Radiation-Induced Endothelial Vascular Injury: A Review of Possible Mechanisms

Bhanu Prasad Venkatesulu, Lakshmi Shree Mahadevan, Maureen L. Aliru, Xi Yang, Monica Himaani Bodd, Pankaj K. Singh, Syed Wamique Yusuf, Jun ichi Abe, Sunil Krishnan

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

168 Scopus citations

Abstract

In radiation therapy for cancer, the therapeutic ratio represents an optimal balance between tumor control and normal tissue complications. As improvements in the therapeutic arsenal against cancer extend longevity, the importance of late effects of radiation increases, particularly those caused by vascular endothelial injury. Radiation both initiates and accelerates atherosclerosis, leading to vascular events like stroke, coronary artery disease, and peripheral artery disease. Increased levels of proinflammatory cytokines in the blood of long-term survivors of the atomic bomb suggest that radiation evokes a systemic inflammatory state responsible for chronic vascular side effects. In this review, the authors offer an overview of potential mechanisms implicated in radiation-induced vascular injury.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)563-572
Number of pages10
JournalJACC: Basic to Translational Science
Volume3
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 2018

Keywords

  • angiogenesis
  • apoptosis
  • cytokines
  • senescence

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine

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