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Considering Existing Factors That May Cause Radiation Hormesis at <100 mSv and Obey the Linear No-Threshold Theory at ≥100 mSv

by Katsuhito Kino, Takayuki Ohshima, Hajime Takeuchi, Takanobu Kobayashi, Taishu Kawada, Masayuki Morikawa and Hiroshi Miyazawa

Challenges 2021, 12(2), 33; https://doi.org/10.3390/challe12020033 - 4 Dec 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3192

Abstract

The linear no-threshold (LNT) theory describes the linear relationship between a radiation dose and its effects. However, whether the linear relationship is maintained at low radiation doses has yet to be determined. Many previous studies support the radiation hormesis theory, which states that radiation has beneficial effects on health. In this viewpoint, we propose a mathematical function fitted to a model consistent with both the LNT at ≥100 mSv and radiation hormesis theories at <100 mSv, and the model requires a factor whose amount or activity takes a mountain-like shape versus the radiation dose and have one maximum value at 40.9 mSv. We searched a wide range of factors with these features based on searches on PubMed, and then evaluated whether these factors were suitable candidates consistent with both the LNT and radiation hormesis theories. Our consideration indicated that these factors did not completely follow the equation suggested at this time. Of course, other theories do not deny that these factors are involved in hormesis. However, based on our theory, still unknown factors may be involved in radiation hormesis, and then such unknown factors which are activated at <100 mSv should be searched. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Technologies)

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16 pages, 878 KB

Open AccessReview

Overview of Biological, Epidemiological, and Clinical Evidence of Radiation Hormesis

by Yuta Shibamoto and Hironobu Nakamura

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2018, 19(8), 2387; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19082387 - 13 Aug 2018

Cited by 104 | Viewed by 11003

Abstract

The effects of low-dose radiation are being increasingly investigated in biological, epidemiological, and clinical studies. Many recent studies have indicated the beneficial effects of low doses of radiation, whereas some studies have suggested harmful effects even at low doses. This review article introduces various studies reporting both the beneficial and harmful effects of low-dose radiation, with a critique on the extent to which respective studies are reliable. Epidemiological studies are inherently associated with large biases, and it should be evaluated whether the observed differences are due to radiation or other confounding factors. On the other hand, well-controlled laboratory studies may be more appropriate to evaluate the effects of low-dose radiation. Since the number of such laboratory studies is steadily increasing, it will be concluded in the near future whether low-dose radiation is harmful or beneficial and whether the linear-no-threshold (LNT) theory is appropriate. Many recent biological studies have suggested the induction of biopositive responses such as increases in immunity and antioxidants by low-dose radiation. Based on recent as well as classical studies, the LNT theory may be out of date, and low-dose radiation may have beneficial effects depending on the conditions; otherwise, it may have no effects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Day Break of Hormesis)

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