Evaluation of the radioprotective efficacy of water soluble sodium salt of n-acetylcysteine in experimental studies

Although several radioprotectors have been developed, their clinical use remains limited due to toxicity, a narrow therapeutic window, and reduced efficacy when administered post irradiation. Consequently, there is a pressing need to develop novel radioprotective agents with improved safety and effectiveness. The aim of this study was to evaluate the radioprotective efficacy of water-soluble sodium salt n-acetylcysteine (NAC). Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on 252 male Wistar rats to determine the radioprotective dose of sodium n-acetylcysteine, assess the effectiveness of its prophylactic administration prior to gamma irradiation, and analyze the dynamics of hematological parameters in peripheral blood. The drug was administered intraperitoneally 1 or 3 hours before irradiation, or 1 hour after exposure. Irradiation was performed using an IGUR-1 device at a dose of 7.0 Gy (LD 95–100/30 ). The working solution of sodium n-acetylcysteine (300 mg/mL, pH 7.5) was prepared ex tempore by dissolving 3 g of the dry substance in 3 mL of distilled water, followed by the addition of 3.5 mL of 5N NaOH and titration to the required pH. Results and Discussion: Intraperitoneal administration of sodium n-acetylcysteine at a dose of 2500 mg/kg contributed to partial preservation of hematopoiesis in animals exposed to 7.0 Gy (LD 95–100/30 ), promoted maintenance of the hematopoietic cell pool, and accelerated the recovery process. Evaluation of the specific radioprotective activity showed that administration at a dose of 2000 mg/kg provided 42 % survival in animals exposed to a lethal radiation dose. Conclusion: The findings in rats demonstrate the rationale for further investigation of the pharmacodynamic properties of sodium n-acetylcysteine, highlighting its significant potential as a radioprotective agent.