Abstract
Knowledge regarding complex radiation responses in biological systems can be enhanced using genetically amenable model organisms. In this manuscript, we reviewed the use of the nematode, Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans), as a model organism to investigate radiation’s biological effects. Diverse types of experiments were conducted on C. elegans, using acute and chronic exposure to different ionizing radiation types, and to assess various biological responses. These responses differed based on the type and dose of radiation and the chemical substances in which the worms were grown or maintained. A few studies compared responses to various radiation types and doses as well as other environmental exposures. Therefore, this paper focused on the effect of irradiation on C. elegans, based on the intensity of the radiation dose and the length of exposure and ways to decrease the effects of ionizing radiation. Moreover, we discussed several studies showing that dietary components such as vitamin A, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and polyphenol-rich food source may promote the resistance of C. elegans to ionizing radiation and increase their life span after irradiation.
Highlights
Humans can be subjected to various types and levels of radiation exposure as they age
Min et al showed that C. elegans irradiated using a proton beam at the L4 larval stage grew almost generally in the adult stage, but later experienced reproductive deficiencies demonstrated by the decreased size of brood as measured by the total number of eggs that are fertilized by hermaphrodite animals; an increase in germline apoptosis caused reduced fertility [75]
Various experiments have been conducted by irradiating C. elegans with different radiation types to investigate ultraviolet exposure, X-ray exposure, proton beam exposure, gamma-ray exposure, and β particle exposure
Summary
Humans can be subjected to various types and levels of radiation exposure as they age. In addition to background radiation, humans might receive ionizing radiation (IR) from radiotherapy instruments as part of their medical treatment during their entire life [1]. In these treatments (e.g., Leukemia patient treatment), an absorbed dose of 12 to 15 Gy is delivered to the patient’s body, often given in 8 to 12 fractions in two to three treatments per day over 4–5 days a week for several weeks [2,3]. It is important to l2esosf e18n IR’s impact on the quality of life, human health, and life span (aging); ionizing radiation is a critical research topic. Several investigations reported that food sources that contain phytochemicals such as blueberry polyphenols [40], epigallocatechin gallate from tea [41], plant adaptogens [42], and tart cherry [43], among others, increase the life span of C. elegans
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