Free radical generation in post-irradiation period: an evidence from the conversion of xanthine dehydrogenase into xanthine oxidase

Xanthine oxidoreductase (XOR) system which consists of xanthine dehydrogenase (XDH) and xathine oxidase (XO), is one of the major sources of free radicals in biological systems. XOR system is pre-dominantly present as XDH in the normal tissue and converts into free radical generating XO-Form in the damaged tissue. Therefore, XO-Form of XOR system, is expected to be mainly found in the radiolytically damaged tissue. In such an event, XO may catalyze the generation of free radicals and potentiate the radiation effects in post-irradiation period. Recent findings on the effect of ionizing radiation on XOR system in the liver of mice, peroxidative damage and lactate dehydrogenase support this possibility. From these results it has been hypothized that free radical generating systems could be activated in the radiolytically damaged cell and in turn contribute to the cause and complications of late effects and their persistence in post-irradiation period. This aspect may have great significance in understanding the radiation - induced damages. It may also have serious implication in various fields like radiation therapy, health physics, carcinogenesis, space travelling radiation exposures and post nuclear accident care. Further, it is suggested that efforts need to be made to search more system(s) which could be activated particularly at lower doses of radiation and generate free radicals in post-irradiation period