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Radiation-induced inflammation and autoimmune diseases

Although there is a long way to illustrate the complete mechanisms of IR-induced diabetes and thyroid diseases, recent studies suggest that the chronic upregulation of inflammatory mediators and cytokines play a key role. It is feasible that long-term exposure to a high level of some cytokines, particularly IL-1β and IFN-γ, can disrupt the normal function of thyrocytes in the thyroid, as well as beta cells in the pancreas. However, it is likely that genetic background plays a key role in the appearance of autoimmune diseases. Although there is no suggested strategy for the prevention or reduction of autoimmune diseases following exposure to IR during radiotherapy or radiation accidents, there may be several solutions, such as the administration of radioprotectors, anti-inflammatory agents, or radiation mitigators. However, to date, there is no evidence to confirm this idea.