CpG-Oligodeoxynucleotides Improved Irradiation-Induced Injuries by G-CSF and IL-6 Up-Regulation

BACKGROUND/AIMS: This study investigated the radioprotective properties of three classes of CpG-oligodeoxynucleotides (CpG-ODNs) and the underlying mechanisms. METHODS: Mice irradiated at different doses(7Gy or 9Gy) were treated with or without ODNs(50μg via intraperitoneal injection). Assays were performed to determine survival rate and the number of white blood cell in peripheral blood. The levels of granulocyte-colony stimulating factor(G-CSF), interleukin 6(IL-6) and interferon-α (IFN-α) were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: Survival rate of mice irradiated in 7Gy was increased from 50% to about 100% with ODNs pretreatment. ODNs administration increased the number of WBCs of irradiated mice. G-CSF, IL-6 and IFN-α levels were up-regulated with ODNs treatment. CONCLUSION: All three classes of ODNs protected mice from irradiation-induced injuries. B-class ODNs exhibited the most potent radioprotective property via the up-regulation of G-CSF and IL-6.