tempo and Glioma

Glioblastoma multiforme is the most frequent and aggressive primary brain tumor. A strong rationale to identify innovative approaches to treat these tumors is required since treatment failures result in local recurrences and median survivals range from 9 to 12 months. Glioma cells are reported to have less mitochondrial content compared to adjacent normal brain cells. Based on this difference, we suggest a new strategy, utilizing protection of normal brain cells by mitochondria-targeted electron scavengers and antioxidants-nitroxides-thus allowing for the escalation of the radiation doses. In this paper, we report that a conjugate of nitroxide with a hydrophobic cation, triphenyl-phosphonium (TPEY-Tempo), significantly protected brain endothelial cells from γ-irradiation-induced apoptosis while radiosensitizing brain tumor cells. Thus, TPEY-Tempo may be a promising adjunct in the treatment of glioblastoma with the potential to not only prolong survival but also to maintain quality of life and reduce treatment toxicity.

Topics: Apoptosis; Brain; Brain Neoplasms; Caspase 3; Cell Line, Transformed; Cyclic N-Oxides; Cytochromes c; Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; Electron Transport Complex IV; Endothelial Cells; Gamma Rays; Glioma; Humans; Mitochondria; Neuroprotective Agents; Nitrogen Oxides; Organic Chemicals; Organoselenium Compounds