Radiotherapy-Induced Skin Reactions Induce Fibrosis Mediated by TGF-ß1 Cytokine.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate radiation-induced lesions on the skin in an experimental animal model. Methods and Materials Cutaneous wounds were induced in Wistar rats by 4 MeV energy electron beam irradiation, using a dose rate of 240 cGy/min, for 3 different doses (10 Gy, 40 Gy, and 60 Gy). The skin was observed 5, 10, and 25 days (D) after ionizing radiation exposition. RESULTS: Infiltrate inflammatory process was observed in D5 and D10, for the 40 Gy and 60 Gy groups, and a progressive increase of transforming growth factor ß1 is associated with this process. It could also be noted a mischaracterization of collagen fibers at the high-dose groups. CONCLUSION: It was observed that the lesions caused by ionizing radiation in rats were very similar to radiodermatitis in patients under radiotherapy treatment. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE This study is important to develop strategies to prevent radiation-induced skin reactions.