Ionizing Radiation as a Source of Oxidative Stress-The Protective Role of Melatonin and Vitamin D.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to evaluate the potential of melatonin as a radioprotectant against ionizing radiation-induced oxidative stress and tissue damage.
Results Summary
The study found that melatonin, due to its strong antioxidant properties, shows promise as a radioprotectant in humans, potentially mitigating radiation-induced tissue damage. Additionally, melatonin may selectively radiosensitize cancer cells, making it a potential adjuvant in radiotherapy.
Population
General human population exposed to ionizing radiation, including patients and healthcare professionals.
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
Not specified
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
melatonin | decrease | radiation-induced tissue damage | humans | - | can potentially be used as a radioprotectant | #1 |
vitamin D | decrease | radiation-induced tissue damage | - | - | promising radioprotective effects | #2 |
melatonin | increase | cancer cells | - | - | selectively radiosensitise | #3 |
vitamin D | increase | cancer cells | - | - | selectively radiosensitise | #4 |
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.