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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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2
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Schwanke D, Schüle S, Stewart S, Fatanmi OO, Wise SY, Hackenbroch C, Wiegel T, Singh VK, Port M, Abend M, Ostheim P. Validating a Four-gene Set for H-ARS Severity Prediction in Peripheral Blood Samples of Irradiated Rhesus Macaques. Radiat Res 2024; 201:504-513. [PMID: 38471521 DOI: 10.1667/rade-23-00162.1] [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: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Increased radiological and nuclear threats require preparedness. Our earlier work identified a set of four genes (DDB2, FDXR, POU2AF1 and WNT3), which predicts severity of the hematological acute radiation syndrome (H-ARS) within the first three days postirradiation In this study of 41 Rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta, 27 males, 14 females) irradiated with 5.8-7.2 Gy (LD29-50/60), including some treated with gamma-tocotrienol (GT3, a radiation countermeasure) we independently validated these genes as predictors in both sexes and examined them after three days. At the Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute/Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, peripheral whole blood (1 ml) of Rhesus macaques was collected into PAXgene® Blood RNA tubes pre-irradiation after 1, 2, 3, 35 and 60 days postirradiation, stored at -80°C for internal experimental analyses. Leftover tubes from these already ongoing studies were kindly provided to Bundeswehr Institute of Radiobiology. RNA was isolated (QIAsymphony), converted into cDNA, and for further gene expression (GE) studies quantitative RT-PCR was performed. Differential gene expression (DGE) was measured relative to the pre-irradiation Rhesus macaques samples. Within the first three days postirradiation, we found similar results to human data: 1. FDXR and DDB2 were up-regulated, FDXR up to 3.5-fold, and DDB2 up to 13.5-fold in the median; 2. POU2AF1 appeared down regulated around tenfold in nearly all Rhesus macaques; 3. Contrary to human data, DDB2 was more up-regulated than FDXR, and the difference of the fold change (FC) ranged between 2.4 and 10, while the median fold changes of WNT3, except days 1 and 35, were close to 1. Nevertheless, 46% of the Rhesus macaques showed down-regulated WNT3 on day one postirradiation, which decreased to 12.2% on day 3 postirradiation. Considering the extended phase, there was a trend towards decreased fold changes at day 35, with median-fold changes ranging from 0.7 for DDB2 to 0.1 for POU2AF1, and on day 60 postirradiation, DGE in surviving animals was close to pre-exposure values for all four genes. In conclusion, the diagnostic significance for radiation-induced H-ARS severity prediction of FDXR, DDB2, and POU2AF1 was confirmed in this Rhesus macaques model. However, DDB2 showed higher GE values than FDXR. As shown in previous studies, the diagnostic significance of WNT3 could not be reproduced in Rhesus macaques; this could be due to the choice of animal model and methodological challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Schwanke
- Bundeswehr Institute of Radiobiology, Munich, Germany
| | - S Schüle
- Bundeswehr Institute of Radiobiology, Munich, Germany
| | - S Stewart
- Bundeswehr Institute of Radiobiology, Munich, Germany
| | - O O Fatanmi
- Division of Radioprotectants, Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine, and
- Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - S Y Wise
- Division of Radioprotectants, Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine, and
- Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - C Hackenbroch
- Department of Radiology, Bundeswehrkrankenhaus Ulm, Ulm Germany
| | - T Wiegel
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital, Ulm, Germany
| | - V K Singh
- Division of Radioprotectants, Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine, and
- Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - M Port
- Bundeswehr Institute of Radiobiology, Munich, Germany
| | - M Abend
- Bundeswehr Institute of Radiobiology, Munich, Germany
| | - P Ostheim
- Bundeswehr Institute of Radiobiology, Munich, Germany
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Schwanke D, Fatanmi OO, Wise SY, Ostheim P, Schüle S, Kaletka G, Stewart S, Wiegel T, Singh VK, Port M, Abend M. Validating Radiosensitivity with Pre-Exposure Differential Gene Expression in Peripheral Blood Predicting Survival and Non-Survival in a Second Irradiated Rhesus Macaque Cohort. Radiat Res 2024; 201:384-395. [PMID: 38282135 DOI: 10.1667/rade-23-00099.1] [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: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Radiosensitivity differs in humans and possibly in closely related nonhuman primates. The reasons for variation in radiosensitivity are not well known. In an earlier study, we examined gene expression (GE) pre-radiation in peripheral blood among male (n = 62) and female (n = 60) rhesus macaques (n = 122), which did or did not survive (up to 60 days) after whole-body exposure of 7.0 Gy (LD66/60). Eight genes (CHD5, CHI3L1, DYSF, EPX, IGF2BP1, LCN2, MBOAT4, SLC22A4) revealed significant associations with survival. Access to a second rhesus macaque cohort (males = 40, females = 23, total n = 63) irradiated with 5.8-7.2 Gy (LD29-50/60) and some treated with gamma-tocotrienol (GT3, a radiation countermeasure) allowed us to validate these gene expression changes independently. Total RNA was isolated from whole blood samples and examined by quantitative RT-PCR on a 96-well format. cycle threshold (Ct)-values normalized to 18S rRNA were analyzed for their association with survival. Regardless of the species-specific TaqMan assay, similar results were obtained. Two genes (CHD5 and CHI3L1) out of eight revealed a significant association with survival in the second cohort, while only CHD5 (involved in DNA damage response and proliferation control) showed mean gene expression changes in the same direction for both cohorts. No expected association of CHD5 GE with dose, treatment, or sex could be established. Instead, we observed significant associations for those comparisons comprising pre-exposure samples with CHD5 Ct values ≤ 11 (total n = 17). CHD5 Ct values ≤ 11 in these comparisons were mainly associated with increased frequencies (61-100%) of non-survivors, a trend which depending on the sample numbers, reached significance (P = 0.03) in males and, accordingly, in females. This was also reflected by a logistic regression model including all available samples from both cohorts comprising CHD5 measurements (n = 104, odds ratio 1.38, 95% CI 1.07-1.79, P = 0.01). However, this association was driven by males (odds ratio 1.62, 95% CI 1.10-2.38, P = 0.01) and CHD5 Ct values ≤ 11 since removing low CHD5 Ct values from this model, converted to insignificance (P = 0.19). A second male subcohort comprising high CHD5 Ct values ≥ 14.4 in both cohorts (n = 5) appeared associated with survival. Removing these high CHD5 Ct values converted the model borderline significant (P = 0.051). Based on the probability function of the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves, 8 (12.3%) and 5 (7.7%) from 65 pre-exposure RNA measurements in males, death and survival could be predicted with a negative and positive predictive value ranging between 85-100%. An associated odds ratio reflected a 62% elevated risk for dying or surviving per unit change (Ct-value) in gene expression, considering the before-mentioned CHD5 thresholds in RNA copy numbers. In conclusion, we identified two subsets of male animals characterized by increased (Ct values ≤ 11) and decreased (Ct values ≥ 14.4) CHD5 GE copy numbers before radiation exposure, which independently of the cohort, radiation exposure or treatment appeared to predict the death or survival in males.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Schwanke
- Bundeswehr Institute of Radiobiology, Munich, Germany
| | - O O Fatanmi
- Division of Radioprotectants, Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine, and
- Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - S Y Wise
- Division of Radioprotectants, Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine, and
- Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - P Ostheim
- Bundeswehr Institute of Radiobiology, Munich, Germany
| | - S Schüle
- Bundeswehr Institute of Radiobiology, Munich, Germany
| | - G Kaletka
- Bundeswehr Institute of Radiobiology, Munich, Germany
| | - S Stewart
- Bundeswehr Institute of Radiobiology, Munich, Germany
| | - T Wiegel
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital, Ulm, Germany
| | - V K Singh
- Division of Radioprotectants, Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine, and
- Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - M Port
- Bundeswehr Institute of Radiobiology, Munich, Germany
| | - M Abend
- Bundeswehr Institute of Radiobiology, Munich, Germany
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4
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Carpenter AD, Li Y, Fatanmi OO, Wise SY, Petrus SA, Janocha BL, Cheema AK, Singh VK. Metabolomic Profiles in Tissues of Nonhuman Primates Exposed to Either Total- or Partial-Body Radiation. Radiat Res 2024; 201:371-383. [PMID: 38253059 DOI: 10.1667/rade-23-00091.1] [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: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
A complex cascade of systemic and tissue-specific responses induced by exposure to ionizing radiation can lead to functional impairment over time in the surviving population. Current methods for management of survivors of unintentional radiation exposure episodes rely on monitoring individuals over time for the development of adverse clinical symptoms due to the lack of predictive biomarkers for tissue injury. In this study, we report on changes in metabolomic and lipidomic profiles in multiple tissues of nonhuman primates (NHPs) that received either 4.0 Gy or 5.8 Gy total-body irradiation (TBI) of 60Co gamma rays, and 4.0 or 5.8 Gy partial-body irradiation (PBI) from LINAC-derived photons and were treated with a promising radiation countermeasure, gamma-tocotrienol (GT3). These include small molecule alterations that correlate with radiation effects in the jejunum, lung, kidney, and spleen of animals that either survived or succumbed to radiation toxicities over a 30-day period. Radiation-induced metabolic changes in tissues were observed in animals exposed to both doses and types of radiation, but were partially alleviated in GT3-treated and irradiated animals, with lung and spleen being most responsive. The majority of the pathways protected by GT3 treatment in these tissues were related to glucose metabolism, inflammation, and aldarate metabolism, suggesting GT3 may exert radioprotective effects in part by sparing these pathways from radiation-induced dysregulation. Taken together, the results of our study demonstrate that the prophylactic administration of GT3 results in metabolic and lipidomic shifts that likely provide an overall advantage against radiation injury. This investigation is among the first to highlight the use of a molecular phenotyping approach in a highly translatable NHP model of partial- and total-body irradiation to determine the underlying physiological mechanisms involved in the radioprotective efficacy of GT3.
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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
- Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Yaoxiang Li
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC
| | - 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
- Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - 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
- Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - 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, Bethesda, Maryland
- Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - 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
- Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Amrita K Cheema
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular and Cellular Biology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington DC
| | - 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
- Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland
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Zuo Z, Wang L, Wang S, Liu X, Wu D, Ouyang Z, Meng R, Shan Y, Zhang S, Peng T, Wang L, Li Z, Cong Y. Radioprotective effectiveness of a novel delta-tocotrienol prodrug on mouse hematopoietic system against 60Co gamma-ray irradiation through inducing granulocyte-colony stimulating factor production. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 269:116346. [PMID: 38518524 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116346] [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: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
Considering the increasing risk of nuclear attacks worldwide, the development of develop potent and safe radioprotective agents for nuclear emergencies is urgently needed. γ-tocotrienol (GT3) and δ-tocotrienol (DT3) have demonstrated a potent radioprotective effect by inducing the production of granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) in vivo. However, their application is limited because of their low bioavailability. The utilization of ester prodrugs can be an effective strategy for modifying the pharmacokinetic properties of drug molecules. In this study, we initially confirmed that DT3 exhibited the most significant potential for inducing G-CSF effects among eight natural vitamin E homologs. Consequently, we designed and synthesized a series of DT3 ester and ether derivatives, leading to improved radioprotective effects. The metabolic study conducted in vitro and in vivo has identified DT3 succinate 5b as a prodrug of DT3 with an approximately seven-fold higher bioavailability compared to DT3 alone. And DT3 ether derivative 8a were relatively stable and approximately 4 times more bioavailable than DT3 prototype. Furthermore, 5b exhibited superior ability to mitigate radiation-induced pancytopenia, enhance the recovery of bone marrow hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells, and promote splenic extramedullary hematopoiesis in sublethal irradiated mice. Similarly, 8a shown potential radiation protection, but its radiation protection is less than DT3. Based on these findings, we identified 5b as a DT3 prodrug, and providing an attractive candidate for further drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zongchao Zuo
- Faculty of Environment & Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, 100124, China; Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Limei Wang
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Shaozheng Wang
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Xinyu Liu
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Dandan Wu
- College of Life Sciences in Nanjing University (Xianlin Campus), State Key Lab of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (SKLPB), Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210046, China
| | - Zhangyi Ouyang
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Ruoxi Meng
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Yajun Shan
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Shouguo Zhang
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Tao Peng
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Lin Wang
- Faculty of Environment & Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, 100124, China; Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, 100850, China.
| | - Zhongtang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, 38 Xue Yuan Road, Beijing, 100191, China.
| | - Yuwen Cong
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, 100850, China.
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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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7
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Garg TK, Garg S, Miousse IR, Wise SY, Carpenter AD, Fatanmi OO, van Rhee F, Singh VK, Hauer-Jensen M. Modulation of Hematopoietic Injury by a Promising Radioprotector, Gamma-Tocotrienol, in Rhesus Macaques Exposed to Partial-Body Radiation. Radiat Res 2024; 201:55-70. [PMID: 38059553 DOI: 10.1667/rade-23-00075.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
Currently, no radioprotectors have been approved to mitigate hematopoietic injury after exposure to ionizing radiation. Acute ionizing radiation results in damage to both hematopoietic and immune system cells. Pre-exposure prophylactic agents are needed for first responders and military personnel. In this study, the ability of gamma-tocotrienol (GT3), a promising radioprotector and antioxidant, to ameliorate partial-body radiation-induced damage to the hematopoietic compartment was evaluated in a nonhuman primate (NHP) model. A total of 15 rhesus NHPs were divided into two groups, and were administered either GT3 or vehicle 24 h prior to 4 or 5.8 Gy partial-body irradiation (PBI), with 5% bone marrow (BM) sparing. Each group consisted of four NHPs, apart from the vehicle-treated group exposed to 5.8 Gy, which had only three NHPs. BM samples were collected 8 days prior to irradiation in addition to 2, 7, 14, and 30 days postirradiation. To assess the clonogenic ability of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs), colony forming unit (CFU) assays were performed, and lymphoid cells were immunophenotyped using flow cytometry. As a result of GT3 treatment, an increase in HSPC function was evident by an increased recovery of CFU-granulocyte macrophages (CFU-GM). Additionally, GT3 treatment was shown to increase the percentage of CD34+ cells, including T and NK-cell subsets. Our data further affirm GT3's role in hematopoietic recovery and suggest the need for its further development as a prophylactic radiation medical countermeasure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarun K Garg
- UAMS Myeloma Center, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205
| | - Sarita Garg
- Division of Radiation Health, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205
| | - Isabelle R Miousse
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205
| | - 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
| | - 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
| | - Frits van Rhee
- UAMS Myeloma Center, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205
| | - 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
| | - Martin Hauer-Jensen
- Division of Radiation Health, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205
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8
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Day RM, Rittase WB, Slaven JE, Lee SH, Brehm GV, Bradfield DT, Muir JM, Wise SY, Fatanmi OO, Singh VK. Iron Deposition in the Bone Marrow and Spleen of Nonhuman Primates with Acute Radiation Syndrome. Radiat Res 2023; 200:593-600. [PMID: 37967581 PMCID: PMC10754359 DOI: 10.1667/rade-23-00107.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
The risk of exposure to high levels of ionizing radiation from nuclear weapons or radiological accidents is an increasing world concern. Partial- or total-body exposure to high doses of radiation is potentially lethal through the induction of acute radiation syndrome (ARS). Hematopoietic cells are sensitive to radiation exposure; white blood cells primarily undergo apoptosis while red blood cells (RBCs) undergo hemolysis. Several laboratories demonstrated that the rapid hemolysis of RBCs results in the release of acellular iron into the blood. We recently demonstrated using a murine model of ARS after total-body irradiation (TBI) and the loss of RBCs, iron accumulated in the bone marrow and spleen, notably between 4-21 days postirradiation. Here, we investigated iron accumulation in the bone marrow and spleens from TBI nonhuman primates (NHPs) using histological stains. We observed trends in increased intracellular and extracellular brown pigmentation in the bone marrow after various doses of radiation, especially after 4-15 days postirradiation, but these differences did not reach significance. We observed a significant increase in Prussian blue-staining intracellular iron deposition in the spleen 13-15 days after 5.8-8.5 Gy of TBI. We observed trends of increased iron in the spleen after 30-60 days postirradiation, with varying doses of radiation, but these differences did not reach significance. The NHP model of ARS confirms our earlier findings in the murine model, showing iron deposition in the bone marrow and spleen after TBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Regina M. Day
- 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
| | - W. Bradley Rittase
- 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
| | - John E. Slaven
- 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
| | - Sang-Ho Lee
- Pathology Department, Research Services, Naval Medical Research Center, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910
| | - Grace V. Brehm
- 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
| | - Dmitry T. Bradfield
- 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
| | - Jeannie M. Muir
- Department of Pathology, 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
| | - 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
| | - 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
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9
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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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10
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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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11
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Singh VK, Carpenter AD, Janocha BL, Petrus SA, Fatanmi OO, Wise SY, Seed TM. Radiosensitivity of rhesus nonhuman primates: consideration of sex, supportive care, body weight, and age at time of exposure. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2023; 18:797-814. [PMID: 37073409 PMCID: PMC10330264 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2023.2205123] [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: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Animal models are vital for the development of radiation medical countermeasures for the prophylaxis or treatment of acute radiation syndrome and for the delayed effects of acute radiation exposure. Nonhuman primates (NHPs) play an important role in the regulatory approval of such agents by the United States Food and Drug Administration following the Animal Rule. Reliance on such animal models requires that such models are well characterized. METHODS Data gathered from both male and female animals under the same conditions and gathered concurrently are limited; therefore, the authors compared and contrasted here the radiosensitivity of both male and female NHPs provided different levels of clinical support over a range of acute, total-body gamma irradiation, as well as the influence of age and body weight. RESULTS Under matched experimental conditions, the authors observed only marginal, but clearly evident differences between acutely irradiated male and female NHPs relative to the measured response endpoints (rates of survival, blood cell changes, and cytokine fluctuations). These differences appeared to be accentuated by the level of exposure as well as by the nature of clinical support. CONCLUSION Additional studies with both sexes under various experimental conditions and different radiation qualities run concurrently are needed.
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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
| | - 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, MD 20814, USA
- Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - 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, MD 20814, 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, Bethesda, MD 20814, 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, Bethesda, MD 20814, 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, 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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12
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Vellichirammal NN, Sethi S, Avuthu N, Wise SY, Carpenter AD, Fatanmi OO, Guda C, Singh VK. Transcriptome profile changes in the jejunum of nonhuman primates exposed to supralethal dose of total- or partial-body radiation. BMC Genomics 2023; 24:274. [PMID: 37217865 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-023-09385-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The risk of exposure of the general public or military personnel to high levels of ionizing radiation from nuclear weapons or radiological accidents is a dire national security matter. The development of advanced molecular biodosimetry methods, those that measure biological response, such as transcriptomics, to screen large populations of radiation-exposed victims is key to improving survival outcomes during radiological mass casualty scenarios. In this study, nonhuman primates were exposed to either 12.0 Gy cobalt-60 gamma (total-body irradiation, TBI) or X-ray (partial-body irradiation, PBI) 24 h after administration of a potential radiation medical countermeasure, gamma-tocotrienol (GT3). Changes in the jejunal transcriptomic profiles in GT3-treated and irradiated animals were compared to healthy controls to assess the extent of radiation damage. No major effect of GT3 on radiation-induced transcriptome at this radiation dose was identified. About 80% of the pathways with a known activation or repression state were commonly observed between both exposures. Several common pathways activated due to irradiation include FAK signaling, CREB signaling in the neurons, phagosome formation, and G-protein coupled signaling pathway. Sex-specific differences associated with excessive mortality among irradiated females were identified in this study, including Estrogen receptor signaling. Differential pathway activation was also identified across PBI and TBI, pointing towards altered molecular response for different degrees of bone marrow sparing and radiation doses. This study provides insight into radiation-induced changes in jejunal transcriptional profiles, supporting the investigation for the identification of biomarkers for radiation injury and countermeasure efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sahil Sethi
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Nagavardhini Avuthu
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, 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, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, 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, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, 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, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Chittibabu Guda
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - 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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13
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Zheng T, Shi X, Nie S, Yin L, Zhu J, Yu E, Shen H, Mo F. Effects of Chinese herbal diet on hematopoiesis, immunity, and intestines of mice exposed to different doses of radiation. Heliyon 2023; 9:e15473. [PMID: 37131450 PMCID: PMC10149268 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e15473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Radiotherapy causes a series of side effects in patients with malignant tumors. Polygonati Rhizoma, Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix, and Epimedii Folium are all traditional Chinese herbs with varieties of functions such as anti-radiation and immune regulation. In this study, the above three herbs were used as a herbal diet to study their effects on the hematopoietic, immune, and intestinal systems of mice exposed to three doses of radiation. Our study showed that the diet had no radiation-protective effect on the hematopoietic and immune systems. However, at the radiation dose of 4 Gy and 8 Gy, the diet showed an obvious radiation-protective effect on intestinal crypts. At the dose of 8 Gy, we also found that the Chinese herbal diet had an anti-radiation effect on reducing the loss of the inhibitory nNOS+ neurons in the intestine. That provides a new diet for relieving the symptoms of hyperperistalsis and diarrhea in patients after radiotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyu Zheng
- Department of Naval Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Faculty of Naval Medicine, Naval Medical University, 800 Xiangyin Road, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Xiaohui Shi
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, 800 Xiangyin Road, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Shuang Nie
- Department of Naval Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Faculty of Naval Medicine, Naval Medical University, 800 Xiangyin Road, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Lifeng Yin
- Department of Naval Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Faculty of Naval Medicine, Naval Medical University, 800 Xiangyin Road, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Jian Zhu
- Department of Naval Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Faculty of Naval Medicine, Naval Medical University, 800 Xiangyin Road, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Enda Yu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, 800 Xiangyin Road, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Hui Shen
- Department of Naval Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Faculty of Naval Medicine, Naval Medical University, 800 Xiangyin Road, Shanghai 200433, China
- Corresponding author. Department of Naval Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Faculty of Naval Medicine, Naval Medical University, 800 Xiangyin Rd, Shanghai 200433, China.
| | - Fengfeng Mo
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, 800 Xiangyin Road, Shanghai 200433, China
- Corresponding author. Department of Naval Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Faculty of Naval Medicine, Naval Medical University, 800 Xiangyin Rd, Shanghai 200433, China.
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14
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Xie D, Huang Q, Zhou P. Drug Discovery Targeting Post-Translational Modifications in Response to DNA Damages Induced by Space Radiation. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24087656. [PMID: 37108815 PMCID: PMC10142602 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA damage in astronauts induced by cosmic radiation poses a major barrier to human space exploration. Cellular responses and repair of the most lethal DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) are crucial for genomic integrity and cell survival. Post-translational modifications (PTMs), including phosphorylation, ubiquitylation, and SUMOylation, are among the regulatory factors modulating a delicate balance and choice between predominant DSB repair pathways, such as non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) and homologous recombination (HR). In this review, we focused on the engagement of proteins in the DNA damage response (DDR) modulated by phosphorylation and ubiquitylation, including ATM, DNA-PKcs, CtIP, MDM2, and ubiquitin ligases. The involvement and function of acetylation, methylation, PARylation, and their essential proteins were also investigated, providing a repository of candidate targets for DDR regulators. However, there is a lack of radioprotectors in spite of their consideration in the discovery of radiosensitizers. We proposed new perspectives for the research and development of future agents against space radiation by the systematic integration and utilization of evolutionary strategies, including multi-omics analyses, rational computing methods, drug repositioning, and combinations of drugs and targets, which may facilitate the use of radioprotectors in practical applications in human space exploration to combat fatal radiation hazards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dafei Xie
- Department of Radiation Biology, Beijing Key Laboratory for Radiobiology (BKLRB), Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Taiping Road 27th, Haidian District, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Qi Huang
- Department of Radiation Biology, Beijing Key Laboratory for Radiobiology (BKLRB), Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Taiping Road 27th, Haidian District, Beijing 100850, China
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, University of South China, Changsheng West Road 28th, Zhengxiang District, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Pingkun Zhou
- Department of Radiation Biology, Beijing Key Laboratory for Radiobiology (BKLRB), Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Taiping Road 27th, Haidian District, Beijing 100850, China
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, University of South China, Changsheng West Road 28th, Zhengxiang District, Hengyang 421001, China
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15
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Lledó I, Ibáñez B, Melero A, Montoro A, Merino-Torres JF, San Onofre N, Soriano JM. Vitamins and Radioprotective Effect: A Review. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:antiox12030611. [PMID: 36978859 PMCID: PMC10045031 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12030611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The radioprotective effect ex vivo, in vitro and in vivo of vitamins was reviewed using PubMed and Embase and conducted according to the PRISMA statement. A total of 38 articles were included in this review, which includes the radioprotective effect of vitamins from ex vivo, in vitro and in vivo studies. Vitamins A, C, D and E were used alone, in combination or with other nutritional and non-nutritional compounds. The use of vitamins in natural form or supplementation can be useful to reduce the radiation effect in the body, organs and/or cells. Only four (A, C, D and E) out of thirteen vitamins have been detected with radioprotective properties being mainly vitamin E followed by vitamin C, A and D.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inés Lledó
- Food & Health Lab, Institute of Materials Science, University of Valencia, 46980 Paterna, Spain
| | - Blanca Ibáñez
- Food & Health Lab, Institute of Materials Science, University of Valencia, 46980 Paterna, Spain
| | - Ana Melero
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Valencia, 46100 Burjassot, Spain
| | - Alegría Montoro
- Service of Radiological Protection, Clinical Area of Medical Image, University and Polytechnic La Fe Hospital, 46026 Valencia, Spain
- Biomedical Imaging Research Group GIBI230, Health Research Institute (IISLaFe), University and Polytechnic La Fe Hospital, 46026 Valencia, Spain
| | - Juan F. Merino-Torres
- Joint Research Unit on Endocrinology, Nutrition and Clinical Dietetics, University of Valencia-Health Research Institute La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
- Department of Endocrinology and Nutrition, University and Polytechnic La Fe Hospital, 46026 Valencia, Spain
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Nadia San Onofre
- Food & Health Lab, Institute of Materials Science, University of Valencia, 46980 Paterna, Spain
- Department of Community Nursing, Preventive Medicine and Public Health and History of Science, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain
| | - Jose M. Soriano
- Food & Health Lab, Institute of Materials Science, University of Valencia, 46980 Paterna, Spain
- Joint Research Unit on Endocrinology, Nutrition and Clinical Dietetics, University of Valencia-Health Research Institute La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
- Correspondence:
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16
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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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Garg TK, Garg S, Miousse IR, Wise SY, Carpenter AD, Fatanmi OO, van Rhee F, Singh VK, Hauer-Jensen M. Gamma-Tocotrienol Modulates Total-Body Irradiation-Induced Hematopoietic Injury in a Nonhuman Primate Model. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232416170. [PMID: 36555814 PMCID: PMC9784560 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232416170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Radiation exposure causes acute damage to hematopoietic and immune cells. To date, there are no radioprotectors available to mitigate hematopoietic injury after radiation exposure. Gamma-tocotrienol (GT3) has demonstrated promising radioprotective efficacy in the mouse and nonhuman primate (NHP) models. We determined GT3-mediated hematopoietic recovery in total-body irradiated (TBI) NHPs. Sixteen rhesus macaques divided into two groups received either vehicle or GT3, 24 h prior to TBI. Four animals in each treatment group were exposed to either 4 or 5.8 Gy TBI. Flow cytometry was used to immunophenotype the bone marrow (BM) lymphoid cell populations, while clonogenic ability of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) was assessed by colony forming unit (CFU) assays on day 8 prior to irradiation and days 2, 7, 14, and 30 post-irradiation. Both radiation doses showed significant changes in the frequencies of B and T-cell subsets, including the self-renewable capacity of HSCs. Importantly, GT3 accelerated the recovery in CD34+ cells, increased HSC function as shown by improved recovery of CFU-granulocyte macrophages (CFU-GM) and burst-forming units erythroid (B-FUE), and aided the recovery of circulating neutrophils and platelets. These data elucidate the role of GT3 in hematopoietic recovery, which should be explored as a potential medical countermeasure to mitigate radiation-induced injury to the hematopoietic system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarun K. Garg
- UAMS Myeloma Center, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - Sarita Garg
- Division of Radiation Health, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - Isabelle R. Miousse
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, 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, Bethesda, MD 20814, 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, Bethesda, MD 20814, 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, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
- Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Frits van Rhee
- UAMS Myeloma Center, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - 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
- Correspondence: (V.K.S.); (M.H.-J.); Tel.: +1-301-295-2347 (V.K.S.); +1-501-686-7912 (M.H.-J.); Fax: +1-501-421-0022 (M.H.-J.)
| | - Martin Hauer-Jensen
- Division of Radiation Health, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
- Correspondence: (V.K.S.); (M.H.-J.); Tel.: +1-301-295-2347 (V.K.S.); +1-501-686-7912 (M.H.-J.); Fax: +1-501-421-0022 (M.H.-J.)
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Garg S, Garg TK, Miousse IR, Wise SY, Fatanmi OO, Savenka AV, Basnakian AG, Singh VK, Hauer-Jensen M. Effects of Gamma-Tocotrienol on Partial-Body Irradiation-Induced Intestinal Injury in a Nonhuman Primate Model. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:1895. [PMID: 36290618 PMCID: PMC9598988 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11101895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Exposure to high doses of radiation, accidental or therapeutic, often results in gastrointestinal (GI) injury. To date, there are no therapies available to mitigate GI injury after radiation exposure. Gamma-tocotrienol (GT3) is a promising radioprotector under investigation in nonhuman primates (NHP). We have shown that GT3 has radioprotective function in intestinal epithelial and crypt cells in NHPs exposed to 12 Gy total-body irradiation (TBI). Here, we determined GT3 potential in accelerating the GI recovery in partial-body irradiated (PBI) NHPs using X-rays, sparing 5% bone marrow. Sixteen rhesus macaques were treated with either vehicle or GT3 24 h prior to 12 Gy PBI. Structural injuries and crypt survival were examined in proximal jejunum on days 4 and 7. Plasma citrulline was assessed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Crypt cell proliferation and apoptotic cell death were evaluated using Ki-67 and TUNEL staining. PBI significantly decreased mucosal surface area and reduced villous height. Interestingly, GT3 increased crypt survival and enhanced stem cell proliferation at day 4; however, the effects seemed to be minimized by day 7. GT3 did not ameliorate a radiation-induced decrease in citrulline levels. These data suggest that X-rays induce severe intestinal injury post-PBI and that GT3 has minimal radioprotective effect in this novel model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarita Garg
- Division of Radiation Health, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - Tarun K. Garg
- UAMS Myeloma Center, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - Isabelle R. Miousse
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, 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, Bethesda, MD 20814, 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, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
- Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Alena V. Savenka
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - Alexei G. Basnakian
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
- John L. McClellan Memorial VA Hospital, Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - 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
| | - Martin Hauer-Jensen
- Division of Radiation Health, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
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