Pathogenesis of Changes Developing in the Human Body Under the Effect of Ionizing Radiation
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Ionizing radiation is a powerful physical factor capable of inducing complex biological changes in the human body. Depending on the dose, duration, and type of exposure, ionizing radiation may lead to acute tissue damage as well as long-term pathological consequences. The primary target of radiation is the cellular genome, where direct DNA damage and indirect effects mediated by reactive oxygen species initiate a cascade of molecular and cellular disturbances. These early events contribute to oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammatory responses, and disruption of immune regulation. As a result, structural and functional damage develops at the tissue and organ levels, particularly in radiosensitive systems such as the hematopoietic and gastrointestinal systems. Long-term exposure is associated with genomic instability, impaired tissue regeneration, and an increased risk of malignant transformation. Understanding the pathogenetic mechanisms underlying radiation-induced changes is essential for improving prevention strategies, early diagnosis, and the development of effective radioprotective and therapeutic approaches.
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