Radiation-Induced Oxidative Stress at Out-Of-Field Lung Tissues After Pelvis Irradiation in Rats



Najaf M^{1, 2} ; Fardid R¹ ; Takhshid MA³ ; Moslehshirazi MA^{1, 4} ; Rezaeyan AH¹ ; Salajegheh A¹ Show Affiliations
Source: Cell Journal Published:2016

Abstract

Objective: The out-of-feld/non-target effect is one of the most important phenomena of ionizing radiation that leads to molecular and cellular damage to distant non-irradiated tissues. The most important concern about this phenomenon is carcinogenesis many years after radiation treatment. In vivo mechanisms and consequences of this phenomenon are not known completely. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the oxidative damages to out-of-feld lung tissues 24 and 72 hours after pelvic irradiation in rats. Materials and Methods: In this experimental-interventional study, Sprague-Dawleymale rats (n=49) were divided into seven groups (n=7/each group), including two groups of pelvisexposed rats (out-of-feld groups), two groups of whole body-exposed rats (scatter groups), two groups of lung-exposed rats (direct irradiation groups), and one control sham group. Outof-feld groups were irradiated at a 2×2 cm area in the pelvis region with 3 Gy using 1.25 MeV cobalt-60 gamma-ray source, and subsequently, malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels as well as superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in out-of-feld lung tissues were measured. Results were compared to direct irradiation, control and scatter groups at 24 and 72 hours after exposure. Data were analyzed using Mann-Whitney U test. Results: SOD activity decreased in out-of-feld lung tissue 24 and 72 hours after irradiation as compared with the controls and scatter groups. GSH level decreased 24 hours after exposure and increased 72 hours after exposure in the out-of-feld groups as compared with the scatter groups. MDA level in out-of-feld groups only increased 24 hours after irradiation. Conclusion: Pelvis irradiation induced oxidative damage in distant lung tissue that led to a dramatic decrease in SOD activity. This oxidative stress was remarkable, but it was less durable as compared to direct irradiation.