Aim
Amifostine is the only selective normal tissue cytoprotector, approved for the protection against platinum toxicities and radiotherapy-induced xerostomia. Free radical scavenger and DNA repair activities have been attributed to the drug. Materials and
Conclusion
It is concluded that amifostine, aside to DNA protection activity, exerts its cytoprotective function by preventing radiation-induced blockage of autophagy, lysosomal biogenesis and lipophagy.
Methods
We investigated the effect of amifostine on autophagy, lysosomal biogenesis and lipophagy of normal mouse liver exposed to clinically relevant doses of radiation.
Results
The study provides evidence that ionizing radiation blocks autophagy activity and lysosomal biogenesis in normal mouse liver. Amifostine, protects the liver autophagic machinery and induces lysosomal biogenesis. By suppressing autophagy, ionizing radiation induces lipid droplet accumulation, while pre-treatment with amifostine protects lipophagy and up-regulates the TIP47 protein and mRNA levels, showing a maintenance of lipid metabolism in the liver cells.