Radiomodifying properties of butylhydroxytoluene using Drosophila melanogaster as an example

In experiments on Drosophila melanogaster, the radiomodifying effect of butylhydroxytoluene (BHT) was assessed by studying the level of DNA damage and lifespan in the wildtype Canton-S strain and sod-gene mutants. It was found that the introduction of BHT into the diet of Drosophila can lead to a decrease in sensitivity to chronic γ-radiation of different intensities (0.42 and 40.3 mGy/h). In individuals with normal gene functioning (Canton-S), which develop under conditions of chronic irradiation, BHT in concentrations above 1 μM has a beneficial effect on the cytogenetic index (reducing its level at dose rates of 0.42 and 40.3 mGy/h) and lifespan (increasing its parameters at dose rate of 0.42 mGy/h). A specific effect of BHT on genotypes with low activity of cytoplasmic (sod[n1]/+) and mitochondrial (sod[delta02]/+) superoxide dismutase was found. According to the "DNA damage" and "survival" parameters, the most pronounced radioprotective effect of BHT was noted in animals of the sod[n1]/+ strain. This effect was recorded at concentrations of the substance exceeding 10 μM and at all irradiation rates. In individuals of the sod[delta02]/+ strain, the antiradiation effect of BHT was revealed at concentrations of 10-20 μM (on the level of DNA damage) and 100 μM (on lifespan). The combination of BHT and chronic irradiation has a predominantly antagonistic (in all genotypes), less often synergistic/additive (in sod-mutants) character. This preparation, depending on the concentration, is able to reduce DNA damage and increase the lifespan of individuals of a certain genotype, which indicates its ability to slow down the aging process. Thus, the experimental data indicate that the introduction of BHT into the diet of Drosophila can have a radioprotective effect, adapting the organism to chronic γ-radiation. The efficiency of this effect depends on the genetic background of animals, especially on the activity level of the corresponding sod-genes.