Radiation meets inflammation: NLRP3 inflammasome at the core of radiation-induced cardiac injury

Radiation therapy is a widely used and effective treatment for various types of cancer; however, it is associated with several side effects, including an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. While the molecular mechanisms underlying RT-induced cardiovascular damage remain unclear, the NLRP3 inflammasome has emerged as a central player in its pathogenesis. This review focuses on the current understanding of the involvement of NLRP3 in radiation-induced cardiotoxicity, highlighting emerging evidence reported in the literature. Recent findings shown that the NLRP3 inflammasome may play a role in radiation-induced cardiovascular diseases, drawing attention to it as a potential therapeutic target. We summarize key findings on the role of radiation in modulating the NLRP3 inflammasome and inducing cardiovascular disease, providing a detailed overview of NLRP3 inflammasome functions in different radiation-induced cardiovascular diseases. Moreover, we discuss the therapeutic potential of targeting NLRP3 to prevent radiation-induced cardiovascular diseases. The development of effective treatments for radiotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity is becoming increasingly urgent and understanding NLRP3-dependent mechanisms could pave the way for innovative therapeutic approaches.