Astaxanthin-Mediated Returning the Aquaporin-1 to Basal Level May Be an Alternative Treatment Approach in Radiotherapy-Induced Lung Injury

Abstract Background: Radiotherapy (12-RAD), which has an important place in cancer treatment, destroys cancer cells, but also negatively affects healthy tissues in that area. Astaxanthin (ATX) is known to have powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic properties. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of ATX on lung injury after radiotherapy. Methods and Results: 32 rats were divided into 4 groups as control, 12-RAD (a single dose of 10 Gy x-ray was given at a rate of 0.62 Gy/min), 12-RAD+ATX, + ATX (10mg/kg ATX was administered by oral gavage for 7 days). Twenty-four hours after the last ATX application, the lung tissues of the rats were taken for biochemical, genetic, histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations. 12-RAD increased the oxidative stress markers TOS, OSI levels, the expression of VCAM-1, VEGF-A, which increases in inflammation, and the apoptotic marker, caspase-3. It also significantly reduced Aquaporin-1 and TAS levels. On the other hand, ATX has returned all these parameters. Conclusion: All evidence suggests that the use of ATX may be a potential therapeutic agent against radiotherapy-induced lung injury.