Effect of edaravone on lungs and small intestine in rats with induced radiotherapy

Radiotherapy is a frequently used method for treatment of cancer which is regarded as one of the top two diseases causing premature death worldwide. However, radiotherapy is known to have many side effects. In this study, we evaluated biologically and histologically the possible protective effects of edaravone, the free radical scavenger and neuroprotective agent used to treat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, on lung and small intestine against radiation-induced early side effects of 15 Gy total body irradiation in single fraction. Thirty-two rats were divided randomly into four equal groups. Groups were administered 15 Gy of external ionizing radiation to the whole body after 30 minutes of EDA administration (a dose of 500 and 50 mg/kg). Rats were sacrified at 72 h of the experiment. Tissues were separated to investigate levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSHPX) and malondialdehyde (MDA); and evealuate histopathological changings. The protective effect of EDA showed statistically significant in MDA, SOD and GSHPX values of lungs except CAT and statistically significant effect was observed in MDA in small intestine. Also, we showed statistically significant values with histopathological changings. Pediatric cancer patients who have a longer life expectancy are as important as their recovery from their normal life. We are expecting that EDA as a modulator of free radical scavenging pathways in many organs can reduce the side effects of radiation damage on lungs and small intestine.