BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS OF ACUTE RADIATION SYNDROME

Acute Radiation Syndrome (ARS) arises from the exposure of humans to high doses of ionizing radiation over a short period. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the pathophysiology, dose–response relationships, and organ-specific manifestations of ARS. Emphasis is placed on the mechanisms of DNA damage—both direct ionization and indirect free radical formation—and how linear energy transfer (LET) influences cellular outcomes. We also examine clinical findings across the hematopoietic, gastrointestinal, nervous, respiratory, and integumentary systems, as well as current approaches to diagnosis, supportive care, and emerging therapeutic strategies.