Translational Aspects of Nuclear Factor-Kappa B and Its Modulation by Thalidomide on Early and Late Radiation Sequelae in Urinary Bladder Dysfunction.

Purpose: This preclinical study aimed to investigate the role of nuclear factor (NF)-κB in early and late radiogenic sequelae of urinary bladder dysfunction in mice. Thalidomide was applied either during the early or late response phase to determine potential effects of NF-κB inhibition on functional bladder impairment.

Methods And Materials: After pelvic irradiation on day 0, female C3H/Neu mice were observed over a period of 360 days and radiation response was evaluated for alterations in bladder functionality and NF-κB activation.

Systemic administration of heparin ameliorates radiation-induced oral mucositis-preclinical studies in mice.

Purpose: The present study investigates the impact of systemic application of heparins on the manifestation of radiation-induced oral mucositis in a well-established mouse model.

Materials And Methods: Male C3H/Neu mice were irradiated with either single-dose or fractionated irradiation protocols with 5 × 3 Gy/week, given over one (days 0-4) or two (days 0-4, 7-11) weeks. All fractionation protocols were concluded by a local test irradiation (day 7/14) using graded doses to generate complete dose-effect curves.