Protective Effect of Selenium-L-methionine on Radiation-induced Acute Pneumonitis and Lung Fibrosis in Rat.

Peyman Amini,Saeed Rezapoor,Hana Saffar,Dheyauldeen Shabeeb,Sedighe Kolivand,Farzad Nouruzi,Masoud Najafi,Ahmed Eleojo Musa,Elahe Motevaseli

doi:10.2174/1574884714666181214101917

Abstract

BackgroundIn this study, we aimed to detect the changes in the level of interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13 cytokines and their downstream genes including interleukin-13 receptor subunit alpha-2 (IL13Ra2), interleukin-4 receptor subunit alpha-1 (IL4Ra1), dual oxidase 1 (DUOX1) and dual oxidase 2 (DUOX2). The protective effects of Selenium-L-methionine on radiation-induced histopathological damages and changes in the level of these cytokines and genes were detected.MethodsFour groups of 20 rats (5 rats in each) namely, control; Selenium-L-methionine, radiation and radiation plus Selenium-L-methionine were used in this study. 4 mg/kg of Selenium-L-methionine was administered 1 day before irradiation and five consecutive days after irradiation. Irradiation was done using a dose of 15 Gy 60Co gamma rays at 109 cGy/min. All rats were sacrificed 10 weeks after irradiation for detecting changes in IL-4 and IL-13 cytokines, the expressions of IL13Ra2, IL4Ra1, Duox1 and Duox2 and histopathological changes.ResultsThe level of IL-4 but not IL-13 increased after irradiation. This was associated with increased expression of IL4Ra1, Duox1 and Duox2, in addition to changes in morphological properties. Selenium-L-methionine could attenuate all injury markers following lung irradiation.ConclusionSelenium-L-methionine can protect lung tissues against toxic effects of ionizing radiation. It is possible that the modulation of immune responses and redox interactions are involved in the radioprotective effect of this agent.

Highlights

Protection of lung tissues against toxic effects of radiotherapy or chemotherapy is one of the most studied investigations in experimental studies
Pathological studies with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stained slides showed a severe increase in infiltration of macrophages and lymphocytes as well as damages to vascular and alveolar in the radiation group compared to the control group
Similar to interleukin-4 receptor subunit alpha-1 (IL4Ra1) and Duox1, the expression of Duox2 was upregulated following irradiation and attenuated when rats were treated with Selenium-L-methionine before and after irradiation

Summary

Introduction

Protection of lung tissues against toxic effects of radiotherapy or chemotherapy is one of the most studied investigations in experimental studies. Damages to the lungs during the course of radiotherapy may not cause severe problems, the appearance of the signs of lung toxicity months to years after exposure poses a threat to patients’ life [1]. The major side effects of radiotherapy in the lungs are pneumonitis and fibrosis. We aimed to detect the changes in the level of interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13 cytokines and their downstream genes including interleukin-13 receptor subunit alpha-2 (IL13Ra2), interleukin-4 receptor subunit alpha-1 (IL4Ra1), dual oxidase 1 (DUOX1) and dual oxidase 2 (DUOX2). The protective effects of Selenium-L-methionine on radiation-induced histopathological damages and changes in the level of these cytokines and genes were detected.

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Conclusion