Microglia as Therapeutic Target for Radiation-Induced Brain Injury

Abstract

Radiation-induced brain injury (RIBI) after radiotherapy has become an increasingly important factor affecting the prognosis of patients with head and neck tumor. With the delivery of high doses of radiation to brain tissue, microglia rapidly transit to a pro-inflammatory phenotype, upregulate phagocytic machinery, and reduce the release of neurotrophic factors. Persistently activated microglia mediate the progression of chronic neuroinflammation, which may inhibit brain neurogenesis leading to the occurrence of neurocognitive disorders at the advanced stage of RIBI. Fully understanding the microglial pathophysiology and cellular and molecular mechanisms after irradiation may facilitate the development of novel therapy by targeting microglia to prevent RIBI and subsequent neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders.

The effects of Lactobacillus reuteri microcapsules on radiation-induced brain injury by regulating the gut microenvironment

“…After RIBI, microglia dysfunction, inflammatory factors such as TNF-α and IL-6 were released, and neuroimmune inflammation was triggered. 54 The expression of TNF-α and IL-6 in the model group and the blank MC group was significantly increased compared with the healthy group. The LMC could significantly reduce the TNF-α and IL-6 content in the serum compared with the model group (Fig.…”

“…After RIBI, microglia dysfunction, inflammatory factors such as TNF-α and IL-6 were released, and neuroimmune inflammation was triggered. 54 The expression of TNF-α and IL-6 in the model group and the blank MC group was significantly increased…”

“…1,2 Radiation-induced brain injury (RIBI) refers to the central nervous system disease caused by the degeneration and necrosis of neurons in the irradiated brain. 3,4 The acute phase of RIBI clinically manifests in changes in mental state and consciousness, including head-ache, nausea, vomiting and disturbance of consciousness. In the later stage, the RIBI symptoms include dizziness, lethargy, loss of appetite and memory loss.…”

Radiation induced therapeutic effects in cancerous and tumor cells: A review

“…Lipoplatin™ and Lipoxal™ liposomes show similar potency to carboplatin, but accumulate in brain tumors and show better therapeutic efficacy. 31 Therefore, to reduce toxicity, platinum drugs are encapsulated in liposomes for controlled drug delivery administered intravenously, intraarterially, or in combination with disruption of the blood-brain barrier. According to Taira et al, a similar therapeutic effect was observed with chemotherapy combined with cisplatin, vinblastine, and bleomycin (PVB therapy).…”

“…Radiation also generates late effects and results in brain tumors and imposes neurocognitive disorders. 102 It decreases neurogenesis and differentiation, and causes alteration in neural structure and synaptic plasticity. Cell replacement therapy is used for restoration of memory and cognition deficits.…”