The human salivary proteome is radiation responsive.

Area of Science:

• Biomolecular analysis
• Radiation biology
• Proteomics

Background:

• Nuclear incidents necessitate rapid medical evaluation, potentially overwhelming emergency services.
• Field-deployable biological assays are needed for immediate radiation exposure assessment.
• Saliva is a promising biofluid for such assays due to ease of collection and rich biomolecular content.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the human salivary proteome's response to ionizing radiation.
• To identify radiation-responsive proteins in saliva for potential biodosimetry.

Main Methods:

• Characterized salivary protein abundances in humans before and after total body irradiation.
• Utilized an assay panel targeting 90 analytes (growth factors, chemokines, cytokines).
• Validated findings using independent immunoassay platforms and a larger patient cohort.

Main Results:

• Identified specific proteins significantly altered by ionizing radiation in human saliva.
• Confirmed the radiation responsiveness of monocyte chemo-attractant protein 1, interleukin 8, and intercellular adhesion molecule 1.
• Validated these findings in 130 saliva samples from 38 patients undergoing total body irradiation.

Conclusions:

• Human salivary proteome changes in response to ionizing radiation.
• Saliva analysis shows potential for a rapid, field-deployable radiation exposure assay.
• This approach could significantly aid medical response and victim management after nuclear incidents.