LPA2 receptor Agonist Radioprotectin-1 Attenuates Radiation-Induced
Apical Junctional Complex Disruption and Barrier Dysfunction in Mouse
Colon
Abstract
Background and Purpose The colonic epithelium is highly sensitive to
ionizing radiation, leading to impaired barrier function.
Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is protective against radiation-induced
intestinal mucosal injury and genotoxic stress. We evaluated the effect
of LPA and its analog, Radioprotein-1 in radiation-induced colonic
epithelial barrier dysfunction. Experimental approach Caco-2 and m-ICC12
cell monolayers were exposed up to g-radiation, and the barrier function
was evaluated by measuring and unidirectional flux of FITC-inulin. Mice
were subjected to either total body irradiation (TBI) or partial body
irradiation (PBI-BM5). Intestinal barrier function was analyzed by
evaluating mucosal permeability to inulin and measuring plasma
lipopolysaccharide (LPS) levels. Tight junction and adherens junction
integrity was examined by confocal microscopy. Oxidative stress was
assessed by measuring protein thiol oxidation and antioxidant mRNA. Key
Results In Caco-2 and m-ICC12 cell monolayers, LPA attenuates
radiation-induced redistribution of tight junction proteins from the
junctions, which was blocked by Rho-kinase inhibitor. In mice, TBI and
PBI-BM5 disrupt colonic epithelial tight junction and adherens junction,
increases mucosal inulin permeability and elevates plasma LPS. RP1
administered 30 min pre-irradiation or 24 hours post-irradiation
alleviates TBI and PBI-BM5-induced tight junction disruption, barrier
dysfunction, and endotoxemia. The RP1 effects on radiation-induced
colonic injury was associated with protein thiol oxidation, suppression
of antioxidant gene expression, cofilin activation and remodeling of
actin cytoskeleton. Conclusion and Implications These data demonstrate
that LPA2 receptor agonists prevent and mitigate g-irradiation-induced
colonic mucosal barrier dysfunction and endotoxemia, indicating their
potential therapeutic benefit in the treatment of the gastrointestinal
acute radiation syndrome.