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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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Swartz HM, Flood AB. Rethinking the Role of Biodosimetry to Assess Risks for Acute Radiation Syndrome in Very Large Radiation Events: Reconsidering Legacy Concepts. Radiat Res 2024; 201:440-448. [PMID: 38714319 DOI: 10.1667/rade-23-00141.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/09/2024]
Abstract
The development of effective uses of biodosimetry in large-scale events has been hampered by residual, i.e., "legacy" thinking based on strategies that scale up from biodosimetry in small accidents. Consequently, there remain vestiges of unrealistic assumptions about the likely magnitude of victims in "large" radiation events and incomplete analyses of the logistics for making biodosimetry measurements/assessments in the field for primary triage. Elements remain from an unrealistic focus on developing methods to use biodosimetry in the initial stage of triage for a million or more victims. Based on recent events and concomitant increased awareness of the potential for large-scale events as well as increased sophistication in planning and experience in the development of biodosimetry, a more realistic assessment of the most effective roles of biodosimetry in large-scale events is urgently needed. We argue this leads to a conclusion that the most effective utilization of biodosimetry in very large events would occur in a second stage of triage, after initially winnowing the population by identifying those most in need of acute medical attention, based on calculations of geographic sites where significant exposures could have occurred. Understanding the potential roles and limitations of biodosimetry in large-scale events involving significant radiation exposure should lead to development of the most effective and useful biodosimetric techniques for each stage of triage for acute radiation syndrome injuries, i.e., based on more realistic assumptions about the underlying event and the logistics for carrying out biodosimetry for large populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harold M Swartz
- Department of Radiology and Dartmouth Institute of Health Policy and Clinical Practice, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire
- Thayer School of Engineering, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire
- Clin-EPR, LLC, Lyme, New Hampshire
| | - Ann Barry Flood
- Department of Radiology and Dartmouth Institute of Health Policy and Clinical Practice, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire
- Clin-EPR, LLC, Lyme, New Hampshire
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3
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Wang S, Zuo Z, Ouyang Z, Liu X, Wang J, Shan Y, Meng R, Zhao Z, Liu X, Liu X, Jin Y, Li Z, Zhang H, Wang L, Cong Y. Sequential administration of delta-tocotrienol ameliorates radiation-induced myelosuppression in mice and non-human primates through inducing G-CSF production. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2024; 704:149661. [PMID: 38417343 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2024.149661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
To date only four recombinant growth factors, including Filgrastim (rhG-CSF), have been approved by FDA as radiomitigators to ameliorate hematopoietic acute radiation syndrome (H-ARS). These approved agents are not stable under room-temperature, needing to be stored at 2-8 °C, and would not be feasible in a mass casualty scenario where rapid and cost-effective intervention is crucial. Delta-tocotrienol (δ-T3H), the most potent G-CSF-inducing agent among vitamin E isoforms, exhibited efficiency and selectivity on G-CSF production in comparison with TLR and STING agonists in mice. Five-dose δ-T3H was utilized as the optimal therapeutic regimen due to long-term G-CSF production and the best peripheral blood (PB) recovery of irradiated mice. Comparable with rhG-CSF, sequential administration of δ-T3H post-irradiation improved hematologic recovery and accelerated the regeneration of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) in the bone marrow (BM) and spleen of 6.5Gy irradiated mice; and consistently enhanced repopulation of BM-HSCs. In 4.0Gy irradiated nonhuman primates, δ-T3H exhibited comparable efficacy as rhG-CSF to promote PB recovery and colony-formation of BM-HPCs. Altogether, we demonstrated that sequential administration of delta-tocotrienol ameliorates radiation-induced myelosuppression in mice and non-human primates through inducing G-CSF production, indicated δ-T3H as a promising radiomitigator for the management of H-ARS, particularly in a mass casualty scenario.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaozheng Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Radiobiology, Department of Experimental Hematology and Biochemistry, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, No.27 Taiping Road, Haidian District, 100850, Beijing, China
| | - Zongchao Zuo
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Radiobiology, Department of Experimental Hematology and Biochemistry, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, No.27 Taiping Road, Haidian District, 100850, Beijing, China; Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, No.100, Pingleyuan, Chaoyang, 100124, Beijing, China
| | - Zhangyi Ouyang
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Radiobiology, Department of Experimental Hematology and Biochemistry, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, No.27 Taiping Road, Haidian District, 100850, Beijing, China
| | - Xinyu Liu
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Radiobiology, Department of Experimental Hematology and Biochemistry, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, No.27 Taiping Road, Haidian District, 100850, Beijing, China; College of Life Sciences, Hebei University, No.180 Wusi East Road, 071000, Baoding, China
| | - Junke Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Radiobiology, Department of Experimental Hematology and Biochemistry, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, No.27 Taiping Road, Haidian District, 100850, Beijing, China
| | - Yajun Shan
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Radiobiology, Department of Experimental Hematology and Biochemistry, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, No.27 Taiping Road, Haidian District, 100850, Beijing, China
| | - Ruoxi Meng
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Radiobiology, Department of Experimental Hematology and Biochemistry, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, No.27 Taiping Road, Haidian District, 100850, Beijing, China
| | - Zhenhu Zhao
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Radiobiology, Department of Experimental Hematology and Biochemistry, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, No.27 Taiping Road, Haidian District, 100850, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaolan Liu
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Radiobiology, Department of Experimental Hematology and Biochemistry, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, No.27 Taiping Road, Haidian District, 100850, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoyan Liu
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Radiobiology, Department of Experimental Hematology and Biochemistry, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, No.27 Taiping Road, Haidian District, 100850, Beijing, China
| | - Yiguang Jin
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Radiobiology, Department of Experimental Hematology and Biochemistry, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, No.27 Taiping Road, Haidian District, 100850, Beijing, China
| | - Zhongtang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, No.38 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, 100191, Beijing, China
| | - Hong Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Radiobiology, Department of Experimental Hematology and Biochemistry, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, No.27 Taiping Road, Haidian District, 100850, Beijing, China.
| | - Limei Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Radiobiology, Department of Experimental Hematology and Biochemistry, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, No.27 Taiping Road, Haidian District, 100850, Beijing, China.
| | - Yuwen Cong
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Radiobiology, Department of Experimental Hematology and Biochemistry, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, No.27 Taiping Road, Haidian District, 100850, Beijing, China.
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Wang W, Cui B, Nie Y, Sun L, Zhang F. Radiation injury and gut microbiota-based treatment. Protein Cell 2024; 15:83-97. [PMID: 37470727 PMCID: PMC10833463 DOI: 10.1093/procel/pwad044] [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: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The exposure to either medical sources or accidental radiation can cause varying degrees of radiation injury (RI). RI is a common disease involving multiple human body parts and organs, yet effective treatments are currently limited. Accumulating evidence suggests gut microbiota are closely associated with the development and prevention of various RI. This article summarizes 10 common types of RI and their possible mechanisms. It also highlights the changes and potential microbiota-based treatments for RI, including probiotics, metabolites, and microbiota transplantation. Additionally, a 5P-Framework is proposed to provide a comprehensive strategy for managing RI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weihong Wang
- Department of Microbiota Medicine and Medical Center for Digestive Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210011, China
- Department of Microbiotherapy, Sir Run Run Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Bota Cui
- Department of Microbiota Medicine and Medical Center for Digestive Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210011, China
- Department of Microbiotherapy, Sir Run Run Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Yongzhan Nie
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers and National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Xi’an 710032, China
| | - Lijuan Sun
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, School of Medicine, Northwest University, Xi’an 710069, China
| | - Faming Zhang
- Department of Microbiota Medicine and Medical Center for Digestive Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210011, China
- Department of Microbiotherapy, Sir Run Run Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Xi’an 710032, China
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Chen J, Frempong KEB, Ding P, He G, Zhou Y, Kuang M, Wei Y, Zhou J. Plant polyphenol surfactant construction with strong surface activity and chelation properties as efficient decontamination of UO 22+ on cotton fabric. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 254:127451. [PMID: 37871720 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.127451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Chemically synthesized surfactants have promising applications in the treatment of uranium, however, their hazardous environmental effects, non-biodegradability, and numerous drawbacks prevent them from being widely used in practice. Herein, we successfully synthesized a green chelating and foaming integrated surfactant (BTBS) by Mannich reaction and acylation of bayberry tannin for the effective removal of UO22+ from aqueous environments or solid surfaces. The as-prepared surfactant was systematically characterized by FT-IR, showing that the hydrophobic groups were successfully grafted onto tannin. The modified material showed better foaming and emulsifying properties, which proved this method could improve the amphiphilicity of tannin. Moreover, for the first time, a foam fractionation method in conjunction with a tannin-based surfactant was applied for UO22+ removal from water. This surfactant was used as a co-surfactant and could readily remove 90 % of UO22+ (20 mg L-1) from water. The removal of UO22+ could be completed in a short time (30 min), and the maximum adsorption capacity was determined as 175.9 mg g-1. This surfactant can also be used for efficient decontamination of uranium-contaminated cotton cloth with a high removal rate of 94.55 %. In addition, the mechanism studies show that the adsorption of BTBS for UO22+ can be mainly attributed to a chelating mechanism between UO22+ and the adjacent phenolic hydroxyls. The novel biomass-derived BTBS with advantages such as high capture capacity, environmental friendliness, and cost-effectiveness suggests that it plays an important role in the remediation of radionuclide pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jialang Chen
- Engineering Research Center of Biomass Materials, Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, Sichuan 621010, PR China
| | - Kwame Eduam Baiden Frempong
- Engineering Research Center of Biomass Materials, Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, Sichuan 621010, PR China
| | - Pingping Ding
- The Collelge of Nuclear Technology and Automation Engineering, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu, Sichuan 610059, PR China
| | - Guiqiang He
- Engineering Research Center of Biomass Materials, Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, Sichuan 621010, PR China
| | - Yan Zhou
- Mianyang Central Hospital, NHC Key Laboratory of Nuclear Technology Medical Transformation, Mianyang, Sichuan 621000, PR China
| | - Meng Kuang
- Institute of Cotton Research of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, Anyang, Henan 455000, PR China
| | - Yanxia Wei
- Engineering Research Center of Biomass Materials, Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, Sichuan 621010, PR China.
| | - Jian Zhou
- Engineering Research Center of Biomass Materials, Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, Sichuan 621010, PR China.
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Carpenter AD, Li Y, Janocha BL, Wise SY, Fatanmi OO, Maniar M, Cheema AK, Singh VK. Analysis of the Proteomic Profile in Serum of Irradiated Nonhuman Primates Treated with Ex-Rad, a Radiation Medical Countermeasure. J Proteome Res 2023; 22:1116-1126. [PMID: 36977373 PMCID: PMC10088047 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.2c00458] [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: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
There are currently four radiation medical countermeasures that have been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration to mitigate hematopoietic acute radiation syndrome, all of which are repurposed radiomitigators. The evaluation of additional candidate drugs that may also be helpful for use during a radiological/nuclear emergency is ongoing. A chlorobenzyl sulfone derivative (organosulfur compound) known as Ex-Rad, or ON01210, is one such candidate medical countermeasure, being a novel, small-molecule kinase inhibitor that has demonstrated efficacy in the murine model. In this study, nonhuman primates exposed to ionizing radiation were subsequently administered Ex-Rad as two treatment schedules (Ex-Rad I administered 24 and 36 h post-irradiation, and Ex-Rad II administered 48 and 60 h post-irradiation) and the proteomic profiles of serum using a global molecular profiling approach were assessed. We observed that administration of Ex-Rad post-irradiation is capable of mitigating radiation-induced perturbations in protein abundance, particularly in restoring protein homeostasis, immune response, and mitigating hematopoietic damage, at least in part after acute exposure. Taken together, restoration of functionally significant pathway perturbations may serve to protect damage to vital organs and provide long-term survival benefits to the afflicted population.
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Affiliation(s)
- 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, Bethesda, Maryland 20814, United States
- Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland 20814, United States
| | - Yaoxiang Li
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia 20057, United States
| | - Brianna L Janocha
- Division of Radioprotectants, Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland 20814, United States
- Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland 20814, United States
| | - 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, Bethesda, Maryland 20814, United States
- Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland 20814, United States
| | - 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, Bethesda, Maryland 20814, United States
- Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland 20814, United States
| | - Manoj Maniar
- Onconova Therapeutics, Inc., 375 Pheasant Run, Newtown, Pennsylvania 18940, United States
| | - Amrita K Cheema
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia 20057, United States
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular and Cellular Biology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia 20057, United States
| | - 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, Maryland 20814, United States
- Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland 20814, United States
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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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8
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Singh VK, Fatanmi OO, Wise SY, Carpenter AD, Olsen CH. Determination of Lethality Curve for Cobalt-60 Gamma-Radiation Source in Rhesus Macaques Using Subject-Based Supportive Care. Radiat Res 2022; 198:599-614. [PMID: 36279323 PMCID: PMC10224762 DOI: 10.1667/rade-22-00101.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Well-characterized and validated animal models are required for the development of medical countermeasures (MCMs) for acute radiation syndrome to mitigate injury due to high doses of total- or partial-body irradiation. Animal models used in MCM development must reflect a radiation dose- and time-dependent relationship, clinical presentation, and pathogenesis of organ injuries in humans. The objective of the current study was to develop the lethality curve for the Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute high level cobalt-60 gamma-radiation source in nonhuman primates (NHPs) after total-body irradiation. A dose-response relationship was determined using NHPs (rhesus macaques, N = 36, N = 6/radiation dose) irradiated with 6 doses in the range of 6.0 to 8.5 Gy, with 0.5 Gy increments at a dose rate of 0.6 Gy/min. Animals were provided subject-based supportive care including blood transfusions and were monitored for 60 days postirradiation. Survival was the primary endpoint of the study and the secondary endpoint included hematopoietic recovery. The lethality curve suggested LD30/60, LD50/60, and LD70/60 values as 5.71, 6.78, and 7.84 Gy, respectively. The results of this study will be valuable to provide specific doses for various lethalities of 60Co-gamma radiation to test radiation countermeasures in rhesus macaques using subject-based supportive care including blood transfusion.
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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, Maryland 20814
- Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland 20814
| | - 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, Bethesda, Maryland 20814
- Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland 20814
| | - 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, Bethesda, Maryland 20814
- Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland 20814
| | - 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, Bethesda, Maryland 20814
- Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland 20814
| | - Cara H. Olsen
- Preventive Medicine and Biostatistics, F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland 20814
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Singh VK, Seed TM. Radiation countermeasures for hematopoietic acute radiation syndrome: growth factors, cytokines and beyond. Int J Radiat Biol 2021; 97:1526-1547. [PMID: 34402734 DOI: 10.1080/09553002.2021.1969054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The intent of this article is to report the status of some of the pharmaceuticals currently in late stage development for possible use for individuals unwantedly and acutely injured as a result of radiological/nuclear exposures. The two major questions we attempt to address here are: (a) What medicinals are currently deemed by regulatory authorities (US FDA) to be safe and effective and are being stockpiled? (b) What additional agents might be needed to make the federal/state/local medicinal repositories more robust and useful in effectively managing contingencies involving radiation overexposures? CONCLUSIONS A limited number (precisely four) of medicinals have been deemed safe and effective, and are approved by the US FDA for the 'hematopoietic acute radiation syndrome (H-ARS).' These agents are largely recombinant growth factors (e.g. rhuG-CSF/filgrastim, rhuGM-CSF/sargramostim) that target and stimulate myeloid progenitors within bone marrow. Romiplostim, a small molecular agonist that enhances platelet production via stimulation of bone marrow megakaryocytes, has been recently approved and indicated for H-ARS. It is critical that additional agents for other major sub-syndromes of ARS (gastrointestinal-ARS) be approved. Future success in developing such medicinals will undoubtedly entail some form of a polypharmaceutical strategy, or perhaps novel, bioengineered chimeric agents with multiple, radioprotective/radiomitigative functionalities.
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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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Giovanetti A, Marconi R, Awad N, Abuzied H, Agamy N, Barakat M, Bartoleschi C, Bossi G, Canfora M, Elsaid AA, Ioannilli L, Ismail HM, Issa YA, Novelli F, Pardini MC, Pioli C, Pinnarò P, Sanguineti G, Tahoun MM, Turchi R, Strigari L. Validation of a biomarker tool capable of measuring the absorbed dose soon after exposure to ionizing radiation. Sci Rep 2021; 11:8118. [PMID: 33854097 PMCID: PMC8047015 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-87173-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
A radiological or nuclear attack could involve such a large number of subjects as to overwhelm the emergency facilities in charge. Resources should therefore be focused on those subjects needing immediate medical attention and care. In such a scenario, for the triage management by first responders, it is necessary to count on efficient biological dosimetry tools capable of early detection of the absorbed dose. At present the validated assays for measuring the absorbed dose are dicentric chromosomes and micronuclei counts, which require more than 2–3 days to obtain results. To overcome this limitation the NATO SPS Programme funded an Italian–Egyptian collaborative project aimed at validating a fast, accurate and feasible tool for assessing the absorbed dose early after radiation exposure. Biomarkers as complete blood cell counts, DNA breaks and radio-inducible proteins were investigated on blood samples collected before and 3 h after the first fraction of radiotherapy in patients treated in specific target areas with doses/fraction of about: 2, 3.5 or > 5 Gy and compared with the reference micronuclei count. Based on univariate and multivariate multiple linear regression correlation, our results identify five early biomarkers potentially useful for detecting the extent of the absorbed dose 3 h after the exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Giovanetti
- Division of Health Protection Technologies, ENEA-Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development, 00123, Rome, Italy.
| | - Raffaella Marconi
- Scientific Direction, National Institute for Infectious Diseases "Lazzaro Spallanzani" IRCCS, 00149, Rome, Italy
| | - Noha Awad
- Epidemiology Department, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Alexandria, 21561, Egypt
| | - Hala Abuzied
- Alexandria University Cancer Research Cluster, Alexandria, 21561, Egypt
| | - Neveen Agamy
- Nutrition Department, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Alexandria, 21561, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Barakat
- Alexandria University Cancer Research Cluster, Alexandria, 21561, Egypt
| | - Cecilia Bartoleschi
- Division of Health Protection Technologies, ENEA-Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development, 00123, Rome, Italy
| | - Gianluca Bossi
- Oncogenomic and Epigenetic Unit, Department of Diagnostic Research and Technological Innovation, IRCCS - Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Canfora
- Clinical Trial Center, Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144, Rome, Italy
| | - Amr A Elsaid
- Oncology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, 21561, Egypt
| | - Laura Ioannilli
- Department of Biology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Horeya M Ismail
- Alexandria University Cancer Research Cluster, Alexandria, 21561, Egypt
| | - Yasmine Amr Issa
- Medical Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Alexandria, Alexandria, 21561, Egypt
| | - Flavia Novelli
- Division of Health Protection Technologies, ENEA-Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development, 00123, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Chiara Pardini
- Division of Health Protection Technologies, ENEA-Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development, 00123, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio Pioli
- Division of Health Protection Technologies, ENEA-Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development, 00123, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Pinnarò
- Departments of Radiation Oncology, IRCCS - Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Sanguineti
- Departments of Radiation Oncology, IRCCS - Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144, Rome, Italy
| | - Mohamed M Tahoun
- Epidemiology Department, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Alexandria, 21561, Egypt
| | - Riccardo Turchi
- Department of Biology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Lidia Strigari
- IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria di Bologna, 40138, Bologna, Italy
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Down-Regulation of miR-23a-3p Mediates Irradiation-Induced Neuronal Apoptosis. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21103695. [PMID: 32456284 PMCID: PMC7279507 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21103695] [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: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Radiation-induced central nervous system toxicity is a significant risk factor for patients receiving cancer radiotherapy. Surprisingly, the mechanisms responsible for the DNA damage-triggered neuronal cell death following irradiation have yet to be deciphered. Using primary cortical neuronal cultures in vitro, we demonstrated that X-ray exposure induces the mitochondrial pathway of intrinsic apoptosis and that miR-23a-3p plays a significant role in the regulation of this process. Primary cortical neurons exposed to irradiation show the activation of DNA-damage response pathways, including the sequential phosphorylation of ATM kinase, histone H2AX, and p53. This is followed by the p53-dependent up-regulation of the pro-apoptotic Bcl2 family molecules, including the BH3-only molecules PUMA, Noxa, and Bim, leading to mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization (MOMP) and the release of cytochrome c, which activates caspase-dependent apoptosis. miR-23a-3p, a negative regulator of specific pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 family molecules, is rapidly decreased after neuronal irradiation. By increasing the degradation of PUMA and Noxa mRNAs in the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC), the administration of the miR-23a-3p mimic inhibits the irradiation-induced up-regulation of Noxa and Puma. These changes result in an attenuation of apoptotic processes such as MOMP, the release of cytochrome c and caspases activation, and a reduction in neuronal cell death. The neuroprotective effects of miR-23a-3p administration may not only involve the direct inhibition of pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 molecules downstream of p53 but also include the attenuation of secondary DNA damage upstream of p53. Importantly, we demonstrated that brain irradiation in vivo results in the down-regulation of miR-23a-3p and the elevation of pro-apoptotic Bcl2-family molecules PUMA, Noxa, and Bax, not only broadly in the cortex and hippocampus, except for Bax, which was up-regulated only in the hippocampus but also selectively in isolated neuronal populations from the irradiated brain. Overall, our data suggest that miR-23a-3p down-regulation contributes to irradiation-induced intrinsic pathways of neuronal apoptosis. These regulated pathways of neurodegeneration may be the target of effective neuroprotective strategies using miR-23a-3p mimics to block their development and increase neuronal survival after irradiation.
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Orunmuyi TA, Sathekge MM, Buscombe RJ. Ensuring effective and sustainable radionuclide delivery and its impact on the development of nuclear medicine in the developing world with special reference to Nigeria. World J Nucl Med 2019; 18:2-7. [PMID: 30774538 PMCID: PMC6357709 DOI: 10.4103/wjnm.wjnm_71_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent activities of Boko Haram, a local extremist group in Nigeria, raise concerns about a nuclear terrorist attack. Whereas nuclear medicine (NM) relies on the timely delivery of radioactive sources, a robust security structure that assures public safety is the backbone for its beneficial use. NM radionuclides have short half-lives and carry an insignificant risk for acts of terrorism. Yet, their importation and delivery in Nigeria receive undue scrutiny in a bid to implement a strict nuclear security regime. These actions prevent timely delivery of radionuclides with direct consequences on quality and economic viability of nuclear medicine. There have been no accounts of terrorist acts accomplished with NM radionuclides. Thus, it is important the NM community question the current approach that has contributed to the loss of NM services in Nigeria and proposes a more logical strategy for securing their supply. We also highlight the need for developing local pragmatic solutions when implementing global recommendations in developing countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Akintunde Orunmuyi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.,Nuclear Medicine Centre, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - M Mike Sathekge
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Steve Biko Academic Hospital, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - R John Buscombe
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Cambridge University Hospitals, Cambridge, UK
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Cardarelli JJ, Ulsh BA. It Is Time to Move Beyond the Linear No-Threshold Theory for Low-Dose Radiation Protection. Dose Response 2018; 16:1559325818779651. [PMID: 30013457 PMCID: PMC6043938 DOI: 10.1177/1559325818779651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2018] [Revised: 04/18/2018] [Accepted: 05/01/2018] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) is the primary federal agency responsible for promulgating regulations and policies to protect people and the environment from ionizing radiation. Currently, the USEPA uses the linear no-threshold (LNT) model to estimate cancer risks and determine cleanup levels in radiologically contaminated environments. The LNT model implies that there is no safe dose of ionizing radiation; however, adverse effects from low dose, low-dose rate (LDDR) exposures are not detectable. This article (1) provides the scientific basis for discontinuing use of the LNT model in LDDR radiation environments, (2) shows that there is no scientific consensus for using the LNT model, (3) identifies USEPA reliance on outdated scientific information, and (4) identifies regulatory reliance on incomplete evaluations of recent data contradicting the LNT. It is the time to reconsider the use of the LNT model in LDDR radiation environments. Incorporating the latest science into the regulatory process for risk assessment will (1) ensure science remains the foundation for decision making, (2) reduce unnecessary burdens of costly cleanups, (3) educate the public on the real effects of LDDR radiation exposures, and (4) harmonize government policies with the rest of the radiation scientific community.
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Gresko M, Marazziti D, Piccinni A, Mucci F, Loganovsky KM. Features of Coping Strategies in Overcoming Extreme Critical Situations: A Study on Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant Liquidators and Antiterrorist Participants. JOURNAL OF LOSS & TRAUMA 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/15325024.2018.1442133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M. Gresko
- State Institution National Research Center for Radiation Medicine of National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - D. Marazziti
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Sperimentale, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, Pisa, and Brain Research Foundation Lucca, Italy
| | - A. Piccinni
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Sperimentale, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, Pisa, and Brain Research Foundation Lucca, Italy
| | - F. Mucci
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Sperimentale, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, Pisa, and Brain Research Foundation Lucca, Italy
| | - K. M. Loganovsky
- State Institution National Research Center for Radiation Medicine of National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine
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