Bioflavonoids as Important Component of Biological Protection from Ionizing Radiation

Abstract

New advances in the areaof deciphering the mechanism for a possible modification of the biologicaleffects of radiation exposure at the genetic level make it possible todistinguish the group of radiation protective agents having their own specificfeatures in the implementation of their beneficial effects. The mechanismof the radioprotective action of bioflavonoids is worthy of a detailed analysisin view of their great biological importance. Radiobiological studies show thatantioxidants can reduce the radiation damage to membranes and favor moreadequate energy dependent adaptive and reparative processes after the exposureto radiation. Bioflavonoids are significant component of “biological protection” for a enhance ofresistance of the body to environmental factors that are adverse for humanhealth, including ionizing radiation, with reducing the risk of carcinogeniceffects and decreasing the biological age. The best practical value of bioflavonoids,can be considered as the agents for prophylaxis against the development ofoxidative stress. These are the reasons why the administration of naturalantioxidants have a pathogenetic justification for exposures to chronic(months, years) low-rate-dose ionizing radiation. These agents were previously and are currentlybeing developed for use during long-term, low-ratedose exposures to radiation,under conditions of long space missions. Acting as low-dosestressors through a hormetic mechanism and a “substrate” support of adaptiveshifts radiomodulators results in an increase in the antioxidant defense of thebody and the rearrangement of its functioning in the new environment with themodulation of gene expression of antioxidant response elements by activation ofNrd2/KeapI and Sirtuin/FoxO pathways and a decrease in the transcription factorNF-κB.