ID Number		1278
Study Type		In Vivo
Model		Theoretical paper on the possible mechanisms of microwave and ionizing radiation induced cataracts
Details		Theoretical paper about the generation of cataracts from microwave vs. ionizing radiation exposure. From data on animal and human epidemiologic studies as well as case reports, the authors conclude cataracts directly related to power and duration of microwave exposure and pose alternate mechanisms as an explanation. The first involves heat denaturation of proteins, especially heat sensitive proteins such as glutathione peroxide that ordinarily protect lens cell proteins and membrane lipids from oxidative damage. The second involves thermoelastic expansion with pressure waves in the aqueous humor causing direct physical damage to the lens cells. A third possible mechanism is damage to lens cell DNA, with decreases in the production of protective enzymes and in sulfur-sulfur bond formation, and with altered protein concentrations.
Findings		Effects (only at thermal levels)
Status		Completed With Publication
Principal Investigator		University of Chicago, Illinois, USA
Funding Agency		NIH, USA
Country		UNITED STATES
References		Lipman, RM et al. Survey of Ophthalmology, (1988) 33:200-210
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