Protection from radiation-induced pneumonitis using cerium oxide nanoparticles.
In an effort to combat the harmful effects of radiation exposure, we propose that rare-earth cerium oxide (CeO(2)) nanoparticles (free-radical scavengers) protect normal tissue from radiation-induced damage. Preliminary studies suggest that these nanoparticles may be a therapeutic regenerative nanomedicine that will scavenge reactive oxygen species, which are responsible for radiation-induced cell damage. The effectiveness of CeO(2) nanoparticles in radiation protection in murine models during high-dose radiation exposure is investigated, with the ultimate goal of offering a new approach to radiation protection, using nanotechnology. We show that CeO(2) nanoparticles are well tolerated by live animals, and they prevent the onset of radiation-induced pneumonitis when delivered to live animals exposed to high doses of radiation. In the end, these studies provide a tremendous potential for radioprotection and can lead to significant benefits for the preservation of human health and the quality of life for humans receiving radiation therapy.
Colon
Jimmie
J
Cancer Research Institute, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center Orlando, Orlando, Florida 32806, USA.
Herrera
Luis
L
Smith
Joshua
J
Patil
Swanand
S
Komanski
Chris
C
Kupelian
Patrick
P
Seal
Sudipta
S
Jenkins
D Wayne
DW
Baker
Cheryl H
CH
D000818:Animals; D002563:Cerium / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000737:chemistry; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D016166:Free Radical Scavengers / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000737:chemistry; D051379:Mice; D008819:Mice, Nude; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000737:chemistry; D017564:Radiation Pneumonitis / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011837:Radiation-Protective Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000737:chemistry; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species / Q000378:metabolism
D016166:Free Radical Scavengers; D011837:Radiation-Protective Agents; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species; D002563:Cerium; C030583:ceric oxide