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

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 the present study was to investigate the radioprotective effect of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on RT- induced cardiac damage in rats for the acute term.The animals were divided into four groups. The rats in control group were injected with saline for 7 days; the rats in NAC group were injected NAC at dose of 240 mg/kg day for 7 days; the rats in RT group were injected with saline for 7 days plus was irradiated 1 hour after the last injection and the rats in NAC + RT group were injected with NAC for 7 days and irradiated 1 hour 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 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 hours after RT.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.Our findings suggested that NAC may be a potential radioprotector which is capable of preventing cardiac damage.