Protective effect of Selenium-L-methionine on radiation-induced acute pneumonitis and lung fibrosis in rat.

BACKGROUND: In this study, we aimed to detect the changes in the level of interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13 cytokines and their downstream genes including interleukin-13 receptor subunit alpha-2 (IL13Ra2), interleukin-4 receptor subunit alpha-1 (IL4Ra1), dual oxidase 1 (DUOX1) and dual oxidase 2 (DUOX2). The protective effects of Selenium-L-methionine on radiation-induced histopathological damages and changes in the level of these cytokines and genes were detected.

METHODS: Four groups of 20 rats (5 rats in each) namely control; Selenium-L-methionine, radiation; and radiation plus Selenium-L-methionine, were used in this study. 4 mg/kg of Selenium-L-methionine was administered 1 day before irradiation and five consecutive days after. Irradiation was done using a dose of 15 Gy 60Co gamma rays at 109 cGy/min. All rats were sacrificed 10 weeks after irradiation for detecting changes in IL-4 and IL-13 cytokines, the expressions of IL13Ra2, IL4Ra1, Duox1 and Duox2 as well as histopathological changes.

RESULTS: The level of IL-4 but not IL-13 increased after irradiation. This was associated with increased expression of IL4Ra1, Duox1 and Duox2, in addition to changes in morphological properties. Selenium-L-methionine could attenuate all injury markers following lung irradiation.

CONCLUSION: Selenium-L-methionine can protect lung tissues against toxic effects of ionizing radiation. It is possible that modulation of immune responses and redox interactions are involved in the radioprotective effect of this agent.