Radiation exposure to lungs during nuclear catastrophes or radiotherapy poses long-term side effects and can induce pulmonary injury sufficient for causing death. The strategies for preventing or reversing radiation-induced lung injuries have not been yet developed. Quercetin-3-Rutinoside (Q-3-R), a polyphenolic bioflavonoid, has shown multifaceted pharmacological applications due to its high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
In this mouse study, researchers assessed the potential of Q-3-R against radiation-induced lung pneumonitis/fibrosis and the possible underlying mechanism.
The findings demonstrate that Q-3-R provides radioprotection to the lungs by regulating NF-κB/TGF-β1 signaling, scavenging free radicals, preventing perivascular infiltration and prolonged inflammatory cascade which could otherwise lead to chronic radiation fibrosis.
Q-3-R can be proved as a potential therapeutic agent for alleviating radiation-induced lung injury in case of planned or unplanned radiation exposure scenario.
Quercetin-3-Rutinoside alleviates radiation-induced lung inflammation and fibrosis via regulation of NF-κB/TGF-β1 signaling. Phytomedicine. May 2022
