[Radiation-protective agent and anti-aging agents: random and predictable matches.]

Radiation-protective and anti-aging properties are often combined. Combination of this properties is linked to the common mechanisms of action such as direct and indirect antioxidant activities, inhibition of free radicals formation, increase resistance to stress impacts at the cellular level, acceleration of DNA reparation, prevention of chronic diseases linked to abnormalities in regeneration processes, activation of immune inflammatory processes and carcinogenesis. Regulation of cell cycle and apoptosis can often be considered as an implementing driver of radiation-protective and anti-aging activities. On the one hand, against the background of stopping the cell cycle and blockade of apoptosis increases the time required to repair the defects of a DNA. Antiapoptotic effects enhances survival chances at the early stage after irradiation in a particular range of doses. On the other hand, activation of apoptosis of altered cells can be seen as one of the mechanisms to delay aging processes and prevention of isolated effects of exposure to ionizing radiation. Formation of radiation-induced and age-related alterations are characterized by multiple factors and a variety of manifestations. Nevertheless, similarity of individual links of the pathogenesis of disease related to radiation exposure and aging of the body is striking. It could be stated that radiation-protective property defines an increase in life expectancy by short-term exposure in sub-lethal and lethal doses. However anti-aging activities prevent the development of remote effects of ionizing radiation by prolonged low doses or fractionated exposure to radiation.