RSH > Documents > ANS National Meetings/Sessions > June 1999 > SadaoHattori

5. Research Findings on Radiation Hormesis and Radon Therapy

            "Radiation hormesis research in Japan, steered by the Central Research Institute of the Electric Power Industry to determine the validity of Luckey’s claims, has revealed extremely interesting scientific information on the health effects of low-level radiation. The scientific data of animal tests we obtained and successful results actually brought by radon therapy on human patients show us a clearer understanding of the health effects of low-level radiation. We obtained many animal test results and epidemiological survey data through our research activities cooperating with more than ten universities in Japan, categorized as follows:

                1. suppression of cancer by enhancement of the immune system based on gene activation

                2. rejuvenation and suppression of aging by increasing cell membrane permeability and enzyme syntheses

                3. adaptive response by activation of gene expression on DNA repair and cell apoptosis

                4. pain relief and stress moderation by hormone formation in the brain and central nervous system

                5. avoidance and therapy of obstinate diseases by enhancing damage control systems and hormone formation.

                "The recent progress of molecular biology, nuclear medicine, and measurement technology of comprehensive cell activities leads us to profound understanding and findings such as the following:

1. After the treatment of non-Hodgkins lymphoma by applications of whole body low doses, there was an increase of survivals (Sakamoto, Tohoku University).

2. An atom bomb survivor who received a low dose of 5 to70 cGy showed a lower risk level than non-exposed people (Okumura, Nagasaki University).

3. Many years epidemiology with Misasa radon spring villagers showed clearly their lower cancer risk than that of other people (Mifune, Okayama University; Kondo, Osaka University; Tanooka, National Cancer Center).

4. Enhancement of the activity of tumor suppression gene p53 may bring elevated states of DNA repair and cell apoptosis (Ohnishi, Nara Medical University).

5. Adaptive response showed two windows 5 to 10 cGy effective by 2 months and 30 to 50 cGy effective by 2 weeks (Yonezawa, Osaka Prefecture University).

6. Stress moderation or pain relief was shown in animal tests (Miyachi, Yamada, Toho University).

7. An increase of cell membrane permeability, SOD, and Glutathione showed rejuvenation or suppression of aging (Yamaoka,Okayama University).

8. An increase of hormones such as insulin, endorphin, enkephalin, histamine, and adrenaline brought a good confirmation of radon therapy (Yamaoka, Okayama University).

                "Collaboration with the specialists of radon therapy hospitals such as Badgastein in Austria produced strong evidence with human epidemiological data supported by recent technology of the measurements on the comprehensive physical data.

                "Ionizing radiation fundamentally produces great numbers of electrons, ions, and free radicals causing elevated conditions of biochemical reaction, which makes positive activities for clear results on all homeostatic activities enhancement.   Living materials exist on the homeostatic potential that directs our physical activities to obtain better conditioning against all kinds of degradation occurring from the environment. This is an adaptive response itself.

                "Certain optimum dose rates for various biopositive effects will be found in the future through really comprehensive animal tests in all kinds of responses categorized above collaborating with certain organizations for positive applications of low-level radiation to humans. Not only dose rate optimization but also various combinations with other factors such as circumstantial temperature and meals will be determined through long-term investigation.

                "In the next century, optimized dose rate applications will be utilized to obtain excellent enzyme syntheses, optimum hormone formations, optimized activation of gene expressions for DNA repairs, and cell apoptoses. This is a most economical research subject, which obviously raises great beneficial results for a better quality of life for people in the next century."