Combined Effect of Gamma Radiation and Heavy Metals on Some Living Organisms
Ilderbayeva G. Rakhyzhanova S. Utegenova A. Salkhozhayeva G. Ilderbayev O.
March 2025Springer
Biological Trace Element Research
2025#203Issue 31764 - 1775 pp.
The purpose of this study was to systematise scientific publications on the combined effect of gamma radiation and heavy metals on living organisms. For this purpose, the method of analysis was applied, by means of which scientific papers in PubMed, Google Scholar, and other related databases were analysed for compliance with the inclusion criteria, where the objects of research were toxic effects of radiation and heavy metals on cells and adaptation processes. The results revealed that the study of the problem was carried out on organisms such as microalgae, fungi, weed and agricultural plants, fish, laboratory rats, and human cell cultures. In most studies, an antagonistic effect between low doses of gamma radiation and heavy metal salts was reported, which was manifested by a reduction in the cytotoxicity of isolated exposure to each agent separately. However, there are studies showing additive effects, especially in heavy metals. At the molecular level, heavy metal accumulation in combination with low doses of radiation (typically defined as less than 0.1 Gy or sievert) induces the expression of metallothionein proteins, which can bind free radicals. At the metabolic level, this is manifested by a decrease in lipid peroxidation products, activation of antioxidant enzymes, and a decrease in apoptosis. The study proved both a direct relationship between zinc and cadmium accumulation in cells and inhibition of caspases and an indirect one, by maintaining mitochondrial membrane integrity through metallothionein.
Arsenic , Cadmium , Expression of metallothioneins , Lead , Radiation , Zinc
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Department of Biotechnology and Microbiology, L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Astana, 010008, Kazakhstan
Department of Physiological Disciplines named after Honored Scientist of the Republic of Kazakhstan T.A. Nazarova, Semey Medical University, Semey, 071400, Kazakhstan
Department of Microbiology and Virology, Astana Medical University, Astana, 010000, Kazakhstan
Department of General Biology and Genomics, L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Astana, 010008, Kazakhstan
Department of Biotechnology and Microbiology
Department of Physiological Disciplines named after Honored Scientist of the Republic of Kazakhstan T.A. Nazarova
Department of Microbiology and Virology
Department of General Biology and Genomics
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