Persons exposed to radioactivity are faced with a higher risk to develop primary hyperparathyroidism

What is it about?

Primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT) is a condition, where the parathyroid glands produce parathyroid hormone in excess, leading to increased risk for fractures, kidney stones, gastrointestinal disease and depression. Apart from genetic syndromes (multiple endocrine neoplasia) that predispose to pHPT the reason for this disease is in most cases unknown. In this trial we investigated liquidators of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in Ukraine and found massively increased risk for pHPT.

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Why is it important?

Exposure to radiation may result in late adverse effects. pHPT caused by radioactive immission is an understudied condition that may result from binding of strontium isotopes to calcium-sensing receptors of parathyroid cells. Patients exposed to radiation should be monitored with respect to calcium homeostasis.