Exogenous melatonin modulates carbon ion radiation-induced immune dysfunction in mice

Area of Science:

• Radiation oncology
• Immunology
• Radioprotective agents

Background:

• Carbon ion radiotherapy offers therapeutic potential for cancer but can cause normal tissue damage and immune system dysfunction, limiting treatment efficacy.
• The effectiveness of conventional radioprotective agents against carbon ion radiation-induced immune damage is uncertain.
• Protecting the immune system during carbon ion radiotherapy could enhance treatment outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate carbon ion radiation-induced immune dysfunction in mice.
• To evaluate the radioprotective effects of melatonin on the immune system following carbon ion radiation exposure.

Main Methods:

• Radiosensitive BALB/C mice were exposed to carbon ion radiation.
• Melatonin was administered as a pretreatment.
• Body weight, mortality, apoptosis, T-cell distribution, cytokine levels, antioxidant enzyme activity, and lipid peroxidation were assessed.

Main Results:

• Carbon ion radiation caused body weight loss, increased mortality and apoptosis, abnormal T-cell distribution, and cytokine imbalance in mice.
• Melatonin pretreatment increased thymus and spleen indices, reduced apoptosis, and attenuated T-lymphocyte imbalance and cytokine disorders.
• Melatonin restored antioxidant enzyme activity and decreased serum lipid peroxidation.

Conclusions:

• Melatonin effectively protects against carbon ion radiation-induced immune dysfunction.
• Melatonin demonstrates radioprotective effects by mitigating oxidative stress and immune system damage.
• Findings suggest melatonin as a potential radioprotector for radiation workers and cancer patients undergoing carbon ion radiotherapy.