Effect of Radiation on Aging Processes and Telomere Length

Abstract

Telomeres are the ending areas of chromosomes – protective «caps» that ensure the stability of chromosomes. Telomere shortening is one of the most important biological signs of aging and is involved in cellular aging and the «mitotic clock» mechanism. One of the known mechanisms of the impact of radiation on the aging process is damage to telomeres by free radicals. Oxidative stress has a toxic effect on telomere length. The increase in free radicals occurs under the action of both ionizing and non-ionizing radiation, although antioxidant mechanisms are often able to neutralize harmful free radicals. Low doses of non-ionizing and ionizing radiation even cause the activation of antioxidant systems, however, when the body is exposed to radiation at a high dose or for a long time, or if pathological processes with oxidative stress occur in the body, damage to cells becomes more noticeable, and aging processes accelerate. Maintaining telomere length and a normal rate of aging is important for health. In this review, we want to discuss the role of ionizing and non-ionizing radiation in cellular aging, in particular, in the shortening of telomere length. Key words: aging, radiation, oxidative stress, telomere length, toxicity.

The Molecular Mechanisms in Senescent Cells Induced by Natural Aging and Ionizing Radiation

“…Radiation exposure directly affects the mitochondria by inducing mitochondrial dysfunction through increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), mediating disruptions in the electron transport chain (ETC), and oxidative stress [ 8 ]. IR-induced oxidative stress is known to have a deleterious effect on telomeres, thereby accelerating their shortening in cells [ 9 ]. ROS-mediated DNA damage accumulates over time, leading to irreversible changes in the structural and functional integrity of cells, which are associated with age-related phenotypes [ 10 ].…”