Overview of Radiation-protective Agent Research and Prospects for the Future

抄録

Since the discovery of X-rays in 1895, radioactivity and its effects on the body have led to the issue of radiation injury. Radiation-related casualties following exposure to a lethal dose of ionizing radiation show severe acute radiation syndromes (ARS) involving bone marrow death and gastrointestinal death. ARS causes a decrease in the peripheral blood cell count and gastrointestinal dysfunction, consequently leading to death caused by immune deficiency. In cases involving many patients such as severe ARS, the intake of appropriate medications is the most suitable initial treatment. Therefore, the development of effective radiation-protective agent is an important issue against radiological accidents and nuclear threats. In this review, the overview of radiation-protective/mitigative agent development against acute radiation effects (external exposure), as well as our research data, and the prospects for future research have been outlined.