Comparison of antioxidative effects between radon and thoron inhalation in mouse organs

Abstract

Comparison of antioxidative effects between radon and thoron inhalation in mouse organsBackground: Radon therapy has been traditionally performed globally for oxidative stressrelated diseases. Many researchers have studied the beneficial effects of radon exposure in living organisms. However, the effects of thoron, a radioisotope of radon, have not been fully examined. Objective: In this study, we aimed to compare the biological effects of radon and thoron inhalation on mouse organs with a focus on oxidative stress. Methods:Male BALB/c mice were randomly divided into 15 groups: sham inhalation, radon inhalation at a dose of 500 Bq/m 3 or 2000 Bq/m 3 , and thoron inhalation at a dose of 500 Bq/m 3 or 2000 Bq/m 3 were carried out. Immediately after inhalation, mouse tissues were excised for biochemical assays. Results: The results showed a significant increase in superoxide dismutase and total glutathione, and a significant decrease in lipid peroxide following thoron inhalation under several conditions. Additionally, similar effects were observed for different doses and inhalation times between radon and thoron. Conclusion:Our results suggest that thoron inhalation also exerts antioxidative effects against oxidative stress in organs. However, the inhalation conditions should be carefully analyzed because of the differences in physical characteristics between radon and thoron.

Radon Improves Clinical Response in an Animal Model of Rheumatoid Arthritis Accompanied by Increased Numbers of Peripheral Blood B Cells and Interleukin-5 Concentration

“…Therefore, we examined key factors of the anti-oxidative system in the in vivo exposed animals using qPCR. However, unlike other reports [ 14 , 15 , 16 ], that indicated a significant influence of radon exposure especially on SOD1, we found no significant radon induced alterations of the anti-oxidative enzymes SOD1, GPx1, catalase, and Nrf2 in in vivo exposed animals ( Figure 2 ). This discrepancy is most likely due to the differences in experimental set-up (dose and duration of radon treatment), time of sampling (7d vs right after exposure), differences in utilized methods, the organs that have been looked into, and the mouse model used.…”

“…Next to the known analgesic effects, some hints on underlying molecular mechanisms have already been shown in pre-clinical models and patient studies. Among the most prominent findings in pre-clinical studies were discoveries concerning alterations of the anti-oxidative system with special emphasize on superoxide dismutase (SOD)1 as a key molecule [ 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 ] and in the immune system. For the latter, Nagarkatti et al reported an alteration of T cell numbers after radon exposure in lymphoid organs of mice as well as alterations in the numbers of lymphocytes and macrophages [ 19 ].…”

“…One of the suggested potential mechanisms behind the effects of radon therapy, is the anti-oxidative system [ 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 ], as it has also been reported after treatment with low-doses of X-rays [ 22 ]: reactive oxygen species (ROS) are essential signaling molecules in a variety of cellular processes [ 23 , 24 ]. Oxidative stress, however, resulting from an excessive ROS or oxidant amount overcharging the cellular capability to mount a sufficient anti-oxidant response, is harmful for the cells, causes macromolecular damage and can lead to diseases such as diabetes, atherosclerosis or cancer [ 24 ].…”

Confirmation of efficacy, elucidation of mechanism, and new search for indications of radon therapy

“…The SOD activity and t-GSH levels were found to be significantly increased, whereas the LPO level was significantly decreased. (23) The phenomena were generally observed with radon inhalation of 2,000 Bq/m 3 and thoron inhalation of 500 Bq/m 3 . Difference in the optimal concentration could be attributed to the difference in radioactivity characteristics, such as emitted energy and half-life.…”

Potential inhibitory effects of low-dose thoron inhalation and ascorbic acid administration on alcohol-induced hepatopathy in mice

“…Therefore, thoron ( 220 Rn; Tn), a radioisotope of radon, may be useful for reproducing an artificial radon treatment environment. Interestingly, we previously reported that thoron inhalation also has antioxidative effects [ 9 ]. Our findings suggested that thoron inhalation could be used for the treatment of ROS-related diseases.…”