Abstract
The potentially life-threatening effects of total body ionizing radiation exposure have been known for more than a century. Despite considerable advances in our understanding of the effects of radiation over the past six decades, efforts to identify effective radiation countermeasures for use in case of a radiological/nuclear emergency have been largely unsuccessful. Vitamin E is known to have antioxidant properties capable of scavenging free radicals, which have critical roles in radiation injuries. Tocopherols and tocotrienols, vitamin E analogs together known as tocols, have shown promise as radioprotectors. Although the pivotal mechanisms of action of tocols have long been thought to be their antioxidant properties and free radical scavenging activities, other alternative mechanisms have been proposed to drive their activity as radioprotectors. Here we provide a brief overview of the effects of ionizing radiation, the mechanistic mediators of radiation-induced damage, and the need for radiation countermeasures. We further outline the role for, efficacy of, and mechanisms of action of tocols as radioprotectors, and we compare and contrast their efficacy and mode of action with that of another well-studied chemical radioprotector, amifostine.
Highlights
Scientists around the world have known of the deleterious and potentially life-threatening effects of human exposure to ionizing radiation (IR) for over a century
Radioprotectants are beneficial for individuals exposed to greater risks of accidental radiation exposure, such as first responders and military personnel
Vitamin E and its derivatives have the potential to serve as both radioprotectors and radiomitigators based on their ability to induce granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF), to mobilize hematopoietic precursors from the bone marrow into peripheral circulation, and to accelerate hematopoietic recovery in animal models
Summary
Scientists around the world have known of the deleterious and potentially life-threatening effects of human exposure to ionizing radiation (IR) for over a century. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine and the potential for unlawful use of these materials with only marginal barriers to access underscore the need for preparedness for exposure of military personnel and first responders to radiological and nuclear devices [3] To address these concerns, the Office of Science and Technology Policy and the United States Department of Homeland Security have identified radiation countermeasure development as the highest priority for preparedness against a potential bioterrorism event. This review outlines the current status of these research endeavors and the gaps in knowledge that remain to be addressed in future investigations before the full-fledged development of these compounds into radiation countermeasures It highlights the tumor radiosensitizing effect of selected vitamin E family members
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