Circulating IL-18 Binding Protein (IL-18BP) and IL-18 as Dual Biomarkers of Total-Body Irradiation in Mice.

We have previously reported that circulating interleukin-18 (IL-18) can be used as a radiation biomarker in mice, minipigs and nonhuman primates. In this study, we further determined the serum levels of IL-18 binding protein (IL-18BP), a natural endogenous antagonist of IL-18, in CD2F1 mice 1-13 days after total-body gamma irradiation (TBI) with different doses (5-10 Gy). We compared the changes in blood lymphocyte, neutrophil and platelet counts as well as the activation of the proapoptotic executioner caspase-3 and caspase-7, and the expression of the inflammatory factor cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) in spleen cells, with the changes of IL-18BP and IL-18 in mouse serum.

Delta-tocotrienol suppresses radiation-induced microRNA-30 and protects mice and human CD34+ cells from radiation injury.

We reported that microRNA-30c (miR-30c) plays a key role in radiation-induced human cell damage through an apoptotic pathway. Herein we further evaluated radiation-induced miR-30 expression and mechanisms of delta-tocotrienol (DT3), a radiation countermeasure candidate, for regulating miR-30 in a mouse model and human hematopoietic CD34+ cells. CD2F1 mice were exposed to 0 (control) or 7-12.

Circulating interleukin-18 as a biomarker of total-body radiation exposure in mice, minipigs, and nonhuman primates (NHP).

We aim to develop a rapid, easy-to-use, inexpensive and accurate radiation dose-assessment assay that tests easily obtained samples (e.g., blood) to triage and track radiological casualties, and to evaluate the radioprotective and therapeutic effects of radiation countermeasures.

Delta-tocotrienol protects mice from radiation-induced gastrointestinal injury.

We recently demonstrated that natural delta-tocotrienol (DT3) significantly enhanced survival in total-body irradiated (TBI) mice, and protected mouse bone marrow cells from radiation-induced damage through Erk activation-associated mTOR survival pathways. Here, we further evaluated the effects and mechanisms of DT3 on survival of radiation-induced mouse acute gastrointestinal syndrome. DT3 (75-100 mg/kg) or vehicle was administered as a single subcutaneous injection to CD2F1 mice 24 h before 10-12 Gy (60)Co total-body irradiation at a dose rate of 0.

Genistein nanoparticles protect mouse hematopoietic system and prevent proinflammatory factors after gamma irradiation.

Previous studies demonstrated that genistein protects mice from radiation-induced bone marrow failure. To overcome genistein's extremely low water solubility, a nanoparticle suspension of genistein has been formulated for more rapid dissolution. In the current study, we evaluated the radioprotective effects of a nanoparticle formulation of genistein on survival and hematopoietic recovery in mice exposed to total-body gamma irradiation.

Micro-RNA30c negatively regulates REDD1 expression in human hematopoietic and osteoblast cells after gamma-irradiation.

We recently demonstrated that a novel cell stress response gene REDD1 protects human fetal osteoblast cell line (hFOB) cells from γ-radiation-induced premature senescence. Here we show that levels of endogenous REDD1 are very low in human hematopoietic progenitor CD34+ cells regardless of radiation, but highly expressed in differentiated hematopoietic cells (14 day cultured CD34+ cells) in response to radiation, which might be associated with radiation tolerance of the latter cells. To further understand the mechanisms of radiation-induced damage in different cells, microRNA (miRNA)-arrays were performed using purified miRNAs from CD34+ and hFOB cells before and post-irradiation and real-time reverse transcription (RT)-PCR was used to validate the expression profiles of miRNAs in the radiation-damaged cells.

REDD1 protects osteoblast cells from gamma radiation-induced premature senescence.

Radiotherapy is commonly used for cancer treatment. However, it often results in side effects due to radiation damage in normal tissue, such as bone marrow (BM) failure. Adult hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPC) reside in BM next to the endosteal bone surface, which is lined primarily by hematopoietic niche osteoblastic cells.

Delta-tocotrienol protects mouse and human hematopoietic progenitors from gamma-irradiation through extracellular signal-regulated kinase/mammalian target of rapamycin signaling.

Background: Exposure to γ-radiation causes rapid hematopoietic cell apoptosis and bone marrow suppression. However, there are no approved radiation countermeasures for the acute radiation syndrome. In this study, we demonstrated that natural δ-tocotrienol, one of the isomers of vitamin E, significantly enhanced survival in total body lethally irradiated mice.

Diazoxide increases liver and kidney HSP25 and HSP70 after shock and stroke.

Background: The compound, diazoxide (DZ), is known to induce preconditioning through its effect as a mitochondrial K(ATP) channel opener and succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor. Our team tested the hypothesis that pharmacological induction of ischemic preconditioning with DZ can offer cytoprotection and preserve vital tissues after hemorrhagic shock and stroke.

Materials And Methods: Sprague-Dawley male rats received an intraperitoneal injection of sterile saline or 5 mg/kg DZ in saline 24 h prior to 1 h of hemorrhagic shock, by approximately 40% total blood loss volume (Shock Study), or a permanent unilateral common carotid ligation just before shock (Stroke + Shock Study).

Evaluation of gene expression measurements from commercial microarray platforms.

Multiple commercial microarrays for measuring genome-wide gene expression levels are currently available, including oligonucleotide and cDNA, single- and two-channel formats. This study reports on the results of gene expression measurements generated from identical RNA preparations that were obtained using three commercially available microarray platforms. RNA was collected from PANC-1 cells grown in serum-rich medium and at 24 h following the removal of serum.