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Zhang L, Chu J, Xia B, Xiong Z, Zhang S, Tang W. Health Effects of Particulate Uranium Exposure. TOXICS 2022; 10:575. [PMID: 36287855 PMCID: PMC9610560 DOI: 10.3390/toxics10100575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Uranium contamination has become a nonnegligible global health problem. Inhalation of particulate uranium is one of the predominant routes of occupational and environmental exposure. Uranium particle is a complex two-phase flow of matter that is both particulate and flowable. This particular physicochemical property may alter its biological activity. Epidemiological studies from occupationally exposed populations in the uranium industry have concluded that there is a possible association between lung cancer risk and uranium exposure, while the evidence for the risk of other tumors is not sufficient. The toxicological effects of particulate uranium exposure to animals have been shown in laboratory tests to focus on respiratory and central nervous system damage. Fibrosis and tumors can occur in the lung tissue of the respiratory tract. Uranium particles can also induce a concentration-dependent increase in cytotoxicity, targeting mitochondria. The understanding of the health risks and potential toxicological mechanisms of particulate uranium contamination is still at a preliminary stage. The diversity of particle parameters has limited the in-depth exploration. This review summarizes the current evidence on the toxicology of particulate uranium and highlights the knowledge gaps and research prospects.
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Ran Y, Wang S, Zhao Y, Li J, Ran X, Hao Y. A review of biological effects and treatments of inhaled depleted uranium aerosol. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2020; 222:106357. [PMID: 32755761 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2020.106357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Revised: 07/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Depleted uranium (DU) is primarily used for DU bombs and DU tanks in the military. Aerosol inhalation is considered the primary route of DU exposure. Although laboratory tests have confirmed that inhalation of DU aerosol can cause lung, kidney, and other organ damage, epidemiological studies have found no conclusive evidence that persons in areas with prolonged exposure to DU-containing bombs are affected. After the body inhaled DU aerosols, we first clear the insoluble DU through whole-lung lavage (WLL). Then we eliminate the soluble uranium by the chelating agent. Besides, reducing DU damage to tissues and cells through drugs is also an important treatment method. In future research, emphasis should be placed on the damage mechanism of DU aerosol, the laboratory and clinical research of DU chelating agents, the research on the combination of DU chelating agent and WLL, and the research and development of new drugs to prevent DU damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonghong Ran
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Institute of Combined Injury, Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University, No.30 Gaotanyan Street, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Shuang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Institute of Combined Injury, Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University, No.30 Gaotanyan Street, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Yazhen Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Institute of Combined Injury, Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University, No.30 Gaotanyan Street, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Juan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Institute of Combined Injury, Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University, No.30 Gaotanyan Street, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Xinze Ran
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Institute of Combined Injury, Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University, No.30 Gaotanyan Street, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Yuhui Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Institute of Combined Injury, Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University, No.30 Gaotanyan Street, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 400038, China.
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Medical effects of internal contamination with actinides: further controversy on depleted uranium and radioactive warfare. Environ Health Prev Med 2016; 21:111-7. [PMID: 27002520 DOI: 10.1007/s12199-016-0524-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2015] [Accepted: 03/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The Nuclear Age began in 1945 with testing in New Mexico, USA, and the subsequent bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Regardless of attempts to limit the development of nuclear weapons, the current world arsenal has reached the staggering dimensions and presents a significant concern for the biosphere and mankind. In an explosion of a nuclear weapon, over 400 radioactive isotopes are released into the biosphere, 40 of which pose potential dangers including iodine, cesium, alkaline earths, and actinides. The immediate health effects of nuclear explosions include thermal, mechanical, and acute radiation syndrome. Long-term effects include radioactive fallout, internal contamination, and long-term genotoxicity. The current controversial concern over depleted uranium's somatic and genetic toxicity is still a subject of worldwide sustained research. The host of data generated in the past decades has demonstrated conflicting findings, with the most recent evidence showing that its genotoxicity is greater than previously considered. Of particular concern are the osteotropic properties of uranium isotopes due to their final retention in the crystals of exchangeable and nonexchangeable bone as well as their proximity to pluripotent stem cells. Depleted uranium remains an unresolved issue in both warfare and the search for alternative energy sources.
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