Gastrointestinal Microflora in Radiation Injury and Countermeasure

Acute radiation syndrome (ARS) is a collection of pathological conditions as a result of exposure to high amounts of ionizing radiation (IR). Gastrointestinal (GI) system is highly sensitive to IR exposure and the symptoms include anorexia, nausea, vomiting and severe diarrhoea and can result in multiple organ failure. If remain untreated, it may result into death within 2 weeks with predominant cause being infection, dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. GI tract is inhabited by several commensal bacteria and damage to the GI system facilitates bacterial translocation to other organs due to loss in its integrity. Bacterial translocation results in conversion of commensals into opportunistic pathogens which secrete variety of lethal toxins culminating in multiple organ failure. Present review focuses on elucidating consequences of radiation exposure to GI system, the microbiota inhibiting GI and critical analysis of data from different studies done so far to counter those consequences. Using traditional therapeutics, there are no promising measures developed so far, to counter such radiation emergency to an acceptable extent. Review of existing literature urges development of innovative countermeasures and fecal transplant.