Murine Model of Radiation Dermatitis with Experimental Wound and Effects of Genistein

Cutaneous Radiation Injuries (CRIs) and wounds within an area of radiation exposure (combined injury, CI) are a significant concern for nuclear accidents and radiation combat/terrorist events. CRIs and CI present unique clinical challenges, and effective countermeasures are urgently needed. Here we describe a murine model of CRI and CI in C57BL/6 mice using 16.9 Gy thoracic X-ray irradiation (5.3 Gy/min, 160 kV) ± experimental wound administered immediately. Wound repair and radiation-induced dermatitis were assessed after irradiation. Our previous studies showed that genistein (200 mg/kg, s.c.), administered 24 h prior to irradiation prevented radiation injuries in two murine models. We investigated the effects of genistein in the CI model. Macroscopic and histological analyses showed that radiation significantly delayed wound closure, although wounds did not significantly alter the progression of radiation dermatitis. Genistein improved the early rate of wound closure and significantly reduced dermatitis in mice. Histological analysis showed that genistein improved skin structure and reduced inflammation and fibrosis. Immunohistochemistry showed that genistein attenuated radiation-induced cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1 (p21/waf1) and α-smooth muscle actin and preserved K15 positive skin adult stem cells. These findings suggest that genistein may be an effective prophylactic against CRIs and CI.