DOI: 10.32364/2311-7729-2026-26-3-8
Changes in the tear fluid proteome under exposure to ionizing radiation: a literature review
L.R. Takhauova1,2, O.I. Krivosheina2, E.A. Gorbunova2, T.A. Zhigalskaya2
1 Seversk Biophysical Research Center, FMBA of Russia, Seversk, Russian Federation
2 Siberian State Medical University, Tomsk, Russian Federation
Tear fluid represents a promising non-invasive diagnostic medium that reflects both local and systemic pathological changes in the body. The relevance of studying the tear proteomic profile is driven by the significant size of at-risk populations: approximately 420,000 nuclear industry workers in the Russian Federation chronically exposed to low doses of ionizing radiation, and hundreds of thousands of oncology patients undergoing radiotherapy, among whom the incidence of dry eye disease may reach 50%.
Exposure to ionizing radiation induces complex molecular shifts in the tear proteome, including activation of antioxidant systems (PRDX1, TXN), an enhanced inflammatory response (S100A8/A9, TNF-α), alteration of the immunoglobulin profile, and an increase in epithelial damage markers (keratins KRT14, KRT19). Remodeling of the tear proteome progresses through three phases: an early phase (compensatory activation of antioxidants and increased levels of inflammatory proteins), an adaptive phase (stabilization of restorative protein levels and activation of angiogenesis), and a chronic phase (depletion of protective systems and chronic inflammation).
Proteomic analysis of tear fluid, performed by liquid chromatography and high-resolution mass spectrometry, holds significant potential for the early diagnosis of ocular surface damage and monitoring of the body's condition under radiation exposure. The development of standardized proteomic biomarker panels opens opportunities for personalized monitoring of oncology patients and the early detection of various diseases in nuclear industry workers. The implementation of non-invasive proteomic tests could substantially improve the prevention and treatment of complications, enabling a shift from symptomatic therapy to preventive medicine, and reducing economic losses from occupational diseases.
Keywords: tear fluid, proteome, ocular surface, ionizing radiation, radiation damage, dry eye disease, biomarkers, ophthalmology.
For citation: Takhauova L.R., Krivosheina O.I., Gorbunova E.A., Zhigalskaya T.A. Changes in the tear fluid proteome under exposure to ionizing radiation: a literature review. Russian Journal of Clinical Ophthalmology. 2026;26(3):244–249 (in Russ.). DOI: 10.32364/2311-7729-2026-26-3-8
About the authors:
Liliia R. Takhauova — junior researcher, Seversk Biophysical Research Center, FMBA of Russia; 7 bldg. 2, Chekist pereulok, Seversk, 636013, Russian Federation; postgraduate student at the Department of Ophthalmology, Siberian State Medical University; 2, Moskovskiy trakt, Tomsk, 634050, Russian Federation; ORCID iD 0000-0002-6261-9795
Olga I. Krivosheina — Dr. Sc. (Med.), Professor, Head of the Department of Ophthalmology, Siberian State Medical University; 2, Moskovsky trakt, Tomsk, 634050, Russian Federation; ORCID iD 0000-0001-7509-5858
Evgeniya A. Gorbunova — C. Sc. (Med.), Associate Professor of the Department of Ophthalmology, Siberian State Medical University; 2, Moskovsky trakt, Tomsk, 634050, Russian Federation; ORCID iD 0000-0002-6462-8185
Tatiana A. Zhigalskaya — C. Sc. (Med.), Associate Professor of the Department of Ophthalmology, Siberian State Medical University; 2, Moskovsky trakt, Tomsk, 634050, Russian Federation; ORCID iD 0000-0003-3110-4112
Contact information: Liliia R. Takhauova, e-mail:
tahauovaa@gmail.com
Financial Disclosure: no authors have a financial or property interest in any material or method mentioned.
There is no conflict of interest.
Received 01.07.2026.
Revised 24.07.2026.
Accepted 18.08.2026.
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