170 KB3 KB199220252025Čemažar, MajaJurdana, Mihaelaštevilka:3letnik:59str. 293–300DOI:10.2478/raon-2025-0048ISSN:1318-2099COBISSID_HOST:248491779URN:URN:NBN:SI:doc-PYKKMIOVenCroatian Medical Association - Croatian Society of RadiologySlovenian Medical Society - Section of RadiologyRadiology and oncology (Ljubljana)melatoninmelatoninemišična regeneracijamuscle regenerationradioterapijaradiotherapyskeletal muscleskeletna mišičninaRadiation-induced impairment of skeletal muscle regeneration|Background. Radiotherapy is a cornerstone of treatment for various cancers, but often causes collateral damage to surrounding healthy tissue, including skeletal muscle. Ionizing radiation leads to oxidative stress and inflammation, which impairs the regenerative capacity of muscle tissue. Irradiation reduces the number and functionality of satellite cells and disrupts the tightly regulated processes of myogenesis and tissue remodelling. In addition, irradiation alters the muscle microenvironment by promoting fibrosis and vascular damage, which further impedes effective regenera-tion. Cytokine signalling pathways are also dysregulated following irradiation, contributing to impaired activation and differentiation of satellite cells. Conclusions. There is evidence that factors such as melatonin and growth factors can improve muscle regenera-tion. Understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the impairment of muscle regeneration after radiotherapy is crucial for the development of targeted strategies to mitigate side effects and improve patients’ qual-ity of life. Overall, the preservation and restoration of muscle function in irradiated tissue remains a critical challenge that requires multidisciplinary approachesTEXTznanstveno časopisjejournalsSlovenian National E-content AggregatorNational and University Library of SloveniaDruštvo radiologije in onkologije