Mechanisms of Radiation Bystander and Non-Targeted Effects: Implications to Radiation Carcinogenesis and Radiotherapy

Abstract

In this review, we focus on descriptive and hierarchical events with emphasis on the molecular and functional interactions of ionizing radiation with cells to the mechanisms involved in cancer induction in non-targeted tissues.

Radiation Protection and Mitigation by Natural Antioxidants and Flavonoids: Implications to Radiotherapy and Radiation Disasters

“…1) [33]. These transcription factors upregulate the expression of inflammatory mediators and pro-oxidant enzymes such as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), iNOS and NADPH Oxidase [5,34]. These pro-oxidant enzymes produce ROS and then stimulate more free radical production by mitochondria via a phenomenon known as ROS-induced ROS [35].…”

“…Although the search for radioprotectors has been on for a long time, there has been more emphasis on the development of radiation mitigators with high efficiency. The most important focus in this issue is mitigation of radiosensitive organs such as bone marrow and gastrointestinal system [5].…”

Mechanisms for Radioprotection by Melatonin; Can it be Used as a Radiation Countermeasure?

“…Pneumonitis in the lung, dermatitis, arthritis, myelopathy, gastritis, enteritis as well as autoimmune diseases are some examples [94,138]. In addition to these side effects, a massive data has shown a relation between inflammation and second primary cancers following radiotherapy [139]. Although, inflammation in some organs such as gastrointestinal system and skin may cause chronic pain and bleeding, pneumonitis and myelopathy are more dangerous and may threaten the life of irradiated people.…”

Ionizing Radiation and Human Health: Reviewing Models of Exposure and Mechanisms of Cellular Damage. An Epigenetic Perspective

“…Therefore, in many cell/tissue cultures and in in vivo experimental studies aberrant DNA methylation, as well as altered miRNA levels, involved in epigenetic regulation, besides a series of other factors (such as free radicals, cytokines...), have been detected in distant tissues shortly after irradiation. This effect can persist for a long time after exposure (for a review see [ 80 ]), which can have significant implications for a better understanding of radiation carcinogenesis as well as of diagnostic radiological procedures and radiotherapy [ 81 ].…”