Gut microbiota response to ionizing radiation and its modulation by HDAC inhibitor TSA.

AIM: Trichostatin A (TSA) has been shown to mitigate whole body γ-radiation-induced morbidity and mortality. The current study aimed at studying the effects of TSA post-irradiation treatment on gut-microbiota, especially the translocation of the microbes from the intestine to other organs in C57 Bl/6 mice model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: On 1st, 3rd 5th 7th 9th 12th and 14th days after various treatments bacteria were isolated from the intestine and nearby organs (mesenteric lymph node, spleen and liver) for further analysis. The jejunum part of all animals was processed for histological analysis. RESULTS: The group radiation + drug showed reduced susceptibility to radiation injury as well as microbiota related anomalies compared to the irradiated alone group. This was described by increased microflora in different parts of the GI tract in the radiation + drug group compared to the irradiated group and reduced histopathological damages in the jejunum. Also, a reduced percentage of translocated bacteria were found in different organs of radiation + drug group animals. CONCLUSION: TSA treatment post-irradiation could effectively control bacterial translocation as well as GI injury in mice.

Immunological Aspect of Radiation-Induced Pneumonitis, Current Treatment Strategies, and Future Prospects.

Delivery of high doses of radiation to thoracic region, particularly with non-small cell lung cancer patients, becomes difficult due to subsequent complications arising in the lungs of the patient. Radiation-induced pneumonitis is an early event evident in most radiation exposed patients observed within 2-4 months of treatment and leading to fibrosis later. Several cytokines and inflammatory molecules interplay in the vicinity of the tissue developing radiation injury leading to pneumonitis and fibrosis. While certain cytokines may be exploited as biomarkers, they also appear to be a potent target of intervention at transcriptional level. Initiation and progression of pneumonitis and fibrosis thus are dynamic processes arising after few months to year after irradiation of the lung tissue. Currently, available treatment strategies are challenged by the major dose limiting complications that curtails success of the treatment as well as well being of the patient's future life. Several approaches have been in practice while many other are still being explored to overcome such complications. The current review gives a brief account of the immunological aspects, existing management practices, and suggests possible futuristic approaches.

Electric stimulations mediated beta lactam resistance reversal and correlation with growth dynamics of community acquired methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

The community associated methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) is a serious issue of public health. Here, we conducted an experimental approach to determine: (i) the optimal significant stimulation range of electrical current for effective checking of CA-MRSA growth; (ii) the effect of electrical stimulations on methicillin susceptibility and possible beta lactam resistance reversal; and (iii) the variation in the level of ATP as function of exposure to electric current. An 8 chambered electrical system was developed for DC flow in control and test sets, with and without drug (oxacillin 4 mg/ml). Measurement of growth by CFU/ml and spectrometry, susceptibility and ATP levels were calculated and interpreted. Linear pattern in reduction of ATP was observed with respect to the intensity of electric current (EC) and an enhanced inhibitory effect was explicit with 1000 microampere (µA) with 30 min exposure. At 4000 µA exposure to DC at 180 min and in combination of drug (µA+D), the growth of CA-MRSA was substantially checked to 0.23 absorbance in comparison to current without drug and the effect of DC electrical current to the culture showed that 10 µA, 100 µA and 4000 µA current exposure in combination of oxacillin (µA+D), markedly reduced the CFU to an average of 256.4. ATP level was linearly reduced with exposure to EC.