Hypothesis regarding a membrane-associated mechanism of biological action due to low-dose ionizing radiation

Abstract

A novel theory is proposed regarding the action of ionizing radiation in the range of very low doses. The basic premise of the theory presented is that the low-dose effect cannot be explained by direct damage to the DNA (as has generally been assumed) and that effects on cellular membranes should be considered instead. Low-dose radiation damaging the plasma membrane decreases the concentration of low-molecular weight compounds (LMWC) inside the cell, which through an unspecific mechanism induces an activation of all enzymes. The mechanism described here has been well substantiated. The changes in the intracellular contents of LMWC and the increase of pH(in) cause chromatin rearrangements, alterations in DNA folding and finally, if the latter are strong enough, expression of various "silent" genes including repair enzyme genes.

“Edge Effect” of 32 P Radioactive Stents Is Caused by the Combination of Chronic Stent Injury and Radioactive Dose Falloff

“…The stent does so by inflicting chronic injury, causing inflammation and tissue proliferation. 27,28 Low-dose radiation (Ϯ2 Gy) has been shown to potentiate cellular metabolic activities 29 and immunological responses in various cells of mesodermal origin. 30 -33 Furthermore, experimental studies of endovascular brachytherapy have shown that relatively low doses (Ϯ10 Gy) caused a paradoxical increase in tissue response, 14,15 whereas higher doses proved antiproliferative.…”

Alterations in the photosynthetic pigments and antioxidant machineries of red pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) seedlings from gamma-irradiated seeds

“…However, at least for plant cells, no unifying models have been proposed for the underlying mechanisms of radiation hormesis, although it is well documented that all ionizing radiation can produce free radicals from the water in cells (Luckey, 1980;Miller, 1987) and release biologically important, low-molecular weight compounds through various reactions of radicals with their neighboring cellular components (Luckey, 1991;Eidus, 2000). This may be due to differences in the sensitivity of cells.…”

Edge restenosis: impact of low dose irradiation on cell proliferation and ICAM-1 expression

“…At day 10 and day 15 after irradiation a small but significant inhibitory effect was detected, at day 20 after irradiation a significant stimulatory effect was found. It has been reported by Eidus et al [ 16 ] that irradiation with 2 Gy potentiates cellular metabolic acitivities and immunological responses in various cells of mesodermal origin [ 17 ]. Furthermore, experimental studies of endovascular brachytherapy have shown that relatively low doses of irradiation (10 Gy) caused a paradoxical increase in tissue response [ 18 ], whereas higher doses proved to be antiproliferative.…”