Mitochondrial benefit after Radiation

Mitochondrial benefit after Radiation
05/2017

Dr. Marjan Boerma's lab completed a 2016 study entitled "Late administration of a palladium lipoic acid complex (POLY-MVA) modifies cardiac mitochondria but not functional or structural manifestations of radiation-induced heart disease in a rat model." This work examined the effects of Poly MVA on cardiac tissue and mitochondrial function in a model of radiation-induced heart disease (RIHD). This model is indicative of patients who receive chest irradiation for treatment (i.e. lung cancer, breast cancer, lymphoma) and exposure doses for those traveling in space. The remodeling and fibrosis of the heart manifests after a significant period of time, in this rodent model it becomes apparent in approximately 4-6 months. Poly MVA was administered orally for the last 30 days of the experiment (human equivalent of 2tsp/day). Poly MVA enhanced mitochondrial function and decreased inflammatory markers, but did not repair the remodeled heart tissue or enhance its altered function. This led the team to suggest additional experiments are warranted to investigate possible benefits of Poly MVA throughout the development of the cardiac remodeling as a result of RIHD