Sign in to use this feature.

Years

Between: -

Subjects

remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline

Journals

Article Types

Countries / Regions

Search Results (61)

Search Parameters:
Keywords = radioprotective properties

Order results
Result details
Results per page
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
12 pages, 2318 KiB  
Article
Radioprotective Efficacy of Phosphorus-Containing Polymer Complexes of Amifostine WR-2721
by Ivelina Tsacheva and Dzhamal Uzun
Sci. Pharm. 2025, 93(2), 21; https://doi.org/10.3390/scipharm93020021 - 29 Apr 2025
Viewed by 146
Abstract
Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the radioprotective efficacy of polymer complexes constructed from amifostine (WR-2721) and poly(hydroxyoxyethylene phosphate)s with different molecular weights. The use of suitable polymers for the immobilization of radioprotective drugs is aimed at improving or obtaining [...] Read more.
Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the radioprotective efficacy of polymer complexes constructed from amifostine (WR-2721) and poly(hydroxyoxyethylene phosphate)s with different molecular weights. The use of suitable polymers for the immobilization of radioprotective drugs is aimed at improving or obtaining important new properties. Methods: The radioprotective efficacy of the compounds was investigated by cytotoxicity and the survival of mouse embryonic fibroblasts MEF LIG4+/+ and MEF LIG4−/− cells irradiated with 2, 6 and 12 Gy in the presence of amifostine (WR-2721) and its polymer complexes. Results: The radioprotective efficacy of the polymer complexes constructed of amifostine (WR-2721) and poly(hydroxyoxyethylene phosphate)s with different molecular weights showed promising activity and dose regimens. Conclusions: Cytotoxicity studies for tested cell lines MEF LIG4+/+ and MEF LIG4−/− cells showed that the polymer complexes were not toxic when equivalent doses of the drug amifostine (WR-2721) were applied to the cells. Irradiated MEF LIG4+/+ cells demonstrated an increase in the surviving fraction when pre-treated with 0.5–5 mM polymer complexes when equivalent doses of amifostine (WR-2721) were applied to the cells and irradiated. The radioprotective efficacy had increased when the cells MEF LIG4+/+ were irradiated with 12 Gy. These findings demonstrate that poly(hydroxyoxyethylene phosphate)s are suitable carriers of the radioprotective drug amifostine (WR-2721). They further suggest that they may be interesting for researchers seeking new challenges in discovering advanced radioprotective active substances. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 1839 KiB  
Review
The Effects of Podophyllotoxin Derivatives on Noncancerous Diseases: A Systematic Review
by Piotr Strus, Karol Sadowski, Weronika Ploch, Adrianna Jazdzewska, Paulina Oknianska, Oliwia Raniszewska and Izabela Mlynarczuk-Bialy
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(3), 958; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26030958 - 23 Jan 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1473
Abstract
Podophyllotoxin (PPT) is commonly used for genital warts due to its antimitotic properties and relatively good accessibility since it can be extracted from plants in low-economy countries. However, due to relatively high toxicity, it cannot be used in a systematic way (intravenously). Thus, [...] Read more.
Podophyllotoxin (PPT) is commonly used for genital warts due to its antimitotic properties and relatively good accessibility since it can be extracted from plants in low-economy countries. However, due to relatively high toxicity, it cannot be used in a systematic way (intravenously). Thus, there is a need to find or create an equally effective derivative of PPT that will be less toxic. Natural PPT is a suitable and promising scaffold for the synthesis of its derivatives. Many of them have been studied in clinical and preclinical models. In this systematic review, we comprehensively assess the medical applications of PPT derivatives, focusing on their advantages and limitations in non-cancerous diseases. Most of the existing research focuses on their applications in cancerous diseases, leaving non-cancerous uses underexplored. To do that, we systematically reviewed the literature using PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases from January 2013 to January 2025. In total, 5333 unique references were identified in the initial search, of which 44 were included in the quantitative synthesis. The assessment of the quality of eligible studies was undertaken using the PRISMA criteria. The risk of bias was assessed using a predefined checklist based on PRISMA guidelines. Each study was independently reviewed by two researchers to evaluate bias in study design, reporting, and outcomes. Our analysis highlights the broad therapeutic potential of PPT derivatives, particularly in antiviral applications, including HPV, Dengue, and SARS-CoV-2 infections. Apart from their well-known anti-genital warts activity, these compounds exhibit significant anti-inflammatory, antimitotic, analgesic, and radioprotective properties. For instance, derivatives such as cyclolignan SAU-22.107 show promise in antiviral therapies, while compounds like G-003M demonstrate radioprotective effects by mitigating radiation-induced damage. To build on this, our review highlights that PPT derivatives, apart from anti-genital warts potential, exhibit four key properties—anti-inflammatory, antimitotic, analgesic, and radioprotective—making them promising candidates not only for treating viral infections such as HPV, Dengue, and SARS-CoV-2 but also for expanding their therapeutic potential beyond cancerous diseases. In conclusion, while PPT derivatives hold great potential across various medical domains, their applications in non-cancerous diseases remain limited by the scarcity of dedicated research. Continued exploration of these compounds is essential to unlock their full therapeutic value. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Research on Cancer Biology and Therapeutics: Third Edition)
Show Figures

Figure 1

43 pages, 8085 KiB  
Review
Very High-Energy Electron Therapy Toward Clinical Implementation
by Costanza Maria Vittoria Panaino, Simona Piccinini, Maria Grazia Andreassi, Gabriele Bandini, Andrea Borghini, Marzia Borgia, Angelo Di Naro, Luca Umberto Labate, Eleonora Maggiulli, Maurizio Giovanni Agostino Portaluri and Leonida Antonio Gizzi
Cancers 2025, 17(2), 181; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17020181 - 8 Jan 2025
Viewed by 2001
Abstract
The use of very high energy electron (VHEE) beams, with energies between 50 and 400 MeV, has drawn considerable interest in radiotherapy due to their deep tissue penetration, sharp beam edges, and low sensitivity to tissue density. VHEE beams can be precisely steered [...] Read more.
The use of very high energy electron (VHEE) beams, with energies between 50 and 400 MeV, has drawn considerable interest in radiotherapy due to their deep tissue penetration, sharp beam edges, and low sensitivity to tissue density. VHEE beams can be precisely steered with magnetic components, positioning VHEE therapy as a cost-effective option between photon and proton therapies. However, the clinical implementation of VHEE therapy (VHEET) requires advances in several areas: developing compact, stable, and efficient accelerators; creating sophisticated treatment planning software; and establishing clinically validated protocols. In addition, the perspective of VHEE to access ultra-high dose–rate regime presents a promising avenue for the practical integration of FLASH radiotherapy of deep tumors and metastases with VHEET (FLASH-VHEET), enhancing normal tissue sparing while maintaining the inherent dosimetric advantages of VHEET. However, FLASH-VHEET systems require validation of time-dependent dose parameters, thus introducing additional technological challenges. Here, we discuss recent progress in VHEET research, focusing on both conventional and FLASH modalities, and covering key aspects including dosimetric properties, radioprotection, accelerator technology, beam focusing, radiobiological effects, and clinical outcomes. Furthermore, we comprehensively analyze initial VHEET in silico studies on coverage across various tumor sites. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research in Oncology in 2024)
Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 3525 KiB  
Review
Harnessing the Antibacterial, Anti-Diabetic and Anti-Carcinogenic Properties of Ocimum sanctum Linn (Tulsi)
by Rakesh Arya, Hossain Md. Faruquee, Hemlata Shakya, Sheikh Atikur Rahman, Most Morium Begum, Sudhangshu Kumar Biswas, Md. Aminul Islam Apu, Md. Azizul Islam, Md. Mominul Islam Sheikh and Jong-Joo Kim
Plants 2024, 13(24), 3516; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13243516 - 16 Dec 2024
Viewed by 3442
Abstract
Ocimum sanctum Linn (O. sanctum L.), commonly known as Holy Basil or Tulsi, is a fragrant herbaceous plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family. This plant is widely cultivated and found in north-central parts of India, several Arab countries, West Africa and tropical [...] Read more.
Ocimum sanctum Linn (O. sanctum L.), commonly known as Holy Basil or Tulsi, is a fragrant herbaceous plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family. This plant is widely cultivated and found in north-central parts of India, several Arab countries, West Africa and tropical regions of the Eastern World. Tulsi is known to be an adaptogen, aiding the body in adapting to stress by harmonizing various bodily systems. Revered in Ayurveda as the “Elixir of Life”, Tulsi is believed to enhance lifespan and foster longevity. Eugenol, the active ingredient present in Tulsi, is a l-hydroxy-2-methoxy-4-allylbenzene compound with diverse therapeutic applications. As concerns over the adverse effects of conventional antibacterial agents continue to grow, alternative therapies have gained prominence. Essential oils (EOs) containing antioxidants have a long history of utilization in traditional medicine and have gained increasing popularity over time. Numerous in vitro, in vivo and clinical studies have provided compelling evidence supporting the safety and efficacy of antioxidant EOs derived from medicinal plants for promoting health. This comprehensive review aims to highlight the scientific knowledge regarding the therapeutic properties of O. sanctum, focusing on its antibacterial, anti-diabetic, anti-carcinogenic, radioprotective, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, neurogenesis, anti-depressant and other beneficial characteristics. Also, the extracts of O. sanctum L. have the ability to reduce chronic inflammation linked to neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease. The information presented in this review shed light on the multifaceted potential of Tulsi and its derivatives in maintaining and promoting health. This knowledge may pave the way for the development of novel therapeutic interventions and natural remedies that harness the immense therapeutic potential of Tulsi in combating various health conditions, while also providing valuable insights for further research and exploration in this field. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 9804 KiB  
Article
Therapeutic Potential of Hydrogen as a Radioprotective Agent for the Prevention of Radiation Dermatitis
by Deng-Yu Kuo, Yu-Chi Wang, Pei-Han Chou, Chen-Wei Lai, Fu-I Tung and Tse-Ying Liu
Antioxidants 2024, 13(12), 1475; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox13121475 - 29 Nov 2024
Viewed by 915
Abstract
Radiation dermatitis (RD) is a common side effect in patients receiving radiotherapy. Currently, clinical skincare approaches for acute RD vary widely among institutions and lack consensus. Hydrogen molecules, acting as radioprotective agents by selectively scavenging free radicals, have the potential to protect against [...] Read more.
Radiation dermatitis (RD) is a common side effect in patients receiving radiotherapy. Currently, clinical skincare approaches for acute RD vary widely among institutions and lack consensus. Hydrogen molecules, acting as radioprotective agents by selectively scavenging free radicals, have the potential to protect against RD. In this study, we demonstrate that hydrogen reduces double-strand breaks, mitochondrial depolarization, and inflammatory cytokines induced by irradiation damage in HaCaT cells. Furthermore, in vivo experiments reveal that exposing irradiated skin areas to a hydrogen gas environment alleviates RD. Assessment of skin appearance grade and histology staining revealed that direct transdermal application of hydrogen can prevent radiation-induced follicle damage, dermal thickening, and leukocyte infiltration, thereby reducing the severity of RD. In addition, hydrogen enhances the skin’s antioxidant capacity, leading to a reduction in the Bcl-2-associated X protein/B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bax/Bcl-2) ratio, the number of apoptotic cells, and the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Our data demonstrate that hydrogen possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties, and could be a preventive strategy for RD. Full article
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

15 pages, 4958 KiB  
Article
Zinc Influences the Efficacy of Betulinic Acid Treatment and Radiotherapy in Breast Cancer Cells
by Antje Güttler, Elisa Darnstaedt, Danny Knobloch-Sperlich, Marina Petrenko, Jacqueline Kessler, Ivo Grosse, Dirk Vordermark and Matthias Bache
Antioxidants 2024, 13(11), 1299; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox13111299 - 25 Oct 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1248
Abstract
The trace element zinc influences a number of biological reactions, including cell growth, apoptosis, and DNA damage, which affect tumor therapy. The natural compound betulinic acid (BA) and its derivatives are known for their antiviral, antibacterial, and antitumor effects. Previous studies show that [...] Read more.
The trace element zinc influences a number of biological reactions, including cell growth, apoptosis, and DNA damage, which affect tumor therapy. The natural compound betulinic acid (BA) and its derivatives are known for their antiviral, antibacterial, and antitumor effects. Previous studies show that BA and 3-acetyl-28-sulfamoyloxybetulin (CAI3) have high cytotoxicity and induce radiosensitization in breast cancer cells. This study investigates the effects of zinc supplementation on treatment with BA or CAI3 and radiotherapy of breast cancer cell lines MDA-MB-231 and HS578T. Expression analysis shows that BA and CAI3 lead to altered expression of genes involved in zinc metabolism. Zinc supplementation affects cell survival and cell death alone and in combination with BA or CAI3 in both breast cancer cell lines. In MDA-MB-231 cells, zinc excess protects against ROS formation by BA or CAI3 and exhibits radioprotective effects compared to the single agent treatment. In contrast, in HS578T cells, zinc induces ROS formation but does not affect radiosensitivity. The variable effects of zinc on radiosensitivity highlight the importance of individualized treatment approaches. Although zinc has cytotoxic, pro-apoptotic, and anti-clonogenic effects, it seems worthwhile to consider its radioprotective properties when making treatment decisions in the case of adjuvant radiotherapy of breast cancer. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Radioprotective Effects of Antioxidants)
Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 5052 KiB  
Article
Curcumin’s Radioprotective Effects on Zebrafish Embryos
by Gaia Pucci, Gaetano Savoca, Giuseppina Iacoviello, Giorgio Russo, Giusi I. Forte and Vincenzo Cavalieri
Antioxidants 2024, 13(11), 1281; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox13111281 - 23 Oct 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1167
Abstract
Radiation modifiers are largely studied for their contribution to enlarging the treatment window. Curcumin is already known for its antioxidant properties; however, its role as a radioprotector in preclinical studies is affected by the well-known low absorption and bioavailability of curcumin. In this [...] Read more.
Radiation modifiers are largely studied for their contribution to enlarging the treatment window. Curcumin is already known for its antioxidant properties; however, its role as a radioprotector in preclinical studies is affected by the well-known low absorption and bioavailability of curcumin. In this study, curcumin’s radioprotection ability has been evaluated in zebrafish larvae, by taking advantage of quantifying curcumin absorption and evaluating its fluorescence in transparent embryos. A curcumin range of 1–10 μM was tested to select the non-toxic concentrations to be used for a pre-treatment of photon beam irradiation using a 2–15 Gy range of doses. The post-treatment analysis within 120 h post-fertilization (hpf) included an assessment of mortality and malformation rates and behavioral and gene expression analysis. A total of 2.5 and 5 μM of curcumin pre-treatment showed a radioprotective role, significantly reducing the frequency of embryo malformations and damaged entities. This sparing effect disappeared using 15 Gy, showing the radiation effect’s prevalence. Gene expression analysis reconducted this radioprotective ability for antioxidant gene network activation. The curcumin-induced activation of the antioxidant gene network promoted radioprotection in zebrafish. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Radioprotective Effects of Antioxidants)
Show Figures

Figure 1

23 pages, 2031 KiB  
Article
Comparative Analysis of Cystamine and Cysteamine as Radioprotectors and Antioxidants: Insights from Monte Carlo Chemical Modeling under High Linear Energy Transfer Radiation and High Dose Rates
by Samafou Penabeï, Jintana Meesungnoen and Jean-Paul Jay-Gerin
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(19), 10490; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms251910490 - 29 Sep 2024
Viewed by 1049
Abstract
This study conducts a comparative analysis of cystamine (RSSR), a disulfide, and cysteamine (RSH), its thiol monomer, to evaluate their efficacy as radioprotectors and antioxidants under high linear energy transfer (LET) and high-dose-rate irradiation conditions. It examines their interactions with reactive primary species [...] Read more.
This study conducts a comparative analysis of cystamine (RSSR), a disulfide, and cysteamine (RSH), its thiol monomer, to evaluate their efficacy as radioprotectors and antioxidants under high linear energy transfer (LET) and high-dose-rate irradiation conditions. It examines their interactions with reactive primary species produced during the radiolysis of the aqueous ferrous sulfate (Fricke) dosimeter, offering insights into the mechanisms of radioprotection and highlighting their potential to enhance the therapeutic index of radiation therapy, particularly in advanced techniques like FLASH radiotherapy. Using Monte Carlo multi-track chemical modeling to simulate the radiolytic oxidation of ferrous to ferric ions in Fricke-cystamine and Fricke-cysteamine solutions, this study assesses the radioprotective and antioxidant properties of these compounds across a variety of irradiation conditions. Concentrations were varied in both aerated (oxygen-rich) and deaerated (hypoxic) environments, simulating conditions akin to healthy tissue and tumors. Both cystamine and cysteamine demonstrate radioprotective and strong antioxidant properties. However, their effectiveness varies significantly depending on the concentration employed, the conditions of irradiation, and whether or not environmental oxygen is present. Specifically, excluding potential in vivo toxicity, cysteamine substantially reduces the adverse effects of ionizing radiation under aerated, low-LET conditions at concentrations above ~1 mM. However, its efficacy is minimal in hypoxic environments, irrespective of the concentration used. Conversely, cystamine consistently offers robust protective effects in both oxygen-rich and oxygen-poor conditions. The distinct protective capacities of cysteamine and cystamine underscore cysteamine’s enhanced potential in radiotherapeutic settings aimed at safeguarding healthy tissues from radiation-induced damage while effectively targeting tumor tissues. This differential effectiveness emphasizes the need for personalized radioprotective strategies, tailored to the specific environmental conditions of the tissue involved. Implementing such approaches is crucial for optimizing therapeutic outcomes and minimizing collateral damage in cancer treatment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Physical Chemistry and Chemical Physics)
Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 9118 KiB  
Article
Radioprotection Performance Evaluation of 3D-Printed and Conventional Heat-Cured Dental Resins for Radiotherapy Prostheses
by Jiangyu Wang, Mai Murase, Yuka I. Sumita, Ryoichi Notake, Masako Akiyama, Ryoichi Yoshimura and Noriyuki Wakabayashi
J. Funct. Biomater. 2024, 15(10), 282; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb15100282 - 25 Sep 2024
Viewed by 1118
Abstract
3D printing is increasingly used in dentistry, with biocompatible resins playing a key role. This study compared the radioprotective properties of a commonly used 3D-printed resin (Formlabs surgical guide resin) with traditional heat-cured resin and examined the relationship between material thickness and radiation [...] Read more.
3D printing is increasingly used in dentistry, with biocompatible resins playing a key role. This study compared the radioprotective properties of a commonly used 3D-printed resin (Formlabs surgical guide resin) with traditional heat-cured resin and examined the relationship between material thickness and radiation attenuation. The specimens consisted of 3D-printed and heat-cured resin specimens, each measuring 45 × 45 mm2, with five different thicknesses (6, 8, 10, 12, and 14 mm), totaling 100 samples. Both types of resin specimens underwent testing with 150 MU external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) and 400 cGy brachytherapy. Radiation experiments indicated that under EBRT conditions, there were no significant differences in radiation attenuation between the 3D-printed and heat-cured resins across all thickness groups. In brachytherapy, the attenuation of the 3D-printed resin was significantly lower than the heat-cured resin in the 6 mm and 8 mm groups. Specifically, attenuation rates were 48.0 ± 0.7 (3D-printed) vs. 45.2 ± 1.9 (heat-cured) in the 6 mm group, and 39.6 ± 1.3 vs. 37.5 ± 1.1 in the 8 mm group. Both resins showed significant positive linear correlations between thickness and attenuation (p < 0.001) within 6–14 mm. Thus, 3D-printed resin shows promising radioprotective properties and is a viable alternative to traditional heat-cured resin. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 1933 KiB  
Article
Polyphenols Investigation and Antioxidant and Anticholinesterase Activities of Rosmarinus officinalis L. Species from Southwest Romania Flora
by Ludovic Everard Bejenaru, Andrei Biţă, George Dan Mogoşanu, Adina-Elena Segneanu, Antonia Radu, Maria Viorica Ciocîlteu and Cornelia Bejenaru
Molecules 2024, 29(18), 4438; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29184438 - 18 Sep 2024
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1555
Abstract
Rosemary is one of the most important medicinal plants for natural therapy due to its multiple pharmacological properties, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, antiproliferative, antitumor, hepato- and nephroprotective, hypolipidemic, hypocholesterolemic, antihypertensive, anti-ischemic, hypoglycemic, radioprotective, antimicrobial, antiviral, antiallergic, and wound healing properties. Our study [...] Read more.
Rosemary is one of the most important medicinal plants for natural therapy due to its multiple pharmacological properties, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, antiproliferative, antitumor, hepato- and nephroprotective, hypolipidemic, hypocholesterolemic, antihypertensive, anti-ischemic, hypoglycemic, radioprotective, antimicrobial, antiviral, antiallergic, and wound healing properties. Our study reports for the first time, over a 12-month period, the identification and quantification of polyphenols and the investigation of the antioxidant and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activities of the Rosmarinus officinalis L. species harvested at flowering from the flora of southwestern Romania (Oltenia Region). Identification and quantification of polyphenolic acids was made by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (UHPLC/MS). Total phenolic content was determined using the spectrophotometric method. In situ antioxidant and anticholinesterase activities were evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and AChE inhibitory assay, respectively, on high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) plates. DPPH radical scavenging activity was also assessed spectrophotometrically. The results revealed significant correlations between specific polyphenolic compounds and the measured biological activities, understanding the role of seasonal variations and providing insights into the optimal harvesting times and medicinal benefits of rosemary. Our research brings new information on the phytochemical profile of R. officinalis as a natural source of polyphenols with antioxidant and AChE inhibitory properties. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 1340 KiB  
Article
Assessment of the Sunscreen Properties of Sesame Oil Using the Hemispherical Directional Reflectance Method
by Małgorzata Bożek, Julia Trybała, Agata Lebiedowska, Anna Stolecka-Warzecha, Paula Babczyńska and Sławomir Wilczyński
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(15), 6545; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14156545 - 26 Jul 2024
Viewed by 1672
Abstract
Sesame oil has been widely used for centuries. It is not only used as a kitchen ingredient, but it is also used to apply to the skin. Sesame oil contains natural compounds such as sesamol, sesamolin and sesamide, which have the ability to [...] Read more.
Sesame oil has been widely used for centuries. It is not only used as a kitchen ingredient, but it is also used to apply to the skin. Sesame oil contains natural compounds such as sesamol, sesamolin and sesamide, which have the ability to reflect or absorb certain UV rays. These substances can act as UV filters, helping to minimize the effects of harmful UV radiation on the skin. The aim of the study was to investigate the radioprotective/sun protection properties of sesame oil. The influence of sesame oils from different manufacturers on the directional reflectance of the skin was analyzed at various time intervals. To assess the sunscreen properties of the oil, a new technique was used: the 410-Solar hemispherical directional reflectometer. Sesame oil can be used in sunscreen preparations, but only when combined with other, more powerful ingredients. The oil itself is not sufficient protection against solar radiation. The study revealed no significant disparities in performance between the tested sesame oils from diverse manufacturers. Full article
21 pages, 2073 KiB  
Article
Effect of Linear Energy Transfer on Cystamine’s Radioprotective Activity: A Study Using the Fricke Dosimeter with 6–500 MeV per Nucleon Carbon Ions—Implication for Carbon Ion Hadrontherapy
by Samafou Penabeï, Esteban Sepulveda, Abdullah Muhammad Zakaria, Jintana Meesungnoen and Jean-Paul Jay-Gerin
Molecules 2023, 28(24), 8144; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28248144 - 18 Dec 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1560
Abstract
(1) Background: Radioprotective agents have garnered considerable interest due to their prospective applications in radiotherapy, public health medicine, and situations of large-scale accidental radiation exposure or impending radiological emergencies. Cystamine, an organic diamino–disulfide compound, is recognized for its radiation-protective and antioxidant properties. This [...] Read more.
(1) Background: Radioprotective agents have garnered considerable interest due to their prospective applications in radiotherapy, public health medicine, and situations of large-scale accidental radiation exposure or impending radiological emergencies. Cystamine, an organic diamino–disulfide compound, is recognized for its radiation-protective and antioxidant properties. This study aims to utilize the aqueous ferrous sulfate (Fricke) dosimeter to measure the free-radical scavenging capabilities of cystamine during irradiation by fast carbon ions. This analysis spans an energy range from 6 to 500 MeV per nucleon, which correlates with “linear energy transfer” (LET) values ranging from approximately 248 keV/μm down to 9.3 keV/μm. (2) Methods: Monte Carlo track chemistry calculations were used to simulate the radiation-induced chemistry of aerated Fricke–cystamine solutions across a broad spectrum of cystamine concentrations, ranging from 10−6 to 1 M. (3) Results: In irradiated Fricke solutions containing cystamine, cystamine is observed to hinder the oxidation of Fe2+ ions, an effect triggered by oxidizing agents from the radiolysis of acidic water, resulting in reduced Fe3+ ion production. Our simulations, conducted both with and without accounting for the multiple ionization of water, confirm cystamine’s ability to capture free radicals, highlighting its strong antioxidant properties. Aligning with prior research, our simulations also indicate that the protective and antioxidant efficiency of cystamine diminishes with increasing LET of the radiation. This result can be attributed to the changes in the geometry of the track structures when transitioning from lower to higher LETs. (4) Conclusions: If we can apply these fundamental research findings to biological systems at a physiological pH, the use of cystamine alongside carbon-ion hadrontherapy could present a promising approach to further improve the therapeutic ratio in cancer treatments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Medicinal Chemistry)
Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 2224 KiB  
Article
Fucoxanthin Abrogates Ionizing Radiation-Induced Inflammatory Responses by Modulating Sirtuin 1 in Macrophages
by Hyunju Kang, Seon-Chil Kim and Youngkee Oh
Mar. Drugs 2023, 21(12), 635; https://doi.org/10.3390/md21120635 - 12 Dec 2023
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2424
Abstract
Ionizing radiation (IR) triggers an overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS), disrupting the normal function of both immune and metabolic systems, leading to inflammation and metabolic disturbances. To address the pressing requirement for protection against IR, fucoxanthin (FX), a naturally occurring compound extracted [...] Read more.
Ionizing radiation (IR) triggers an overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS), disrupting the normal function of both immune and metabolic systems, leading to inflammation and metabolic disturbances. To address the pressing requirement for protection against IR, fucoxanthin (FX), a naturally occurring compound extracted from algae, was utilized as an efficient radioprotective agent in macrophages. In this study, we cultured murine RAW 264.7 macrophages and treated them with FX, along with agents influencing the activity of sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) and estrogen receptor α (ERα), to investigate their impact on IR-induced cellular responses. FX significantly attenuated IR-induced upregulation of pro-inflammatory genes (Il1b, Tnf, and Ccl2) and inhibited macrophage polarization toward the pro-inflammatory M1 phenotype. Additionally, FX regulated IR-induced metabolic genes mediating glycolysis and mitochondrial biogenesis. The ability of FX to mitigate IR-induced inflammation and glycolysis was ascribed to the expression and activity of SIRT1 and ERα in macrophages. This study not only uncovers the underlying mechanisms of FX's radioprotective properties but also highlights its potential as a protective agent against the detrimental effects of IR, thus offering new opportunities for enhancing radiation protection in the future. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Marine-Derived Fucoxanthin Studies)
Show Figures

Figure 1

6 pages, 2954 KiB  
Proceeding Paper
Bioavailability Computations for Natural Phenolic Derivatives for Druglikeness Assessment
by Amalia Stefaniu, Lucia Camelia Pirvu, Lucia Pintilie and Sorin Constantin Godeanu
Chem. Proc. 2023, 13(1), 26; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemproc2023013026 - 24 Nov 2023
Viewed by 1447
Abstract
The main phenolic compounds in the Hippophae rhamnoides fruit with potential therapeutic activities are quercetin-3-O-rhamnoside, quercetin-3-O-galactoside, myricetin, rutin, luteolin, kaempferol, vitexin, gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, 7-methoxycoumarin, p-coumaric acid, and ferulic acid. Their general features recommend them for [...] Read more.
The main phenolic compounds in the Hippophae rhamnoides fruit with potential therapeutic activities are quercetin-3-O-rhamnoside, quercetin-3-O-galactoside, myricetin, rutin, luteolin, kaempferol, vitexin, gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, 7-methoxycoumarin, p-coumaric acid, and ferulic acid. Their general features recommend them for nutritional and therapeutic purposes, exploiting their neuroprotective and radioprotective effects. This study aims to investigate the potency of polyphenol-derived structures against dual tyrosine-regulated kinase, modulating neuroblastomas and glioblastomas in humans. Structural insights from the point of view of drug-like property assessment are also provided by Density Functional Theory (DFT) predictions on the lowest energy conformers, using the B3LYP/6-311G (d,p) method. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

25 pages, 2693 KiB  
Review
Tocotrienols Provide Radioprotection to Multiple Organ Systems through Complementary Mechanisms of Antioxidant and Signaling Effects
by Stephen A. Shrum, Ujwani Nukala, Shivangi Shrimali, Edith Nathalie Pineda, Kimberly J. Krager, Shraddha Thakkar, Darin E. Jones, Rupak Pathak, Philip J. Breen, Nukhet Aykin-Burns and Cesar M. Compadre
Antioxidants 2023, 12(11), 1987; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox12111987 - 9 Nov 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2150
Abstract
Tocotrienols have powerful radioprotective properties in multiple organ systems and are promising candidates for development as clinically effective radiation countermeasures. To facilitate their development as clinical radiation countermeasures, it is crucial to understand the mechanisms behind their powerful multi-organ radioprotective properties. In this [...] Read more.
Tocotrienols have powerful radioprotective properties in multiple organ systems and are promising candidates for development as clinically effective radiation countermeasures. To facilitate their development as clinical radiation countermeasures, it is crucial to understand the mechanisms behind their powerful multi-organ radioprotective properties. In this context, their antioxidant effects are recognized for directly preventing oxidative damage to cellular biomolecules from ionizing radiation. However, there is a growing body of evidence indicating that the radioprotective mechanism of action for tocotrienols extends beyond their antioxidant properties. This raises a new pharmacological paradigm that tocotrienols are uniquely efficacious radioprotectors due to a synergistic combination of antioxidant and other signaling effects. In this review, we have covered the wide range of multi-organ radioprotective effects observed for tocotrienols and the mechanisms underlying it. These radioprotective effects for tocotrienols can be characterized as (1) direct cytoprotective effects, characteristic of the classic antioxidant properties, and (2) other effects that modulate a wide array of critical signaling factors involved in radiation injury. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

Back to TopTop