Radiation effects on atherosclerosis in atomic bomb survivors: a cross-sectional study using structural equation...

Area of Science:

• Radiation epidemiology
• Cardiovascular pathology
• Atherosclerosis research

Background:

• Previous studies suggest low-to-moderate dose total-body irradiation increases cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk.
• The precise mechanisms linking radiation exposure to CVD remain incompletely understood.
• Atherosclerosis is a primary underlying pathology for many cardiovascular diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between radiation exposure and atherosclerosis in Japanese atomic bomb survivors.
• To elucidate potential mechanisms of radiation-induced cardiovascular disease.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study of 3274 participants from the Adult Health Study cohort (2010-2014).
• Measured 14 clinical-physiological indicators of atherosclerosis.
• Utilized structural equation modeling with latent factors for arterial stiffness, calcification, and plaque.

Main Results:

• Radiation exposure showed a linear association with increased arterial calcification (per Gy: 0.15) and plaque buildup (per Gy: 0.11).
• These associations were comparable to approximately two years of aging per Gray of radiation.
• No significant association was found between radiation dose and arterial stiffness.
• The structural equation model provided a better fit and narrower confidence intervals than individual regression models.

Conclusions:

• Radiation exposure is associated with atherosclerosis, particularly calcification and plaque, in atomic bomb survivors.
• This provides a potential mechanistic link between radiation exposure and cardiovascular disease risk.
• The findings highlight the utility of integrated analysis of atherosclerosis indicators.