Search results for "ionizing radiation"

Nitric Oxide Is a Promising Enhancer for Cancer Therapy

2010

This report summarizes the present state of our knowledge pertaining to the nitric oxide (NO)-induced sensitization of tumor cell death. The effects of NO and its synergy with ionizing radiations, with members of the TNF family, and with chemotherapy have been investigated. The effect of NO-induced sensitization and the underlying molecular mechanisms are discussed.

2019

From the very beginnings of radiotherapy, a crucial question persists with how to target the radiation effectiveness into the tumor while preserving surrounding tissues as undamaged as possible. One promising approach is to selectively pre-sensitize tumor cells by metallic nanoparticles. However, though the “physics” behind nanoparticle-mediated radio-interaction has been well elaborated, practical applications in medicine remain challenging and often disappointing because of limited knowledge on biological mechanisms leading to cell damage enhancement and eventually cell death. In the present study, we analyzed the influence of different nanoparticle materials (platinum (Pt), and gold (Au)…

Determination of New Radical Species in Ammonium Tartrate Dosimeters by CW- and Pulsed-EPR Techniques

2015

Samples of ammonium tartrate irradiated with doses of about 0.1–1 kGy by different beams of ionizing radiation (60Co–γ, 19 MeV protons and 62 MeV per nucleon carbon ions) were studied by continuous-wave electron paramagnetic resonance (cw-EPR) and by pulse-EPR techniques. Careful analysis of the cw-EPR and of the echo-detected EPR spectra allowed the identification of a second radical in the system besides the already known radical formed at high temperature by an hydrogen elimination at C(2) position [M. Brustolon et al., Res. Chem. Int 4:359, 1996]. The spectrum of the radical is compatible with that of a radical obtained by hydroxyl elimination.

Evidence for a teratogenic risk in the offspring of health personnel exposed to ionizing radiation?!

2016

Background The evidence concerning safety of occupational exposure to ionizing radiation on teratogenic effects mainly relies on animal models, disaster epidemiology and experience in cancer etiology. Following an explorative result on maternal exposure in medical occupations we conducted a feasibility study, addressing congenital anomalies (CA) in the offspring of health workers potentially exposed to radiation. Methods In a prospective follow-up study, we enrolled women, identified by mandatory registration at the office of radiation protection as wearing a dosimeter. The participating women answered a questionnaire and if pregnant agreed to an examination of their infant. CA were diagnos…

Concentration-Dependent Protection by Ethanol Extract of Propolis against γ-Ray-Induced Chromosome Damage in Human Blood Lymphocytes

2010

Radioprotection with natural products may be relevant to the mitigation of ionizing radiation-induced damage in mammalian systems; in this sense, propolis extracts have shown effects such as antioxidant, antitumoral, anti-inflammatory, and immunostimulant. We report for the first time a cytogenetic study to evaluate the radioprotective effect,in vitro, of propolis against radiation-induced chromosomal damage. Lymphocytes were cultured with increasing concentrations of ethanol extract of propolis (EEP), including 20, 40, 120, 250, 500, 750, 1000, and 2000 μg mL−1and then exposed to 2 Gyγ-rays. A significant and concentration-dependent decrease is observed in the frequency of chromosome aberr…

Evaluation of Mechanical and Structure Properties of Electron Beam Cross-Linked Ethylene-Octene Copolymer Nanocomposites with Multi-Walled Carbon Nan…

2016

Recently, ionizing radiation has found an application in nanotechnology especially attributed to the improvement of nanocomposites. In the present paper, we have developed and evaluated radiation cross-linked nanocomposites made of ethylene-octene copolymer (EOC) with 0-15 wt.% of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and irradiated by 5 MeV accelerated electrons. The influence of combined factors of MWCNT filler content and the irradiation up to 150 kGy on the tensile stress-strain properties at 25–50°C was analysed. The cross-linking efficiency was also evaluated. The results indicated improvement in tensile properties with an increase of MWCNT content and the irradiation up to 150 kGy d…

Physiological Effects of Hyperthermia

1987

Hyperthermia as a modality for the treatment of malignant tumors, either alone or in combination with radiation or anticancer drugs, is rapidly becoming a clinical reality. Three different mechanisms of action have provided the rationale for considering the use of hyperthermia as an antitumor agent. At moderate hyperthermia (T=40˚ -42.5˚ C), heat can increase cell killing in a synergistic way following exposure of a tumor to ionizing radiation. This radiosensitization is probably based on, among other things, the inhibited repair of radiation-induced DNA lesions. Elevated tissue temperatures at 40˚ -42.5˚ C also sensitize tumor cells to certain chemotherapeutic drugs, particularly to alkyla…

Radiation synthesis of nanogels as therapeutic agent vectors

2015

Nanogels (NGs) are physically or chemically crosslinked polymer networks and are promising candidates in the development of therapeutic agent vectors. In fact, thanks to their tunable size and properties, they offer unique advantages, including a large and flexible surface for multivalent bio-conjugation, an internal 3D aqueous environment for incorporation and protection of (bio)molecular drugs, stimuliresponsiveness to achieve temporal and/or site control of the release function and biocompatibility. In order to develop effective NGs-based biomedical devices an inexpensive, robust and versatile synthetic methodology is required. In this perspective, we have produced NGs with high yields a…

Nano structured systems synthesised by ionizing radiation

2009

Ionizing radiation synthesis of multifunctional nanogels for biomedical applications

Nanogels (NGs) are nanosized three-dimensional networks of crosslinked hydrophilic polymers. Their tunable chemical structure, physico-chemical properties and potential biocompatibility make them interesting substrates for the synthesis of “nanodevices” with therapeutic and/or diagnostic functions. In this PhD project, NGs were synthesized through pulsed e-beam irradiation of Poly-N-(Vinyl-Pyrrolidone) (PVP) aqueous solutions. The manufacturing process is fast and straightforward; it does not require the employment of organic solvents, surfactants, initiators or catalyst and guarantees high yields of the desired product. In dilute aqueous polymer solutions, ionizing radiation is mainly abso…