Research progress on vascular endothelial cell senescence induced by ionizing radiation

Vascular endothelial cells (VEC), a single layer of flat cells lines the arteries, veins and capillaries, are sensitive to ionizing radiation (IR). IR is able to induce apoptosis and senescence in VEC. Senescent VEC shows a variety of senescent phenotypes, which further result in endothelial dysfunction. This paper reviews the characteristic of IR-induced VEC senescence, as well as its related functional mechanisms by which IR-induced senescent VEC plays a role in vascular diseases.