Basic fibroblast growth factor radioprotects bone marrow and not RIF1 tumor
P Okunieff1, E H Abraham, M Moini
1Radiation Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
Acta Oncologica (Stockholm, Sweden)
|January 1, 1995
Summary
Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) shows potential as a radioprotector for bone marrow. This study found bFGF selectively protects normal tissues from radiation damage without protecting tumors.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Radiology
- Biomedical Research
Background:
- Bone marrow (BM) is highly sensitive to radiation damage.
- Developing radioprotectors is crucial for cancer therapy and radiation exposure mitigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the radioprotective potential of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) on bone marrow.
- To determine if bFGF offers selective protection to normal tissues over tumors.
Main Methods:
- C3H mice received whole-body irradiation (WBI) after intravenous administration of bFGF (1-24 micrograms/mouse) in divided doses.
- Femur bone marrow histology was analyzed post-treatment.
- Thigh tumors in mice were subjected to localized radiation after bFGF treatment.
Main Results:
- bFGF demonstrated a dose-dependent increase in the LD50/30, indicating enhanced survival after WBI.
- Optimal protection was observed with 6 micrograms of bFGF, administered 24 hours and 4 hours pre-irradiation.
- Histological analysis revealed accelerated recovery of all bone marrow cell lineages, including megakaryocytes, with reduced cellularity loss compared to controls.
- bFGF did not provide radioprotection to RIF1 tumors.
Conclusions:
- Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) acts as a selective radioprotector, primarily benefiting normal bone marrow tissue.
- bFGF's ability to protect normal tissues while sparing tumors suggests potential applications in radiation oncology to reduce side effects.
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