Research Advance in Ionizing Radiation Protection and Repair of Polysaccharide / 中国药师

Ionizing radiation can directly attack biological macromolecules including DNA, protein and lipids. Radiation can also damage cells indirectly by the formation of lots of free radicals through the radiolysis of surrounding water molecules. As the result, ion-izing radiation may make serious injury in human immune system, reproductive system and nervous system. Several synthetic radiopro-tectors have been used in clinic. However, most of them have some undesirable side effects. Hence, natural radioprotectors with high efficiency and low toxicity have been the focus of radioprotection field in recent years. In the paper, the recent research progress in the protection and repair effects of polysaccharides on radiation damage was reviewed.