Radiation represents an environmental factor that can adversely affect the heart and the vasculature. Depending on the dose and time, radiation-induced heart injury may evolve, as is well documented e. g. in long-term cancer survivors previously treated with radiotherapy. Oxidative stress induced by irradiation damages endothelial and myocardial cells. An inflammatory response is induced by cytokine release from dysfunctional endothelium and from injured irradiated cells which activate defense mechanisms. At later stages, the heart responds to radiation injury among others, by promoting cardiac hypertrophy and remodeling to compensate for impaired cardiac function, eventually leading to heart failure. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNA molecules participating in the regulation of different cellular processes. miRNAs dysregulation has been associated with various disease states, including adverse cardiac remodeling and toxicity. An increasing number of studies demonstrate the possible application of molecular hydrogen in various diseases. This small non-toxic molecule represents an effective antioxidant with anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and anti-fibrotic properties. However, the exact mechanisms of hydrogen action are still not fully clarified. Available literature points to the possible implication of miRNAs in the preventive effects of molecular hydrogen, including radiation-induced heart injury. To confirm these assumptions, further studies are needed, as the research in this area is still in its infancy.
Kura B, Slezak J. Regulation of Myocardial MicroRNAs by Molecular Hydrogen Contributes to the Prevention of Radiation-Induced Injury. In: Djuric, D.M., Agrawal, D.K. (eds) Environmental Factors in the Pathogenesis of Cardiovascular Diseases. Advances in Biochemistry in Health and Disease, vol 30. Springer, Cham. 2024.