The role of radiation induced oxidative stress as a regulator of radio-adaptive responses

Abstract

Purpose: Various sources of radiation including radiofrequency, electromagnetic radiation (EMR), low- dose X-radiation, low-level microwave radiation and ionizing radiation (IR) are indispensable parts of modern life. In the current review, we discussed the adaptive responses of biological systems to radiation with a focus on the impacts of radiation-induced oxidative stress (RIOS) and its molecular downstream signaling pathways.

Materials and methods: A comprehensive search was conducted in Web of Sciences, PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Embase, and Cochrane Library. Keywords included Mesh terms of “radiation,” “electromagnetic radiation,” “adaptive immunity,” “oxidative stress,” and “immune checkpoints.” Manuscripts published up until December 2019 were included.

Results: RIOS induces various molecular adaptors connected with adaptive responses in radiation exposed cells. One of these adaptors includes p53 which promotes various cellular signaling pathways. RIOS also activates the intrinsic apoptotic pathway by depolarization of the mitochondrial membrane potential and activating the caspase apoptotic cascade. RIOS is also involved in radiation-induced proliferative responses through interaction with mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPks) including p38 MAPK, ERK, and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). Protein kinase B (Akt)/phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) signaling pathway has also been reported to be involved in RIOS-induced proliferative responses. Furthermore, RIOS promotes genetic instability by introducing DNA structural and epigenetic alterations, as well as attenuating DNA repair mechanisms. Inflammatory transcription factors including macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), nuclear factor κB (NF-κB), and signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (STAT-3) paly major role in RIOS-induced inflammation.

Conclusion: In conclusion, RIOS considerably contributes to radiation induced adaptive responses. Other possible molecular adaptors modulating RIOS-induced responses are yet to be divulged in future studies.

Keywords:

• Radiation-induced oxidative stress
• adaptive response
• molecular response

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran and also Center for Development of Clinical Research of Nemazee Hospital and Dr. Nasrin Shokrpour for editorial assistance.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Mohsen Sisakht

Mohsen Sisakht is a PhD candidate in biochemistry at Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. His current research focuses on molecular aspect of spinal cord disorders. He is also interested in the molecular mechanisms of radiation on human disease.

Maryam Darabian

Maryam Darabian is an MSc student in radiobiology at Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. Her research is particularly concerned with the biochemical effects of radiation of human disease. She is also interested in the explore strategies to deal with the harmful effects of radiation.

Amir Mahmoodzadeh

Amir Mahmoodzadeh is a PhD candidate in clinical biochemistry at Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. His current research focuses on CGRP family peptides and their functions in sensory and motor neurons. He is interested in studies about radio adaptive response, inflammation as well as neurochemistry.

Ali Bazi

Ali Bazi, a scholar affiliated with Zabol University of Medical Sciences, Zabol, Iran. His main research field falls into molecular aspect of human disease; especially hematologic disorders. His also the associate editor of the international journal of basic science.

Sayed Mohammad Shafiee

Sayed Mohammad Shafiee, PhD of clinical biochemistry is an assistant professor at Shiraz University of medical Sciences. His research interest is focused on molecular mechanisms of carcinogenesis and autophagy. He has supervised several graduate students in the department of biochemistry.

Pooneh Mokarram

Pooneh mokarram currently works at the Department of Biochemistry, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. She does research in Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Biotechnology and Molecular Biology.

Zahra Khoshdel

Zahra Khoshdel, PhD of clinical biochemistry is an assistant professor at Shiraz University of medical Sciences. Her research interest is focused on molecular mechanism of pain and addiction.