Biological Responses to Low Dose Radiation —Hormesis and Adaptive Responses—

There is considerable evidence from experimental studies in animals, as well as from clinical reports, that low-dose radiation hormesis is effective for the treatment of cancer and ulcerative colitis. In this study, we present 3 case reports that support the clinical efficacy of low-dose radiation hormesis in patients with these diseases. First, a patient with prostate cancer who had undergone surgical resection showed a subsequent increase in prostate-specific antigen (PSA). His PSA value started decreasing immediately after the start of repeated low-dose X-ray irradiation treatment and remained low thereafter. Second, a patient with prostate cancer with bone metastasis was treated with repeated low-dose X-ray irradiation. His PSA level decreased to nearly normal within 3 months after starting the treatment and remained at the low level after the end of hormesis treatment. His bone metastasis almost completely disappeared. Third, a patient with ulcerative colitis showed a slow initial response to repeated low-dose irradiation treatment using various modalities, including drinking radon-containing water, but within 8 months, his swelling and bleeding had completely disappeared. After 1 year, the number of bowel movements had become normal. Interest in the use of radiation hormesis in clinical practice is increasing, and we hope that these case reports will encourage further clinical investigations.

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The Adaptive Responses in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer A549 Cell Lines Induced by Low-Dose Ionizing Radiation and the Variations of miRNA Expression

Dose-Response ◽

10.1177/15593258211039931 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 19 (4) ◽

pp. 155932582110399

Author(s):

Xiao-Chun Wang ◽

Li-Li Tian ◽

Cai-Xia Fan ◽

Cai-Hong Duo ◽

Ke-Ming Xu

Keyword(s):

Mirna Expression ◽

Low Dose ◽

Target Genes ◽

Biological Effects ◽

Cell Communication ◽

A549 Cells ◽

Enrichment Analysis ◽

Adaptive Responses ◽

Low Dose Radiation ◽

Dose Radiation

Objective To study the effects of adaptive response in A549 cells induced by low-dose radiation and the miRNAs expression. Methods A549 cells were irradiated with 50 mGy and 200 mGy initial doses, respectively, and then irradiated with a challenge dose 20 Gy at 6 hours interval. The biological effects and miRNA expression were detected. Results The apoptosis rates of 50 mGy-20 Gy and 200 mGy-20 Gy groups were significantly lower than that of only 20 Gy irradiation group ( P < .05). The percentage of G2/M phase cells of 50 mGy-20 Gy and 200 mGy-20 Gy groups was significantly decreased relative to the 20 Gy group ( P < .05). One miRNA (mir-3662) was upregulated and 15 miRNAs (mir-185, mir-1908, mir-307, mir-182, mir-92a, mir-582, mi-r501, mir138-5p, mir-1260, mir-484, mir-378d, mir-193b, mir-127-3p, mir-1303, and mir-654-5p) were downregulated both in 50 mGy-20 Gy and 200 mGy-20 Gy groups than that of the 20 Gy group. Go and KEGG enrichment analysis showed that the target genes were significantly enriched in cell communication regulation, metabolic process, enzyme binding, and catalytic activity signaling pathways. Conclusion Low-dose X-ray of 50 mGy and 200 mGy radiation can induce adaptive apoptosis response prior to 20 Gy in A549 cells. Sixteen differently expressed miRNAs may play important roles in the adaptive effect of low-dose radiation.

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Biological Effects of Low Dose Radiation and Adaptive Responses in Mammalian Cells(The 29th Autumn Scientific Congress)

Japanese Journal of Radiological Technology ◽

10.6009/jjrt.kj00003111379 ◽

2002 ◽

Vol 58 (10) ◽

pp. 1328-1334 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Shuji Yonei ◽

Qiu-Mei Zhang

Keyword(s):

Mammalian Cells ◽

Low Dose ◽

Biological Effects ◽

Adaptive Responses ◽

Low Dose Radiation ◽

Scientific Congress ◽

Dose Radiation

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Adaptive Responses Induced by Low Dose Radiation in Dentate Gyrus of Rats

Journal of Korean Medical Science ◽

10.3346/jkms.2006.21.6.1103 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 21 (6) ◽

pp. 1103 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Jin Oh Kang ◽

Seong Eon Hong ◽

Sang Ki Kim ◽

Chang Ju Kim ◽

Taeck Hyun Lee ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Dentate Gyrus ◽

Low Dose ◽

Adaptive Responses ◽

Low Dose Radiation ◽

Dose Radiation

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X-Ray Hesitancy: Patients’ Radiophobic Concerns Over Medical X-rays

Dose-Response ◽

10.1177/1559325820959542 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 18 (3) ◽

pp. 155932582095954 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Paul A. Oakley ◽

Deed E. Harrison

Keyword(s):

Low Dose ◽

Background Radiation ◽

X Rays ◽

Adaptive Responses ◽

Low Dose Radiation ◽

X Ray ◽

X Ray Imaging ◽

The Family ◽

Diagnostic Radiation ◽

Dose Radiation

All too often the family physician, orthopedic surgeon, dentist or chiropractor is met with radiophobic concerns about X-ray imaging in the clinical setting. These concerns, however, are unwarranted fears based on common but ill-informed and perpetuated ideology versus current understanding of the effects of low-dose radiation exposures. Themes of X-ray hesitancy come in 3 forms: 1. All radiation exposures are harmful (i.e. carcinogenic); 2. Radiation exposures are cumulative; 3. Children are more susceptible to radiation. Herein we address these concerns and find that low-dose radiation activates the body’s adaptive responses and leads to reduced cancers. Low-dose radiation is not cumulative as long as enough time (e.g. 24 hrs) passes prior to a repeated exposure, and any damage is repaired, removed, or eliminated. Children have more active immune systems; the literature shows children are no more affected than adults by radiation exposures. Medical X-rays present a small, insignificant addition to background radiation exposure that is not likely to cause harm. Doctors and patients alike should be better informed of the lack of risks from diagnostic radiation and the decision to image should rely on the best evidence, unique needs of the patient, and the expertise of the physician—not radiophobia.

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