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Near-Infrared Laser Light of High Energy and Ultrashort Pulse Genetically-Induces
Response Genes in the DNA Repair and Apoptosis Regulatory Pathways.
Life Sciences & Biotechnology Update
June, 2001
This (Air Force Academy) study shows potential human cell genetic damage
from laser light. The use of laser light for targeting devices and weapons
has sharply increased the likelihood that aircrew and support personnel
will be exposed to laser light during operations.
The increased potential for exposure of humans highlights the need
for scientifically-based safety standards for laser exposure at the
ultra-short pulse lengths. Current safety standards are largely extrapolations
of exposure limits at longer pulse lengths, using a minimal visible
lesion endpoint in the Rhesus monkey retinal model. A non-animal model
for assessing laser-light damage to tissue, particularly human, is quite
desirous for obvious scientific, political, and fiduciary reasons.
The study assesses the sub-lethal insult to human cells, using a tissue
culture system for specific genes that has been shown to be important
in several biological processes that could lead to cancer or cell death.
Using the CAT-Tox (Xenometrix Inc.) assay, it appears that 1064 nm nanosecond
pulses of laser light is sensed, and induces several stress response
genes, including p53, a gene in the DNA repair and apoptosis (cell suicide)
regulatory pathways, in a dose-dependent fashion. The approach provides
insight into a more global methodology for characterizing environmental
stressors via genetic profiling.
(Order this LIFE SCIENCES & BIOTECHNOLOGY UPDATE reviewed report
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(954) 473-9560, Fax (954) 473-0544: Report No. L20010607; 1999, 13 pp.
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