History and development of radiation-protective agents

Abstract

Over the years, extensive experimental studies of radiation-protective agents have enhanced our knowledge of radiation physics, chemistry, and biology. However, translation of agents from animal testing to use in various scenarios, such as prophylactic adjuncts in radiotherapy or post-exposure treatments for potential victims of radiation accidents/incidents, has been slow. Nevertheless, a number of compounds are now available for use in a variety of radiation situations. These include agents approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use in reducing exposure to internal radionuclides (Prussian blue, calcium diethylenetriamene pentaacetate (DTPA) and zinc DTPA, potassium iodide) and amifostine for alleviating xerostomia associated with radiotherapy. Consensus groups have also recommended other therapies such as granulocyte colony-stimulating factor for radiation-induced neutropenia. The variety of prophylactic and therapeutic agents in the research pipeline includes those that are naturally-occurring with low toxicity, provide a long window of protection, protect normal tissue while sensitising tumours, or act via receptors and modulate biological processes such as induction of genes responsible for radioresistance. The search for agents that protect against acute and late effects of ionising radiation injury will undoubtedly continue into the future and influence other areas of radiation research.

The potential benefits of nicaraven to protect against radiation-induced injury in hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells with relative low dose exposures

“…Furthermore, medical doctors and technicians have been shown high incidence of chromosomal disruptions and hematopoietic malignancies even if with exposure to less than 50 mGy [3][4][5]. Although many chemical and biological compounds were widely tested for protecting against radiation injury [6,7], there is only amifostine, a scavenger of reactive oxygen species (ROS) had been approved clinically as a cytoprotective adjuvant to alleviate the side effects for patients who get radiotherapy [8].…”

Radioprotective Nature of Podophyllum hexandrum (Himalayan Mayapple)

“…IR at high enough doses either directly or indirectly induces ionization events that damage DNA, proteins or membrane lipids, through the generation of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and other free radicals intracellularly. Total Body Irradiation (TBI) is particularly dangerous when exposure is of very short period of time [1]. The Chernobyl Catastrophe and Fukushima-Daiichi nuclear plant misfortunes exemplify the need of radiation countermeasures.…”

Overview of Radiation-protective Agent Research and Prospects for the Future

“…7) It is distinct from ARS as it occurs at dose rates low enough to permit natural repair mechanisms to compete with the radiation damage during the exposure period. 8) In this manuscript, the overview of radiation-protective and mitigative agent development against acute radiation effects (external exposure) and the prospects for the future research are outlined.…”