Epigenetic DNA Methylation Under the Influence of Low-Dose Ionizing Radiation, and Supplementation with Vitamin B12 and Folic Acid: Harmful or Beneficial for Professionals?

This review paper highlights the importance of educating current and future professionals about epigenetic mechanisms and recognizing epigenetics as a crucial model for protection against ionizing radiation. Two basic models for radiation-induced DNA damage are currently in use. The association betw...

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Main Authors: Borivoje Savic, Bozidar Savic, Svetlana Stanojlovic
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-05-01
Series:Epigenomes
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4655/9/2/17
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author Borivoje Savic
Bozidar Savic
Svetlana Stanojlovic
author_facet Borivoje Savic
Bozidar Savic
Svetlana Stanojlovic
author_sort Borivoje Savic
collection DOAJ
description This review paper highlights the importance of educating current and future professionals about epigenetic mechanisms and recognizing epigenetics as a crucial model for protection against ionizing radiation. Two basic models for radiation-induced DNA damage are currently in use. The association between mutations and chromosomal aberrations provides a framework for analyzing risks at low radiation doses and exposure to small doses. However, there is no monitoring of epigenetic changes in professionals exposed to low doses of ionizing radiation. Epigenetic events regulate gene activity and expression not only during cell development and differentiation but also in response to environmental stimuli, such as ionizing radiation. Furthermore, the potential occurrence of malignant and hereditary diseases at low doses of ionizing radiation is linearly correlated and is considered a scientifically accepted assumption, despite recognized scientific limitations associated with this assessment. The aim of this review is to integrate novel and intriguing radiobiological paradigms regarding the effects of ionizing radiation on DNA methylation and epigenetic regulation of the DNA molecule. Several hypothesized biological responses to ionizing radiation are examined, linking them to epigenetic mechanisms involved in health risk assessment for professionals. The second part of the review includes published research related to epigenetics, supplementation, and virus reactivation in the context of epigenetic modifications of the DNA molecule. We hypothesize that different cycles lead to changes in the epigenome, which may be associated with the reactivation of certain viruses and the deficiency of specific dietary elements. These findings are linked to minimal deficiencies in vitamin B12 and folic acid, which may contribute to epigenomic changes. This aspect is crucial for the immune status of individuals working in high-risk environments.
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spelling doaj-art-cb257fe584534db0a371715eb9297f442025-08-20T03:27:10ZengMDPI AGEpigenomes2075-46552025-05-01921710.3390/epigenomes9020017Epigenetic DNA Methylation Under the Influence of Low-Dose Ionizing Radiation, and Supplementation with Vitamin B12 and Folic Acid: Harmful or Beneficial for Professionals?Borivoje Savic0Bozidar Savic1Svetlana Stanojlovic2University Clinical Centre of Serbia, University Eye Hospital, Pasterova 2, 11000 Belgrade, SerbiaInstitute of Veterinary Medicine of Serbia, Janisa Janulisa 14, 11000 Belgrade, SerbiaUniversity Clinical Centre of Serbia, University Eye Hospital, Pasterova 2, 11000 Belgrade, SerbiaThis review paper highlights the importance of educating current and future professionals about epigenetic mechanisms and recognizing epigenetics as a crucial model for protection against ionizing radiation. Two basic models for radiation-induced DNA damage are currently in use. The association between mutations and chromosomal aberrations provides a framework for analyzing risks at low radiation doses and exposure to small doses. However, there is no monitoring of epigenetic changes in professionals exposed to low doses of ionizing radiation. Epigenetic events regulate gene activity and expression not only during cell development and differentiation but also in response to environmental stimuli, such as ionizing radiation. Furthermore, the potential occurrence of malignant and hereditary diseases at low doses of ionizing radiation is linearly correlated and is considered a scientifically accepted assumption, despite recognized scientific limitations associated with this assessment. The aim of this review is to integrate novel and intriguing radiobiological paradigms regarding the effects of ionizing radiation on DNA methylation and epigenetic regulation of the DNA molecule. Several hypothesized biological responses to ionizing radiation are examined, linking them to epigenetic mechanisms involved in health risk assessment for professionals. The second part of the review includes published research related to epigenetics, supplementation, and virus reactivation in the context of epigenetic modifications of the DNA molecule. We hypothesize that different cycles lead to changes in the epigenome, which may be associated with the reactivation of certain viruses and the deficiency of specific dietary elements. These findings are linked to minimal deficiencies in vitamin B12 and folic acid, which may contribute to epigenomic changes. This aspect is crucial for the immune status of individuals working in high-risk environments.https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4655/9/2/17epigeneticsmethylationdosimetry-chromosomal aberrations
spellingShingle Borivoje Savic
Bozidar Savic
Svetlana Stanojlovic
Epigenetic DNA Methylation Under the Influence of Low-Dose Ionizing Radiation, and Supplementation with Vitamin B12 and Folic Acid: Harmful or Beneficial for Professionals?
Epigenomes
epigenetics
methylation
dosimetry-chromosomal aberrations
title Epigenetic DNA Methylation Under the Influence of Low-Dose Ionizing Radiation, and Supplementation with Vitamin B12 and Folic Acid: Harmful or Beneficial for Professionals?
title_full Epigenetic DNA Methylation Under the Influence of Low-Dose Ionizing Radiation, and Supplementation with Vitamin B12 and Folic Acid: Harmful or Beneficial for Professionals?
title_fullStr Epigenetic DNA Methylation Under the Influence of Low-Dose Ionizing Radiation, and Supplementation with Vitamin B12 and Folic Acid: Harmful or Beneficial for Professionals?
title_full_unstemmed Epigenetic DNA Methylation Under the Influence of Low-Dose Ionizing Radiation, and Supplementation with Vitamin B12 and Folic Acid: Harmful or Beneficial for Professionals?
title_short Epigenetic DNA Methylation Under the Influence of Low-Dose Ionizing Radiation, and Supplementation with Vitamin B12 and Folic Acid: Harmful or Beneficial for Professionals?
title_sort epigenetic dna methylation under the influence of low dose ionizing radiation and supplementation with vitamin b12 and folic acid harmful or beneficial for professionals
topic epigenetics
methylation
dosimetry-chromosomal aberrations
url https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4655/9/2/17
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