Protective Effect of Amifostine on Radiotherapy-Applied Cardiovascular Tissue

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Research
• Radioprotection Studies
• Oxidative Stress Research

Background:

• Thoracic radiotherapy (RT) can cause acute toxicity in large vessels and the heart.
• Amifostine (AMI) is evaluated for its potential protective effects against such toxicities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the radioprotective and antioxidant effects of amifostine (AMI) on cardiovascular tissues following thoracic radiotherapy (RT) in a rat model.
• To investigate the impact of AMI on oxidative stress markers and inflammatory markers in aortic and heart tissues post-RT.

Main Methods:

• Wistar albino rats were divided into three groups: RT alone, amifostine plus RT (AMI+RT), and control.
• Thoracic irradiation (20 Gy) was administered, with AMI given intraperitoneally 30 minutes prior to RT in the AMI+RT group.
• Levels of p53, CD68, COX, malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione (GSH) were measured in aortic and heart tissues post-irradiation.

Main Results:

• Radiotherapy significantly increased MDA levels and induced vascular damage and inflammation in the aorta.
• Amifostine treatment significantly reduced MDA levels and increased GSH levels, mitigating oxidative stress.
• Histopathological evaluation showed reduced cellular inflammation and vascular damage in the AMI+RT group compared to RT alone.

Conclusions:

• Amifostine demonstrates significant radioprotective effects against RT-induced cardiovascular toxicity.
• AMI exhibits potent antioxidant properties, reducing oxidative stress markers like MDA.
• The findings support amifostine's potential as a cardioprotective agent during thoracic radiotherapy.