Specialists have developed a drug to fight radiation sickness

High doses of radiation can destroy DNA in a few minutes. But several days may pass after the exposure before first aid is provided. Recent research in this area has shown that it is possible to significantly reduce the mortality rate of radiation victims. During the research, specialists developed a remedy that remained effective even three days after receiving a high dose of radiation (the scientists conducted all experiments on laboratory rodents).

According to experts, the new drug could be used in the future to protect astronauts from galactic rays that are harmful to humans.

The developers noted that cells restore DNA damaged by radiation, but this process does not always proceed correctly. When a cell does not recognize the remains of DNA damage, this significantly increases the risk of developing cancerous tumors; if the opposite reaction is observed, the cell self-destructs. If such a reaction occurs in many cells, death will occur within seven days.

Professor Gabor Tignyi and his colleagues from the public research university in Chattanooga (Tennessee, USA) devoted 10 years of research to studying the properties of LPA (lysophosphatidic acid, which gives cells a chance to survive high doses of radiation). How exactly the acid helps restore cells is unknown, but experts can say that thanks to LPA, cells have the time they need to repair damaged DNA. Thanks to this molecule, the risk of developing cancer or self-destruction in most cells is significantly reduced.

Back in 2007, specialists developed a product that reacts with cellular receptors of exercise therapy and reduces the effects of radiation on the digestive system and bone marrow, which are most susceptible to radiation. However, the product, from a medical point of view, was not strong enough.

In a recent study, a team of researchers used computer modeling technology to improve the molecular structure of an existing drug and develop a new, more powerful one. The first experiments on laboratory rodents have already been conducted, and the results have been impressive.

Radiation of 3-4 grays is capable of killing a human, but a group of specialists began the experiment with extremely high doses - rodents were exposed to radiation of 15.7 grays. In the group of rodents that did not receive treatment, 12 out of 14 mice died after 14 days.

In another group, where they were treated with DBIBB (a new drug to combat radiation sickness), 13 out of 14 rodents survived. The drug was administered to the mice one day after the radiation, and the mice received surgical treatment.

Surgical therapy is not always possible, so the scientists conducted a series of experiments. DBIBB was administered to experimental animals 72 hours after irradiation with a strength of 8.5 gray. In the group of rodents that did not receive treatment, 12 out of 15 mice died, in the group that received DBIBB therapy, 14 out of 15 animals survived.

There is currently no effective drug on the market that can treat the symptoms of radiation sickness, but several such drugs are in development. Most of the drugs used for radiation sickness today are effective only if administered within 24 hours of exposure to radiation. Given all this, the benefits of DBIBB are undeniable.

Tigyi and his colleagues intend to continue working on the new drug to improve its effectiveness (at this stage, DBIBB helps in 90% of cases).

Conducting clinical trials involving humans is not allowed by ethical standards, but before there is an urgent need to use the drug on humans, scientists need to thoroughly study the drug's principle of action and prove the high efficacy and safety of DBIBB on laboratory animals.

[ 1 ], [ 2 ], [ 3 ], [ 4 ], [ 5 ]