Changes in glutathione-related metabolites in mouse lungs following radon inhalation or X-ray irradiation

Kanzaki, Norie   ; Sun, L.*; Sakoda, Akihiro   ; Kataoka, Takahiro*; Yamaoka, Kiyonori*

We have previously reported that radon inhalation inhibits the symptoms of oxidative stress-related diseases due to activation of antioxidative functions in various organs. Therefore, in this study, we decided to clarify the differences in metabolic changes between low-dose radon inhalation and high-dose X-irradiation. Mice were exposed to radon inhalation or X-ray whole body irradiation, and metabolome analysis of the mouse lungs focused on the antioxidant glutathione (G-SH) was performed. As a result, the G-S-SH level significantly increased following inhalation of radon at a concentration of 200 Bq/m for 10 days. On the other hand, the level of Cysteine, which is a precursor of GSH, was significantly decreased following 10 Gy X-irradiation. Most of the metabolites were reduced by high-dose exposure to X-rays, which may have made them susceptible to oxidative stress. In conclusion, we clarified the differences in changes in glutathione-related metabolites under different exposures.