D-methionine as a protector for irradiation-induced xerostomia

2015 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 25462932
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Pathobiological dentistry/Dental radiology
• Research Institution: Tokai University
• Principal Investigator: YOSHIKAWA Masanobu 東海大学, 医学部, 准教授 (90276791)
• Project Period (FY): 2013-04-01 – 2016-03-31
• Keywords: Dアミノ酸 / 放射線 / 唾液腺機能障害 / 防護薬 / 唾液分泌

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Squamous cell cancers in head and neck are known to be sensitive to irradiation. Patients may have oral-sequelae to radiation include mucositis and salivary glands dysfunction. Some groups have shown protective effects of D-methionine, the dextro-isomer of the common amino acid L-methionine, against oxidative stress. To evaluate if D-methionine can prevent oral mucositis and salivary glands dysfunction resulting from x-ray irradiation or carbon ion beam during treatment for the head and neck cancers. D-methionine can prevent irradiation-induced oral mucositis or salivary glands dysfunction in mice and may be useful clinically to prevent such oral mucositis or xerostomia in head and neck cancer patients.

Free Research Field

薬理学