Molecular activation of NF-kappaB, pro-inflammatory mediators, and signal pathways in gamma-irradiated mice.

The effects of gamma-irradiation on inflammatory gene expression, including NF-kappaB activation, in the kidney of C57/BL6 mice exposed to 1-9 Gy doses of (60)Co gamma-irradiation. Radiation enhanced the NF-kappaB activation and oxidative stress caused a dose-dependent disruption in the redox balance. The significance of this study is the new molecular information gained on gamma-irradiation effects through the activation of pro-inflammatory genes by NF-kappaB via the MAPK signaling pathway. Considering the exquisite sensitivity of NF-kappaB and other pro-inflammatory mediators to the redox status, we conclude that the activation of inflammatory processes by irradiation is likely initiated by increased oxidative stress.