The protective effects of trace elements against side effects induced by ionizing radiation

Abstract

Trace elements play crucial role in the maintenance of genome stability in the cells. Many endogenous defense enzymes are containing trace elements such as superoxide dismutase and metalloproteins. These enzymes are contributing in the detoxification of reactive oxidative species (ROS) induced by ionizing radiation in the cells. Zinc, copper, manganese, and selenium are main trace elements that have protective roles against radiation-induced DNA damages. Trace elements in the free salt forms have protective effect against cell toxicity induced by oxidative stress, metal-complex are more active in the attenuation of ROS particularly through superoxide dismutase mimetic activity. Manganese-complexes in protection of normal cell against radiation without any protective effect on cancer cells are more interesting compounds in this topic. The aim of this paper to review the role of trace elements in protection cells against genotoxicity and side effects induced by ionizing radiation.

Keywords: DNA damage; Radiation; Radiation-protective agent; Side effects; Trace elements.

Fig. 1. Role trace elements in mitigation DNA damage induced by ionizing radiation in cells. There are several mechanisms are involved in protection including attenuation of pro-inflammatory, increasing of super oxide dismutase (SOD), metallothionein, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), thioredoxin reductase (Thio.reductase), reduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and cell signaling pathways in DNA repair. Zn, zinc; Mn, manganese; Se, selenium; Cu, copper.