Radiation-induced skin regeneration: A comparative efficacy and safety analysis of alpha, beta, and gamma modalities in murine models.

Abstract

Background and aim: The therapeutic application of ionizing radiation in wound healing, especially with alpha, beta, and gamma modalities, remains largely unexplored despite its potential for enhancing regenerative processes. This study aimed to comparatively analyze the efficacy and safety of alpha radiation (IG-A), beta radiation (IG-B), and gamma radiation (IG-G) modalities in promoting skin regeneration using a murine model of full-thickness excisional wounds.

Materials and methods: Twenty male BALB/c mice were randomized into four groups (n = 5 per group): IG-A, IG-B, IG-G, and an untreated control group (CG). Following surgical induction of full-thickness wounds (8 mm diameter), irradiation groups received 15 min of exposure at four intervals post-surgery using americium-241 (alpha), strontium-91 (beta), and cesium-137 (gamma). Wound healing was monitored macroscopically and microscopically on days 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10. Histological and biochemical assessments included collagen synthesis, epithelialization, neovascularization, and growth factor (vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF] and platelet-derived growth factor [PDGF]) quantification. Statistical analysis was performed using a one-way analysis of variance.

Results: IG-A significantly accelerated wound healing, achieving approximately 100% wound closure by day 10 compared to 90% and 80% in beta and gamma radiation groups, respectively. Control wounds demonstrated only 38% closure. Histopathological analysis indicated enhanced collagen deposition, neovascularization, sebaceous gland regeneration, and complete epithelialization primarily in the alpha-treated group. Biochemical assays revealed significantly elevated VEGF and PDGF levels in irradiated groups, with IG-A exhibiting the highest expression.

Conclusion: IG-A demonstrated superior efficacy in accelerating wound healing and tissue regeneration compared to beta and gamma modalities. This novel finding suggests a potential therapeutic role for IG-A in clinical wound management strategies.