Potential Utility of Peptides Against Damage Induced by Ionizing Radiation

Abstract

Radioprotection is the process whereby biological systems are aided against undesirable radiation hazards. Primitive radioprotectors suffered from either having crucial side effects or low efficacy in clinical applications. Therefore, the search for less toxic but more capable radioprotectants has continued for decades. Peptides have been investigated as radioprotectants in a variety of preclinical models both in vitro and in vivo. Peptides exert their influence through scavenging free radicals, modifying cell signaling and inhibiting cell apoptosis. Demonstrating potential in vivo properties, peptide radiation countermeasures might find enough credit for use in humans in the future. This article reviews the potential therapeutic value of currently known radioprotective peptides and attempts to provide a comprehensive source for further scientific research in this area.

Keywords:

• antioxidants
• Bowman–Birk protease inhibitor
• free radical
• ionizing radiation
• peptides
• radiation countermeasures
• radioprotective agents

Financial & competing interests disclosure

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.