Testicular exposure to ionizing radiation and sperm epigenetic alterations as possible mechanisms of hereditary effects: perspectives from the viewpoint of radiation protection.

PURPOSE: Since the genotoxicity of ionizing radiation was demonstrated in the 1920s, its hereditary effects have remained a serious concern for human society. The International Commission on Radiological Protection has highlighted the need for appropriate protection against hereditary effects of radiation in humans. In this paper, we review the literature on the possible multigenerational and transgenerational effects following testicular exposure to radiation, focusing on sperm epigenetic alterations as possible mechanisms.

RESULTS: This mini-review highlights that hereditary effects following testicular exposure occur via epigenetic changes of germ cells in animal models, providing implications on human radiation protection.

CONCLUSIONS: A great amount of epigenomic research data has emerged rapidly since the beginning of this century; thus, a revision of the radiological protection protocols against the hereditary effects of radiation would be no longer inevitable. The collection and analysis of evidence on these effects must be enhanced and further accelerated to formulate appropriate protection protocols in the future.