From Exposure to Effect: Genetic and Epigenetic Biomarker-Guided Risk Assessment in Cardiac Imaging.

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Radiation Oncology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Cardiac imaging use is increasing, leading to higher patient and occupational exposure to low-dose ionizing radiation.
• Cumulative radiation doses below 100 mSv may pose long-term health risks, including cancer and cardiovascular disease, but causality is hard to establish due to study limitations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review genetic and epigenetic biomarkers for assessing biological effects of radiation in cardiac imaging and interventional cardiology.
• To examine the potential of these biomarkers in risk stratification and occupational surveillance.

Main Methods:

• Review of current evidence on molecular biomarkers (genetic and epigenetic) related to radiation exposure.
• Focus on biomarkers indicating cellular damage, such as γ-H2AX foci, micronucleus assays, telomere length, DNA methylation, and microRNA expression.

Main Results:

• Genetic markers like γ-H2AX foci and micronucleus assays are sensitive indicators of radiation-induced cellular damage.
• Epigenetic modifications, including DNA methylation and microRNA profiles, also serve as sensitive indicators of radiation effects.

Conclusions:

• Molecular biomarkers offer a promising approach to bridge the gap between radiation exposure and disease.
• Integrating biomarker profiling with dosimetry and follow-up can enhance risk prediction, occupational protection, and cardiovascular care safety.