Design and Synthesis of a Mitochondria-Targeted Mimic of Glutathione Peroxidase, MitoEbselen-2, as a Radiation Mitigator

Ionizing radiation (IR) triggers mitochondrial overproduction of H₂O₂ and accumulation of lipid hydroperoxides leading to the induction of apoptotic and necroptotic cell death pathways. Given the high catalytic efficiency of the seleno-enzyme Glutathione Peroxidase (Gpx) toward reduction of lipid hydroperoxides and H₂O₂, we tested the potential of mitochondria-targeted derivatives of ebselen to mitigate the deleterious effects of IR. We report that 2-[[2-[4-(3-oxo-1,2-benzoselenazol-2-yl)phenyl]acetyl]amino]ethyl-triphenyl-phosphonium chloride (MitoPeroxidase 2) was effective in reducing lipid hydroperoxides, preventing apoptotic cell death, and, when administered 24 h postirradiation, increased the survival of mice exposed to whole body γ-irradiation.