Abstract
BackgroundRadioiodine (RI) treatments can destroy the cellular components of salivary glands (SG) and disrupt their function. This study investigated whether fucoidan could attenuate radioiodine-induced SG dysfunction in a mouse model.MethodsFemale C57BL/6 mice (n = 36) were classified into three groups; i) a normal (control) group, ii) an RI-treated group (0.2 mCi/20 g mouse, administered orally), and iii) a fucoidan and RI-treated group. Mice in each group were classified into three subgroups and sacrificed at 2, 4, and 12 weeks after RI treatment. The measurements of salivary flow rates and lag times and histomorphologic examinations were performed, and apoptotic assays were conducted. Changes in salivary 99mTechnetium (Tc)-pertechnetate parameters using single-photon emission computed tomography were followed.ResultsSalivary flow rates and lag times in the fucoidan group were improved compared to the RI-treated group. Histologic examinations of SGs in the fucoidan group showed mucin-rich parenchymal areas and reduced periductal fibrosis as compared to the RI-treated group. Moreover, compared with the RI-treated group, fucoidan-treated groups showed evidence of cytoprotection, with a greater number of salivary epithelial cells and myoepithelial cells being observed. Fewer apoptotic cells were observed in the fucoidan group as compared to the RI group. The extent of 99mTc pertechnetate excretion in the fucoidan group was similar to that of the control group.ConclusionOur results demonstrate that fucoidan administration before RI treatment could attenuate RI-induced SG damage and provides a possible candidate for preventing SG damage induced by RI.
Highlights
Radioiodine (RI) treatments can destroy the cellular components of salivary glands (SG) and disrupt their function
Changes in body and salivary gland weight Before the initiation of the experiment, there were no significant differences in body weight among the groups
The RI group (30.2 ± 4.1, 49.6 ± 4.2, 72.2 ± 6.4; mean ± standard deviation (SD) at 2, 4, 12 weeks respectively) had a tendency to have a lower gland weight compared to normal group (34.1 ± 4.6, 56.9 ± 3.9, 74.4 ± 5.4; mean ± SD at 2, 4, 12 weeks respectively) and fucoidan group (34.8 ± 2.7, 54.1 ± 2.2, 77.3 ± 2.5; mean ± SD at 2, 4, 12 weeks respectively) at 2, 4, and 12 weeks post-RI, but the differences were not statistically significant (Fig. 1b, p > 0.05)
Summary
Radioiodine (RI) treatments can destroy the cellular components of salivary glands (SG) and disrupt their function. RI affects thyroid tissue, and enters into other tissues such as the salivary glands (SGs), breasts, and gastrointestinal tract, and causes unwanted side effects. The ionizing radiation caused by RI induces the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which destroys cellular components in normal tissue. Various studies have attempted to rehabilitate SGs exposed to radiation. These attempts include cell therapy, using mitigators such as growth hormones, and using radioprotectors such as antioxidants [5]. Various studies have been attempted to prevent RI-induced SG damage with antioxidants [6, 7]
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