Lowering radiation toxicity by inhibiting Nf-kappa B protein. Study on Zebra-fish

Research conducted by the Kimmel Cancer Center at Jefferson University on embryos of zebra fish showed that inhibiting in a direct manner of the activity of an important protein which intermediates the process of inflammation, the negative, toxic effects of radiation are drastically countervailed. This research outcome represents good news for those suffering from diseases which are counteracted by radiation treatment since there is a chance to reduce the damaged produced by the rays.

It has been proven that the inhibitors of the NF-kappa B protein defend the organism against the negative effects of radiation exposure. This protection effect works if the protein is given prior to the exposure. Also, the inhibitors of NF-kappa B protein weaken the toxic effects of the radiations if the protein is given in the range of one up to two hours after the exposure to the rays.

The research published in the Molecular Cancer Therapeutics Journal stated that even though the inhibitors of the NF-kappa B protein and those of the molecular complex proteasome were tested for their ability to counteract the toxic effects of radiations, results were different. It was proven that the inhibitors of the proteasome, in reality, worsened the negative effects of radiation exposure. Researchers conducting the study believe that inhibitor agents of the molecular complex affect the activity of the NF-kappa B and by radio-sensitization enhance the toxic effects of the radiation process.

Researchers Dr. Ulrich Rodeck and Adam Dicker from the Radiology Department of Thomas Jefferson University stated that even though they thought that the processes of the NF-kappa B protein were beneficial for the radiation exposed organisms, the outcome of the study came as a shock to them. As Dr. Rodeck says: “We actually found quite the opposite – inhibiting the activity is an advantage that increased the survival in zebra-fish and protected the individual organs from harmful effects of radiation.” The doctor also believes that an excessive activity of the NF-kappa B protein is harmful for the organism. In order to counteract its destroying character, the only thing to do is to downmodulate the protein`s activity.

Even though their study began with the zebra-fish, the two researchers plan to test their theory further, with the final goal of putting it at use for people who suffer from cancer and need