Melatonin as a Radioprotective Agent: Assessing Its Efficacy in Preventing Lung Injury Induced by Radiation Therapy

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Aim: The purpose of our study was to investigate whether melatonin (MLT) can protect against radiation-induced lung injury (RILI) in a rat model, with particular emphasis on dose-dependent effects in preventing pneumonitis and pulmonary fibrosis following radiotherapy (RT). Materials and Methods:Treatment groups received MLT at a dose of 100 mg/kg, 50 mg/kg, and 5 mg/kg before 12 Gy RT in a single fraction.At the end of week 8, rats were sacrificed, and hematoxylin and eosin stained lung tissues were evaluated using a semi-quantitative scoring method based on the alveolar septal area.Results: The mean alveolar septal area was 38+11.07μm 2 in the control group.RT group displayed deteriorated alveolar space and increased alveolar septal thickening with a mean of 42.3+6.60μm 2 .100 mg/kg group displayed the greatest septal thickening and the most alveolar space decrease with a mean of 49.0+12.37μm 2 .MLT 50 mg/kg and 5 mg/kg groups displayed preserved alveolar morphology and less septal degradation with a mean of 35.0+9.08 μm 2 and 31.1+5.73μm 2 respectively.The alveolar septal area was significantly greater in the 100 mg/kg compared with the 50 and 5 mg/ kg groups (p=0.034 and 0,003, respectively).This finding suggests that the 100 mg/kg MLT dose triggered greater profibrotic changes in lung tissues, leading to reduced alveolar space, potentially due to pro-oxidant effects at high doses.Conclusion: These findings highlight the importance of MLT dosage in managing RILI <50 mg/kg doses seem to have potentially less alveolar septum degradatation offering protective effects against lung injury.

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