Modulation of Ionizing Radiation-Induced Apoptosis by Taurine in Human Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes: Flow Cytometry-based Quantification.

BACKGROUND

Radiotherapy, a highly effective method of radiation-based treating cancers, can reduce the size of tumors and affect healthy tissues. Radiation-induced lymphopenia as a side effect of radiation therapy can reduce the effectiveness of the treatment.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to examine how taurine can protect peripheral blood lymphocytes from radiation-based apoptosis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In this experimental study, the effects of the taurine on lymphocytes were studied, and blood samples were divided into three groups: a negative control group that was not treated, a positive control group that was treated with cysteine (100 μg/ml), and a group that was treated with taurine (100 µg. mL) in three different doses (4, 8 & 12 Gy) before irradiation. The percentage of apoptotic and necrotic lymphocytes was measured using flow cytometry 48 and 72 hours after the irradiation, respectively.

RESULTS

According to the groups treated with taurine, the number of lymphocytes undergoing apoptosis was lower and higher compared to the negative and positive control groups, respectively. The decrease in this value was more pronounced 48 hours after radiation compared to 72 hours. Furthermore, there was a slight increase in the number of apoptotic lymphocytes with increasing radiation dose.

CONCLUSION

Taurine effectively protects human peripheral blood lymphocytes from radiation-based apoptosis.