Exploring the Effect of UV C and Understanding the Ex Vivo Prostate Gland Regeneration in Earthworm Model

Abstract

Non-communicable diseases have persistently existed in human life. Environmental and the occupational exposure of chemical and radiation play vital role in developing many diseases including cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, etc. The occupational exposure of UV-c on animal and human health is poorly understood. In this present study, we investigated the effect of UV-C on earthworm, Perionyx excavatus and analyzed the DNA-damage response, Behavior, and its effect in regeneration. Additionally, we wanted to address the gap in the modeling system. Model systems are critical in biomedical and preclinical research. Animal and in vitro models 2D and 3D (organoid and assembloid) serve an important role in our current understanding of human physiology, disease pathophysiology, and therapy development. Despite this, we are unable to understand a number of biological processes and are unable to provide a comprehensive solution to a number of disorders. As a result, new approaches and systems are required for modeling. Therefore, we developed a method to maintain organ (prostate gland) from earthworm Eudrilus eugeniae in ex vivo condition. Then we used ex vivo functional whole organ as a model and studied prostate gland regeneration and drug screening ex vivo. The impact of UV-C on the earthworm system encompasses various aspects, including behavior and tissue damage. Upon exposure, earthworms exhibit a primary response by producing coelomic fluid, followed by autotomy. Furthermore, UV-C induces chloragogen and epithelial outgrowth in intestinal tissues. The UV-C radiation triggers the generation of single-stranded DNA and DNA double-strand breaks, thereby disrupting genomic integrity. This study newlineix newlinemarks the first confirmation of the presence of the H2AX protein in earthworms, showcasing a DNA damage response reminiscent of higher animals like vertebrates.