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Day BJ. Oxidative Stress: An Intersection Between Radiation and Sulfur Mustard Lung Injury. Disaster Med Public Health Prep 2024; 18:e86. [PMID: 38706344 PMCID: PMC11218645 DOI: 10.1017/dmp.2023.238] [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] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
Nuclear and chemical weapons of mass destruction share both a tragic and beneficial legacy in mankind's history and health. The horrific health effects of ionizing radiation and mustard gas exposures unleashed during disasters, wars, and conflicts have been harnessed to treat human health maladies. Both agents of destruction have been transformed into therapies to treat a wide range of cancers. The discovery of therapeutic uses of radiation and sulfur mustard was largely due to observations by clinicians treating victims of radiation and sulfur mustard gas exposures. Clinicians identified vulnerability of leukocytes to these agents and repurposed their use in the treatment of leukemias and lymphomas. Given the overlap in therapeutic modalities, it goes to reason that there may be common mechanisms to target as protective strategies against their damaging effects. This commentary will highlight oxidative stress as a common mechanism shared by both radiation and sulfur mustard gas exposures and discuss potential therapies targeting oxidative stress as medical countermeasures against the devastating lung diseases wrought by these agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian J Day
- Department of Medicine, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO, USA
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Ni J, Guo T, Zhou Y, Jiang S, Zhang L, Zhu Z. STING signaling activation modulates macrophage polarization via CCL2 in radiation-induced lung injury. J Transl Med 2023; 21:590. [PMID: 37667317 PMCID: PMC10476398 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04446-3] [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: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Radiation-induced lung injury (RILI) is a prevalent complication of thoracic radiotherapy in cancer patients. A comprehensive understanding of the underlying mechanisms of RILI is essential for the development of effective prevention and treatment strategies. METHODS To investigate RILI, we utilized a mouse model that received 12.5 Gy whole-thoracic irradiation. The evaluation of RILI was performed using a combination of quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), histology, western blot, immunohistochemistry, RNA sequencing, and flow cytometry. Additionally, we established a co-culture system consisting of macrophages, lung epithelial cells, and fibroblasts for in vitro studies. In this system, lung epithelial cells were irradiated with a dose of 4 Gy, and we employed STING knockout macrophages. Translational examinations were conducted to explore the relationship between STING expression in pre-radiotherapy lung tissues, dynamic changes in circulating CCL2, and the development of RILI. RESULTS Our findings revealed significant activation of the cGAS-STING pathway and M1 polarization of macrophages in the lungs of irradiated mice. In vitro studies demonstrated that the deficiency of cGAS-STING signaling led to impaired macrophage polarization and RILI. Through RNA sequencing, cytokine profiling, and rescue experiments using a CCL2 inhibitor called Bindarit, we identified the involvement of CCL2 in the regulation of macrophage polarization and the development of RILI. Moreover, translational investigations using patient samples collected before and after thoracic radiotherapy provided additional evidence supporting the association between cGAS-STING signaling activity, CCL2 upregulation, and the development of radiation pneumonitis. CONCLUSIONS The cGAS-STING signaling pathway plays a crucial role in regulating the recruitment and polarization of macrophages, partly through CCL2, during the pathogenesis of RILI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianjiao Ni
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, 270 Dong An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Tiantian Guo
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, 270 Dong An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yue Zhou
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, 270 Dong An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Shanshan Jiang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, 270 Dong An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Long Zhang
- University of Shanghai for Science and Technology and Shanghai Changzheng Hospital Joint Research Center for Orthopedic Oncology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and Clinical Technology Transformation, School of Health Science and Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, 580 Jungong Road, Shanghai, 200093, China.
| | - Zhengfei Zhu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, 270 Dong An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Institute of Thoracic Oncology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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Guan B, Li D, Meng A. Development of radiation countermeasure agents for acute radiation syndromes. Animal Model Exp Med 2023; 6:329-336. [PMID: 37642199 PMCID: PMC10486342 DOI: 10.1002/ame2.12339] [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: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The risk of internal and external exposure to ionizing radiation (IR) has increased alongside the development and implementation of nuclear technology. Therefore, serious security issues have emerged globally, and there has been an increase in the number of studies focusing on radiological prevention and medical countermeasures. Radioprotective drugs are particularly important components of emergency medical preparedness strategies for the clinical management of IR-induced injuries. However, a few drugs have been approved to date to treat such injuries, and the related mechanisms are not entirely understood. Thus, the aim of the present review was to provide a brief overview of the World Health Organization's updated list of essential medicines for 2023 for the proper management of national stockpiles and the treatment of radiological emergencies. This review also discusses the types of radiation-induced health injuries and the related mechanisms, as well as the development of various radioprotective agents, including Chinese herbal medicines, for which significant survival benefits have been demonstrated in animal models of acute radiation syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bowen Guan
- National Human Diseases Animal Model Resource Center, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Disease Comparative Medicine, Beijing Engineering Research Center for Experimental Animal Models of Human Critical DiseasesInstitute of Laboratory Animal Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS), Peking Union Medical College (PUMC), National Center of Technology Innovation for Animal ModelBeijingChina
| | - Deguan Li
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Molecular Nuclear MedicineInstitute of Radiation Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Peking Union Medical CollegeTianjinChina
| | - Aimin Meng
- National Human Diseases Animal Model Resource Center, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Disease Comparative Medicine, Beijing Engineering Research Center for Experimental Animal Models of Human Critical DiseasesInstitute of Laboratory Animal Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS), Peking Union Medical College (PUMC), National Center of Technology Innovation for Animal ModelBeijingChina
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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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Hou G, Li J, Liu W, Wei J, Xin Y, Jiang X. Mesenchymal stem cells in radiation-induced lung injury: From mechanisms to therapeutic potential. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:1100305. [PMID: 36578783 PMCID: PMC9790971 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1100305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Radiotherapy (RT) is an effective treatment option for multiple thoracic malignant tumors, including lung cancers, thymic cancers, and tracheal cancers. Radiation-induced lung injury (RILI) is a serious complication of radiotherapy. Radiation causes damage to the pulmonary cells and tissues. Multiple factors contribute to the progression of Radiation-induced lung injury, including genetic alterations, oxidative stress, and inflammatory responses. Especially, radiation sources contribute to oxidative stress occurrence by direct excitation and ionization of water molecules, which leads to the decomposition of water molecules and the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), reactive nitrogen species (RNS). Subsequently, reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species overproduction can induce oxidative DNA damage. Immune cells and multiple signaling molecules play a major role in the entire process. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are pluripotent stem cells with multiple differentiation potentials, which are under investigation to treat radiation-induced lung injury. Mesenchymal stem cells can protect normal pulmonary cells from injury by targeting multiple signaling molecules to regulate immune cells and to control balance between antioxidants and prooxidants, thereby inhibiting inflammation and fibrosis. Genetically modified mesenchymal stem cells can improve the natural function of mesenchymal stem cells, including cellular survival, tissue regeneration, and homing. These reprogrammed mesenchymal stem cells can produce the desired products, including cytokines, receptors, and enzymes, which can contribute to further advances in the therapeutic application of mesenchymal stem cells. Here, we review the molecular mechanisms of radiation-induced lung injury and discuss the potential of Mesenchymal stem cells for the prevention and treatment of radiation-induced lung injury. Clarification of these key issues will make mesenchymal stem cells a more fantastic novel therapeutic strategy for radiation-induced lung injury in clinics, and the readers can have a comprehensive understanding in this fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guowen Hou
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology and Therapy, The First Hospital of Jilin University, and Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun, China,Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jinjie Li
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Wenyun Liu
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jinlong Wei
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology and Therapy, The First Hospital of Jilin University, and Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun, China,Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China,NHC Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ying Xin
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun, China,*Correspondence: Ying Xin, ; Xin Jiang,
| | - Xin Jiang
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology and Therapy, The First Hospital of Jilin University, and Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun, China,Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China,NHC Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, China,*Correspondence: Ying Xin, ; Xin Jiang,
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DiCarlo AL, Carnell LS, Rios CI, Prasanna PG. Inter-agency perspective: Translating advances in biomarker discovery and medical countermeasures development between terrestrial and space radiation environments. LIFE SCIENCES IN SPACE RESEARCH 2022; 35:9-19. [PMID: 36336375 PMCID: PMC9832585 DOI: 10.1016/j.lssr.2022.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/12/2022] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Over the past 20+ years, the U.S. Government has made significant strides in establishing research funding and initiating a portfolio consisting of subject matter experts on radiation-induced biological effects in normal tissues. Research supported by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) provided much of the early findings on identifying cellular pathways involved in radiation injuries, due to the need to push the boundaries to kill tumor cells while minimizing damage to intervening normal tissues. By protecting normal tissue surrounding the tumors, physicians can deliver a higher radiation dose to tumors and reduce adverse effects related to the treatment. Initially relying on this critical NCI research, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), first tasked with developing radiation medical countermeasures in 2004, has provided bridge funding to move basic research toward advanced development and translation. The goal of the NIAID program is to fund approaches that can one day be employed to protect civilian populations during a radiological or nuclear incident. In addition, with the reality of long-term space flights and the possibility of radiation exposures to both acute, high-intensity, and chronic lower-dose levels, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has identified requirements to discover and develop radioprotectors and mitigators to protect their astronauts during space missions. In sustained partnership with sister agencies, these three organizations must continue to leverage funding and findings in their overlapping research areas to accelerate biomarker identification and product development to help safeguard these different and yet undeniably similar human populations - cancer patients, public citizens, and astronauts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea L DiCarlo
- Radiation and Nuclear Countermeasures Program (RNCP), National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH), 5601 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD, 20852 United States of America.
| | - Lisa S Carnell
- Biological and Physical Sciences Division, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), 300 E Street SW, Washington, DC, 20546 United States of America
| | - Carmen I Rios
- Radiation and Nuclear Countermeasures Program (RNCP), National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH), 5601 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD, 20852 United States of America
| | - Pataje G Prasanna
- Radiation Research Program (RRP), National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), 9609 Medical Center Drive, Bethesda, MD, 20892 United States of America
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