Ionizing Radiation as a Source of Oxidative Stress-The Protective Role of Melatonin and Vitamin D.

Jarosław Nuszkiewicz,Alina Woźniak,Karolina Szewczyk-Golec

doi:10.3390/ijms21165804

Abstract

Ionizing radiation (IR) has found widespread application in modern medicine, including medical imaging and radiotherapy. As a result, both patients and healthcare professionals are exposed to various IR doses. To minimize the negative side effects of radiation associated with oxidative imbalance, antioxidant therapy has been considered. In this review, studies on the effects of melatonin and vitamin D on radiation-induced oxidative stress are discussed. According to the research data, both substances meet the conditions for use as agents that protect humans against IR-induced tissue damage. Numerous studies have confirmed that melatonin, a hydro- and lipophilic hormone with strong antioxidant properties, can potentially be used as a radioprotectant in humans. Less is known about the radioprotective effects of vitamin D, but the results to date have been promising. Deficiencies in melatonin and vitamin D are common in modern societies and may contribute to the severity of adverse side effects of medical IR exposure. Hence, supporting supplementation with both substances seems to be of first importance. Interestingly, both melatonin and vitamin D have been found to selectively radiosensitise cancer cells, which makes them promising adjuvants in radiotherapy. More research is needed in this area, especially in humans.

Highlights

The field of radiology dates back to 1895 when the German scientist Wilhelm Konrad Roentgen discovered X-rays [1]
This review points to the important role of ionizing radiation as an inducer of oxidative stress, which occurs in the pathogenesis and the course of many diseases
reactive oxygen species (ROS) are generated during medical procedures that require the use of ionizing radiation (IR) and when the organism is exposed to sunlight and background radiation present in the environment

Summary

Introduction

The field of radiology dates back to 1895 when the German scientist Wilhelm Konrad Roentgen discovered X-rays [1]. Attention has been paid to radioprotective properties of two hormones, whose synthesis depends on the specific light wavelengths, namely melatonin and vitamin D [17,18] Both substances are endogenous compounds, but their deficiencies have been widely described in modern societies [19,20]. Taking into account the relevance of the problem, the aim of the current review was to provide new scientific data on the protective effects of melatonin and vitamin D against oxidative damage caused by ionizing radiation. We hope that our review will be an impetus for further research on the use of both hormones in preventing deleterious side effects of ionizing radiation, especially in the field of human studies

Ionizing Radiation as a Source of Reactive Oxygen Species

Melatonin—A Circadian Rhythm Regulator with Antioxidant Properties

Vitamin D—Function and Antioxidant Effect

Conclusions