Open Access

Molecular pathways associated with oxidative stress and their potential applications in radiotherapy (Review)

  • Authors:
    • Rui Liu
    • Yan Bian
    • Lin Liu
    • Lianchang Liu
    • Xiaodong Liu
    • Shumei Ma
  • View Affiliations

  • Published online on: March 15, 2022     https://doi.org/10.3892/ijmm.2022.5121
  • Article Number: 65
  • Copyright: © Liu et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of Creative Commons Attribution License.

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Abstract

Radiotherapy is an essential and effective treatment modality for cancer. Excessive levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by ionizing radiation disrupt the redox homeostasis and lead to oxidative stress that may result in cell death. However, the tumor cell microenvironment is dynamic and responds to radiotherapy by activating numerous cellular signaling pathways. By scavenging excess ROS, the activity levels of the endogenous antioxidant enzymes result in radioresistance and worsen the clinical outcomes. To assess the full potential of radiotherapy, it is essential to explore the underlying mechanisms of oxidative stress in radiotherapy for potential target identification. The present review article summarized recent data demonstrating nuclear factor‑erythroid factor 2‑related factor 2 (Nrf2) as a powerful transcription factor and one of the major cellular defense mechanisms that protect against oxidative stress in response to radiotherapy; the glutathione (GSH) and thioredoxin (Trx) systems complement each other and are effective antioxidant mechanisms associated with the protection of cancer cells from radiation damage. In addition, it is suggested that dual targeting to inhibit GSH and Trx enzymes may be a potential strategy for the development of radiosensitive and radioprotective drugs.
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May-2022
Volume 49 Issue 5

Print ISSN: 1107-3756
Online ISSN:1791-244X

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Copy and paste a formatted citation
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Spandidos Publications style
Liu R, Bian Y, Liu L, Liu L, Liu X and Ma S: Molecular pathways associated with oxidative stress and their potential applications in radiotherapy (Review). Int J Mol Med 49: 65, 2022.
APA
Liu, R., Bian, Y., Liu, L., Liu, L., Liu, X., & Ma, S. (2022). Molecular pathways associated with oxidative stress and their potential applications in radiotherapy (Review). International Journal of Molecular Medicine, 49, 65. https://doi.org/10.3892/ijmm.2022.5121
MLA
Liu, R., Bian, Y., Liu, L., Liu, L., Liu, X., Ma, S."Molecular pathways associated with oxidative stress and their potential applications in radiotherapy (Review)". International Journal of Molecular Medicine 49.5 (2022): 65.
Chicago
Liu, R., Bian, Y., Liu, L., Liu, L., Liu, X., Ma, S."Molecular pathways associated with oxidative stress and their potential applications in radiotherapy (Review)". International Journal of Molecular Medicine 49, no. 5 (2022): 65. https://doi.org/10.3892/ijmm.2022.5121