Modulatory effects of curcumin on γ-radiation-induced cellular damage in primary culture of isolated rat hepatocytes

Cell viability and cytotoxicity assays: Biochemical elements and cellular compartments

Cell viability and cytotoxicity assays play a crucial role in drug screening and evaluating the cytotoxic effects of various chemicals. The quantification of cell viability and proliferation serves as the cornerstone for numerous in vitro assays that assess cellular responses to external factors. In the last decade, several studies have developed guidelines for defining and interpreting cell viability and cytotoxicity based on morphological, biochemical, and functional perspectives. As this domain continues to experience ongoing growth, revealing new mechanisms orchestrating diverse cell cytotoxicity pathways, we suggest a revised classification for multiple assays employed in evaluating cell viability and cell death. This classification is rooted in the cellular compartment and/or biochemical element involved, with a specific focus on mechanistic and essential aspects of the process. The assays are founded on diverse cell functions, encompassing metabolic activity, enzyme activity, cell membrane permeability and integrity, adenosine 5'-triphosphate content, cell adherence, reduction equivalents, dye inclusion or exclusion, constitutive protease activity, colony formation, DNA fragmentation and nuclear splitting. These assays present straightforward, reliable, sensitive, reproducible, cost-effective, and high-throughput approaches for appraising the effects of newly formulated chemotherapeutic biomolecules on the cell survival during the drug development process.

Rutin protects against gamma-irradiation and malathion-induced oxidative stress and inflammation through regulation of mir-129-3p, mir-200C-3p, and mir-210 gene expressions in rats' kidney

Kidney injury represents a global concern, leading to chronic kidney disease. The organophosphate insecticide malathion (MT) demonstrates environmental disturbance and impairment of different mammalian organs, including kidneys. Likewise, gamma-irradiation (IRR) provokes destructive effects in the kidneys. Rutin is a flavonoid glycoside that exhibits nephro-protective and radio-protective properties. This manuscript focused on investigating the protective response of rutin on MT- and IRR-triggered kidney injury in rats. Rats were randomly divided into eight groups of twelve: G1 (C), control; G2 (Rutin), rutin-treated rats; G3 (IRR), gamma-irradiated rats; G4 (MT), malathion-treated rats; G5 (IRR/MT), gamma-irradiated rats treated with malathion; G6 (IRR/Rutin), gamma-irradiated rats treated with rutin; G7 (MT/Rutin), rats treated with malathion and rutin; and G8 (IRR/MT/Rutin), gamma-irradiated rats treated with malathion and rutin, every day for 30 days. The results demonstrated that rutin treatment regulated the biochemical parameters, the oxidative stress, the antioxidant status, and the inflammatory responses due to the down-regulation of the renal NF-κB p65 protein expression. Moreover, it amended the activity of acetylcholinesterase (AchE), angiotensin ACE I, and ACE II-converting enzymes. Besides, it regulated the iNOS, eNOS, miR-129-3p, miR-200c, and miR-210 gene expressions and bradykinin receptor (B1R and B2R) protein expressions. Histopathological examinations of the kidney tissue confirmed these investigated results. It could be concluded that rutin demonstrated nephro/radioprotection and counteracted the toxicological effects triggered in the kidney tissues of IRR, MT, and IRR/MT intoxicated rats, via regulating miR-129-3p, miR-200c-3p, and miR-210-3p gene expressions, which consequently regulated B2R protein expressions, ACE II activity, and HIF-1α production, respectively.

Polyphenols as Potential Protectors against Radiation-Induced Adverse Effects in Patients with Thoracic Cancer

Radiotherapy is one of the standard treatment approaches used against thoracic cancers, occasionally combined with chemotherapy, immunotherapy and molecular targeted therapy. However, these cancers are often not highly sensitive to standard of care treatments, making the use of high dose radiotherapy necessary, which is linked with high rates of radiation-induced adverse effects in healthy tissues of the thorax. These tissues remain therefore dose-limiting factors in radiation oncology despite recent technological advances in treatment planning and delivery of irradiation. Polyphenols are metabolites found in plants that have been suggested to improve the therapeutic window by sensitizing the tumor to radiotherapy, while simultaneously protecting normal cells from therapy-induced damage by preventing DNA damage, as well as having anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory or immunomodulatory properties. This review focuses on the radioprotective effect of polyphenols and the molecular mechanisms underlying these effects in the normal tissue, especially in the lung, heart and esophagus.

Effects and treatment applications of polymeric nanoparticles on improving platelets' storage time: a review of the literature from 2010 to 2020

Maintaining the quality of platelet products and increasing their storage time are priorities for treatment applications. The formation of platelet storage lesions that limit the storage period and preservation temperature, which can prepare a decent environment for bacterial growth, are the most important challenges that researchers are dealing with in platelet preservation. Nanotechnology is an emerging field of science that has introduced novel solutions to resolve these problems. Here, we reviewed the reported effects of polymeric nanoparticles-including chitosan, dendrimers, polyethylene glycol (PEG), and liposome-on platelets in articles from 2010 to 2020. As a result, we concluded that the presence of dendrimer nanoparticles with a smaller size, negative charge, low molecular weight, and low concentration along with PEGylation can increase the stability and survival of platelets during storage. In addition, PEGylation of platelets can also be a promising approach to improve the quality of platelet bags during storage.

Curcumin protects radiation-induced liver damage in rats through the NF-κB signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

Curcumin has been demonstrated to exert anti-oxidant, anti-fibrotic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer activities. This study was conducted to observe the effect and inner mechanism of curcumin in rats with radiation-induced liver damage (RILD).

METHODS

Thirty SD rats were classified into Control, Radiation group and Curcumin (Cur) + Radiation group (n = 10 in each group). The changes in body weight of the rats were observed on the 3rd, 7th and 14th days after the treatment with curcumin. On the 14th day post treatment, the heart blood of the rats was drawn for measurement of liver function indices including total protein (TP), alanine aminotransfetase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) as well as aspartate aminotransfetase (AST). Subsequently, the rats were euthanized and liver tissues were taken to observe liver morphological changes using hematoxylin-eosin (HE), and to analyze apoptosis condition using transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) assays. Meanwhile, the oxidative stress level in liver tissue homogenate was determined by biochemical analysis. The expression of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathway-associated and apoptosis-associated proteins was detected using Western blot analysis, and the expression levels of inflammatory factors were measured by Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

RESULTS

The reduced body weight was observed in rats of the Radiation group compared to the Control and Cur + Radiation groups on day 14. In the Radiation group, hepatic cell edema and inflammatory cell infiltration could be visible under the light microscope, and the hepatocytes presented with vacuolar degeneration. In the Cur + Radiation group, the hepatocytes swelled under the microscope, but the pathological changes were alleviated in comparison with the Radiation group. RILD rats with curcumin treatment presented with decreased ALT, AST, ALP, LDH, and maleicdialdehyde (MDA) levels, and elevated TP, superoxide dismutase (SOD), caspase activated DNase (CAD) and glutathione (GSH) levels. Apoptosis and inflammation in rats with RILD were up-regulated, and the NF-κB pathway was activated, but they were reversed after continuously intragastric administration of curcumin for 14 days.

CONCLUSION

Our study highlights that curcumin treatment reduces the liver damage caused by radiation through the inhibition of the NF-κB pathway.

Biochemical study on the protective effect of curcumin on acetaminophen and gamma-irradiation induced hepatic toxicity in rats

Acetaminophen (APAP) is one of the few recommended analgesic and antipyretic drugs in some critical cases such as viral disease COVID-19. However, the unrestricted use of APAP develops liver disorders. Hepatotoxicity and liver injury can also be induced by ionizing radiation (IR) during radiotherapy. The data of the current study represents that treatment of rats with either APAP-overdose, or gamma-irradiation (R) induces hepatotoxicity, results in significant increases of the hepatic-enzymes activities (ALT, AST, ALP, GGT, LDH, and MDH), as well as enhancement of triglycerides, total cholesterol levels, combined with declines in albumin and total protein contents. An enhancement of the lipid peroxides (malondialdehyde; MDA), and nitric oxide levels along with a decline of reduced glutathione contents and suppression of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase activities are also observed within the liver tissues of intoxicated animals. TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, iNOS, Cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1), miR-802 gene expression, NF-κB, and calcium levels are up-regulated, while Nuclear factor erythroid-related factor-2 (Nrf2), Hemoxygenase-1 (HO-1) protein and gene expressions, as well as, glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit (GCLC), NAD(P)H-Quinone oxidoreductase (NQO1), and miR-122 gene expressions are down-regulated in the livers of intoxicated animals. All these parameters show significant improvement in R/APAP intoxicated animals. Curcumin pretreatment develops an amelioration of these effects in APAP-overdose, R-exposure, or R/APAP treatments. In conclusion, oral administration of curcumin shows hepatoprotective effects against APAP-overdose induced hepatic damage in normal and gamma-irradiated rats through prospective regulation of the therapeutic targets CYP2E1, Nrf2, and NF-κB, via organizing the miR-122 and miR-802 gene expression.

Histopathological assessment of protective effects of selenium nanoparticles on rat hepatocytes exposed to Gamma radiation

Gamma radiation are used in many medical and technical applications, however, it is one of the most dangerous kinds of radiation and can be harmful to the body. The present study was designed to clarify the protective effects of the selenium supplementation as selenium nanoparticle and selenite selenium in rat liver against Gamma irradiation with different intensities of 2.00 and 8.00 Gy. A total number of 45 healthy male Wistar rats were randomly divided into nine groups of five each. The radiation procedure was carried out in the Cobalt 60 equipment in Omid hospital, Urmia. The animals were simultaneously immobilized in a transparent acrylic plate and exposed to different intensities of 2.00 and 8.00 Gy radiations on day 7th and 14th of the experiment. After 72 hr after the last radiation, the animals were euthanized, and blood and liver tissue were collected. Histological analyses revealed the radiation-induced hepatic injury in rats, which included vacuolated cytoplasm, liver necrosis, fibrosis, and vascular lesions followed by a significant increase in alanine transaminase, alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, and Gamma-glutamyl transferase. Selenium nanoparticles bear a more potent antioxidant effect in comparison with selenium selenite and can effectively protect the liver cell against Gamma radiation at a dose of 8.00 Gy.

Diminazene aceturate extenuate the renal deleterious consequences of angiotensin-II induced by γ-irradiation through boosting ACE2 signaling cascade

AIM

This work aims to explore the role of diminazene aceturate (DIZE) in the enhancement of angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2) to prevent the inflammatory and fibrotic response induced by γ-irradiation through activating the protective axis ACE2/angiotensin (1-7)/Mas receptor (ACE2/Ang(1-7)/Mas).

METHODS

Male rats were injected i.p. with 15 mg/kg DIZE daily for 7 days pre and post-irradiation, where 7.5 Gy of γ-radiation as a single dose was used.

KEY FINDINGS

Gamma radiation induced a significant elevation of renal biochemical parameters: urea, creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) in serum with a significant disturbance in oxidative stress markers: elevation in malondialdehyde (MDA) associated with a depletion of reduced glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Beside elevation in the level of angiotensin II (AngII) that lead to remarkably increases in the levels of the renal inflammatory mediators: tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) as well as renal fibrogenic markers: transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), and hydroxyproline content in the renal tissues. DIZE caused marked expansion in the expression of ACE2 consequently decreased the expression of AngII and increased the expression of Ang(1-7) which through its Mas receptor ameliorates the biochemical and histopathological damage induced by radiation.

SIGNIFICANCE

DIZE-induced stimulation of ACE2 subdues the renal deleterious consequences induced by γ-radiation via activation of ACE2/Ang(1-7)/Mas axis in rats.

Radioprotective efficacy of dieckol against gamma radiation-induced cellular damage in hepatocyte cells

Naturally occurring antioxidants prevent or delay the harmful effect of free radical formation and radioprotection. The present study aimed to investigate the radioprotective effect of dieckol, a naturally occurring marine bioactive phenolic compound on lipid peroxidation and antioxidant status, DNA damage, and inflammation in gamma-radiation-induced rat primary hepatocytes. Isolated hepatocyte cells exposed to gamma-radiation showed an increased level of lipid peroxidation markers (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and lipid hydroperoxides) accompanied with the decrease in the activities of enzymatic (SOD, CAT, and GPx) and non-enzymatic (vitamin C, vitamin E, and GSH) antioxidants associated with increased DNA damage coupled with upregulation of inflammatory proteins (NF-κB and COX-2) compared to control. Treatment of dieckol (5, 10, 20 μM) reduces the γ-radiation-induced toxicity and the associated pro-oxidant and antioxidant imbalance as well as decreasing the DNA damage (tail length, tail moment, %DNA in a tail and olive tail moment) and inflammation in hepatocyte cells. These findings indicate that treatment of dieckol offers protection against γ-radiation-induced cellular damage in the liver cells.

Possible protective effect of the algae spirulina against nephrotoxicity induced by cyclosporine A and/or gamma radiation in rats

The present study was conducted to evaluate the possible protective role of the algae spirulina (Sp) against nephrotoxicity and oxidative stress which are the main secondary effects induced by the immunosuppressant drug CSA and/or ionizing radiation. In this study, male rats were given Sp (1 g/kg) either for 15 days before irradiation (6.5 Gy) or 5 days before and 10 days concomitant with CSA (25 mg/kg). Markers used to assess renal injury included serum creatinine, urea, glucose, albumin, protein, and lipid profile as well as kidney content of reduced glutathione (GSH); lipid peroxidation (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS)); nitrite and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. In addition, some trace elements (Zn and Mg) were estimated in kidney. Apoptosis was assessed by immunohistochemical estimation of caspase-3 expression in addition to histopathological examination. Results revealed that gamma radiation and/or CSA induced elevation in urea, creatinine, lipids, and glucose while decreasing albumin and protein levels. There was a noticeable increase in kidney content of GSH, TBARS, and nitrite. Meanwhile, profound decrease in kidney SOD activity was observed. Treatment with Sp significantly reversed the changes induced by CSA and/or gamma radiation in renal function tests. Spirulina also ameliorated kidney oxidative stress through decreasing GSH, TBARS, and nitrite kidney content while increasing SOD activity. Histopathological examination further confirmed Sp protective efficacy. Moreover, kidney caspase-3 expression that was triggered by CSA and/or gamma radiation was decreased. In conclusion, spirulina can be regarded as a promising renoprotective natural agent against renal injury induced by CSA and/or gamma radiation.

In Vitro Bioassay-guided Isolation of Radioprotective Fractions from Extracts of Pinus koraiensis Bark

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate radioprotective effect of extracts of Pinus koraiensis bark and its fractions on rat splenocytes by using bioassay-guided isolation in order to obtain the best active fraction.

Materials and Methods

P. koraiensis bark was ground and extracted with water, 40% acetone, 95% ethanol. Bio-guided assay was selected as an evaluation method to further fractionate radioprotective component from P. koraiensis bark extract. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents in fractions were also measured. Rat splenocytes were prepared by using mechanical trituration method. DNA damage was assessed as comet parameters (tail DNA%, tail length, tail moment, olive tail moment). The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), and activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) in cultured rat splenocytes were also measured.

Results

The radioprotective effects decreased from rutin >95% ethanol extracts of Pinus koraiensis bark (95EEP) >40AEP > WEP. The stimulating effects decreased from rutin > n-butanol extract (NBE) > EAE. The results demonstrate that there exists toxic ingredients (PEE and dichloromethane extract), proliferative-promoting, radioprotective component (EAE and NBE) in 95EEP. fraction eluted from n-butanol fractions of 95EEP with 50% methanol solution (NBEPKB-50ME), a fraction of NBE result from bio-guided isolation, demonstrates good radioprotective efficacy on rat splenocytes. NBEPKB-50ME pretreated rat splenocytes demonstrated progressively reduced levels of MDA when compared with γ-ray exposed cells. Different dose of NBEPKB-50ME pretreatment with 8 Gy-irration showed an increase in enzymatic antioxidant.

Conclusions

Proliferative-promoting efficacy, radioprotective effect of different solvents extracts of the bark of P. koraiensis were investigated in this work. NBEPKB-50ME was the best elution in NBE, especially in restoring SOD, CAT activities, content of GSH, decreasing DNA damage.

SUMMARY

The radioprotective effects decreased from rutin > 95EEP > 40AEP > WEP. The extract of Petroleum ether, dichloromethane extract (DME) of 95% ethanol extract of P. koraiensis (PEE, DME) show toxic effect on rat splenocytes. The extract of Ethyl acetate, n-butanol extract of 95% ethanol extract of P. koraiensis (EAE, NBE) show proliferative-promoting, radioprotective effect on rat splenocytesSingle-cell gel electrophoresis was used to evaluate the spleen cell DNA damage parameters affected by gamma-radiation and addition of best component NBEPKB-50Me from extract of P. koraiensis barkNBEPKB-50ME pretreatment with 8 Gy-irradiation showed an increase in enzymatic antioxidant capacity. NBEPKB-50ME pretreated (80, 160, 320, 480 mg/ml) rat splenocytes demonstrated progressively reduced levels of MDA when compared with g-ray exposed cells. Abbreviations used: MDA: Malondialdehyde; SOD: Superoxide dismutase; CAT: Catalase; PEE: Petroleum ether Extract; DME: Dichloromethane extract; EAE: Ethyl acetate extract; NBE: n-butanol extract; WAP: Water extracts of Pinus koraiensis bark; 40AEP: 40% acetone extracts of Pinus koraiensis bark; 95EEP: 95% ethanol extracts of Pinus koraiensis bark; TPC: Total phenolic content; TFC: Total flavonoid content; NBEPKB-50ME: Fraction eluted from n-Butanol fractions of 95EEP with 50% methanol solution.

Appraisal of biochemical classes of radioprotectors: evidence, current status and guidelines for future development

The search for efficient radioprotective agents to protect from radiation-induced toxicity, due to planned or accidental radiation exposure, is still ongoing worldwide. Despite decades of research and development of widely different biochemical classes of natural and derivative compounds, a safe and effective radioprotector is largely unmet. In this comprehensive review, we evaluated the evidence for the radioprotective performance of classical thiols, vitamins, minerals, dietary antioxidants, phytochemicals, botanical and bacterial preparations, DNA-binding agents, cytokines, and chelators including adaptogens. Where radioprotection was demonstrated, the compounds have shown moderate dose modifying factors ranging from 1.1 to 2.7. To date, only few compounds found way to clinic with limited margin of dose prescription due to side effects. Most of these compounds (amifostine, filgratism, pegfilgrastim, sargramostim, palifermin, recombinant salmonella flagellin, Prussian blue, potassium iodide) act primarily via scavenging of free radicals, modulation of oxidative stress, signal transduction, cell proliferation or enhance radionuclide elimination. However, the gain in radioprotection remains hampered with low margin of tolerance. Future development of more effective radioprotectors requires an appropriate nontoxic compound, a model system and biomarkers of radiation exposure. These are important to test the effectiveness of radioprotection on physiological tissues during radiotherapy and field application in cases of nuclear eventualities.

Immunomodulatory basis of antioxidant therapy and its future prospects: an appraisal

Antioxidants are agents which can modulate oxidant-antioxidant profile of body system by neutralizing pro-oxidant molecules. The current scientific knowledge on mechanisms of antioxidant activity of biomolecules was critically reviewed with a special emphasis on immunomodulation. The immuno-oxidative wreckage of animals in various disease conditions and the role of biomodulators in curbing the oxidative stress through immune pathways were analyzed. The critical role of immunomodulatory mechanisms in controlling oxidative damage was identified. Selection of antioxidant therapy considering the immunopharmacology of the drug as well as immunological basis of disease may reduce treatment failure and adverse health effects. Hence, it is suggested that future studies on antioxidants may focus on the immuno-oxidative pathobiology to better understand its clinical effects and effective disease management.

PLGA-CTAB curcumin nanoparticles: Fabrication, characterization and molecular basis of anticancer activity in triple negative breast cancer cell lines (MDA-MB-231 cells)

Triple-negative breast cancers (TNBC) are aggressive cancers, which do not control by hormonal therapy or therapies that target HER-2 receptors. Curcumin (Cur) has shown cytotoxic effects in multiple cancer cell lines. However, its medical uses remain limited due to low aqueous solubility and poor bioavailability. Therefore, present study was aimed to fabricate the small positive charge curcumin nanoparticles (CN) by nanoprecipitation methods using PLGA and CTAB, and to evaluate its anticancer efficacy and underlying the mechanism in triple negative breast cancer cell lines (MDA-MB-231 cells). In in-vitro drug release assay, Cur was released from CN by flicking diffusion and anomalous transport process. CN showed a higher cellular incorporation than free Cur resulted in higher cytotoxicity. Checking the anticancer activity at the molecular level, Cur has shown to induce the reactive oxygen species production that subsequently causes the DNA damage and resulting in p38-MAPK activation. The p38-MAPK induce the expression of p16^/INKK4a, p21^/waf1/cip1 and p53 resulting in a reduction in the level of CDK2, CDK4, cyclin D1 and cyclin E and subsequently cell cycle arrest at G1/S and G2/M phase. It also reduces the expression of DNA repair gene, i.e. BRCA1, BRCA2, Rad51, Rad50, Mre11 and NBS1 resulting in apoptosis induction due to persistent DNA damage. This study presents an effective delivery of curcumin in TNBC cancer cells and it could open the new frontiers in clinical cancer chemotherapy.

Tetrahydrobiopterin Protects against Radiation-induced Growth Inhibition in H9c2 Cardiomyocytes

BACKGROUND

Tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) is an essential cofactor of nitric oxide synthases (NOSs) for the synthesis of nitric oxide (NO). BH4 therapy can reverse the disease-related redox disequilibrium observed with BH4 deficiency. However, whether BH4 exerts a protective effect against radiation-induced damage to cardiomyocytes remains unknown.

METHODS

Clonogenic assays were performed to determine the effects of X-ray on H9c2 cells with or without BH4 treatment. The contents of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA) in H9c2 cells were measured to investigate oxidative stress levels. The cell cycle undergoing radiation with or without BH4 treatment was detected using flow cytometry. The expression levels of proteins in the phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT)/P53 signaling pathway, inducible NOS (iNOS), and endothelial NOS (eNOS) were examined using Western blotting.

RESULTS

X-ray radiation significantly inhibited the growth of H9c2 cells in a dose-dependent manner, whereas BH4 treatment significantly reduced the X-ray radiation-induced growth inhibition (control group vs. X-ray groups, respectively, P< 0.01). X-ray radiation induced LDH release, apoptosis, and G0/G1 peak accumulation, significantly increasing the level of MDA and the production of NO, and decreased the level of SOD (control group vs. X-ray groups, respectively, P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). By contrast, BH4 treatment can significantly reverse these processes (BH4 treatment groups vs. X-ray groups, P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). BH4 reversed the X-ray radiation-induced expression alterations of apoptosis-related molecules, including B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2 associated X protein, and caspase-3, and molecules of the PI3K/Akt/P53 signaling pathway. BH4 enhanced the production of NO in 2 Gy and 4 Gy radiated groups by upregulating eNOS protein expression and downregulating iNOS protein expression.

CONCLUSIONS

BH4 treatment can protect against X-ray-induced cardiomyocyte injury, possibly by recoupling eNOS rather than iNOS. BH4 treatment also decreased oxidative stress in radiated H9c2 cells.

Developmental toxicity and oxidative stress induced by gamma irradiation in zebrafish embryos

This study aimed to evaluate the biological effects of gamma irradiation on zebrafish embryos. Different doses of gamma rays (0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 0.5 and 1 Gy) were used to irradiate zebrafish embryos at three developmental stages (stage 1, 6 h post-fertilization (hpf); stage 2, 12 hpf; stage three, 24 hpf), respectively. The survival, malformation and hatching rates of the zebrafish embryos were measured at the morphological endpoint of 96 hpf. The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) were assayed. Morphology analysis showed that gamma irradiation inhibited hatching and induced developmental toxicity in a dose-dependent manner. Interestingly, after irradiation the malformation rate changed not only in a dose-dependent manner but also in a developmental stage-dependent manner, indicating that the zebrafish embryos at stage 1 were more sensitive to gamma rays than those at other stages. Biochemical analysis showed that gamma irradiation modulated the activities of antioxidant enzymes in a dose-dependent manner. A linear relationship was found between GPx activity and irradiation dose in 0.1-1 Gy group, and GPx was a suitable biomarker for gamma irradiation in the dose range from 0.1 to 1 Gy. Furthermore, the activities of SOD, CAT, GR and GPx of the zebrafish embryos at stage 3 were found to be much higher than those at other stages, indicating that the zebrafish embryos at stage 3 had a greater ability to protect against gamma rays than those at other stages, and thus the activities of antioxidant enzymes changed in a developmental stage-dependent manner.

Curcumin regulates cell fate and metabolism by inhibiting hedgehog signaling in hepatic stellate cells

Accumulating evidence indicates that Hedgehog (Hh) signaling becomes activated in chronic liver injury and plays a role in the pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are Hh-responsive cells and activation of the Hh pathway promotes transdifferentiation of HSCs into myofibroblasts. Targeting Hh signaling may be a novel therapeutic strategy for treatment of liver fibrosis. We previously reported that curcumin has potent antifibrotic effects in vivo and in vitro, but the underlying mechanisms are not fully elucidated. This study shows that curcumin downregulated Patched and Smoothened, two key elements in Hh signaling, but restored Hhip expression in rat liver with carbon tetrachloride-induced fibrosis and in cultured HSCs. Curcumin also halted the nuclear translocation, DNA binding, and transcription activity of Gli1. Moreover, the Hh signaling inhibitor cyclopamine, like curcumin, arrested the cell cycle, induced mitochondrial apoptosis, reduced fibrotic gene expression, restored lipid accumulation, and inhibited invasion and migration in HSCs. However, curcumin's effects on cell fate and fibrogenic properties of HSCs were abolished by the Hh pathway agonist SAG. Furthermore, curcumin and cyclopamine decreased intracellular levels of adenosine triphosphate and lactate, and inhibited the expression and/or function of several key molecules controlling glycolysis. However, SAG abrogated the curcumin effects on these parameters of glycolysis. Animal data also showed that curcumin downregulated glycolysis-regulatory proteins in rat fibrotic liver. These aggregated data therefore indicate that curcumin modulated cell fate and metabolism by disrupting the Hh pathway in HSCs, providing novel molecular insights into curcumin reduction of HSC activation.

Protective effects of erdosteine against nephrotoxicity caused by gamma radiation in male albino rats

The aim of this study was focused on investigating the possible protective effect of erdosteine against gamma radiation-induced renal lesions in male albino rats. Twenty-eight albino rats were divided into four equal groups as follows: control group, irradiated group (animals subjected to whole-body gamma irradiation at a dose of 5 Gy), treated group (each rat received 100 mg/kg body weight once daily, orally by gastric tube, erdosteine for 1 week), and treated irradiated group (each rat received 100 mg/kg body weight once daily, orally by gastric tube, erdosteine for 1 week, then exposed to whole-body gamma irradiation at a dose of 5 Gy). The results revealed that the administration of erdosteine to rats before irradiation significantly ameliorated the changes occurred in kidney function (creatinine and urea) compared with irradiated group. Also the changes in serum tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin 1β, and interleukin 6 activities were markedly improved compared with the corresponding values of irradiated group. Kidney catalase and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities and reduced glutathione concentration showed approximately normal level when compared with the irradiated group. The histopathological results showed distinctive pattern of renal lesions in irradiated group, while in treated irradiated group the renal tissues showed relatively well-preserved architecture. Erdosteine acts in the kidney as a potent scavenger of free radicals to prevent or ameliorate the toxic effects of gamma irradiation as shown in the biochemical and histopathological changes and might provide substantial protection against radiation-induced inflammatory damage.

Gastroprotective effect of kefir on ulcer induced in irradiated rats

The current study was designed to investigate the protective effect of kefir milk on ethanol-induced gastric ulcers in γ-irradiated rats. The results of the present study revealed that treatment with γ-irradiation and/or ethanol showed a significant increase in ulcers number, total acidity, peptic, H(+)K(+)ATPase, MMP-2 and MMP-9 activities and MDA level, which were accompanied by a significant decrease in the mucus content, the stomach GSH level, the GSH-Px activity and DNA damage. Pre-treatment with kefir milk exert significant improvement in all the tested parameters. Kefir milk exerts comparable effect to that of the antiulcer drug ranitidine. In conclusion, the present study revealed that oral administration of kefir milk prevents ethanol-induced gastric ulcer in γ-irradiated rats that could attribute to its antioxidant, anti-apoptotic and radio-protective activities.

Synergistic radiation protective effect of purified Auricularia auricular-judae polysaccharide (AAP IV) with grape seed procyanidins

The aim of this study was to investigate the synergistic antioxidant potential and protective effect of grape seed procyanidins (GSP) in combination with Auricularia auricular-judae polysaccharides (AAP IV) on radiation injury in splenocytes. Rat splenocyte irradiation resulted in significantly higher apoptosis rate, malondialdehyde (MDA) (p < 0.005), reactive oxygen species (ROS) (p < 0.01); cell viability, total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) (p < 0.01), catalase (CAT) (p < 0.01), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) (p < 0.05), activity and glutathione (GSH) (p < 0.01) levels were significantly reduced, compared with the control group. "GSP + AAP IV" treatment of rat splenocytes at doses of "GSP (0.3 μg/mL) + AAP IV (50 μg/mL)" displayed higher radioprotective and antioxidative effects than the administration of either GSP or AAP IV, as evident by lower levels of MDA (p < 0.001) concentration, as well as higher cell viability and T-SOD (p < 0.05), CAT (p < 0.005), GSH-PX (p < 0.01) and GSH content compared to the radiation group. In addition, in vivo studies have shown that "GSP + AAP IV" significantly ameliorated the decrease of spleen index (p < 0.005) and spleen GSH (p < 0.005) levels and significantly inhibited the increase of MDA (p < 0.005) levels of spleen with radiation-induced damage, compared with the non-treated group. The in vivo and in vitro results suggested that GSP and AAP IV have a synergistic protective effect against radiation-induced injury by improving the antioxidant and immunomodulation activities.

Effects of SSd combined with radiation on inhibiting SMMC-7721 hepatoma cell growth

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Saikosaponin-d (SSd) combined with radiotherapy on SMMC-7721 hepatoma cell lines and its mechanism.

Material/Methods

SMMC-7721 hepatoma cell lines are selected in our research. With MTT (methylthiazolyldiphenyl-tetrazolium-bromide) method, the effects of SSd and radiation on inhibiting SMMC-7721 cell growth were investigated. We also used transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to observe ultrastructural changes of cells. Colorimetry methods were used to measure content changes of glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in cells.

Results

Both SSd and radiation inhibited the growth of SMMC-7721 cells. The combination of SSd and radiotherapy had a time-dependent synergistic effect. Radiation caused ultrastructural damage to cells, and the damage was enhanced in combination with SSd. Radiation decreased the GSH content and increased the MDA content in cells, and this effect was suppressed after the intervention of SSd.

Conclusions

SSd can inhibit the growth of SMMC-7721 hepatoma cell lines in vitro. Additionally, it significantly enhances the effects of radiation on inhibiting the growth of SMMC-7721 hepatoma cell lines, and up-regulates the antioxidant level after the radiotherapy. Thus, SSd could be an ideal radiotherapy sensitizer for the treatment of liver cancer.

Protective effects of curcumin against genotoxicity induced by 131-iodine in human cultured lymphocyte cells

Background:

131-radioiodine has been widely used as an effective radionuclide for treatment of patients with thyroid diseases. The purpose of the present study is to investigate the radioprotective effects of curcumin as a natural product that protects against the genotoxic effects of ¹³¹I in human cultured lymphocytes.

Materials and Methods:

Whole blood samples from human volunteers were incubated with curcumin at doses of 5, 10, and 50 μg/mL. After 1-hour incubation, the lymphocytes were incubated with ¹³¹I (100 μCi/1.5 ml) for 2 hours. The lymphocyte cultures were then mitogenically stimulated to allow for evaluation of the number of micronuclei in cytokinesis-blocked binucleated cells.

Results:

Incubation of lymphocytes with ¹³¹I at dose 100 μCi/1.5 mL induced genotoxicity shown by increase in micronuclei frequency in human lymphocytes. Curcumin at 5, 10, and 50 μg/mL doses significantly reduced the micronuclei frequency. Maximal protective effects and greatest decrease in micronuclei frequency were observed when whole blood was incubated with 50 μg/mL dose of curcumin with 52%.

Conclusion:

This study has important implications for patients undergoing ¹³¹I therapy. Our results indicate a protective role for curcumin against the genetic damage and side effects induced by ¹³¹I administration.

Beneficial effects of natural products on cells during ionizing radiation

Natural products like vegetables, fruits, and herbs are widely consumed by humans on a daily basis. These natural products have many biologic and pharmacologic properties. Ionizing radiation (IR) can interact with macromolecules like DNA, which induces serious side effects on cells and tissues. Natural products can directly scavenge free radicals produced by IR, and they can also activate or inhibit enzymes or proteins involved in the oxidative stress. Several natural products have dual biologic effects on normal and cancer cells during radiation and might be of interest for use in patients during radiotherapy. In this review, the effects of natural products on genotoxicity and cell death induced by IR were reviewed and some potentiated compounds were discussed.

The Indian Spice Turmeric Delays and Mitigates Radiation-Induced Oral Mucositis in Patients Undergoing Treatment for Head and Neck Cancer: An Investigational Study

PURPOSE

Radiation-induced oral mucositis is an acute morbidity seen in patients undergoing treatment for head and neck cancers. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of turmeric in preventing radiation-induced mucositis.

METHODS

This was a single-blinded, randomized, controlled clinical trial and was conducted with head and neck cancer patients requiring 70 Gy of radiation or chemoradiotherapy (daily radiotherapy plus carboplatin once a week). Eligible patients (n = 80) were randomly assigned to receive either turmeric gargle (n = 40) or povidone-iodine ([n = 40] active comparator condition) during chemo/radiotherapy during the period of treatment. Oral mucositis was assessed using the RTOG (Radiation Therapy Oncology Group) grading system before the start, during, and at the end of the treatment by an investigator unaware of the treatment. The primary endpoint of this study was the incidence of mucositis every week during the 7-week period. The secondary endpoint was the effect of turmeric gargle on the incidence of treatment breaks, loss of scheduled treatment days, and decrease in body weight at the end of the treatment.

RESULTS

This study clearly suggests that when compared with the cohorts using povidone-iodine gargle, the group using turmeric as a mouthwash had delayed and reduced the levels of radiation-induced oral mucositis and was statistically significant at all time points (P< 0.001 toP< 0.0001). Additionally, the cohorts using turmeric had decreased intolerable mucositis (P< 0.001) and lesser incidence of treatment breaks in the first half of the treatment schedule before 4 weeks (P< 0.01) and reduced change in body weight (P< 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Gargling with turmeric by head and neck cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy provided significant benefit by delaying and reducing the severity of mucositis. Turmeric is readily available, relatively inexpensive, and highly accepted making it useful in cancer treatment.

Curcumin induces radiosensitivity of in vitro and in vivo cancer models by modulating pre-mRNA processing factor 4 (Prp4)

Radiation therapy plays a central role in adjuvant strategies for the treatment of both pre- and post-operative human cancers. However, radiation therapy has low efficacy against cancer cells displaying radio-resistant phenotypes. Ionizing radiation has been shown to enhance ROS generation, which mediates apoptotic cell death. Further, concomitant use of sensitizers with radiation improves the efficiency of radiotherapy against a variety of human cancers. Here, the radio-sensitizing effect of curcumin (a derivative of turmeric) was investigated against growth of HCT-15 cells and tumor induction in C57BL/6J mice. Ionizing radiation induced apoptosis through ROS generation and down-regulation of Prp4K, which was further potentiated by curcumin treatment. Flow cytometry revealed a dose-dependent response for radiation-induced cell death, which was remarkably reversed by transfection of cells with Prp4K clone. Over-expression of Prp4K resulted in a significant decrease in ROS production possibly through activation of an anti-oxidant enzyme system. To elucidate an integrated mechanism, Prp4K knockdown by siRNA ultimately restored radiation-induced ROS generation. Furthermore, B16F10 xenografts in C57BL/6J mice were established in order to investigate the radio-sensitizing effect of curcumin in vivo. Curcumin significantly enhanced the efficacy of radiation therapy and reduced tumor growth as compared to control or radiation alone. Collectively, these results suggest a novel mechanism for curcumin-mediated radio-sensitization of cancer based on ROS generation and down-regulation of Prp4K.

Curcumin protection activities against γ-rays-induced molecular and biochemical lesions

Background

Curcumin is a yellow-pigment phenolic compound used as a food spice and has a broad spectrum of antioxidant, anti-carcinogenic, anti-mutagenic and anti-inflammatory properties.

Methods

Radio-protective efficacy of curcumin; diferuloylmethane (C₂₁H₂₀O₆) was evaluated using molecular and biochemical assays in male mice after exposure to 3 Gy γ-rays. Curcumin was given at a dose of 400 μmol/ kg body weight via gastric tubes for 5 following days either pre-, post- or both pre- and post-exposure.

Results

The incidence of aberrant cells and aberration types (mostly chromatids, breaks and fragments) was reduced with curcumin dosage as compared to irradiated group. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), hydroperoxide (HP), xanthine oxidase (XO) and apoptotic markers (DNA- fragmentation and caspase-3 activation) were increased significantly, whereas levels of glutathione (GSH) and the enzymatic antioxidants [Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx)] were significantly depleted in γ-irradiated mice. Curcumin treatments of mice groups including the 5 days pre-irradiation treated group (protected), the 5 days post-irradiation treated group (treated), and the curcumin treated group 5 days pre- and post-irradiation (protracted), have attenuated the liver toxic effects of γ-rays as manifested by reducing the levels of TBARS, HP, XO and DNA fragmentation. Curcumin has also rescued the depletion of GSH and the enzymatic-antioxidant status.

Conclusions

Curcumin has significant radio-protective and radio-recovery activities in γ-irradiated mice. It has antioxidant potential against γ-rays-induced cytogenetic, molecular and biochemical lesions in mice.

The effect of RHIZOMA COPTIDIS and COPTIS CHINENSIS aqueous extract on radiation-induced skin injury in a rat model

BACKGROUND

Radiation-induced skin injury is a common complication of radiotherapy. The RHIZOMA COPTIDIS and COPTIS CHINENSIS aqueous extract (RCE) can ameliorate radiation-induced skin injury in our clinical observation. But, the protective mechanism of RHIZOMA COPTIDIS and COPTIS CHINENSIS in radiation-induced skin injury remains unclear.

METHODS

In this experiment, we developed a radiation-induced skin injury rat model to study the mechanism. The animals were randomly divided into control group, treatment group, radiation group, and treatment and radiation group. 5 rats in each group were separately executed on 2 d and 49 d post-radiation. The semi-quantitative skin injury score was used to measure skin reactions by unblinded observers, and hematoxylin and eosin staining was used to evaluate the damage areas by irradiation. The MDA content, SOD activity of skin and serum were measured to detect the oxidative stress.

RESULTS

Acute skin reactions were caused by a single dose of 45 Gy of β-ray irradiation, and the skin injury could be found in all rats receiving irradiation based on the observation of HE staining of skin at different time-points, while RCE could significantly ameliorate those changes. The MDA content in serum and skin of control rats was 4.13±0.12 mmol/ml and 4.95±0.35 mmol/mgprot on 2 d post-radiation. The rats receiving radiation showed an increased content of MDA (5.54±0.21 mmol/ml and 7.10±0.32 mmol/mgprot), while it was 4.57±0.21 mmol/ml and 5.95±0.24 mmol/mgprot after treated with RCE (p<0.05). Similar changes of the MDA content could be seen on 49 d post-radiation. However, the SOD activity of rats receiving radiation decreased compared with control group on both time-points, which was inhibited by RCE (p<0.05). Meanwhile, no valuable changes could be found between control group and treatment group on 2 d and 49 d.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study provides evidences for the radioprotective role of RCE against radiation-induced skin damage in rats by modulating oxidative stress in skin, which may be a useful therapy for radiation-induced skin injury.

Protective effect of anthocyanins from lingonberry on radiation-induced damages

There is a growing concern about the serious harm of radioactive materials, which are widely used in energy production, scientific research, medicine, industry and other areas. In recent years, owing to the great side effects of anti-radiation drugs, research on the radiation protectants has gradually expanded from the previous chemicals to the use of natural anti-radiation drugs and functional foods. Some reports have confirmed that anthocyanins are good antioxidants, which can effectively eliminate free radicals, but studies on the immunoregulatory and anti-radiation effects of anthocyanins from lingonberry (ALB) are less reported. In this experiment, mice were given orally once daily for 14 consecutive days before exposure to 6 Gy of gamma-radiation and were sacrificed on the 7th day post-irradiation. The results showed that the selected dose of extract did not lead to acute toxicity in mice; while groups given anthocyanins orally were significantly better than radiation control group according to blood analysis; pretreatment of anthocyanins significantly (p < 0.05) enhanced the thymus and spleen indices and spleen cell survival compared to the irradiation control group. Pretreatment with anthocyanins before irradiation significantly reduced the numbers of micronuclei (MN) in bone marrow polychromatic erythrocytes (PCEs). These findings indicate that anthocyanins have immunostimulatory potential against immunosuppression induced by the radiation.

Outcome of venom bradykinin potentiating factor on rennin-angiotensin system in irradiated rats

PURPOSE

The objective of this work was to compare the effect of a bradykinin potentiating (BPF) isolated from venom of Egyptian scorpion Androctonus amoreuxi as a natural angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) with losartan (LOS), a chemical angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB), in the modulation of radiation-induced damage.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Rats were grouped into: (i)

CONTROL

untreated; (ii) + C(BPF): Received intraperitoneally (i.p.) BPF 1 μg/g body weight (b.w.) (twice/week) during 3 weeks; (iii) + C(LOS:) Received i.p. LOS 5 μg/g b.w. (twice/week) during 3 weeks; (iv) R: Irradiated at 4 Gy; (v) R + BPF and (vi) R + LOS: Received BPF or LOS post-irradiation for 3 weeks.

RESULTS

BPF or LOS treatment induced a significant drop of sodium and uric acid. Irradiation induced a significant elevation of malondialdehyde (MDA) and advanced oxidation protein product (AOPP) associated with a significant decrease of glutathione (GSH) content in the kidney. Serum aldosterone, sodium, urea and creatinine levels showed a significant increase while a significant drop was recorded for haematological values, calcium and uric acid levels. Treatment of irradiated animals with BPF or LOS significantly improved radiation-induced changes.

CONCLUSION

It could be concluded that the use of BPF as a natural product is comparable to the chemical compound LOS.

Cinnamon extract ameliorates ionizing radiation-induced cellular injury in rats

The present study aimed to investigate the protective role of cinnamon extract against inflammatory and oxidative injuries in gamma irradiated rats. Rats were subjected to fractionated doses of gamma radiation. Cinnamon extract were daily administrated before starting irradiation and continued after radiation exposure. The results obtained revealed that the administration of cinnamon extract to irradiated rats significantly ameliorated the changes induced in liver antioxidant system; catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities as well as reduced glutathione concentration. The liver's lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation indices were significantly decreased when compared with their equivalent values in irradiated rats. Furthermore, the changes induces in xanthine oxidoreductase system were significantly diminished. In addition, the changes in liver nitric oxide contents, serum tumor necrosis factor alpha and C-reactive protein levels were markedly improved. In conclusion, the administration of cinnamon extract might provide substantial protection against radiation-induced oxidative and inflammatory damages.

Whole body radioprotective activity of an acetone-water extract from the seedpod of Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. seedpod

Procyanidins extracted with acetone-water from lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.) seedpod (LSPCs) were evaluated for in vivo radioprotective activity against whole body gamma irradiation in Swiss albino mice. Pretreated with LSPCs 200 mg/kg by intragastric (i.g.) for 15 days was found to be the most effective dose in preventing radiation sickness, reducing radiation-induced mortality, increasing mean survival time and elevating radiation median lethal dose (LD(50)) from 8.9 to 10.5 Gy, indicating a dose modifying factor (DMF) of 1.18. Further, administered LSPCs at a dose of 200 mg/kg could effectively maintain spleen index close to normal, stimulate endogenous spleen colony forming units, promote the levels of red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC), platelets and hemoglobin in peripheral blood, and prevent spleen and skin damage in irradiated mice, reduce the level of radiation-induced micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes in bone marrow, maintain the polychromatic erythrocytes (PCE) and normochromatic erythrocytes (NCE) ratio (P/N ratio) and significantly decrease bone marrow chromosomal damage. Alternatively, pretreated with LSPCs (200 mg/kg) significantly decreased the lipid peroxidation (LPO) level, and elevated the activities of endogenous antioxidant enzymes in liver after irradiation. Thus LSPCs possess a strong whole body radioprotective activity, and it may be used as a radioprotector.

Effect of curcumin analog on gamma-radiation-induced cellular changes in primary culture of isolated rat hepatocytes in vitro

The present study was aimed to evaluate the radioprotective effect of curcumin analog, on gamma-radiation-induced toxicity in primary cultures of isolated rat hepatocytes. Hepatocytes were isolated from the liver of rats by collagenase perfusion. The DNA damage was analysed by single cell gel electrophoresis (comet assay). An increase in the severity of DNA damage was observed with the increase in gamma-radiation dose at 1-4 Gy in cultured rat hepatocytes. The levels of lipid peroxidative indices like thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARSs) were increased significantly, whereas the levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) and antioxidant enzymes were significantly decreased in gamma-irradiated groups. The maximum damage to hepatocytes was observed at 4Gy gamma-irradiation. Pretreatment with different concentrations of curcumin analog (1.38, 6.91 and 13.82 microM) shows a significant decrease in the levels of TBARS and DNA damage. Pretreatment with curcumin analog prevents the loss of enzymic and non-enzymic antioxidants like GSH upon gamma-irradiation. The maximum protection of hepatocytes was observed at 6.91 microM of curcumin analog pretreatment. Thus, our result shows that pretreatment with curcumin analog protects the hepatocytes against gamma-radiation-induced cellular damage.