medical news: Protection Against Cell Damage From Antioxidant Formula Prior To Radiation Exposure

"A unique formulation of antioxidants taken orally before imaging with ionizing radiation minimizes cell damage, noted researchers at the Society of Interventional Radiology's 36th Annual Scientific Meeting in Chicago, Ill. In what the researchers say is the first clinical trial of its kind, as much as a 50 percent reduction in DNA injury was observed after administering the formula prior to CT scans.

"In our initial small study, we found that pre-administering to patients a proprietary antioxidant formulation resulted in a notable dose-dependent reduction in DNA injury," said Kieran J. Murphy, M.D., FSIR, professor and vice chair, director of research and deputy chief of radiology at the University of Toronto and University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. "This could play an important role in protecting adults and children who require imaging or a screening study," he added.

"Pre-administering this formula before a medical imaging exam may be one of the most important tools to provide radioprotection and especially important for patients in the getting CT scans," said Murphy. The study's data support the theory about a protective effect during these kinds of exposure, he explained....."cont'd

link to abstract:

"Purpose:  

We examine use of the free radical scavengers vitamin C (VC), glutathione (GL) and uric acid (UA) as a pre-medication strategy prior to radiation exposures typical of medical imaging studies. Our intent was to develop a simple cocktail of antioxidants to be taken orally prior to X-Ray exposures that can protect a patient’s DNA against free radical mediated radiation injury"

link to meeting:

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