# Synthesis and Radioprotective Activity of Benzyl Sulfoxide/Sulfone Coumarins Derived from Ex-RAD

## TL;DR

Scientists designed and tested new coumarin compounds that may protect against radiation damage more effectively than existing options.

## Contribution

The discovery of compound 5u as a more effective radioprotective agent than Ex-RAD in mice and human cells.

## Key findings

- Compounds 5q and 5u showed better DNA damage mitigation than Ex-RAD in HUVECs.
- Compound 5u significantly improved mouse survival after lethal radiation exposure.
- Most synthesized coumarin derivatives exhibited significant radioprotective effects at low concentrations.

## Abstract

In order to identify promising radioprotector candidates, a series of benzyl sulfoxide/sulfone coumarin derivatives were designed and synthesized based on the reported activity of Ex-Rad. Most of the target compounds demonstrated significant radioprotective effects at concentrations of 40 μmol/L and 20 μmol/L in HUVECs. Among them, compounds 5q and 5u displayed superior activity in mitigating DNA damage compared with Ex-RAD. Notably, compound 5u significantly enhanced the viability of mice exposed to a lethal dose of ionizing radiation. In summary, the above findings suggested that compound 5u might be a promising radioprotective agent deserving further investigation.