Selected Endothelial Responses after Ionizing Radiation Exposure

Abstract

Along with the development of novel chemotherapeutic agents, radiation therapy has revolutionized the prognosis of patients with various cancers. However, with a longer life expectancy, radiation treatment-related comorbidity, like cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), becomes an issue for cancer survivors. In addition, exposure to X-rays for medical diagnostics is dramatically increasing at the present times. A pressing question is whether or not exposure to these very low doses can cause health damage. Below 0.5 gray (Gy), an increased risk cannot be evidenced by epidemiology alone, and in vitro and in vivo mechanistic studies focused on the elucidation of molecular signaling pathways are needed. Given the critical role of the endothelium in normal vascular functions, a complete understanding of radiation-induced endothelial dysfunction is crucial. In this way, the current radiation protection system could be refined if needed, making it possible to more accurately assess the cardiovascular risk in the low-dose region. Finally, radiation-induced CVD, like CVD in general, is a progressive disorder that may take years to decades to manifest. Therefore, experimental studies are warranted to fulfill the urgent need to identify noninvasive biomarkers for an early detection and potential interventions-together with a healthy lifestyle-that may prevent or mitigate these adverse effects.

The role of connexin proteins and their channels in radiation-induced atherosclerosis

“…Radiation treatment is known to cause cellular effects such as oxidative stress, DNA damage, cellular Ca 2+ overload, apoptosis, premature cell senescence and promotes inflammation which may induce vascular endothelium damage, an early marker for atherosclerosis [ 24 – 30 ] (reviewed in [ 31 , 32 ]). Cellular and molecular changes induced by radiation exposure occur not only in directly irradiated cells, but also in neighboring non-irradiated cells, a process known as the 'radiation-induced bystander effect' (RIBE) [ 33 , 34 ].…”

SpaceBorn United: Missions Planned for Human Conception and Childbirth in Space

“…Радиация в космосе намного выше, чем на Земле, где нас защищают слой атмосферы толщиной в 10 км и магнитное поле Земли. В космосе различные источники радиации могут повредить человеческую ДНК намного быстрее, а риск развития рака выше [12,20]. Кроме того, наше тело привыкло к определенному уровню гравитации.…”