REVOLUTIONIZING UNDERSTANDING AND INTERVENTION OF AGENT ORANGE EXPOSURE
Our transcriptome analysis, which involves sequencing the complete set of RNA transcripts in a cell, tissue, or organism, can contribute to this understanding in several ways:
Identifying Differentially Expressed Genes
We identify genes whose expression levels differ between individuals exposed to Agent Orange and those who were not. This can provide insights into the molecular pathways affected by the exposure and highlight potential biomarkers for early detection of related health issues.
Understanding Pathophysiological Mechanisms
By analyzing the transcriptome, we can gain insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the health effects associated with Agent Orange exposure. This knowledge is essential for understanding how dioxin disrupts cellular processes and contributes to diseases.
Biomarker Discovery
Transcriptome analysis can aid in the discovery of biomarkers associated with Agent Orange exposure. Biomarkers are molecular indicators that can be measured to assess the presence or severity of a disease. Identifying reliable biomarkers can assist in the early diagnosis and monitoring of health conditions related to Agent Orange exposure.
Drug Target Identification
Transcriptome analysis can help identify potential drug targets for developing therapeutic interventions. By understanding the specific genes and pathways affected by Agent Orange, researchers can identify molecules that could be targeted to mitigate the adverse effects of exposure.
Personalized Medicine Approaches
Transcriptomic data can be used to develop personalized medicine approaches for individuals affected by Agent Orange. Understanding the unique gene expression profiles of affected individuals can help tailor treatments to their specific molecular characteristics, improving treatment efficacy.
Risk Assessment
Transcriptome analysis can contribute to assessing the risk of developing health issues associated with Agent Orange exposure. By understanding how gene expression patterns change in response to exposure, researchers can identify individuals who may be more susceptible to the harmful effects.
BACKGROUND:
Agent Orange was a mixture of herbicide chemicals used extensively by the U.S. military during the Vietnam War between 1962-1971 for defoliation and crop destruction purposes. The key components of Agent Orange were
2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D)
2,4,5- trichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4,5-T)
During manufacture of 2,4,5-T, a toxic contaminant called
2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD)
was also produced and introduced into the Agent Orange mixture.
It is estimated that over 20 million gallons of Agent Orange were sprayed during the Vietnam War era.
This led to significant exposure to the chemicals for military personnel as well as the Vietnamese population at the time.
HEALTH EFFECTS:
Since the 1970s, numerous health effects have been linked to Agent Orange exposure including CANCERS:
Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Soft tissue sarcomas
Leukemia
Other CHRONIC CONDITIONS associated with Agent Orange:
Type 2 diabetes
Peripheral neuropathy
Reproductive problems
Birth defects in the children of exposed individuals
The exact mechanisms by which Agent Orange exposure leads to these adverse health effects are still not fully understood. Each of the key components:
TCDD, 2,4-D
2,4,5-T
has been specifically linked to certain health conditions. However, individuals were exposed to complex mixtures of these chemicals.
OUR PROJECT ARE FOCUSING ON THE FOLLOWING AIMS:
Comparing veterans with known Agent Orange exposure during Vietnam service compared to era-matched veterans without such exposure.
Genome-wide RNA expression data from exposed and non-exposed groups will enable identification of differentially expressed genes and pathways due to Agent Orange that potentially mediate the downstream health risks. This should be a broad search across GEO, gene cards, other databases and should extract as much information as possible.
2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D)
2,4-D specifically to cancers like non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and Neuropathy.
2,4,5-Trichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4,5-T)
Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, Soft tissue sarcoma, Leukemia.
2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD)
Chloracne (severe form of acne), Lung Cancer, Larynx Cancer, Prostate Cancer, Type 2 Diabetes, Metabolism Disorders, Peripheral neuropathy, Reproductive Issues.