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Lu J, Zhao P, Ding X, Liu Y, Li H. N-Acetylcysteine assists muscle development in offspring of mice subjected to maternal heat stress during pregnancy. JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE 2024. [PMID: 38828636 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.13620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Heat stress (HS) has been shown to affect reproductive performance and muscle development negatively in animals. N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) plays a pivotal role in enhancing the antioxidant performance in animals as a recognized antioxidant. The present study assesses the potential of NAC to modulate the reproductive performance and antioxidant function in pregnant mice exposed to HS. The role of NAC in muscle development of offspring mice was also explored. RESULTS The results showed that NAC supplementation from day 12 to day 18 of gestation increased the number of litters and enhanced the antioxidant function in pregnant mice under HS exposure. It improved the weight and body condition significantly in the offspring mice (P < 0.05). The alleviation of HS-induced muscle impairment with NAC was consistent with the alleviation of apoptosis, the enrichment of the proliferation and differentiation in the offspring mice muscle. N-Acetylcysteine also reversed HS-induced reduction in the cross-sectional area of the leg muscle and increased the proportion of myosin heavy chain IIx (MYHCIIx) in the muscle fiber. CONCLUSION The results of the present study support the use of NAC at a dose of 100 mg kg-1 body weight as supplement for protecting the offspring derived from pregnant mice exposed to HS from muscle impairment by accelerating proliferation and differentiation. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiawei Lu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Peng Zhao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiuhu Ding
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuan Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Huixia Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
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2
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Yilmaz H, Mercantepe F, Tumkaya L, Mercantepe T, Yilmaz A, Yilmaz Rakici S. The potential antioxidant effect of N-acetylcysteine on X-ray ionizing radiation-induced pancreas islet cell toxicity. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2023; 685:149154. [PMID: 37913693 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.149154] [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: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Previous research has highlighted the impact of X-ray irradiation-induced organ damage, on cancer patients after radiation therapy. The ionizing radiation-induced oxidative stress causes injury to the pancreatic islet cells of Langerhans. We used histopathological, immunohistochemical, and biochemical analyses to examine α- and β-cells in the islets of Langerhans in rats undergoing whole-body x-ray ionizing radiation, a group of which was treated with NAC. MATERIAL AND METHODS Twenty-four male rats were randomly divided into 3 groups, one control, and two experimental groups. Group I (Control) was administered only saline solution (0.09% NaCl) by oral gavage for 7 days. Group II (IR) was administrated whole body single dose 6 Gray ionizing radiation (IR) and saline solution (0.09% NaCl) by oral gavage for 7 days. Group III (IR + NAC) was administered 300 mg/kg NAC (N-acetylcysteine) by oral gavage for 7 days, 5 days before, and 2 days after 6 Gray IR application. RESULTS In the X-ray irradiation group, we observed diffuse necrotic endocrine cells in the islets of Langerhans. In addition, we found that Caspase-3, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels increased, and insulin, glucagon, and glutathione (GSH) levels decreased in the IR group compared to the control group. In contrast, we observed a decrease in Caspase-3, and MDA levels in necrotic endocrine cells, and an increase in insulin, glucagon, and GSH levels in the IR + NAC group compared to the IR group. CONCLUSION This study provides evidence for the beneficial effects of N-acetyl cysteine on islets of Langerhans cells with X-ray ionizing-radiation-induced damage in a rat model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamit Yilmaz
- Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, Recep Tayyip Erdogan University, Rize, Turkey.
| | - Filiz Mercantepe
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Recep Tayyip Erdogan University, Rize, Turkey
| | - Levent Tumkaya
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Recep Tayyip Erdogan University, Rize, Turkey
| | - Tolga Mercantepe
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Recep Tayyip Erdogan University, Rize, Turkey
| | - Adnan Yilmaz
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Recep Tayyip Erdogan University, Rize, Turkey
| | - Sema Yilmaz Rakici
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Recep Tayyip Erdogan University, 53100, Rize, Turkey
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Lu Q, Liang Y, Tian S, Jin J, Zhao Y, Fan H. Radiation-Induced Intestinal Injury: Injury Mechanism and Potential Treatment Strategies. TOXICS 2023; 11:1011. [PMID: 38133412 PMCID: PMC10747544 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11121011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Radiation-induced intestinal injury (RIII) is one of the most common intestinal complications caused by radiotherapy for pelvic and abdominal tumors and it seriously affects the quality of life of patients. However, the treatment of acute RIII is essentially symptomatic and nutritional support treatment and an ideal means of prevention and treatment is lacking. Researchers have conducted studies at the cellular and animal levels and found that some chemical or biological agents have good therapeutic effects on RIII and may be used as potential candidates for clinical treatment. This article reviews the injury mechanism and potential treatment strategies based on cellular and animal experiments to provide new ideas for the diagnosis and treatment of RIII in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianying Lu
- Institute of Disaster and Emergency Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China; (Q.L.); (Y.L.); (S.T.); (J.J.)
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Disaster Medicine Technology, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Yangfan Liang
- Institute of Disaster and Emergency Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China; (Q.L.); (Y.L.); (S.T.); (J.J.)
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Disaster Medicine Technology, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Sijia Tian
- Institute of Disaster and Emergency Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China; (Q.L.); (Y.L.); (S.T.); (J.J.)
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Disaster Medicine Technology, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Jie Jin
- Institute of Disaster and Emergency Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China; (Q.L.); (Y.L.); (S.T.); (J.J.)
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Disaster Medicine Technology, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Yanmei Zhao
- Institute of Disaster and Emergency Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China; (Q.L.); (Y.L.); (S.T.); (J.J.)
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Disaster Medicine Technology, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Haojun Fan
- Institute of Disaster and Emergency Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China; (Q.L.); (Y.L.); (S.T.); (J.J.)
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Disaster Medicine Technology, Tianjin 300072, China
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Ozdemir A, Tumkaya L, Mercantepe T, Celik Samanci T, Uyan M, Kalcan S, Demiral G, Pergel A, Yilmaz Kutlu E, Kilic Yilmaz H. The protective effects of ginseng on x-irradiation-induced intestinal damage in rats. RADIATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL BIOPHYSICS 2023:10.1007/s00411-023-01039-y. [PMID: 37410120 DOI: 10.1007/s00411-023-01039-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
Although radiotherapy is widely employed in the treatment of various malignancies in oncology patients, its use is limited by the toxic effects it causes in surrounding tissues, including the gastrointestinal system. Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) is a traditional drug reported to possess antioxidant and restorative properties in various studies. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the protective effects of KRG against radiation-associated small intestinal damage. Twenty-four male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly assigned into three groups. No procedure was performed on Group 1 (control) during the experiment, while Group 2 (x-irradiation) was exposed to radiation only. Group 3 (x-irradiation + ginseng) received ginseng via the intraperitoneal route for a week prior to x-irradiation. The rats were killed 24 h after radiation. Small intestinal tissues were evaluated using histochemical and biochemical methods. An increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and a decrease in glutathione (GSH) were observed in the x-irradiation group compared to the control group. KRG caused a decrease in MDA and caspase-3 activity and an increase in GSH. Our findings show that it can prevent damage and apoptotic cell death caused by x-irradiation in intestinal tissue and can therefore play a protective role against intestinal injury in patients receiving radiotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Ozdemir
- Department of General Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Recep Tayyip Erdogan University, Merkez, Box: 53020, Rize, Turkey.
| | - Levent Tumkaya
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Recep Tayyip Erdogan University, 53010, Rize, Turkey
| | - Tolga Mercantepe
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Recep Tayyip Erdogan University, 53010, Rize, Turkey
| | - Tugba Celik Samanci
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Recep Tayyip Erdogan University, 53010, Rize, Turkey
| | - Mikail Uyan
- Department of General Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Recep Tayyip Erdogan University, Merkez, Box: 53020, Rize, Turkey
| | - Suleyman Kalcan
- Department of General Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Recep Tayyip Erdogan University, Merkez, Box: 53020, Rize, Turkey
| | - Gokhan Demiral
- Department of General Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Recep Tayyip Erdogan University, Merkez, Box: 53020, Rize, Turkey
| | - Ahmet Pergel
- Department of General Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Recep Tayyip Erdogan University, Merkez, Box: 53020, Rize, Turkey
| | - Eda Yilmaz Kutlu
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Recep Tayyip Erdogan University, 53010, Rize, Turkey
| | - Hülya Kilic Yilmaz
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Recep Tayyip Erdogan University, 53010, Rize, Turkey
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Haroun RAH, Abdel-Aziz N, Saad S. The protective effect of N-acetyl cysteine against selenium toxicity and gamma irradiation in rats. Drug Chem Toxicol 2023; 46:482-490. [PMID: 35361025 DOI: 10.1080/01480545.2022.2058010] [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: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) is a nutritional supplement and greatly applied as an antioxidant in vivo and in vitro. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the metabolic and antioxidant protective effect of NAC against selenium (Se) toxicity and gamma irradiation in rats by measuring biochemical and molecular parameters. This study was conducted on sixty rats divided into six equal different groups; control, NAC, Rad, Se, Rad + NAC, and Se + NAC groups. Oxidative/nitrosative makers (LPO, NO, and NOS), antioxidants status markers (GSH, GPx, and SOD), liver metabolic markers (LDH, SDH, and ATP), and plasma metabolic markers (Glucose, total cholesterol, and total proteins) were measured using commercial colorimetric kits while plasma corticosterone concentration was measured using commercial ELISA kit. Also, Levels of NR3C1 and Glut-2 genes expression using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction were done. Our results revealed that Se toxicity and gamma irradiation induced significant increases in oxidative/nitrosative stress markers and a significant decrease in antioxidant status markers in the liver and adrenal tissues. Moreover, metabolic disorders were recorded as manifested by elevation of plasma ALT, Albumin, glucose and cholesterol, and decrease in protein levels associated with a significant increase in corticosterone concentration. This was also accompanied by a significant decrease in SDH activity and ATP production in the hepatic tissue. Molecular analysis showed a marked increase in NR3C1 mRNA and decrease in Glut-2 mRNA in liver tissue. However, NAC supplementation attenuated the changes induced by these toxins. Finally, we could conclude that, oral supplementation of NAC can modulate the metabolic disturbances and has protective effects in rats exposed to Se toxicity and gamma irradiation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nahed Abdel-Aziz
- Radiation Biology Department, NCRRT, Atomic Energy Authority, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Soha Saad
- Department of Biochemistry, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
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Livanova AA, Fedorova AA, Zavirsky AV, Krivoi II, Markov AG. Dose- and Segment-Dependent Disturbance of Rat Gut by Ionizing Radiation: Impact of Tight Junction Proteins. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021753. [PMID: 36675266 PMCID: PMC9863103 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The damaging effect of ionizing radiation (IR) exposure results in the disturbance of the gut natural barrier, followed by the development of severe gastrointestinal injury. However, the dose and application segment are known to determine the effects of IR. In this study, we demonstrated the dose- and segment-specificity of tight junction (TJ) alteration in IR-induced gastrointestinal injury in rats. Male Wistar rats were subjected to a total-body X-ray irradiation at doses of 2 or 10 Gy. Isolated jejunum and colon segments were tested in an Ussing chamber 72 h after exposure. In the jejunum, 10-Gy IR dramatically altered transepithelial resistance, short-circuit current and permeability for sodium fluorescein. These changes were accompanied by severe disturbance of histological structure and total rearrangement of TJ content (increased content of claudin-1, -2, -3 and -4; multidirectional changes in tricellulin and occludin). In the colon of 10-Gy irradiated rats, lesions of barrier and transport functions were less pronounced, with only claudin-2 and -4 altered among TJ proteins. The 2-Gy IR did not change electrophysiological characteristics or permeability in the colon or jejunum, although slight alterations in jejunum histology were noted, emphasized with claudin-3 increase. Considering that TJ proteins are critical for maintaining epithelial barrier integrity, these findings may have implications for countermeasures in gastrointestinal acute radiation injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra A. Livanova
- Department of General Physiology, St. Petersburg State University, 199034 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Arina A. Fedorova
- Department of General Physiology, St. Petersburg State University, 199034 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Alexander V. Zavirsky
- Department of Military Toxicology and Radiation Defense, S. M. Kirov Military Medical Academy, 194044 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Igor I. Krivoi
- Department of General Physiology, St. Petersburg State University, 199034 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Alexander G. Markov
- Department of General Physiology, St. Petersburg State University, 199034 St. Petersburg, Russia
- Correspondence:
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Motallebzadeh E, Suliman Maashi M, Z.Mahmoud M, Aliasgharzedeh A, Vakili Z, Talaei SA, Mohseni M. Radioprotective effects of N-acetylcysteine on rats’ brainstem following megavoltage X-irradiations. Appl Radiat Isot 2022; 187:110348. [DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2022.110348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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8
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Korany DA, Said RS, Ayoub IM, Labib RM, El-Ahmady SH, Singab ANB. Protective effects of Brownea grandiceps (Jacq.) against ϒ-radiation-induced enteritis in rats in relation to its secondary metabolome fingerprint. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 146:112603. [PMID: 35062069 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.112603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Radiation enteritis is the most common complication of radiotherapy in patients with pelvic malignancies. Thus, the radioprotective activity of the total hydro-alcoholic extract (BGE) and the ethyl acetate soluble fraction (EAF) of Brownea grandiceps leaves was evaluated against ϒ-radiation-induced enteritis in rats. (BGE) and (EAF) were characterized using HPLC-PDA-ESI-MS/MS analysis. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents were also quantified. In vivo administration of (BGE) (400 mg/kg) and (EAF) (200 & 400 mg/kg) prevented intestinal injury and maintained the mucosal integrity of irradiated rats through increasing villi length and promoting crypt regeneration. Also, (EAF) showed more potent antioxidant activity than (BGE) through reduction of MDA level and enhancement of GSH content and catalase enzyme activity. (BGE) and (EAF) down-regulated intestinal NF-κB expression leading to diminished expression of downstream inflammatory cytokine TNF-α. Moreover, (EAF) markedly reduced the expression of profibrotic marker TGF-β1. Seventy-nine compounds were tentatively identified, including flavonoids, proanthocyanidins, polar lipids and phenolic acids. (EAF) showed significantly higher total phenolic and flavonoid contents, as compared to (BGE). Results revealed remarkable radioprotective activity of (BGE) and (EAF), with significantly higher activity for (EAF). The chemical constituents of (BGE) and (EAF) strongly supported their radioprotective activity. To the best of our knowledge, the present study describes for the first time the radioprotective activity of B. grandiceps leaves in relation to its secondary metabolome fingerprint; emphasizing the great promise of B. grandiceps leaves, especially (EAF), to be used as natural radio-protective agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doaa A Korany
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, African Union Organization Street, 11566, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Riham S Said
- Department of Drug Radiation Research, National Center for Radiation Research & Technology, Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Iriny M Ayoub
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, African Union Organization Street, 11566, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Rola M Labib
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, African Union Organization Street, 11566, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Sherweit H El-Ahmady
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, African Union Organization Street, 11566, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Abdel Nasser B Singab
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, African Union Organization Street, 11566, Cairo, Egypt; Center of Drug Discovery Research and Development, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.
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Chen G, Han Y, Zhang H, Tu W, Zhang S. Radiotherapy-Induced Digestive Injury: Diagnosis, Treatment and Mechanisms. Front Oncol 2021; 11:757973. [PMID: 34804953 PMCID: PMC8604098 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.757973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Radiotherapy is one of the main therapeutic methods for treating cancer. The digestive system consists of the gastrointestinal tract and the accessory organs of digestion (the tongue, salivary glands, pancreas, liver and gallbladder). The digestive system is easily impaired during radiotherapy, especially in thoracic and abdominal radiotherapy. In this review, we introduce the physical classification, basic pathogenesis, clinical characteristics, predictive/diagnostic factors, and possible treatment targets of radiotherapy-induced digestive injury. Radiotherapy-induced digestive injury complies with the dose-volume effect and has a radiation-based organ correlation. Computed tomography (CT), MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), ultrasound (US) and endoscopy can help diagnose and evaluate the radiation-induced lesion level. The latest treatment approaches include improvement in radiotherapy (such as shielding, hydrogel spacers and dose distribution), stem cell transplantation and drug administration. Gut microbiota modulation may become a novel approach to relieving radiogenic gastrointestinal syndrome. Finally, we summarized the possible mechanisms involved in treatment, but they remain varied. Radionuclide-labeled targeting molecules (RLTMs) are promising for more precise radiotherapy. These advances contribute to our understanding of the assessment and treatment of radiation-induced digestive injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangxia Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First People's Hospital of Xuzhou, Xuzhou Municipal Hospital Affiliated to Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Yi Han
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First People's Hospital of Xuzhou, Xuzhou Municipal Hospital Affiliated to Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Haihan Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First People's Hospital of Xuzhou, Xuzhou Municipal Hospital Affiliated to Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Wenling Tu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, China National Nuclear Corporation 416 Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Shuyu Zhang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, China National Nuclear Corporation 416 Hospital, Chengdu, China.,West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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Mantawy EM, Said RS, Kassem DH, Abdel-Aziz AK, Badr AM. Novel molecular mechanisms underlying the ameliorative effect of N-acetyl-L-cysteine against ϒ-radiation-induced premature ovarian failure in rats. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2020; 206:111190. [PMID: 32871518 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2020.111190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2019] [Revised: 07/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Radiotherapy represents a critical component in cancer treatment. However, premature ovarian failure (POF) is a major hurdle of deleterious off-target effects in young females, which, therefore, call for an effective radioprotective agent. The present study aimed to explore the molecular mechanism underlying the protective effects of N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) against γ-radiation-provoked POF. Immature female Sprague-Dawley rats were orally-administered NAC (50 mg/kg) and were exposed to a single whole-body dose of 3.2 Gy ϒ-radiation. NAC administration remarkably reversed abnormal serum estradiol and anti-Müllerian hormone levels by 73% and 40%, respectively while ameliorating the histopathological and ultrastructural alterations-triggered by γ-radiation. Mechanistically, NAC alleviated radiation-induced oxidative damage through significantly increased glutathione peroxidase activity by 102% alongside with decreasing NADPH oxidase subunits (p22 and NOX4) gene expressions by 48% and 38%, respectively compared to the irradiated untreated group. Moreover, NAC administration achieved its therapeutic effect by inhibiting ovarian apoptosis-induced by radiation through downregulating p53 and Bax levels by 33% and 16%, respectively while increasing the Bcl-2 mRNA expression by 135%. Hence, the Bax/Bcl2 ratio and cytochrome c expression were subsequently reduced leading to decreased caspase 3 activity by 43%. Importantly, the anti-apoptotic property of NAC could be attributed to inactivation of MAPK signaling molecules; p38 and JNK, and enhancement of the ovarian vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression. Taken together, our results suggest that NAC can inhibit radiotherapy-induced POF while preserving ovarian function and structure through upregulating VEGF expression and suppressing NOX4/MAPK/p53 apoptotic signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eman M Mantawy
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Riham S Said
- Department of Drug Radiation Research, National Center for Radiation Research and Technology, Atomic Energy Authority, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Dina H Kassem
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Amal Kamal Abdel-Aziz
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Amira Mohamed Badr
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Mercantepe T, Topcu A, Rakici S, Tumkaya L, Yilmaz A, Mercantepe F. The radioprotective effect of N-acetylcysteine against x-radiation-induced renal injury in rats. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 26:29085-29094. [PMID: 31392607 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-06110-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2019] [Accepted: 07/29/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was therefore to investigate the effects of radiotherapy on the kidney and the potential use of agents such as N-acetylcysteine (NAC) in developing a future therapeutic protocol for radiation-induced nephrotoxicity at the histopathological and biochemical levels. Our study consisted of three groups: control (oral saline solution only; group 1), irradiation (IR; group 2), and NAC + IR (group 3). The irradiation groups received a single dose of whole-body 6-Gy x-irradiation. The NAC group received 300 mg/kg by the oral route for 7 days, from 5 days before irradiation to 2 days after. All subjects were sacrificed under anesthesia 2 days after irradiation. IR increased tubular necrosis scores (TNS), MDA, and caspase-3 expression, while reducing renal tissue GSH levels. We also observed dilation in renal corpuscles and tubules. Capillary congestion was present in the intertubular spaces. NAC reduced the levels of TNS, MDA, and caspase-3 expression, but increased the levels of renal tissue GSH. ROS-scavenging antioxidants may represent a promising means of preventing renal injury in patients undergoing radiotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tolga Mercantepe
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Recep Tayyip Erdogan University, 53100, Rize, Turkey
| | - Atilla Topcu
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Recep Tayyip Erdogan University, 53100, Rize, Turkey.
| | - Sema Rakici
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Recep Tayyip Erdogan University, 53100, Rize, Turkey
| | - Levent Tumkaya
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Recep Tayyip Erdogan University, 53100, Rize, Turkey
| | - Adnan Yilmaz
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Recep Tayyip Erdogan University, 53100, Rize, Turkey
| | - Filiz Mercantepe
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Recep Tayyip Erdogan University, 53100, Rize, Turkey
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