Radiation and oxidative stress: A mini-review

Radiation, particularly ionizing radiation used in medical imaging and cancer treatments, induces oxidative stress (OS), a key factor in the biological damage it causes. Radiation interacting with biological tissues generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) that can overwhelm the cell's natural antioxidant defenses. This leads to oxidative damage to essential macromolecules such as DNA, proteins, and lipids, triggering a cascade of harmful cellular events. DNA strand breaks, protein oxidation, and lipid peroxidation are common consequences, contributing to mutations, cellular dysfunction, and apoptosis. These effects play a significant role in both acute radiation injury and long-term health outcomes, such as carcinogenesis and cardiovascular diseases. Given the growing use of radiological procedures in medicine, understanding radiation-induced OS is critical for improving patient safety. Strategies to mitigate oxidative damage, including using antioxidants and radiation dose optimization, are being actively explored. Continued research into the mechanisms of radiation-induced OS is necessary to enhance therapeutic interventions and diagnostic accuracy while minimizing potential risks. This review provides a concise summary of the relationship between radiation and OS.