Light Quality Modulates the Antioxidant Properties of “Microtom” Fruits: A Pilot Study Testing the Radioprotective Effect on Human Cells Filippo Villano, Valerio Cosimo Elia, Ermenegilda Vitale, Valentina d’Alesio, Gianluca Ametrano, et al. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2026 The fruits of Solanum lycopersicum L. cultivar “Microtom” are a powerful source of antioxidants. We investigated whether two light-quality regimes, i.e., fluorescent white (FL) and red-blue (RB), influenced the antioxidant composition in such fruits, and assessed the potential radioprotective properties of their extracts on normal human cells exposed to clinical photons as used in cancer radiotherapy (RT). Increasing normal-tissue tolerance to radiation is critical for reducing the risk of RT-associated sequelae. Biochemical characterization showed that RB enhanced the content of antioxidant phytochemicals (i.e., polyphenols, flavonoids, total carotenoids, lycopene), while FL promoted ascorbic acid synthesis. Initially tested at 200 µg/mL, RB-derived extracts decreased radiation-induced DNA damage as measured by the cytokinesis-block micronucleus (CBMN) assay in epidermal HaCaT cells. Both RB and FL regimes were subsequently studied in MCF-10A breast cancer (BC) cells, a model of normal-tissue radioresponse in BC RT, using extracts at 100 and 200 µg/mL and also evaluating oxidative stress by a ROS detection assay. Both FL and RB afforded radioprotection. However, RB suppressed radiation-induced MN formation and oxidative stress to a greater extent compared to FL. Therefore, modulation of light-quality regimes represents an innovative approach for developing radionutraceuticals with potential benefits for RT patients.
Radiation quality matters: morphological and biochemical responses of Brassica rapa microgreens to X-rays, C-ions, and Fe-ions Sara De Francesco, Chiara Amitrano, Ermenegilda Vitale, Giulia Costanzo, Walter Tinganelli, et al. Planta, 2025 Main Conclusion Radiation type and dose distinctly modulate microgreens development, revealing trait-specific thresholds where X-rays induce hormesis, carbon ions delay differentiation, and iron ions enhance biochemical balance with moderate anatomical disruption. Abstract As space exploration progresses and controlled-environment agriculture becomes increasingly relevant under extreme conditions, understanding how ionizing radiation affects plant development is crucial. Ionizing radiation poses a major constraint in space cultivation systems, also playing a role in terrestrial stress scenarios. Despite growing interest in radiation biology, few studies have systematically compared plant responses to different radiation types with distinct linear energy transfer (LET). In this study, seeds of Brassica rapa L. were exposed to increasing doses of X-rays (low-LET), carbon ions, and iron ions (high-LET). Seed germination, morpho-anatomical, and biochemical traits of plants were assessed up to the microgreens stage. Plant responses were both dose- and radiation-specific. Specifically, X-rays triggered a hormetic response at low doses (1 Gy), with a decline in several analyzed traits at higher doses. Carbon ions increased leaf expansion but reduced the content of pigments, proteins, and the structural investment, suggesting a delayed tissue differentiation and low-cost acclimation mechanism under stress. Iron ions promoted a coordinated upregulation of biochemical defenses and moderate anatomical changes. Overall, radiation quality induced distinct acclimation strategies in B. rapa, influencing the balance between growth, structural integrity, and defense mechanisms, highlighting its notable radioresistance. Moreover, identifying trait-specific thresholds and response patterns suggests that different radiation types could be selectively applied to modulate specific functions (e.g., biomass or antioxidants promotion, anatomical adjustments) based on desired outcomes. These findings provide valuable insights into how different ionizing radiation types impact plant responses, addressing a critical gap in space-oriented research and guiding strategies to optimize plant growth in extraterrestrial environments.
Evaluating dosimetric outcomes: a comparison of CyberKnife, VMAT FFF, and Helical Tomotherapy Radixact for treating localized prostate cancer Gaetano Gagliardo, Marcello Serra, Gianluca Ametrano, Marco Galiero, Cecilia Arrichiello, et al. Radiologia Medica, 2025 Prostate cancer (PCa) remains one of the most frequently diagnosed malignancies in men globally, ranking second in prevalence, with increasing incidence anticipated due to aging populations. Radiotherapy has emerged as a cornerstone treatment for localized PCa with stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), and it offers a promising approach by delivering highly conformal high-dose radiation in fewer fractions. This study compares the dosimetric outcomes of three SBRT techniques—CyberKnife (CK), Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy with flattening filter-free mode (VMAT FFF), and Helical Tomotherapy Radixact (HT)—for localized PCa. The investigation evaluates dose distribution characteristics, sparing of organs at risk (OARs), and treatment delivery efficiency. Two patient groups with low-to-intermediate-risk localized PCa treated at the Istituto Nazionale Tumori—IRCCS Fondazione G. Pascale were included. Treatment plans for CK, VMAT FFF, and HT were retrospectively generated and analyzed using dosimetric metrics such as Conformity Index (CI), Homogeneity Index (HI), Gradient Index, and dose–volume constraints for OARs. Results revealed comparable target coverage across all techniques, with CK demonstrating superior dose conformity and VMAT FFF achieving shorter treatment times. HT and VMAT FFF are effective alternatives, particularly for centers without access to CK systems, though CK offered advantages in challenging anatomical scenarios. Findings emphasize the feasibility of VMAT FFF and HT as viable options for expanding SBRT accessibility, enabling high-quality treatment delivery in diverse clinical settings.
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