Effects of ionizing radiation on the heart

Abstract

This article provides an overview of studies addressing effects of ionizing radiation on the heart. Clinical studies have identified early and late manifestations of radiation-induced heart disease, a side effect of radiation therapy to tumors in the chest when all or part of the heart is situated in the radiation field. Studies in preclinical animal models have contributed to our understanding of the mechanisms by which radiation may injure the heart. More recent observations in human subjects suggest that ionizing radiation may have cardiovascular effects at lower doses than was previously thought. This has led to examinations of low-dose photons and low-dose charged particle irradiation in animal models. Lastly, studies have started to identify noninvasive methods for detection of cardiac radiation injury and interventions that may prevent or mitigate these adverse effects. Altogether, this ongoing research should increase our knowledge of biological mechanisms of cardiovascular radiation injury, identify non-invasive biomarkers for early detection, and potential interventions that may prevent or mitigate these adverse effects.

Special issue: Tissue reactions to ionizing radiation exposure

“…Grubber and Dörr consider the radiobiology of the oral mucosa, which is important in light of the adverse reactions to radiotherapy [7]. With respect to effects on the heart and cardiovascular effects, Little reviews the epidemiology [8] and Boerma et al the biology [9]. Hendry and Otsuka provide an overview of intestinal biology [10], and Marjault and Allemand review the effects of radiation on spermatogenesis [11].…”

Bradykinin‐potentiating factor isolated from Leiurus quinquestriatus scorpion venom alleviates cardiomyopathy in irradiated rats via remodelling of the RAAS pathway

“…Scorpions were collected from the Western Desert in Upper Egypt. The crude venom was collected from scorpion, Leiurus quinquestriatus , with a specific device using electrical shocks at the articular membrane of telson. The collected droplets were aggregated into a clean dry glass container until lyophilization and stored frozen in the dark.…”

“…Exposure of the heart to high doses of ionizing radiation has long been known to cause cardiac injury. More recently, clinical, epidemiological, and experimental studies have provided evidence that the cardiovascular system may also be injured by ionizing radiation at low doses …”

“…More recently, clinical, epidemiological, and experimental studies have provided evidence that the cardiovascular system may also be injured by ionizing radiation at low doses. 6 Animal venoms contain a variety of highly selective and potent toxins, which have evolved over thousands/millions of years that target vital physiological processes. As such, they have proven to be an excellent source of lead compounds for the development of therapeutic agents.…”

Impact of zinc oxide nanoparticles on thioredoxin‐interacting protein and asymmetric dimethylarginine as biochemical indicators of cardiovascular disorders in gamma‐irradiated rats

“…2 Previous studies confirmed that high doses of radiation induce both macro and microvascular damage to elevate the risk of cardiovascular disease. 3 Complications of heart disease such as hypertension, atherosclerosis, heart hypertrophy and myocardial infarction might be explained as main causative factors for high mortality rates in the world today. 4 Moreover, ionizing radiation-induced endothelial cell senescence and cardiovascular diseases.…”