Free radical generated by ionizing radiation

Free radicals generated by ionizing radiation refer to highly reactive and short-lived atoms or molecules with unpaired electrons produced during the interaction of ionizing radiation (such as X-rays, gamma rays, or alpha particles) with biological material, especially water molecules[1][2][3][6][7]. The indirect action of radiation on water leads to the generation of hydroxyl radicals (•OH) and hydrogen radicals (•H), which are responsible for most of the biological damage following exposure[1][6][7]. These radicals readily react with cellular macromolecules, causing DNA strand breaks, protein oxidation, and lipid peroxidation, ultimately resulting in cell death, mutations, or carcinogenesis[2][4]. A variety of diseases, especially cancers and degenerative conditions, have been linked to persistent or excessive free radical generation after radiation[2][3]. While individual molecular species (such as the hydroxyl radical) are chemically defined, "free radicals generated by ionizing radiation" as a category refers more to a process or class of chemical species rather than a specific druggable target, so it is not considered a canonical target molecule[2][3][6]. Mechanistic intervention typically focuses on radical scavenging or antioxidant therapy rather than directly "targeting" the free radical as a traditional molecular target[3][6][7].

Other names

Reactive oxygen species (from ionizing radiation)radiation-induced free radicalshydroxyl radical (•OH)hydrogen radical (•H)radiation-generated ROS

Scavenging free radicals to prevent or mitigate cellular damage. Interrupting radical chain reactions. Enhancing antioxidant defenses.