Annual Report - Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences

AFRRIArmed Forces Radiobiology Research InstituteIt is imperative that the military and the larger medical community, indeed, the nation, be prepared for the threatof nuclear or radiological attack. A component of USU, the Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute(AFRRI) provides unique expertise and capabilities in the field of radiation biology. Researchers there are workingon novel assessment and treatment technologies to protect both military and civilian populations.EXPOSURE LEVELS AND HEALTH RISKSA nuclear or radiological attack could result inmass casualties and would likely cause a range ofacute and long-term health consequences. Researchconducted at AFRRI is improving the ability to rapidlyassess an individual’s exposure to radiation.Scientists at AFRRI are creating new approaches toclassical biodosimetry, which is based on cytogeneticdamage, for casualty triagesoon after exposure. One areaof study focuses on developingdose-assessment assays that usetransportable equipment to testeasily obtained samples, such ashair, fingernails, urine or a dropof blood. Utilizing innovativeapproaches, they are also improvingthe accuracy, dose range, ease ofuse and speed of biodosimetry.To ensure the health of our service members, AFRRIscientists established a new approach to assessingthe potential health effects of militarily relevantmetals that may become embedded as shrapnel.Researchers evaluate the acute and long-term healthrisks of metals, such as depleted uranium and tungstenalloys, and explore potential treatments for anyadverse effects.ExpertiseMEASURES TO COMBAT RADIATION EXPOSUREAFRRI scientists provide research resultsand expertise to the U.S. Government andthe DoD in the field of radiation biologyand help inform and develop policies andnational response plans. For example, incollaborations with the international scientificcommunity, AFRRI acts as a catalyst topublish medical and technical informationbased on data from nuclear accidents andincidents in other countries. Such informationcan be used to direct rescue operations,including those resulting from terrorist actionsor industrial nuclear accidents.28Researchers are also investigating treatmentoptions to protect both service members andcivilians in a variety of radiation exposurescenarios. Using their understanding of themechanisms of radiation damage, AFRRIscientists are pursuing new and improvedpharmacological approaches to preventthe health-degrading and potentiallylife-threatening effects of ionizing radiation.Making use of novel cellular and molecularapproaches and complex physiologicalsystems, the researchers are working tomove these potentially life-saving drugs fromdiscovery through the FDA approval process.