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Singh VK, Wise SY, Fatanmi OO, Petrus SA, Carpenter AD, Lugo-Roman LA, Lee SH, Hauer-Jensen M, Seed TM. Pathology of acute sub-lethal or near-lethal irradiation of nonhuman primates prophylaxed with the nutraceutical, gamma tocotrienol. Sci Rep 2024; 14:13315. [PMID: 38858439 PMCID: PMC11164941 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-64102-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Exposure to high, marginally lethal doses or higher of ionizing radiation, either intentional or accidental, results in injury to various organs. Currently, there is only a limited number of safe and effective radiation countermeasures approved by US Food and Drug Administration for such injuries. These approved agents are effective for only the hematopoietic component of the acute radiation syndrome and must be administered only after the exposure event: currently, there is no FDA-approved agent that can be used prophylactically. The nutraceutical, gamma-tocotrienol (GT3) has been found to be a promising radioprotector of such exposure-related injuries, especially those of a hematopoietic nature, when tested in either rodents or nonhuman primates. We investigated the nature of injuries and the possible protective effects of GT3 within select organ systems/tissues caused by both non-lethal level (4.0 Gy), as well as potentially lethal level (5.8 Gy) of ionizing radiation, delivered as total-body or partial-body exposure. Results indicated that the most severe, dose-dependent injuries occurred within those organ systems with strong self-renewing capacities (e.g., the lymphohematopoietic and gastrointestinal systems), while in other tissues (e.g., liver, kidney, lung) endowed with less self-renewal, the pathologies noted tended to be less pronounced and less dependent on the level of exposure dose or on the applied exposure regimen. The prophylactic use of the test nutraceutical, GT3, appeared to limit the extent of irradiation-associated pathology within blood forming tissues and, to some extent, within the small intestine of the gastrointestinal tract. No distinct, global pattern of bodily protection was noted with the agent's use, although a hint of a possible radioprotective benefit was suggested not only by a lessening of apparent injury within select organ systems, but also by way of noting the lack of early onset of moribundity within select GT3-treated animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vijay K Singh
- Division of Radioprotectants, Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD, 20814-2712, USA.
- Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA.
| | - Stephen Y Wise
- Division of Radioprotectants, Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD, 20814-2712, USA
- Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | - Oluseyi O Fatanmi
- Division of Radioprotectants, Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD, 20814-2712, USA
- Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | - Sarah A Petrus
- Division of Radioprotectants, Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD, 20814-2712, USA
- Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | - Alana D Carpenter
- Division of Radioprotectants, Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD, 20814-2712, USA
- Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | - Luis A Lugo-Roman
- Department of Laboratory Animal Resources, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | - Sang-Ho Lee
- Pathology Department, Research Services, Naval Medical Research Center, Silver Spring, MD, 20910, USA
| | - Martin Hauer-Jensen
- Division of Radiation Health, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, 72205, USA
| | - Thomas M Seed
- Tech Micro Services, 4417 Maple Avenue, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
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Singh VK, Wise SY, Fatanmi OO, Petrus SA, Carpenter AD, Lee SH, Hauer-Jensen M, Seed TM. Histopathological studies of nonhuman primates exposed to supralethal doses of total- or partial-body radiation: influence of a medical countermeasure, gamma-tocotrienol. Sci Rep 2024; 14:5757. [PMID: 38459144 PMCID: PMC10923821 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-56135-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite remarkable scientific progress over the past six decades within the medical arts and in radiobiology in general, limited radiation medical countermeasures (MCMs) have been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for the acute radiation syndrome (ARS). Additional effort is needed to develop large animal models for improving the prediction of clinical safety and effectiveness of MCMs for acute and delayed effects of radiation in humans. Nonhuman primates (NHPs) are considered the animal models that reproduce the most appropriate representation of human disease and are considered the gold standard for drug development and regulatory approval. The clinical and histopathological effects of supralethal, total- or partial-body irradiations (12 Gy) of NHPs were assessed, along with possible protective actions of a promising radiation MCM, gamma-tocotrienol (GT3). Results show that these supralethal radiation exposures induce severe injuries that manifest both clinically as well as pathologically, as evidenced by the noted functionally crippling lesions within various major organ systems of experimental NHPs. The MCM, GT3, has limited radioprotective efficacy against such supralethal radiation doses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vijay K Singh
- Division of Radioprotectants, Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD, 20814-2712, USA.
- Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA.
| | - Stephen Y Wise
- Division of Radioprotectants, Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD, 20814-2712, USA
- Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | - Oluseyi O Fatanmi
- Division of Radioprotectants, Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD, 20814-2712, USA
- Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | - Sarah A Petrus
- Division of Radioprotectants, Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD, 20814-2712, USA
- Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | - Alana D Carpenter
- Division of Radioprotectants, Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD, 20814-2712, USA
- Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | - Sang-Ho Lee
- Pathology Department, Research Services, Naval Medical Research Center, Silver Spring, MD, 20910, USA
| | - Martin Hauer-Jensen
- Division of Radiation Health, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, 72205, USA
| | - Thomas M Seed
- Tech Micro Services, 4417 Maple Avenue, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
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Shrum SA, Nukala U, Shrimali S, Pineda EN, Krager KJ, Thakkar S, Jones DE, Pathak R, Breen PJ, Aykin-Burns N, Compadre CM. Tocotrienols Provide Radioprotection to Multiple Organ Systems through Complementary Mechanisms of Antioxidant and Signaling Effects. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:1987. [PMID: 38001840 PMCID: PMC10668991 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12111987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Tocotrienols have powerful radioprotective properties in multiple organ systems and are promising candidates for development as clinically effective radiation countermeasures. To facilitate their development as clinical radiation countermeasures, it is crucial to understand the mechanisms behind their powerful multi-organ radioprotective properties. In this context, their antioxidant effects are recognized for directly preventing oxidative damage to cellular biomolecules from ionizing radiation. However, there is a growing body of evidence indicating that the radioprotective mechanism of action for tocotrienols extends beyond their antioxidant properties. This raises a new pharmacological paradigm that tocotrienols are uniquely efficacious radioprotectors due to a synergistic combination of antioxidant and other signaling effects. In this review, we have covered the wide range of multi-organ radioprotective effects observed for tocotrienols and the mechanisms underlying it. These radioprotective effects for tocotrienols can be characterized as (1) direct cytoprotective effects, characteristic of the classic antioxidant properties, and (2) other effects that modulate a wide array of critical signaling factors involved in radiation injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen A. Shrum
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA; (U.N.); (S.S.); (E.N.P.); (K.J.K.); (S.T.); (D.E.J.); (R.P.); (P.J.B.); (N.A.-B.)
- Tocol Pharmaceuticals, LLC, Little Rock, AR 77205, USA
| | - Ujwani Nukala
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA; (U.N.); (S.S.); (E.N.P.); (K.J.K.); (S.T.); (D.E.J.); (R.P.); (P.J.B.); (N.A.-B.)
- Joint Bioinformatics Graduate Program, University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Little Rock, AR 72204, USA
| | - Shivangi Shrimali
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA; (U.N.); (S.S.); (E.N.P.); (K.J.K.); (S.T.); (D.E.J.); (R.P.); (P.J.B.); (N.A.-B.)
- Joint Bioinformatics Graduate Program, University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Little Rock, AR 72204, USA
| | - Edith Nathalie Pineda
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA; (U.N.); (S.S.); (E.N.P.); (K.J.K.); (S.T.); (D.E.J.); (R.P.); (P.J.B.); (N.A.-B.)
- Joint Bioinformatics Graduate Program, University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Little Rock, AR 72204, USA
| | - Kimberly J. Krager
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA; (U.N.); (S.S.); (E.N.P.); (K.J.K.); (S.T.); (D.E.J.); (R.P.); (P.J.B.); (N.A.-B.)
| | - Shraddha Thakkar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA; (U.N.); (S.S.); (E.N.P.); (K.J.K.); (S.T.); (D.E.J.); (R.P.); (P.J.B.); (N.A.-B.)
| | - Darin E. Jones
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA; (U.N.); (S.S.); (E.N.P.); (K.J.K.); (S.T.); (D.E.J.); (R.P.); (P.J.B.); (N.A.-B.)
| | - Rupak Pathak
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA; (U.N.); (S.S.); (E.N.P.); (K.J.K.); (S.T.); (D.E.J.); (R.P.); (P.J.B.); (N.A.-B.)
| | - Philip J. Breen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA; (U.N.); (S.S.); (E.N.P.); (K.J.K.); (S.T.); (D.E.J.); (R.P.); (P.J.B.); (N.A.-B.)
| | - Nukhet Aykin-Burns
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA; (U.N.); (S.S.); (E.N.P.); (K.J.K.); (S.T.); (D.E.J.); (R.P.); (P.J.B.); (N.A.-B.)
| | - Cesar M. Compadre
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA; (U.N.); (S.S.); (E.N.P.); (K.J.K.); (S.T.); (D.E.J.); (R.P.); (P.J.B.); (N.A.-B.)
- Tocol Pharmaceuticals, LLC, Little Rock, AR 77205, USA
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Singh VK, Fatanmi OO, Wise SY, Carpenter AD, Janocha B, Seed TM. Novel biomarkers for acute radiation injury and countermeasures using large and small animal models and multi-omics approach. RADIATION PROTECTION DOSIMETRY 2023; 199:1526-1532. [PMID: 37721071 DOI: 10.1093/rpd/ncad035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
Threats of radiological or nuclear disasters are of serious concern and a top priority for government agencies involved in domestic security and public health preparedness. There is a need for sensitive bioassays for biodosimetric assessments of radiation exposures originating from unanticipated nuclear/radiological events. The Food and Drug Administration Animal Rule approval pathway requires an in-depth understanding of the mechanisms of radiation injury, drug efficacy and biomarkers for radiation medical countermeasure approval. Biomarkers can be helpful for extrapolating the efficacious countermeasure dose in animals to humans. We summarised here our studies to identify candidate biomarkers for the acute radiation injury using various omic platforms (metabolomics/lipidomics, proteomics, microbiome and transcriptomics/microRNA) using murine and non-human primate models conducted in our laboratory. Multi-omic platforms appear to be highly useful in assessing radiation exposure levels and for identifying biomarkers of radiation injury and countermeasure efficacy, which can expedite the regulatory approval of countermeasures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vijay K Singh
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
- Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Oluseyi O Fatanmi
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
- Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Stephen Y Wise
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
- Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Alana D Carpenter
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
- Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Brianna Janocha
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
- Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
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Wu T, Orschell CM. The delayed effects of acute radiation exposure (DEARE): characteristics, mechanisms, animal models, and promising medical countermeasures. Int J Radiat Biol 2023; 99:1066-1079. [PMID: 36862990 PMCID: PMC10330482 DOI: 10.1080/09553002.2023.2187479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Terrorist use of nuclear weapons and radiation accidents put the human population at risk for exposure to life-threatening levels of radiation. Victims of lethal radiation exposure face potentially lethal acute injury, while survivors of the acute phase are plagued with chronic debilitating multi-organ injuries for years after exposure. Developing effective medical countermeasures (MCM) for the treatment of radiation exposure is an urgent need that relies heavily on studies conducted in reliable and well-characterized animal models according to the FDA Animal Rule. Although relevant animal models have been developed in several species and four MCM for treatment of the acute radiation syndrome are now FDA-approved, animal models for the delayed effects of acute radiation exposure (DEARE) have only recently been developed, and there are no licensed MCM for DEARE. Herein, we provide a review of the DEARE including key characteristics of the DEARE gleaned from human data as well as animal, mechanisms common to multi-organ DEARE, small and large animal models used to study the DEARE, and promising new or repurposed MCM under development for alleviation of the DEARE. CONCLUSIONS Intensification of research efforts and support focused on better understanding of mechanisms and natural history of DEARE are urgently needed. Such knowledge provides the necessary first steps toward the design and development of MCM that effectively alleviate the life-debilitating consequences of the DEARE for the benefit of humankind worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Wu
- Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Christie M Orschell
- Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
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Singh VK, Seed TM. Development of gamma-tocotrienol as a radiation medical countermeasure for the acute radiation syndrome: current status and future perspectives. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2023; 32:25-35. [PMID: 36655861 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2023.2169127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The possibility of exposure to high doses of total- or partial-body ionizing radiation at a high dose rate due to radiological/nuclear accidents or terrorist attacks is increasing. Despite research and development during the last six decades, there is a shortage of nontoxic, safe, and effective radiation medical countermeasures (MCMs) for radiological and nuclear emergencies. To date, the US Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) has approved only four agents for the mitigation of hematopoietic acute radiation syndrome (H-ARS). AREA COVERED We present the current status of a promising radiation countermeasure, gamma-tocotrienol (GT3; a component of vitamin E) as a radiation MCM that has been investigated in murine and nonhuman primate models of H-ARS. There is significant work with this agent using various omic platforms during the last few years to identify its efficacy biomarkers. EXPERT OPINION GT3 is a newer type of radioprotector having significant injury-countering potential and is currently under advanced development for H-ARS. As a pre-exposure drug, it requires only single doses, lacks significant toxicity, and has minimal, ambient temperature storage requirements; thus, GT3 appears to be an ideal MCM for military and first responders as well as for storage in the Strategic National Stockpile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vijay K Singh
- Division of Radioprotectants, Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA.,Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
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Singh VK, Seed TM. Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute/Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences perspective on space radiation countermeasure discovery. LIFE SCIENCES IN SPACE RESEARCH 2022; 35:20-29. [PMID: 36336365 DOI: 10.1016/j.lssr.2022.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
There is a need to develop and deploy medical countermeasures (MCMs) in order to support astronauts during space missions against excessive exposures to ionizing radiation exposure. The radiation environment of extraterrestrial space is complex and is characterized by nearly constant fluences of elemental atomic particles (protons being a dominant particle type) with widely different energies and ionization potentials. Chronic exposure to such ionizing radiation carries both near- and long-term health risks, which are generally related to the relative intensity and duration of exposure. These radiation-associated health risks can be managed only to a limited extent by physical means, but perhaps they might be more effectively managed biomedically. The Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute/Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences has a long history of researching and developing MCMs specifically designed to support terrestrial-based military missions involving a radiation-threat component. The development of MCMs for both low and high doses of radiation are major aims of current research, and as such can provide lessons learned for the development of countermeasures applicable to future space missions and its extraterrestrial radiation environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vijay K Singh
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA; Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Thomas M Seed
- Tech Micro Services, 4417 Maple Avenue, Bethesda, MD, USA
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Nuclear and Radiological Emergencies: Biological Effects, Countermeasures and Biodosimetry. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11061098. [PMID: 35739995 PMCID: PMC9219873 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11061098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Atomic and radiological crises can be caused by accidents, military activities, terrorist assaults involving atomic installations, the explosion of nuclear devices, or the utilization of concealed radiation exposure devices. Direct damage is caused when radiation interacts directly with cellular components. Indirect effects are mainly caused by the generation of reactive oxygen species due to radiolysis of water molecules. Acute and persistent oxidative stress associates to radiation-induced biological damages. Biological impacts of atomic radiation exposure can be deterministic (in a period range a posteriori of the event and because of destructive tissue/organ harm) or stochastic (irregular, for example cell mutation related pathologies and heritable infections). Potential countermeasures according to a specific scenario require considering basic issues, e.g., the type of radiation, people directly affected and first responders, range of doses received and whether the exposure or contamination has affected the total body or is partial. This review focuses on available medical countermeasures (radioprotectors, radiomitigators, radionuclide scavengers), biodosimetry (biological and biophysical techniques that can be quantitatively correlated with the magnitude of the radiation dose received), and strategies to implement the response to an accidental radiation exposure. In the case of large-scale atomic or radiological events, the most ideal choice for triage, dose assessment and victim classification, is the utilization of global biodosimetry networks, in combination with the automation of strategies based on modular platforms.
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Yang S, Yang J, Zhao H, Deng R, Fan H, Zhang J, Yang Z, Zeng H, Kuang B, Shao L. The Protective Effects of γ-Tocotrienol on Muscle Stem Cells Through Inhibiting Reactive Oxidative Stress Production. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:820520. [PMID: 35372342 PMCID: PMC8965065 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.820520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Pseudotrophic muscular dystrophy is a common clinical skeletal muscle necrotic disease, among which Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is the predominant. For such diseases, there is no clinically effective treatment, which is only symptomatic or palliative treatment. Oxidative stress and chronic inflammation are common pathological features of DMD. In recent years, it has been found that the pathophysiological changes of skeletal muscle in DMD mice are related to muscle stem cell failure. In the present study, we established a DMD mice model and provided tocotrienol (γ-tocotrienol, GT3), an antioxidant compound, to explore the relationship between the physiological state of muscle stem cells and oxidative stress. The results showed that the application of GT3 can reduce ROS production and cellular proliferation in the muscle stem cells of DMD mice, which is beneficial to promote the recovery of muscle stem cell function in DMD mice. GT3 treatment improved the differentiation ability of muscle stem cells in DMD mice with increasing numbers of MyoD+ cells. GT3 application significantly decreased percentages of CD45+ cells and PDGFRα+ fibro-adipogenic progenitors in the tibialis anterior of DMD mice, indicating that the increased inflammation and fibro-adipogenic progenitors were attenuated in GT3-treated DMD mice. These data suggest that increased ROS production causes dysfunctional muscle stem cell in DMD mice, which might provide a new avenue to treat DMD patients in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Yang
- Department of Occupational Health and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Juan Yang
- Department of Occupational Health and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Huiwen Zhao
- Department of Biological Genetics, School of Basic Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Rong Deng
- Department of Occupational Health and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Hancheng Fan
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Jinfu Zhang
- Department of Occupational Health and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Zihao Yang
- Department of Occupational Health and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Huihong Zeng
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Interdisciplinary Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Bohai Kuang
- Department of Biological Genetics, School of Basic Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Lijian Shao
- Department of Occupational Health and Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Interdisciplinary Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- *Correspondence: Lijian Shao,
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Gamma-tocotrienol, a radiation countermeasure, reverses proteomic changes in serum following total-body gamma irradiation in mice. Sci Rep 2022; 12:3387. [PMID: 35233005 PMCID: PMC8888544 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-07266-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Radiological incidents or terrorist attacks would likely expose civilians and military personnel to high doses of ionizing radiation, leading to the development of acute radiation syndrome. We examined the effectiveness of prophylactic administration of a developmental radiation countermeasure, γ-tocotrienol (GT3), in a total-body irradiation (TBI) mouse model. CD2F1 mice received GT3 24 h prior to 11 Gy cobalt-60 gamma-irradiation. This dose of radiation induces severe hematopoietic acute radiation syndrome and moderate gastrointestinal injury. GT3 provided 100% protection, while the vehicle control group had 100% mortality. Two-dimensional differential in-gel electrophoresis was followed by mass spectrometry and Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA). Analysis revealed a change in expression of 18 proteins in response to TBI, and these changes were reversed with prophylactic treatment of GT3. IPA revealed a network of associated proteins involved in cellular movement, immune cell trafficking, and inflammatory response. Of particular interest, significant expression changes in beta-2-glycoprotein 1, alpha-1-acid glycoprotein 1, alpha-2-macroglobulin, complement C3, mannose-binding protein C, and major urinary protein 6 were noted after TBI and reversed with GT3 treatment. This study reports the untargeted approach, the network, and specific serum proteins which could be translated as biomarkers of both radiation injury and protection by countermeasures.
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Bendinger AL, Welzel T, Huang L, Babushkina I, Peschke P, Debus J, Glowa C, Karger CP, Saager M. DCE-MRI detected vascular permeability changes in the rat spinal cord do not explain shorter latency times for paresis after carbon ions relative to photons. Radiother Oncol 2021; 165:126-134. [PMID: 34634380 DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2021.09.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Radiation-induced myelopathy, an irreversible complication occurring after a long symptom-free latency time, is preceded by a fixed sequence of magnetic resonance- (MR-) visible morphological alterations. Vascular degradation is assumed the main reason for radiation-induced myelopathy. We used dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE-) MRI to identify different vascular changes after photon and carbon ion irradiation, which precede or coincide with morphological changes. MATERIALS AND METHODS The cervical spinal cord of rats was irradiated with iso-effective photon or carbon (12C-)ion doses. Afterwards, animals underwent frequent DCE-MR imaging until they developed symptomatic radiation-induced myelopathy (paresis II). Measurements were performed at certain time points: 1 month, 2 months, 3 months, 4 months, and 6 months after irradiation, and when animals showed morphological (such as edema/syrinx/contrast agent (CA) accumulation) or neurological alterations (such as, paresis I, and paresis II). DCE-MRI data was analyzed using the extended Toft's model. RESULTS Fit quality improved with gradual disintegration of the blood spinal cord barrier (BSCB) towards paresis II. Vascular permeability increased three months after photon irradiation, and rapidly escalated after animals showed MR-visible morphological changes until paresis II. After 12C-ion irradiation, vascular permeability increased when animals showed morphological alterations and increased further until animals had paresis II. The volume transfer constant and the plasma volume showed no significant changes. CONCLUSION Only after photon irradiation, DCE-MRI provides a temporal advantage in detecting early physiological signs in radiation-induced myelopathy compared to morphological MRI. As a generally lower level of vascular permeability after 12C-ions led to an earlier development of paresis as compared to photons, we conclude that other mechanisms dominate the development of paresis II.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alina L Bendinger
- Dept. of Medical Physics in Radiation Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Heidelberg Institute for Radiation Oncology (HIRO) and National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology (NCRO), Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Thomas Welzel
- Heidelberg Institute for Radiation Oncology (HIRO) and National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology (NCRO), Heidelberg, Germany; Dept. of Radiation Oncology and Radiotherapy, University Hospital of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Lifi Huang
- Dept. of Medical Physics in Radiation Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Heidelberg Institute for Radiation Oncology (HIRO) and National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology (NCRO), Heidelberg, Germany; Faculty of Physics and Astronomy, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Inna Babushkina
- Core Facility Small Animal Imaging Center, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Peter Peschke
- Dept. of Medical Physics in Radiation Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Dept. of Radiation Oncology and Radiotherapy, University Hospital of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jürgen Debus
- Dept. of Radiation Oncology and Radiotherapy, University Hospital of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; Clinical Cooperation Unit Radiation Therapy, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christin Glowa
- Dept. of Medical Physics in Radiation Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Heidelberg Institute for Radiation Oncology (HIRO) and National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology (NCRO), Heidelberg, Germany; Dept. of Radiation Oncology and Radiotherapy, University Hospital of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christian P Karger
- Dept. of Medical Physics in Radiation Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Heidelberg Institute for Radiation Oncology (HIRO) and National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology (NCRO), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Maria Saager
- Dept. of Medical Physics in Radiation Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Heidelberg Institute for Radiation Oncology (HIRO) and National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology (NCRO), Heidelberg, Germany
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12
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Feng Y, Feng Y, Gu L, Liu P, Cao J, Zhang S. The Critical Role of Tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) Metabolism in Modulating Radiosensitivity: BH4/NOS Axis as an Angel or a Devil. Front Oncol 2021; 11:720632. [PMID: 34513700 PMCID: PMC8429800 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.720632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Ionizing radiation and radioactive materials have been widely used in industry, medicine, science and military. The efficacy of radiotherapy and adverse effects of normal tissues are closed related to cellular radiosensitivity. Molecular mechanisms underlying radiosensitivity are of significance to tumor cell radiosensitization as well as normal tissue radioprotection. 5,6,7,8-Tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) is an essential cofactor for nitric oxide synthases (NOS) and aromatic amino acid hydroxylases, and its biosynthesis involves de novo biosynthesis and a pterin salvage pathway. In this review we overview the role of BH4 metabolism in modulating radiosensitivity. BH4 homeostasis determines the role of NOS, affecting the production of nitric oxide (NO) and oxygen free radicals. Under conditions of oxidative stress, such as UV-radiation and ionizing radiation, BH4 availability is diminished due to its oxidation, which subsequently leads to NOS uncoupling and generation of highly oxidative free radicals. On the other hand, BH4/NOS axis facilitates vascular normalization, a process by which antiangiogenic therapy corrects structural and functional flaws of tumor blood vessels, which enhances radiotherapy efficacy. Therefore, BH4/NOS axis may serve as an angel or a devil in regulating cellular radiosensitivity. Finally, we will address future perspectives, not only from the standpoint of perceived advances in treatment, but also from the potential mechanisms. These advances have demonstrated that it is possible to modulate cellular radiosensitivity through BH4 metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Feng
- School of Radiation Medicine and Protection, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yahui Feng
- China National Nuclear Corporation 416 Hospital (Second Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College), Chengdu, China
| | - Liming Gu
- School of Radiation Medicine and Protection, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Pengfei Liu
- School of Radiation Medicine and Protection, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Jianping Cao
- School of Radiation Medicine and Protection, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Shuyu Zhang
- China National Nuclear Corporation 416 Hospital (Second Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College), Chengdu, China.,West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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Singh VK, Seed TM, Cheema AK. Metabolomics-based predictive biomarkers of radiation injury and countermeasure efficacy: current status and future perspectives. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2021; 21:641-654. [PMID: 34024238 DOI: 10.1080/14737159.2021.1933448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There is an urgent need for specific and sensitive bioassays to augment biodosimetric assessments of unwanted and excessive radiation exposures that originate from unexpected nuclear/radiological events, including nuclear accidents, acts of terrorism, or the use of a radiological dispersal device. If sufficiently intense, such ionizing radiation exposures are likely to impact normal metabolic processes within the cells and organs of the body, thus inducing multifaceted biological responses. AREAS COVERED This review covers the application of metabolomics, an emerging and promising technology based on quantitative and qualitative determinations of small molecules in biological samples for the rapid assessment of an individual's exposure to ionizing radiation. Recent advancements in the analytics of high-resolution chromatography, mass spectrometry, and bioinformatics have led to untargeted (global) and targeted (quantitative phase) approaches to identify biomarkers of radiation injury and countermeasure efficacy. Biomarkers are deemed essential for both assessing the radiation exposure levels and for extrapolative processes involved in determining scaling factors of a given radiation countering medicinal between experimental animals and humans. EXPERT OPINION The discipline of metabolomics appears to be highly informative in assessing radiation exposure levels and for identifying biomarkers of radiation injury and countermeasure efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vijay K Singh
- Division of Radioprotectants,Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine, Uniformed Serices University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA.,Scientific Research Department, Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | - Amrita K Cheema
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA.,Department of Biochemistry, Molecular and Cellular Biology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
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Singh VK, Seed TM. Repurposing Pharmaceuticals Previously Approved by Regulatory Agencies to Medically Counter Injuries Arising Either Early or Late Following Radiation Exposure. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:624844. [PMID: 34040517 PMCID: PMC8141805 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.624844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The increasing risks of radiological or nuclear attacks or associated accidents have served to renew interest in developing radiation medical countermeasures. The development of prospective countermeasures and the subsequent gain of Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval are invariably time consuming and expensive processes, especially in terms of generating essential human data. Due to the limited resources for drug development and the need for expedited drug approval, drug developers have turned, in part, to the strategy of repurposing agents for which safety and clinical data are already available. Approval of drugs that are already in clinical use for one indication and are being repurposed for another indication is inherently faster and more cost effective than for new agents that lack regulatory approval of any sort. There are four known growth factors which have been repurposed in the recent past as radiomitigators following the FDA Animal Rule: Neupogen, Neulasta, Leukine, and Nplate. These four drugs were in clinic for several decades for other indications and were repurposed. A large number of additional agents approved by various regulatory authorities for given indications are currently under investigation for dual use for acute radiation syndrome or for delayed pathological effects of acute radiation exposure. The process of drug repurposing, however, is not without its own set of challenges and limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vijay K. Singh
- Division of Radioprotectants, Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, United States
- Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, United States
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15
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Welzel T, Bendinger AL, Glowa C, Babushkina I, Jugold M, Peschke P, Debus J, Karger CP, Saager M. Longitudinal MRI study after carbon ion and photon irradiation: shorter latency time for myelopathy is not associated with differential morphological changes. Radiat Oncol 2021; 16:63. [PMID: 33789720 PMCID: PMC8011205 DOI: 10.1186/s13014-021-01792-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Radiation-induced myelopathy is a severe and irreversible complication that occurs after a long symptom-free latency time if the spinal cord was exposed to a significant irradiation dose during tumor treatment. As carbon ions are increasingly investigated for tumor treatment in clinical trials, their effect on normal tissue needs further investigation to assure safety of patient treatments. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-visible morphological alterations could serve as predictive markers for medicinal interventions to avoid severe side effects. Thus, MRI-visible morphological alterations in the rat spinal cord after high dose photon and carbon ion irradiation and their latency times were investigated. METHODS Rats whose spinal cords were irradiated with iso-effective high photon (n = 8) or carbon ion (n = 8) doses as well as sham-treated control animals (n = 6) underwent frequent MRI measurements until they developed radiation-induced myelopathy (paresis II). MR images were analyzed for morphological alterations and animals were regularly tested for neurological deficits. In addition, histological analysis was performed of animals suffering from paresis II compared to controls. RESULTS For both beam modalities, first morphological alterations occurred outside the spinal cord (bone marrow conversion, contrast agent accumulation in the musculature ventral and dorsal to the spinal cord) followed by morphological alterations inside the spinal cord (edema, syrinx, contrast agent accumulation) and eventually neurological alterations (paresis I and II). Latency times were significantly shorter after carbon ions as compared to photon irradiation. CONCLUSIONS Irradiation of the rat spinal cord with photon or carbon ion doses that lead to 100% myelopathy induced a comparable fixed sequence of MRI-visible morphological alterations and neurological distortions. However, at least in the animal model used in this study, the observed MRI-visible morphological alterations in the spinal cord are not suited as predictive markers to identify animals that will develop myelopathy as the time between MRI-visible alterations and the occurrence of myelopathy is too short to intervene with protective or mitigative drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Welzel
- Heidelberg Institute for Radiation Oncology (HIRO) and National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology (NCRO), Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Radiation Oncology and Radiotherapy, University Hospital of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Alina L Bendinger
- Heidelberg Institute for Radiation Oncology (HIRO) and National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology (NCRO), Heidelberg, Germany. .,Department of Medical Physics in Radiation Oncology (E040), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Christin Glowa
- Heidelberg Institute for Radiation Oncology (HIRO) and National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology (NCRO), Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Radiation Oncology and Radiotherapy, University Hospital of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Medical Physics in Radiation Oncology (E040), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Inna Babushkina
- Core Facility Small Animal Imaging Center, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Manfred Jugold
- Core Facility Small Animal Imaging Center, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Peter Peschke
- Heidelberg Institute for Radiation Oncology (HIRO) and National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology (NCRO), Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Medical Physics in Radiation Oncology (E040), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jürgen Debus
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Radiotherapy, University Hospital of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.,Clinical Cooperation Unit Radiation Therapy, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christian P Karger
- Heidelberg Institute for Radiation Oncology (HIRO) and National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology (NCRO), Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Medical Physics in Radiation Oncology (E040), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Maria Saager
- Heidelberg Institute for Radiation Oncology (HIRO) and National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology (NCRO), Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Medical Physics in Radiation Oncology (E040), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
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16
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Obrador E, Salvador R, Villaescusa JI, Soriano JM, Estrela JM, Montoro A. Radioprotection and Radiomitigation: From the Bench to Clinical Practice. Biomedicines 2020; 8:E461. [PMID: 33142986 PMCID: PMC7692399 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8110461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of protective agents against harmful radiations has been a subject of investigation for decades. However, effective (ideal) radioprotectors and radiomitigators remain an unsolved problem. Because ionizing radiation-induced cellular damage is primarily attributed to free radicals, radical scavengers are promising as potential radioprotectors. Early development of such agents focused on thiol synthetic compounds, e.g., amifostine (2-(3-aminopropylamino) ethylsulfanylphosphonic acid), approved as a radioprotector by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA, USA) but for limited clinical indications and not for nonclinical uses. To date, no new chemical entity has been approved by the FDA as a radiation countermeasure for acute radiation syndrome (ARS). All FDA-approved radiation countermeasures (filgrastim, a recombinant DNA form of the naturally occurring granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, G-CSF; pegfilgrastim, a PEGylated form of the recombinant human G-CSF; sargramostim, a recombinant granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor, GM-CSF) are classified as radiomitigators. No radioprotector that can be administered prior to exposure has been approved for ARS. This differentiates radioprotectors (reduce direct damage caused by radiation) and radiomitigators (minimize toxicity even after radiation has been delivered). Molecules under development with the aim of reaching clinical practice and other nonclinical applications are discussed. Assays to evaluate the biological effects of ionizing radiations are also analyzed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Obrador
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Odontology, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (E.O.); (R.S.); (J.M.E.)
| | - Rosario Salvador
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Odontology, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (E.O.); (R.S.); (J.M.E.)
| | - Juan I. Villaescusa
- Service of Radiological Protection, Clinical Area of Medical Image, La Fe University Hospital, 46026 Valencia, Spain;
- Biomedical Imaging Research Group GIBI230, Health Research Institute (IISLaFe), La Fe University Hospital, 46026 Valencia, Spain
| | - José M. Soriano
- Food & Health Lab, Institute of Materials Science, University of Valencia, 46980 Valencia, Spain;
- Joint Research Unit in Endocrinology, Nutrition and Clinical Dietetics, University of Valencia-Health Research Institute IISLaFe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
| | - José M. Estrela
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Odontology, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (E.O.); (R.S.); (J.M.E.)
| | - Alegría Montoro
- Service of Radiological Protection, Clinical Area of Medical Image, La Fe University Hospital, 46026 Valencia, Spain;
- Biomedical Imaging Research Group GIBI230, Health Research Institute (IISLaFe), La Fe University Hospital, 46026 Valencia, Spain
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Saager M, Hahn EW, Peschke P, Brons S, Huber PE, Debus J, Karger CP. Ramipril reduces incidence and prolongates latency time of radiation-induced rat myelopathy after photon and carbon ion irradiation. JOURNAL OF RADIATION RESEARCH 2020; 61:791-798. [PMID: 32657322 PMCID: PMC7482157 DOI: 10.1093/jrr/rraa042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Revised: 04/26/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
To test the hypothesis that the use of an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEi) during radiotherapy may be ameliorative for treatment-related normal tissue damage, a pilot study was conducted with the clinically approved (ACE) inhibitor ramipril on the outcome of radiation-induced myelopathy in the rat cervical spinal cord model. Female Sprague Dawley rats were irradiated with single doses of either carbon ions (LET 45 keV/μm) at the center of a 6 cm spread-out Bragg peak (SOBP) or 6 MeV photons. The rats were randomly distributed into 4 experimental arms: (i) photons; (ii) photons + ramipril; (iii) carbon ions and (iv) carbon ions + ramipril. Ramipril administration (2 mg/kg/day) started directly after irradiation and was maintained during the entire follow-up. Complete dose-response curves were generated for the biological endpoint radiation-induced myelopathy (paresis grade II) within an observation time of 300 days. Administration of ramipril reduced the rate of paralysis at high dose levels for photons and for the first time a similar finding for high-LET particles was demonstrated, which indicates that the effect of ramipril is independent from radiation quality. The reduced rate of myelopathy is accompanied by a general prolongation of latency time for photons and for carbon ions. Although the already clinical approved drug ramipril can be considered as a mitigator of radiation-induced normal tissue toxicity in the central nervous system, further examinations of the underlying pathological mechanisms leading to radiation-induced myelopathy are necessary to increase and sustain its mitigative effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Saager
- Department of Medical Physics in Radiation Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology (NCRO), Heidelberg Institute for Radiation Oncology (HIRO), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Eric W Hahn
- Preclinical Imaging Section, Department of Radiology, The University of Texas, Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Peter Peschke
- Department of Medical Physics in Radiation Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology (NCRO), Heidelberg Institute for Radiation Oncology (HIRO), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stephan Brons
- Heidelberg Ion Beam Therapy Center (HIT), Heidelberg, Germany
- National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology (NCRO), Heidelberg Institute for Radiation Oncology (HIRO), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Peter E Huber
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Molecular Radiooncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology (NCRO), Heidelberg Institute for Radiation Oncology (HIRO), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jürgen Debus
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Molecular Radiooncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology (NCRO), Heidelberg Institute for Radiation Oncology (HIRO), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christian P Karger
- Department of Medical Physics in Radiation Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology (NCRO), Heidelberg Institute for Radiation Oncology (HIRO), Heidelberg, Germany
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Verma S, Gupta ML, Kumar K. A combined prophylactic modality of podophyllotoxin and rutin alleviates radiation induced injuries to the lymphohematopoietic system of mice by modulating cytokines, cell cycle progression, and apoptosis. Free Radic Res 2020; 54:497-516. [PMID: 32746646 DOI: 10.1080/10715762.2020.1805447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The present study was conceptualized to delineate radioprotective efficacy of a formulation G-003M (a combination of podophyllotoxin and rutin) against radiation-induced damage to the lymphohematopoietic system of mice. C57BL/6J mice, treated with G-003M 1 h prior to 9 Gy lethal dose, were assessed for reactive oxygen species (ROS)/nitric oxide (NO) generation, antioxidant alterations, Annexin V/PI and TUNEL staining for apoptosis, modulation of apoptotic proteins, cell proliferation, histological alterations in thymus and cell cycle arrest in bone marrow cells. Induction of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), granulocytes macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), interleukin-IL-6, IL-10, IL-1α, and IL-1β in response to G-003M was also evaluated in different groups of mice. Haematopoietic reconstitution with G-003M was explored by examining endogenous spleen colony-forming units (CFU-S) in irradiated animals. G-003M significantly inhibited ROS/NO, malondialdehyde (MDA) and restored cellular antioxidant glutathione in the thymus of irradiated animals. G-003M pre-treatment significantly (p < 0.001) restrained apoptosis in thymocytes via upregulation of Bcl2 and down-regulation of Bax, p53 and caspase-3. Stimulation of cell proliferation and inhibition of apoptosis by G-003M, restored architecture of thymus in irradiated animals within 30 days as evaluated by histological analysis. G-003M arrested cells at the G2/M phase by inducing reversible cell cycle arrest. Peak expression of G-CSF (45-fold) and IL-6 (60-fold) as well as moderate induction of GM-CSF, IL-10, IL-1α by G-003M helped in haematopoietic recovery of irradiated mice. A higher number of endogenous CFU-S in G-003M pre-treated irradiated mice suggested haematopoietic recovery. Data obtained from the current study affirms that G-003M can be proved as a potential radioprotective agent against radiation damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Savita Verma
- Division of Radiation Biosciences, Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences (INMAS), DRDO, Delhi, India
| | - Manju Lata Gupta
- Division of Radioprotective Drug Development Research, Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences (INMAS), DRDO, Delhi, India
| | - Kamal Kumar
- Division of Radiation Biosciences, Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences (INMAS), DRDO, Delhi, India
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Alterations in Tissue Metabolite Profiles with Amifostine-Prophylaxed Mice Exposed to Gamma Radiation. Metabolites 2020; 10:metabo10050211. [PMID: 32455594 PMCID: PMC7281564 DOI: 10.3390/metabo10050211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2020] [Revised: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute exposure to high-dose ionizing irradiation has the potential to severely injure the hematopoietic system and its capacity to produce vital blood cells that innately serve to ward off infections and excessive bleeding. Developing a medical radiation countermeasure that can protect individuals from the damaging effects of irradiation remains a significant, unmet need and an area of great public health interest and concern. Despite significant advancements in the field of radiation countermeasure development to find a nontoxic and effective prophylactic agent for acute radiation syndrome, no such drug has yet been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. This study focuses on examining the metabolic corrections elicited by amifostine, a potent radioprotector, on tissues of vital body organs, such as the heart, spleen, and kidney. Our findings indicate that prophylaxis with this drug offers significant protection against potentially lethal radiation injury, in part, by correction of radiation-induced metabolic pathway perturbations.
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Singh VK, Seed TM. Pharmacological management of ionizing radiation injuries: current and prospective agents and targeted organ systems. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2020; 21:317-337. [PMID: 31928256 PMCID: PMC6982586 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2019.1702968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2019] [Accepted: 12/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: There is a limited array of currently available medicinals that are useful for either the prevention, mitigation or treatment of bodily injuries arising from ionizing radiation exposure.Area covered: In this brief article, the authors review those pharmacologic agents that either are currently being used to counter the injurious effects of radiation exposure, or those that show promise and are currently under development.Expert opinion: Although significant, but limited progress has been made in the development and fielding of safe and effective pharmacotherapeutics for select types of acute radiation-associated injuries, additional effort is needed to broaden the scope of drug development so that overall health risks associated with both short- and long-term injuries in various organ systems can be reduced and effectively managed. There are several promising radiation countermeasures that may gain regulatory approval from the government in the near future for use in clinical settings and in the aftermath of nuclear/radiological exposure contingencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vijay K. Singh
- Division of Radioprotectants, Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
- Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Thomas M Seed
- Tech Micro Services, 4417 Maple Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
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21
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Nakajima T, Vares G, Ninomiya Y, Wang B, Katsube T, Tanaka K, Maruyama K, Nenoi M. Diallyl Disulfide Mitigates DNA Damage and Spleen Tissue Effects After Irradiation. Med Sci Monit 2019; 25:8920-8927. [PMID: 31760404 PMCID: PMC6888033 DOI: 10.12659/msm.917207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several factors found in foods are beneficial to human health and they may contribute to radiation protection. Taking food factors could be an easy way to reduce the effects of radiation after nuclear accidents, as well as secondary radiation risks after cancer radiotherapy or space missions. Here, diallyl disulfide (DADS), a component of garlic oil, was studied for its ability to mitigate radiation damage. MATERIAL AND METHODS We investigated the effects of DADS on micronucleus (MN) formation and apoptosis in HepG2 cells by use of 4-Gy X-ray irradiation. We also assessed the effects of DADS on radiation damage in vivo by evaluating MN formation in bone marrow cells in mice (BALB/c, 8-week-old females) after oral intake of DADS prior to irradiation with 4 Gy. Several tissue effects were also investigated. RESULTS The presence of DADS inhibited MN formation, whereas DADS had no influence on the radiation-induced inhibition of cell cycle progression in HepG2 cells. An increase in apoptosis in HepG2 cells was induced after irradiation, and this effect was stronger in the presence of DADS than in its absence. In mice, when DADS was administered daily for 3 days prior to irradiation, MN formation in irradiated mice was decreased. The decrease in MN formation in mice was greater with 0.5% DADS compared to 1% DADS. Moreover, an increase in spleen weight observed 3 weeks after irradiation was suppressed in mice administered DADS. CONCLUSIONS DADS is a potential radiation-protective agent that effectively mitigates DNA damage, and its effects in the spleen observed after irradiation may be related to inflammation and carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetsuo Nakajima
- Department of Radiation Effects Research, National Institute of Radiological Sciences, National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology (QST), Chiba City, Chiba, Japan
| | - Guillaume Vares
- Cell Signal Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST), Onna, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Yasuharu Ninomiya
- Department of Radiation Effects Research, National Institute of Radiological Sciences, National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology (QST), Chiba City, Chiba, Japan
| | - Bing Wang
- Department of Radiation Effects Research, National Institute of Radiological Sciences, National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology (QST), Chiba City, Chiba, Japan
| | - Takanori Katsube
- Department of Radiation Effects Research, National Institute of Radiological Sciences, National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology (QST), Chiba City, Chiba, Japan
| | - Kaoru Tanaka
- Department of Radiation Effects Research, National Institute of Radiological Sciences, National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology (QST), Chiba City, Chiba, Japan
| | - Kouichi Maruyama
- Department of Radioecology and Fukushima Project, Center for Advanced Radiation Emergency Medicine, National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology (QST), Chiba City, Chiba, Japan
| | - Mitsuru Nenoi
- Department of Safety Administration, National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology (QST), Chiba City, Chiba, Japan
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22
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Cheema AK, Li Y, Girgis M, Jayatilake M, Simas M, Wise SY, Olabisi AO, Seed TM, Singh VK. Metabolomic studies in tissues of mice treated with amifostine and exposed to gamma-radiation. Sci Rep 2019; 9:15701. [PMID: 31666611 PMCID: PMC6821891 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-52120-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2019] [Accepted: 10/14/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Although multiple radioprotectors are currently being investigated preclinically for efficacy and safety, few studies have investigated concomitant metabolic changes. This study examines the effects of amifostine on the metabolic profiles in tissues of mice exposed to cobalt-60 total-body gamma-radiation. Global metabolomic and lipidomic changes were analyzed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (QTOF-MS) in bone marrow, jejunum, and lung samples of amifostine-treated and saline-treated control mice. Results demonstrate that radiation exposure leads to tissue specific metabolic responses that were corrected in part by treatment with amifostine in a drug-dose dependent manner. Bone marrow exhibited robust responses to radiation and was also highly responsive to protective effects of amifostine, while jejunum and lung showed only modest changes. Treatment with amifostine at 200 mg/kg prior to irradiation seemed to impart maximum survival benefit, while the lower dose of 50 mg/kg offered only limited survival benefit. These findings show that the administration of amifostine causes metabolic shifts that would provide an overall benefit to radiation injury and underscore the utility of metabolomics and lipidomics to determine the underlying physiological mechanisms involved in the radioprotective efficacy of amifostine. This approach may be helpful in identifying biomarkers for radioprotective efficacy of amifostine and other countermeasures under development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amrita K Cheema
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular and Cellular Biology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Yaoxiang Li
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Michael Girgis
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Meth Jayatilake
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Madison Simas
- Division of Radioprotectants, Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine, Uniformed Serices University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute, Uniformed Serices University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Stephen Y Wise
- Division of Radioprotectants, Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine, Uniformed Serices University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute, Uniformed Serices University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Ayodele O Olabisi
- Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute, Uniformed Serices University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | - Vijay K Singh
- Division of Radioprotectants, Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine, Uniformed Serices University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA.
- Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute, Uniformed Serices University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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23
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Singh VK, Seed TM. The efficacy and safety of amifostine for the acute radiation syndrome. Expert Opin Drug Saf 2019; 18:1077-1090. [PMID: 31526195 DOI: 10.1080/14740338.2019.1666104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: A radiation countermeasure that can be used prior to radiation exposure to protect the population from the harmful effects of radiation exposure remains a major unmet medical need and is recognized as an important area for research. Despite substantial advances in the research and development for finding nontoxic, safe, and effective prophylactic countermeasures for the acute radiation syndrome (ARS), no such agent has been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Area covered: Despite the progress made to improve the effectiveness of amifostine as a radioprotector for ARS, none of the strategies have resolved the issue of its toxicity/side effects. Thus, the FDA has approved amifostine for limited clinical indications, but not for non-clinical uses. This article reviews recent strategies and progress that have been made to move forward this potentially useful countermeasure for ARS. Expert opinion: Although the recent investigations have been promising for fielding safe and effective radiation countermeasures, additional work is needed to improve and advance drug design and delivery strategies to get FDA approval for broadened, non-clinical use of amifostine during a radiological/nuclear scenario.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vijay K Singh
- Division of Radioprotectants, Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences , Bethesda , MD , USA.,Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences , Bethesda , MD , USA
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24
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Amini P, Mirtavoos-Mahyari H, Motevaseli E, Shabeeb D, Musa AE, Cheki M, Farhood B, Yahyapour R, Shirazi A, Goushbolagh NA, Najafi M. Mechanisms for Radioprotection by Melatonin; Can it be Used as a Radiation Countermeasure? Curr Mol Pharmacol 2019; 12:2-11. [PMID: 30073934 DOI: 10.2174/1874467211666180802164449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2018] [Revised: 06/06/2018] [Accepted: 06/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Melatonin is a natural body product that has shown potent antioxidant property against various toxic agents. For more than two decades, the abilities of melatonin as a potent radioprotector against toxic effects of ionizing radiation (IR) have been proved. However, in the recent years, several studies have been conducted to illustrate how melatonin protects normal cells against IR. Studies proposed that melatonin is able to directly neutralize free radicals produced by IR, leading to the production of some low toxic products. DISCUSSION Moreover, melatonin affects several signaling pathways, such as inflammatory responses, antioxidant defense, DNA repair response enzymes, pro-oxidant enzymes etc. Animal studies have confirmed that melatonin is able to alleviate radiation-induced cell death via inhibiting pro-apoptosis and upregulation of anti-apoptosis genes. These properties are very interesting for clinical radiotherapy applications, as well as mitigation of radiation injury in a possible radiation disaster. An interesting property of melatonin is mitochondrial ROS targeting that has been proposed as a strategy for mitigating effects in radiosensitive organs, such as bone marrow, gastrointestinal system and lungs. However, there is a need to prove the mitigatory effects of melatonin in experimental studies. CONCLUSION In this review, we aim to clarify the molecular mechanisms of radioprotective effects of melatonin, as well as possible applications as a radiation countermeasure in accidental exposure or nuclear/radiological disasters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peyman Amini
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Paramedical, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hanifeh Mirtavoos-Mahyari
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elahe Motevaseli
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Dheyauldeen Shabeeb
- Department of Medical Physics & Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, International Campus, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Misan, Misan, Iraq
| | - Ahmed Eleojo Musa
- Department of Medical Physics & Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, International Campus, Tehran, Iran.,Research Center for Molecular and Cellular Imaging, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohsen Cheki
- Department of Radiologic Technology, Faculty of Paramedicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Bagher Farhood
- Department of Medical Physics and Radiology, Faculty of Paramedical Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Rasoul Yahyapour
- Department of Medical School, Jiroft University of Medical Sciences, Jiroft, Iran
| | - Alireza Shirazi
- Department of Medical Physics & Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, International Campus, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nouraddin Abdi Goushbolagh
- Department of medical Physics, International Campus, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Masoud Najafi
- Radiology and Nuclear Medicine Department, School of Paramedical Sciences, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
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25
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Reactive Oxygen Species Drive Epigenetic Changes in Radiation-Induced Fibrosis. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2019; 2019:4278658. [PMID: 30881591 PMCID: PMC6381575 DOI: 10.1155/2019/4278658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2018] [Revised: 12/06/2018] [Accepted: 12/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Radiation-induced fibrosis (RIF) develops months to years after initial radiation exposure. RIF occurs when normal fibroblasts differentiate into myofibroblasts and lay down aberrant amounts of extracellular matrix proteins. One of the main drivers for developing RIF is reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated immediately after radiation exposure. Generation of ROS is known to induce epigenetic changes and cause differentiation of fibroblasts to myofibroblasts. Several antioxidant compounds have been shown to prevent radiation-induced epigenetic changes and the development of RIF. Therefore, reviewing the ROS-linked epigenetic changes in irradiated fibroblast cells is essential to understand the development and prevention of RIF.
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26
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Radiation-Induced Reactions in The Liver - Modulation of Radiation Effects by Lifestyle-Related Factors. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19123855. [PMID: 30513990 PMCID: PMC6321068 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19123855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Revised: 11/29/2018] [Accepted: 11/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Radiation has a wide variety of effects on the liver. Fibrosis is a concern in medical fields as one of the acute effects of high-dose irradiation, such as with cancer radiotherapies. Cancer is also an important concern following exposure to radiation. The liver has an active metabolism and reacts to radiations. In addition, effects are modulated by many environmental factors, such as high-calorie foods or alcohol beverages. Adaptations to other environmental conditions could also influence the effects of radiation. Reactions to radiation may not be optimally regulated under conditions modulated by the environment, possibly leading to dysregulation, disease or cancer. Here, we introduce some reactions to ionizing radiation in the liver, as demonstrated primarily in animal experiments. In addition, modulation of radiation-induced effects in the liver due to factors such as obesity, alcohol drinking, or supplements derived from foods are reviewed. Perspectives on medical applications by modulations of radiation effects are also discussed.
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27
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Farhood B, Goradel NH, Mortezaee K, Khanlarkhani N, Salehi E, Nashtaei MS, Mirtavoos-Mahyari H, Motevaseli E, Shabeeb D, Musa AE, Najafi M. Melatonin as an adjuvant in radiotherapy for radioprotection and radiosensitization. Clin Transl Oncol 2018; 21:268-279. [PMID: 30136132 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-018-1934-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2018] [Accepted: 08/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
It is estimated that more than half of cancer patients undergo radiotherapy during the course of their treatment. Despite its beneficial therapeutic effects on tumor cells, exposure to high doses of ionizing radiation (IR) is associated with several side effects. Although improvements in radiotherapy techniques and instruments could reduce these side effects, there are still important concerns for cancer patients. For several years, scientists have been trying to modulate tumor and normal tissue responses to IR, leading to an increase in therapeutic ratio. So far, several types of radioprotectors and radiosensitizers have been investigated in experimental studies. However, high toxicity of chemical sensitizers or possible tumor protection by radioprotectors creates a doubt for their clinical applications. On the other hand, the protective effects of these radioprotectors or sensitizer effects of radiosensitizers may limit some type of cancers. Hence, the development of some radioprotectors without any protective effect on tumor cells or low toxic radiosensitizers can help improve therapeutic ratio with less side effects. Melatonin as a natural body hormone is a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent that shows some anti-cancer properties. It is able to neutralize different types of free radicals produced by IR or pro-oxidant enzymes which are activated following exposure to IR and plays a key role in the protection of normal tissues. In addition, melatonin has shown the ability to inhibit long-term changes in inflammatory responses at different levels, thereby ameliorating late side effects of radiotherapy. Fortunately, in contrast to classic antioxidants, some in vitro studies have revealed that melatonin has a potent anti-tumor activity when used alongside irradiation. However, the mechanisms of its radiosensitive effect remain to be elucidated. Studies suggested that the activation of pro-apoptosis gene, such as p53, changes in the metabolism of tumor cells, suppression of DNA repair responses as well as changes in biosynthesis of estrogen in breast cancer cells are involved in this process. In this review, we describe the molecular mechanisms for radioprotection and radiosensitizer effects of melatonin. Furthermore, some other proposed mechanisms that may be involved are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Farhood
- Department of Medical Physics and Radiology, Faculty of Paramedical Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - N H Goradel
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - K Mortezaee
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran.
| | - N Khanlarkhani
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - E Salehi
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - M S Nashtaei
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Infertility Department, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - H Mirtavoos-Mahyari
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - E Motevaseli
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - D Shabeeb
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, International Campus, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Misan, Amarah, Iraq
| | - A E Musa
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, International Campus, Tehran, Iran.,Research Center for Molecular and Cellular Imaging, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - M Najafi
- Radiology and Nuclear Medicine Department, School of Paramedical Sciences, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.
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Kumar A, Choudhary S, Adhikari JS, Chaudhury NK. Sesamol ameliorates radiation induced DNA damage in hematopoietic system of whole body γ-irradiated mice. ENVIRONMENTAL AND MOLECULAR MUTAGENESIS 2018; 59:79-90. [PMID: 28766757 DOI: 10.1002/em.22118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2017] [Revised: 06/24/2017] [Accepted: 06/29/2017] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Ionizing radiation exposure is harmful and at high doses can lead to acute hematopoietic radiation syndrome. Therefore, agents that can protect hematopoietic system are important for development of radioprotector. Sesamol is a potential molecule for development of radioprotector due to its strong free radical scavenging and antioxidant properties. In the present study, sesamol was evaluated for its role in DNA damage and repair in hematopoietic system of γ-irradiated CB57BL/6 mice and compared with amifostine. C57BL/6 male mice were administered with sesamol 20 mg/kg (i.p.) followed by 2 Gy whole body irradiation (WBI) at 30 min. Mice were sacrificed at 0.5, 3, 24 h postirradiation; bone marrow, splenocytes, and peripheral blood lymphocytes were isolated to measure DNA damages and repair using alkaline comet,γ-H2AXand micronucleus assays. An increase in % of tail DNA was observed in all organs of WBI mice. Whereas in pre-administered sesamol reduced %DNA in tail (P ≤ 0.05). Sesamol has also reduced formation of radiation induced γ-H2AX foci after 0.5 h in these organs and further lowered to respective control values at 24 h of WBI. Similar reduction of % DNA in tail and γ-H2AX foci were observed with amifostine (P ≤ 0.05). Analysis of mnPCE frequency at 24 h has revealed similar extent of protection by sesamol and amifostine. Interestingly, both sesamol and amifostine, alone and with radiation, also increased the granulocytes count significantly compared to the control (P ≤ 0.05). These findings suggest that sesamol has strong potential to protect hematopoietic system by lowering radiation induced DNA damages and can prevent acute hematopoietic syndrome in mice. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 59:79-90, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arun Kumar
- Division of Radiation Biodosimetry, Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences, Brig. SK Mazumdar Marg, Timarpur, Delhi, 110054, India
| | - Sandeep Choudhary
- Division of Radiation Biodosimetry, Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences, Brig. SK Mazumdar Marg, Timarpur, Delhi, 110054, India
| | - Jawahar S Adhikari
- Division of Radiation Biodosimetry, Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences, Brig. SK Mazumdar Marg, Timarpur, Delhi, 110054, India
| | - Nabo K Chaudhury
- Division of Radiation Biodosimetry, Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences, Brig. SK Mazumdar Marg, Timarpur, Delhi, 110054, India
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29
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Singh VK, Garcia M, Seed TM. A review of radiation countermeasures focusing on injury-specific medicinals and regulatory approval status: part II. Countermeasures for limited indications, internalized radionuclides, emesis, late effects, and agents demonstrating efficacy in large animals with or without FDA IND status. Int J Radiat Biol 2017; 93:870-884. [DOI: 10.1080/09553002.2017.1338782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Vijay K. Singh
- Division of Radioprotection, Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Melissa Garcia
- Division of Radioprotection, Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
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30
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Hofer M, Hoferová Z, Falk M. Pharmacological Modulation of Radiation Damage. Does It Exist a Chance for Other Substances than Hematopoietic Growth Factors and Cytokines? Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:E1385. [PMID: 28657605 PMCID: PMC5535878 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18071385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2017] [Revised: 06/21/2017] [Accepted: 06/26/2017] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent times, cytokines and hematopoietic growth factors have been at the center of attention for many researchers trying to establish pharmacological therapeutic procedures for the treatment of radiation accident victims. Two granulocyte colony-stimulating factor-based radiation countermeasures have been approved for the treatment of the hematopoietic acute radiation syndrome. However, at the same time, many different substances with varying effects have been tested in animal studies as potential radioprotectors and mitigators of radiation damage. A wide spectrum of these substances has been studied, comprising various immunomodulators, prostaglandins, inhibitors of prostaglandin synthesis, agonists of adenosine cell receptors, herbal extracts, flavonoids, vitamins, and others. These agents are often effective, relatively non-toxic, and cheap. This review summarizes the results of animal experiments, which show the potential for some of these untraditional or new radiation countermeasures to become a part of therapeutic procedures applicable in patients with the acute radiation syndrome. The authors consider β-glucan, 5-AED (5-androstenediol), meloxicam, γ-tocotrienol, genistein, IB-MECA (N⁶-(3-iodobezyl)adenosine-5'-N-methyluronamide), Ex-RAD (4-carboxystyryl-4-chlorobenzylsulfone), and entolimod the most promising agents, with regards to their contingent use in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Hofer
- Department of Cell Biology and Radiobiology, Institute of Biophysics, v.v.i., Czech Academy of Sciences, Královopolská 135, 61265 Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Zuzana Hoferová
- Department of Cell Biology and Radiobiology, Institute of Biophysics, v.v.i., Czech Academy of Sciences, Královopolská 135, 61265 Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Martin Falk
- Department of Cell Biology and Radiobiology, Institute of Biophysics, v.v.i., Czech Academy of Sciences, Královopolská 135, 61265 Brno, Czech Republic.
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31
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Hofer M, Hoferová Z, Depeš D, Falk M. Combining Pharmacological Countermeasures to Attenuate the Acute Radiation Syndrome-A Concise Review. Molecules 2017; 22:molecules22050834. [PMID: 28534834 PMCID: PMC6154336 DOI: 10.3390/molecules22050834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2017] [Revised: 05/16/2017] [Accepted: 05/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The goal of combined pharmacological approaches in the treatment of the acute radiation syndrome (ARS) is to obtain an effective therapy producing a minimum of undesirable side effects. This review summarizes important data from studies evaluating the efficacy of combining radioprotective agents developed for administration prior to irradiation and therapeutic agents administered in a post-irradiation treatment regimen. Many of the evaluated results show additivity, or even synergism, of the combined treatments in comparison with the effects of the individual component administrations. It can be deduced from these findings that the research in which combined treatments with radioprotectors/radiomitigators are explored, tested, and evaluated is well-founded. The requirement for studies highly emphasizing the need to minimize undesirable side effects of the radioprotective/radiomitigating therapies is stressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Hofer
- Department of Cell Biology and Radiobiology, Institute of Biophysics, v.v.i., Czech Academy of Sciences, Královopolská 135, 61265 Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Zuzana Hoferová
- Department of Cell Biology and Radiobiology, Institute of Biophysics, v.v.i., Czech Academy of Sciences, Královopolská 135, 61265 Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Daniel Depeš
- Department of Cell Biology and Radiobiology, Institute of Biophysics, v.v.i., Czech Academy of Sciences, Královopolská 135, 61265 Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Martin Falk
- Department of Cell Biology and Radiobiology, Institute of Biophysics, v.v.i., Czech Academy of Sciences, Královopolská 135, 61265 Brno, Czech Republic.
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Singh VK, Hauer-Jensen M. γ-Tocotrienol as a Promising Countermeasure for Acute Radiation Syndrome: Current Status. Int J Mol Sci 2016; 17:E663. [PMID: 27153057 PMCID: PMC4881489 DOI: 10.3390/ijms17050663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2016] [Revised: 04/03/2016] [Accepted: 04/25/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The hazard of ionizing radiation exposure due to nuclear accidents or terrorist attacks is ever increasing. Despite decades of research, still, there is a shortage of non-toxic, safe and effective medical countermeasures for radiological and nuclear emergency. To date, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (U.S. FDA) has approved only two growth factors, Neupogen (granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), filgrastim) and Neulasta (PEGylated G-CSF, pegfilgrastim) for the treatment of hematopoietic acute radiation syndrome (H-ARS) following the Animal Efficacy Rule. Promising radioprotective efficacy results of γ-tocotrienol (GT3; a member of the vitamin E family) in the mouse model encouraged its further evaluation in the nonhuman primate (NHP) model. These studies demonstrated that GT3 significantly aided the recovery of radiation-induced neutropenia and thrombocytopenia compared to the vehicle controls; these results particularly significant after exposure to 5.8 or 6.5 Gray (Gy) whole body γ-irradiation. The stimulatory effect of GT3 on neutrophils and thrombocytes (platelets) was directly and positively correlated with dose; a 75 mg/kg dose was more effective compared to 37.5 mg/kg. GT3 was also effective against 6.5 Gy whole body γ-irradiation for improving neutrophils and thrombocytes. Moreover, a single administration of GT3 without any supportive care was equivalent, in terms of improving hematopoietic recovery, to multiple doses of Neupogen and two doses of Neulasta with full supportive care (including blood products) in the NHP model. GT3 may serve as an ultimate radioprotector for use in humans, particularly for military personnel and first responders. In brief, GT3 is a promising radiation countermeasure that ought to be further developed for U.S. FDA approval for the ARS indication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vijay K Singh
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine, Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD 20889, USA.
| | - Martin Hauer-Jensen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare Systems, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA.
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