Comparison of effects of dexmedetomidine andamifostine against x-ray radiation-induced parotis damage

Objective: Approximately 50-60% of cancer patients all over the world need radiotherapy at some stage of their treatment. Radiotherapy, which is one of the main methods in the treatment of head and neck cancers, has not been prevented from adverse effects on secondary organs besides the target organ. In this context, we aimed to determine the histopathological and biochemical changes in parotid tissue caused by ionizing radiation and to examine the effect of dexmedetomidine against possible negative changes by comparing it with amifostine. Method: This study, in which Sprague Dawley male rats were used, consisted of 5 groups: the control group, ionized radiation group, ionizing radiation+dexmedetomidine-100, ionized radiation+dexmedetomidine-200 and ionized radiation+amifostine group. X-ray irradiation groups were exposed to a single dose of 8 Gy X-ray, affecting the head and neck region. The groups exposed to X-ray were sacrificed after 24 hours by taking samples for histopathological and biochemical evaluations. The sections taken were stained with Hematoxylin & Eosin and Masson-Goldner trichrome for histopathological evaluation, and also marked with special staining method active Caspase-3 primary antibody. MDA and GSH were determined from tissue samples for biochemical evaluation. Results: A statistically significant increase in tissue MDA levels, active Caspase3 positivity and various histopathological damage markers was found in the ionized radiation group compared to the control group. It was found that these levels were significantly decreased in dexmedetomidine and amifostine groups. In addition, the GSH level compared to the control group; ionizing radiation decreased in ionizing radiation+ dexmedetomidine-100 group; Increased levels were found in ionizing radiation+ dexmedetomidine-200, ionizing radiation+amifostine group. Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine can have a significant protective effect on salivary gland damage caused by ionizing radiation. Keywords: Ionizing radiation, Dexmedetomidine, Amifostine, Rat