Protective effect of N-acetyl cysteine against radiotherapy-induced cardiac damage

Abstract

Purpose: Although radiotherapy (RT) is an important component of cancer treatment, it induces adverse tissue reactions in the around of cancer tissue. Therefore, radioprotectives are needed to protect normal tissues. The aim of this study was to investigate the radioprotective effect of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on RT-induced cardiac damage in rats for the acute term.

Materials and methods: The animals were divided into four groups. The rats in control group were injected with saline for 7 d; the rats in NAC group were injected NAC at dose of 240 mg/kg d for 7 d; the rats in RT group were injected with saline for 7 d plus was irradiated 1 h after the last injection and the rats in NAC + RT group were injected with NAC for 7 d and irradiated 1 h after the last NAC dose. The electrocardiogram was recorded and evaluated PR interval, QRS duration, QT interval, T wave alterations and heart rate. Serum interleukin-4, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin 1 beta, galectin-3 levels and creatine kinase and creatine kinase isoenzyme-MB activities were determined in all groups. Also, tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide levels, superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities were determined. In addition, histological changes of heart were evaluated. All measurements were performed 24 h after RT.

Results: In the RT group, findings supporting cardiac injury were observed in the electrocardiogram. Also, cytokine levels and oxidative stress were significantly increased. Pretreatment of rats with NAC ameliorated cardiac injury induced by RT.

Conclusions: Our findings suggested that NAC may be a potential radioprotector which is capable of preventing cardiac damage.

Keywords:

• Radiotherapy
• heart
• N-acetyl cysteine
• cytokines
• antioxidants
• radioprotector

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The project was supported by the Research Fund of Mersin University in Turkey with Grant Number: 2018-1-AP4-2806.

Notes on contributors

Songul Barlaz Us

Songul Barlaz Us, PhD, is a Research Associate in Radiation Oncology Department, School of Medicine, University of Mersin. Her research interest: medical physics, radiation physics, radiation biology, development of cancer treatment methods.

Ozden Vezir

Ozden Vezir, MS, is a cardiovascular surgery specialist in Cardiovascular Surgery Department, Mersin State Hospital. His research interest: cardiac damage.

Metin Yildirim

Metin Yildirim, PhD, is a Research assistant in Pharmaceutical Biochemistry Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mersin University. His research interests: molecular pathways involved in cancer development/progression and oxidative stress.

Gülsen Bayrak

Gülsen Bayrak is a Research assistant in Histology and Embryology Department, School of Medicine, University of Mersin. Her research interests: light and electron microscopic examinations of human and animal cell and tissues, histochemical and immunohistochemical studies, cell culture studies.

Serap Yalin

Serap Yalin, PhD, is a Professor in Biochemistry Department, Pharmacy Faculty, University of Mersin. Her research interests: molecular genetics, cancer biology, oxidative stress, protein chemistry.

Ebru Balli

Ebru Balli, PhD, is a Professor in Histology and Embryology Department, School of Medicine, University of Mersin. Her research interests: Light and electron microscopic examinations of human and animal cell and tissues, histochemical and immunohistochemical studies.

Ali Erdinç Yalin

Ali Erdinç Yalin, PhD, is a Professor in Biochemistry Department, Pharmacy Faculty, University of Mersin. His research interests: population genetics, bioinformatics, molecular genetics, biostatistics.

Ülkü Çömelekoğlu

Ülkü Çömelekoğlu, PhD, is a Professor in Biophysics Department, School of Medicine, University of Mersin. Her research interest: radiation biophysics, electrobiophysics, the role of ion channels in cancer development.