Central Nervous System Response Against Ionizing Radiation Exposure: Cellular, Biochemical, and Molecular...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Radiation Biology
• Cellular and Molecular Medicine

Background:

• Ionizing radiation, including gamma radiation, poses significant risks to the central nervous system.
• The hippocampus, containing the dentate gyrus (DG) and subventricular zone (SVZ), is a radiation-sensitive neurogenic niche.
• Radiation exposure disrupts the redox balance in neural stem cells (NSCs) and other proliferative cells, leading to oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and cell death.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the molecular events and signaling pathways affected by ionizing radiation in neuronal cells.
• To discuss the impact of radiation on oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, apoptosis, cognition, neuroplasticity, and neurotoxicity.
• To explore brain-specific radioprotectors and mitigators for protecting healthy neuronal tissues during radiotherapy or accidental exposure.

Main Methods:

• This is a review article, synthesizing existing research on the effects of gamma radiation on the nervous system.
• Literature search and analysis of studies investigating molecular and biochemical changes in neuronal tissues post-radiation.
• Examination of data on both high-dose and low-dose radiation effects, including anatomical, biochemical, and molecular alterations.

Main Results:

• Gamma radiation induces detrimental effects on the nervous system, with particular sensitivity in the hippocampus.
• Molecular perturbations, including oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, occur even at low radiation doses, leading to neuronal deficits and cognitive impairment.
• Both planned (radiotherapy) and unplanned (accidental) radiation exposure can cause acute or chronic damage to neuronal tissues.

Conclusions:

• Ionizing radiation significantly impacts neuronal cells, affecting critical processes like neurogenesis and cognitive function.
• Understanding these molecular mechanisms is crucial for developing effective radioprotective strategies.
• Brain-specific radioprotectors and mitigators are essential for protecting healthy brain tissue during cancer treatment and in nuclear emergencies.