing and repair genes was unchanged in both groups; however, appreciable increases were observed in the genotoxic controls. CONCLUSIONS Human dermal fibroblasts exhibit comparable cellular and molecular effects when exposed to THz radiation and hyperthermic stress. These findings suggest that radiation at 2.52 THz generates primarily thermal effects in mammalian cells. Therefore, we conclude that THz-induced bioeffects may be accurately predicted with conventional thermal damage models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerald J Wilmink
- 711th Human Performance Wing, Radio Frequency Radiation Branch, Air Force Research Laboratory, Brooks City-Base, Texas, USA.
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Korenstein-Ilan A, Barbul A, Hasin P, Eliran A, Gover A, Korenstein R. Terahertz radiation increases genomic instability in human lymphocytes. Radiat Res 2008; 170:224-34. [PMID: 18666810 DOI: 10.1667/rr0944.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2007] [Accepted: 03/12/2008] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Terahertz radiation is increasingly being applied in new and evolving technologies applied in areas such as homeland security and medical imaging. Thus a timely assessment of the potential hazards and health effects of occupational and general population exposure to THz radiation is required. We applied continuous-wave (CW) 0.1 THz radiation (0.031 mW/ cm(2)) to dividing lymphocytes for 1, 2 and 24 h and examined the changes in chromosome number of chromosomes 1, 10, 11 and 17 and changes in the replication timing of their centromeres using interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Chromosomes 11 and 17 were most vulnerable (about 30% increase in aneuploidy after 2 and 24 h of exposure), while chromosomes 1 and 10 were not affected. We observed changes in the asynchronous mode of replication of centromeres 11, 17 and 1 (by 40%) after 2 h of exposure and of all four centromeres after 24 h of exposure (by 50%). It is speculated that these effects are caused by radiation-induced low-frequency collective vibrational modes of proteins and DNA. Our results demonstrate that exposure of lymphocytes in vitro to a low power density of 0.1 THz radiation induces genomic instability. These findings, if verified, may suggest that such exposure may result in an increased risk of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avital Korenstein-Ilan
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel.
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Zeni O, Gallerano GP, Perrotta A, Romanò M, Sannino A, Sarti M, D'Arienzo M, Doria A, Giovenale E, Lai A, Messina G, Scarfì MR. Cytogenetic observations in human peripheral blood leukocytes following in vitro exposure to THz radiation: a pilot study. HEALTH PHYSICS 2007; 92:349-57. [PMID: 17351499 DOI: 10.1097/01.hp.0000251248.23991.35] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Emerging technologies are considering the possible use of Terahertz radiation in different fields ranging from telecommunications to biology and biomedicine. The study of the potential effects of Terahertz radiation on biological systems is therefore an important issue in order to safely develop a variety of applications. This paper describes a pilot study devoted to determine if Terahertz radiation could induce genotoxic effects in human peripheral blood leukocytes. For this purpose, human whole blood samples from healthy donors were exposed for 20 min to Terahertz radiation. Since, to our knowledge, this is the first study devoted to the evaluation of possible genotoxic effects of such radiation, different electromagnetic conditions were considered. In particular, the frequencies of 120 and 130 GHz were chosen: the first one was tested at a specific absorption rate (SAR) of 0.4 mW g-1, while the second one was tested at SAR levels of 0.24, 1.4, and 2 mW g-1. Chromosomal damage was evaluated by means of the cytokinesis block micronucleus technique, which also gives information on cell cycle kinetics. Moreover, human whole blood samples exposed to 130 GHz at SAR levels of 1.4 and 2 mW g-1 were also tested for primary DNA damage by applying the alkaline comet assay immediately after exposure. The results obtained indicate that THz exposure, in the explored electromagnetic conditions, is not able to induce either genotoxicity or alteration of cell cycle kinetics in human blood cells from healthy subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- O Zeni
- Interuniversity Center on Interaction Between Electromagnetic Fields and Biosystems (ICEmB) at CNR-IREA, Via Diocleziano 328-80124 Napoli, Italy.
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