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Does Gender Difference Effect Radiation-Induced Lung Toxicity? An Experimental Study by Genetic and Histopathological
Rusen Cosar1, Alaattin Ozen2, Ebru Tastekin3
1Trakya University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Radiation Oncology, Edirne, Turkey.
Radiation Research
|November 4, 2021
Summary
Male rats exhibit worse radiation-induced lung toxicity than females, potentially due to lower baseline expression of key DNA repair genes (ATM, SOD2, TGF-β1, XRCC1, XRCC3, HHR2L) in males.
Area of Science:
- Radiation oncology
- Molecular biology
- Pulmonary pathology
Background:
- Sex-based differences in radiation toxicity are documented but lack histopathological and genetic correlation.
- Understanding these disparities is crucial for personalized radiotherapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between histopathological lung toxicity and gene expression (ATM, SOD2, TGF-β1, XRCC1, XRCC3, HHR2L) following radiation exposure in male and female rats.
- To determine if baseline gene expression or post-irradiation changes influence sex-specific radiation responses.
Main Methods:
- 120 rats (male/female) were divided into control and 10 Gy irradiated groups, sacrificed at 6, 12, and 24 weeks.
- Histopathological lung injury was assessed semi-quantitatively using a grid system and measuring alveolar wall thickness.
- Real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) analyzed gene expression levels of ATM, TGF-β1, XRCC1, XRCC3, SOD2, and HHR2L.
Main Results:
- Male rats showed significantly worse acute, subacute, and chronic lung toxicity compared to females.
- Baseline expression of evaluated genes was higher in female rats than in males.
- The sex-based difference in gene expression diminished post-radiotherapy.
Conclusions:
- Females may exhibit less radiation-induced lung toxicity due to higher baseline expression of protective genes.
- Post-radiotherapy gene expression patterns might confer a protective role in females.
- Further research incorporating pulmonary function and imaging is recommended.
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