Advances of gas molecules against radiation damage

There is an increasing population receiving radiotherapy every year, during which unexpected damage to normal tissues often occurs unavoidably. How to mitigate the radiation-induced injuries and enhance patients' life quality remains a pressing challenge. Recently, gas molecules employment has emerged as a novel therapeutic modality, garnering increasing interest from researchers. These gas molecules possess distinct biological properties and can confer radioprotective benefits through various mechanisms, including anti-oxidation, anti-inflammation, microbiome regulation and anti-apoptosis. This paper reviews the research advancements of different gas molecules in preventing and treating radiation damage. It explores the radiation protection mechanisms of various gas molecules and the specific organs, tissues and cells they can safeguard. Additionally, advanced delivery strategies involving the precursors and carriers that are currently available, establishing solid basis for utilizing gas molecules for radiation protection, are discussed. Finally, current shortcomings and future directions of research on gas molecules for radiation protection are proposed.