Work

Radiomodifying properties of butylhydroxytoluene using Drosophila melanogaster as an example

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: In experiments on Drosophila melanogaster, the radiomodifying effect of butylhydroxytoluene (BHT) was assessed by studying the level of DNA damage and lifespan in the wild-type Canton-S strain and sod-gene mutants. It was found that the introduction of BHT into the diet of Drosophila can lead to a decrease in sensitivity to chronic γ-radiation of different intensities (0.42 and 40.3 mGy/h). In individuals with normal gene functioning (Canton-S), which develop under conditions of chronic irradiation, BHT in concentrations above 1 μM has a beneficial effect on the cytogenetic index (reducing its level at dose rates of 0.42 and 40.3 mGy/h) and lifespan (increasing its parameters at dose rate of 0.42 mGy/h). A specific effect of BHT on genotypes with low activity of cytoplasmic (sod[n1]/+) and mitochondrial (sod[delta02]/+) superoxide dismutase was found. According to the "DNA damage" and "survival" parameters, the most pronounced radioprotective effect of BHT was noted in animals of the sod[n1]/+ strain. This effect was recorded at concentrations of the substance exceeding 10 μM and at all irradiation rates. In individuals of the sod[delta02]/+ strain, the antiradiation effect of BHT was revealed at concentrations of 10-20 μM (on the level of DNA damage) and 100 μM (on lifespan). The combination of BHT and chronic irradiation has a predominantly antagonistic (in all genotypes), less often synergistic/additive (in sod-mutants) character. This preparation, depending on the concentration, is able to reduce DNA damage and increase the lifespan of individuals of a certain genotype, which indicates its ability to slow down the aging process. Thus, the experimental data indicate that the introduction of BHT into the diet of Drosophila can have a radioprotective effect, adapting the organism to chronic γ-radiation. The efficiency of this effect depends on the genetic background of animals, especially on the activity level of the corresponding sod-genes.

Source: Proceedings of the Komi Science Centre of the Ural Division of the Russian Academy of Sciences

DOI: 10.19110/1994-5655-2025-7-25-34

Author: E. Yushkova

Institutions: Institute of Biology of Komi Scientific Centre, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences

Language: English

Topic: Effects of Radiation Exposure

Subfield: Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and Imaging

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

Funders: Ural Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Russian Academy of Sciences