Citation

Li M, Gonon G, Buonanno M, Autsavapromporn N, de Toledo SM, Pain D, Azzam EI. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 2014; 20(9): 1501-1523.

Affiliation

Rutgers University - New Jersey Medical School, Cancer Center, Radiology, Newark, New Jersey, United States ; lim4@njms.rutgers.edu.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, Mary Ann Liebert Publishers)

DOI

10.1089/ars.2013.5649

PMID

24111926

Abstract

Significance: During deep space travel, astronauts are often exposed to high atomic number (Z) and high energy (E) (HZE) particles. Upon interaction with cells, these particles cause severe oxidative injury and result in unique biological responses. When cell populations are exposed to low fluences of HZE particles, a significant fraction of the cells are not traversed by a primary radiation track and yet oxidative stress induced in the targeted cells may spread to nearby bystander cells. The long-term effects are more complex because the oxidative effects persist in progeny of the targeted and affected bystander cells, which promote genomic instability and may increase the risk of age-related cancer and degenerative diseases. Recent advances: Greater understanding of the spatial and temporal features of reactive oxygen species bursts along the tracks of HZE particles, and the availability of facilities that can simulate exposure to space radiations, have supported the characterization of oxidative stress from targeted and non-targeted effects. Critical issues: The significance of secondary radiations generated from interaction of the primary HZE particles with biological material, and the mitigating effects of antioxidants on various cellular injuries is central to understanding non-targeted effects and alleviating tissue injury. Future directions: elucidation of the mechanisms underlying the cellular responses to HZE particles, particularly under reduced gravity and situations of exposure to additional radiations such as protons, should be useful in reducing the uncertainty associated with current models for predicting long-term health risks of space radiation. These studies are also relevant to hadron therapy of cancer.

Language: en