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Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy =... Oct 2020In recent years, many studies have shown that hydrogen has therapeutic and preventive effects on various diseases. Its selective antioxidant properties were well... (Review)
Review
In recent years, many studies have shown that hydrogen has therapeutic and preventive effects on various diseases. Its selective antioxidant properties were well noticed. Most of the ionizing radiation-induced damage is caused by hydroxyl radicals (OH) from radiolysis of HO. Since hydrogen can mitigate such damage through multiple mechanisms, it presents noteworthy potential as a novel radio-protective agent. This review analyses possible mechanisms for hydrogen's radioprotective properties and effective delivery methods. We also look into details of vitro and vivo studies for hydrogen's radioprotective effects, and clinical practices. We conclude that hydrogen has good potential in radio-protection, with evidence that warrants greater research efforts in this field.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Hydrogen; Radiation Injuries; Radiation, Ionizing; Radiation-Protective Agents
PubMed: 32763820
DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.110589 -
International Journal of Molecular... Apr 2021Although ionizing radiation (radiation) is commonly used for medical diagnosis and cancer treatment, radiation-induced damages cannot be avoided. Such damages can be... (Review)
Review
Although ionizing radiation (radiation) is commonly used for medical diagnosis and cancer treatment, radiation-induced damages cannot be avoided. Such damages can be classified into direct and indirect damages, caused by the direct absorption of radiation energy into DNA and by free radicals, such as hydroxyl radicals (•OH), generated in the process of water radiolysis. More specifically, radiation damage concerns not only direct damages to DNA, but also secondary damages to non-DNA targets, because low-dose radiation damage is mainly caused by these indirect effects. Molecular hydrogen (H) has the potential to be a radioprotective agent because it can selectively scavenge •OH, a reactive oxygen species with strong oxidizing power. Animal experiments and clinical trials have reported that H exhibits a highly safe radioprotective effect. This paper reviews previously reported radioprotective effects of H and discusses the mechanisms of H, not only as an antioxidant, but also in intracellular responses including anti-inflammation, anti-apoptosis, and the regulation of gene expression. In doing so, we demonstrate the prospects of H as a novel and clinically applicable radioprotective agent.
Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Cognitive Dysfunction; Gastrointestinal Diseases; Gene Expression Regulation; Humans; Hydrogen; Immune System; Male; Neoplasms; Quality of Life; Radiation Injuries; Radiation-Protective Agents; Skin; Spermatozoa
PubMed: 33925430
DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094566 -
Nutrients May 2020Vitamin C has been known for decades. It is common in everyday use as an element of the diet, supplementation, and a preservative. For years, research has been conducted... (Review)
Review
Vitamin C has been known for decades. It is common in everyday use as an element of the diet, supplementation, and a preservative. For years, research has been conducted to precisely determine the mechanism of action of ascorbate in the cell. Available results indicate its multi-directional cellular effects. Vitamin C, which belongs to antioxidants scavenging free radicals, also has a 'second face'-as a pro-oxidative factor. However, whether is the latter nature a defect harmful to the cell, or whether a virtue that is a source of benefit? In this review, we discuss the effects of vitamin C treatment in cancer prevention and the role of ascorbate in maintaining redox balance in the central nervous system (CNS). Finally, we discuss the effect of vitamin C supplementation on biomarkers of oxidative DNA damage and review the evidence that vitamin C has radioprotective properties.
Topics: Animals; Antineoplastic Agents; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Biomarkers; Central Nervous System; DNA Damage; Free Radicals; Humans; Neoplasms; Oxidants; Oxidation-Reduction; Oxidative Stress; Radiation-Protective Agents
PubMed: 32455696
DOI: 10.3390/nu12051501 -
International Journal of Biological... 2013It is well known that most of the ionizing radiation-induced damage is caused by hydroxyl radicals (·OH) follows radiolysis of H2O. Molecular hydrogen (H2) has... (Review)
Review
It is well known that most of the ionizing radiation-induced damage is caused by hydroxyl radicals (·OH) follows radiolysis of H2O. Molecular hydrogen (H2) has antioxidant activities by selectively reducing ·OH and peroxynitrite(ONOO-). We firstly hypothesized and demonstrated the radioprotective effect of H2 in vitro and in vivo, which was also repeated on different experimental animal models by different departments. A randomized, placebo-controlled study showed that consumption of hydrogen-rich water reduces the biological reaction to radiation-induced oxidative stress without compromising anti-tumor effects. These encouraging results suggested that H2 represents a potentially novel preventative strategy for radiation-induced oxidative injuries. H2 is explosive. Therefore, administration of hydrogen-rich solution (physiological saline/pure water/other solutions saturated with H2) may be more practical in daily life and more suitable for daily consumption. This review focuses on major scientific and clinical advances of hydrogen-rich solution/H2 as a new class of radioprotective agent.
Topics: Animals; Cell Line; Cell-Free System; Humans; Hydrogen; Hydroxyl Radical; Male; Oxidative Stress; Radiation Injuries, Experimental; Radiation, Ionizing; Radiation-Protective Agents; Rats
PubMed: 24155664
DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.7220 -
International Journal of Radiation... Jul 2004Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine), the chief secretory product of the pineal gland in the brain, is well known for its functional versatility. In hundreds of... (Review)
Review
Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine), the chief secretory product of the pineal gland in the brain, is well known for its functional versatility. In hundreds of investigations, melatonin has been documented as a direct free radical scavenger and an indirect antioxidant, as well as an important immunomodulatory agent. The radical scavenging ability of melatonin is believed to work via electron donation to detoxify a variety of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, including the highly toxic hydroxyl radical. It has long been recognized that the damaging effects of ionizing radiation are brought about by both direct and indirect mechanisms. The direct action produces disruption of sensitive molecules in the cells, whereas the indirect effects ( approximately 70%) result from its interaction with water molecules, which results in the production of highly reactive free radicals such as *OH, *H, and e(aq)- and their subsequent action on subcellular structures. The hydroxyl radical scavenging ability of melatonin was used as a rationale to determine its radioprotective efficiency. Indeed, the results from many in vitro and in vivo investigations have confirmed that melatonin protects mammalian cells from the toxic effects of ionizing radiation. Furthermore, several clinical reports indicate that melatonin administration, either alone or in combination with traditional radiotherapy, results in a favorable efficacy:toxicity ratio during the treatment of human cancers. This article reviews the literature from laboratory investigations that document the ability of melatonin to scavenge a variety of free radicals (including the hydroxyl radical induced by ionizing radiation) and summarizes the evidence that should be used to design larger translational research-based clinical trials using melatonin as a radioprotector and also in cancer radiotherapy. The potential use of melatonin for protecting individuals from radiation terrorism is also considered.
Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; DNA; DNA Damage; Free Radical Scavengers; Humans; Melatonin; Mice; Radiation Injuries; Radiation-Protective Agents; Terrorism
PubMed: 15183467
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2004.02.006 -
Molecular Medicine Reports Mar 2023A series of physiological and pathological changes occur after radiotherapy and accidental exposure to ionizing radiation (IR). These changes cause serious damage to... (Review)
Review
A series of physiological and pathological changes occur after radiotherapy and accidental exposure to ionizing radiation (IR). These changes cause serious damage to human tissues and can lead to death. Radioprotective countermeasures are radioprotective agents that prevent and reduce IR injury or have therapeutic effects. Based on a good understanding of radiobiology, a number of protective agents have achieved positive results in early clinical trials. The present review grouped known radioprotective agents according to biochemical categories and potential clinical use, and reviewed radiation countermeasures, i.e., radioprotectors, radiation mitigators and radiotherapeutic agents, with an emphasis on their current status and research progress. The aim of the present review is to facilitate the selection and application of suitable radioprotectors for clinicians and researchers, to prevent or reduce IR injury.
Topics: Humans; Radiation Injuries; Radiation Protection; Radiation-Protective Agents; Radiation, Ionizing
PubMed: 36799170
DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2023.12953 -
Clinical Endocrinology Jan 2020Conventional fractionated radiotherapy (CRT) achieves control of pathological hypercortisolism in 75%-80% of patients with persistent or recurrent Cushing's disease...
CONTEXT
Conventional fractionated radiotherapy (CRT) achieves control of pathological hypercortisolism in 75%-80% of patients with persistent or recurrent Cushing's disease (CD), over a mean period of 18-24 months. Medical therapy is recommended as bridge therapy while awaiting RT effect.
OBJECTIVE
To determine long-term outcome of CRT and its predictors in CD patients.
DESIGN, SETTING AND PATIENTS
This is a retrospective case record analysis of 42 patients with CD who received CRT as a treatment modality and had at least 12 months post-RT follow-up. The dose delivered was 45 Gy in 25 fractions over 5 weeks. Demographic details, hormonal evaluation and radiological data were extracted from case records. Dexamethasone suppressed cortisol at cut-off of 1.8 µg/dL was used to define remission or recurrence. Possible predictors for remission and recurrence were analysed.
RESULTS
The mean age at the time of CRT administration was 23.7 ± 10.7 (range: 12-48) years. A total of 29 (69%) patients achieved remission 26.5 ± 28.5 (median: 18, range: 3-120) months after RT, while 13 (31%) patients had persistent disease at last follow-up. There were no significant predictors of disease remission after CRT. Six (20.7%) patients had recurrence after a documented initial remission. Recurrence occurred 66.6 ± 25.9 (median: 74; range: 18 to 90) months after documented remission. Recurrence of the disease was exclusively seen in patients who received peri-RT cabergoline. Peri-CRT use of cabergoline was significantly associated with increased recurrence rates (P = .016).
CONCLUSION
Use of cabergoline in the peri-CRT period did not affect initial remission after CRT but was associated with increased recurrence after initial remission in CD.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Cabergoline; Child; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Outcome Assessment, Health Care; Pituitary ACTH Hypersecretion; Radiation-Protective Agents; Recurrence; Remission Induction; Retrospective Studies; Young Adult
PubMed: 31698511
DOI: 10.1111/cen.14123 -
Nature Communications Mar 2022Protecting the whole small intestine from radiation-induced intestinal injury during the radiotherapy of abdominal or pelvic solid tumors remains an unmet clinical need....
Protecting the whole small intestine from radiation-induced intestinal injury during the radiotherapy of abdominal or pelvic solid tumors remains an unmet clinical need. Amifostine is a promising selective radioprotector for normal tissues. However, its oral application in intestinal radioprotection remains challenging. Herein, we use microalga Spirulina platensis as a microcarrier of Amifostine to construct an oral delivery system. The system shows comprehensive drug accumulation and effective radioprotection in the whole small intestine that is significantly superior to free drug and its enteric capsule, preventing the radiation-induced intestine injury and prolonging the survival without influencing the tumor regression. It also shows benefits on the gut microbiota homeostasis and long-term safety. Based on a readily available natural microcarrier, this work presents a convenient oral delivery system to achieve effective radioprotection for the whole small intestine, providing a competitive strategy with great clinical translation potential.
Topics: Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Homeostasis; Humans; Intestines; Microalgae; Neoplasms; Radiation-Protective Agents
PubMed: 35301299
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-28744-4 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) May 2022Radiotherapy is a common method to treat cancers, with the goal of maximizing the dose to tumors while minimizing the dose to normal tissues. Radioprotectors can reduce...
Radiotherapy is a common method to treat cancers, with the goal of maximizing the dose to tumors while minimizing the dose to normal tissues. Radioprotectors can reduce the toxicity to normal tissues during radiotherapy. Several plant-derived compounds can function as radioprotectors by scavenging free radicals. We investigated the radioprotective activity of interruptin C from the fern . The molecular mechanism of interruptin C's activity in X-ray-irradiated cells was evaluated. Superoxide dismutase activity was examined to investigate the antioxidant enzyme activity. Clonogenic cell survival was also investigated following radiation exposure. DNA damage and cell cycle progression were detected using micronuclei formation assays. DNA repair after irradiation was analyzed in a γH2AX assay. The levels of the proteins related to the radioprotective responses were analyzed by Western blotting. Interruptin C increased the antioxidant enzyme activity and significantly decreased the DNA damage by reducing the γH2AX foci and micronucleus formation in irradiated MCF-10A normal breast and HaCaT human keratinocyte cells. The apoptotic protein levels decreased, whereas the antiapoptotic protein levels increased. Interruptin C pretreatment increased the survival rate of irradiated MCF-10A and HaCaT cells. Moreover, the compound did not promote the survival of MDA-MB-231 and Hs578T breast cancer cells. Therefore, interruptin C may exert radioprotective activity without enhancing cancer cell proliferation.
Topics: Antioxidants; DNA Damage; HaCaT Cells; Humans; Keratinocytes; Radiation-Protective Agents; Tracheophyta
PubMed: 35630775
DOI: 10.3390/molecules27103298 -
International Journal of Radiation... 2021Radiation exposure is an on going and serious threat in military and public health concern. There is an unmet need for effective preventative or mitigative treatments... (Review)
Review
Radiation exposure is an on going and serious threat in military and public health concern. There is an unmet need for effective preventative or mitigative treatments against radiation-induced injuries. The handful of Food and Drug Administration in the US approved radiation protection agents cannot be widely used due to their side effects. Some natural nontoxic compounds such as bee products have been reported to prevent and treat radiation-induced injuries (e.g. scavenging free radicals, inhibiting cell apoptosis and reducing DNA damage), indicating that they may be a potential option as a safe radioprotective agent. Bee products are nontoxic and have no known side effects on the human body, and are effective in the field of radiation protection. They are expected to be interesting drug candidates for preventing and treating radiation-induced injuries. This article reviews the prevention and treatment of bee products on radiation-induced injuries.
Topics: Animals; Bees; Humans; Radiation-Protective Agents
PubMed: 33464164
DOI: 10.1080/09553002.2021.1876949