Abstract
Radiation has a wide variety of effects on the liver. Fibrosis is a concern in medical fields as one of the acute effects of high-dose irradiation, such as with cancer radiotherapies. Cancer is also an important concern following exposure to radiation. The liver has an active metabolism and reacts to radiations. In addition, effects are modulated by many environmental factors, such as high-calorie foods or alcohol beverages. Adaptations to other environmental conditions could also influence the effects of radiation. Reactions to radiation may not be optimally regulated under conditions modulated by the environment, possibly leading to dysregulation, disease or cancer. Here, we introduce some reactions to ionizing radiation in the liver, as demonstrated primarily in animal experiments. In addition, modulation of radiation-induced effects in the liver due to factors such as obesity, alcohol drinking, or supplements derived from foods are reviewed. Perspectives on medical applications by modulations of radiation effects are also discussed.
Highlights
The liver is an active metabolic organ that is influenced by many environmental conditions
In the case of cancer radiotherapies, radiation exposure is to a limited area, normal tissues in that area can receive high-dose exposure and the liver could sustain acute damage such as fibrosis [3]
Radiation effects on the liver may be influenced by lifestyle, obesity, diet and alcohol, each of which are related to various liver diseases
Summary
The liver is an active metabolic organ that is influenced by many environmental conditions. High-dose radiations (such as 2 Gy/day in fractionated irradiation as cancer radiotherapy, etc.) (Gy: gray, absorbed dose) can have different effects [2,3], depending on the exposed tissue and age at exposure [3,4,5]. Radiation effects on the liver may be influenced by lifestyle, obesity, diet and alcohol, each of which are related to various liver diseases. Because the liver is influenced by environmental conditions, radiation effects in the liver may be modulated by many possible cases. Numerous specific environmental factors are encountered in space (low gravity, specific day-night shift time, radiation, etc.) and extended stays in space are reportedly suggested to increase the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in mouse livers [15]. We review how radiation influences liver function either alone or in combination with lifestyle factors
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