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Modeling Encephalopathy of Prematurity Using Prenatal Hypoxia-ischemia with Intra-amniotic Lipopolysaccharide in Rats
Published on: November 20, 2015
Prenatal irradiation-induced brain neuropathology and cognitive impairment
Bo Yang1, Bo Xu Ren1, Feng Ru Tang2
1Medical School of Yangtze University, People's Republic of China.
Insights
Prenatal radiation exposure significantly impacts fetal brain development, leading to structural abnormalities and lifelong neurological issues. Animal studies offer crucial insights into these risks, guiding future research on low-dose radiation effects.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Radiology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- The developing embryo/fetus is highly sensitive to ionizing radiation.
- Prenatal radiation exposure can cause severe brain abnormalities, impacting quality of life.
- Increased use of medical radiation raises concerns for pregnant women.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current research on prenatal ionizing irradiation-induced abnormal brain structure.
- To discuss subsequent postnatal neurological and neuropsychological diseases.
- To explore the relationship between irradiation and brain aging.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of existing research.
- Analysis of animal data to understand low-dose/dose-rate effects.
- Discussion of molecular mechanisms involved.
Main Results:
- Prenatal radiation exposure can lead to growth retardation, microcephaly, intellectual disability, and increased brain tumor risk.
- Effects are dependent on developmental stage, radiation dose, and dose rate.
- Animal studies provide valuable data on microanatomical changes and subsequent disorders.
Conclusions:
- Prenatal irradiation poses significant risks to fetal brain development.
- Further research, particularly using animal models, is needed to understand low-dose effects.
- This review highlights the need for caution regarding radiological procedures during pregnancy.
Abstract:
Embryo/fetus is much more radiosensitive than neonatal and adult human being. The main potential effects of pre-natal radiation exposure on the human brain include growth retardation, small head/brain size, mental retardation, neocortical ectopias, callosal agenesis and brain tumor which may result in a lifetime poor quality of life. The patterns of prenatal radiation-induced effects are dependent not only on the stages of fetal development, the sensitivity of tissues and organs, but also on radiation sources, doses, dose rates. With the increased use of low dose radiation for diagnostic or radiotherapeutic purposes in recent years, combined with postnatal negative health effect after prenatal radiation exposure to fallout of Chernobyl nuclear power plant accident, the great anxiety and unnecessary termination of pregnancies after the nuclear disaster, there is a growing concern about the health effect of radiological examinations or therapies in pregnant women. In this paper, we reviewed current research progresses on pre-natal ionizing irradiation-induced abnormal brain structure changes. Subsequent postnatal neuropsychological and neurological diseases were provided. Relationship between irradiation and brain aging was briefly mentioned. The relevant molecular mechanisms were also discussed. Future research directions were proposed at the end of this paper. With limited human data available, we hoped that systematical review of animal data could relight research interests on prenatal low dose/dose rate irradiation-induced brain microanatomical changes and subsequent neurological and neuropsychological disorders.
