Protective effects of hesperidin against genotoxicity induced by 99mTc-MIBI in human cultured lymphocyte cells

Biological potential, chemical profiling, and molecular docking study of Morus alba L. extracts

Morus alba L. is a plant with a long history of dietary and medicinal uses. We hypothesized that M. alba possesses a significant biological potential. In that sense, we aimed to generate the chemical, antimicrobial, toxicological, and molecular profile of M. alba leaf and fruit extracts. Our results showed that extracts were rich in vitamin C, phenols, and flavonoids, with quercetin and pterostilbene concentrated in the leaf, while fisetin, hesperidin, resveratrol, and luteolin were detected in fruit. Extracts exhibited antimicrobial activity against all tested bacteria, including multidrug-resistant strains. The widest inhibition zones were in Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 33591. The values of the minimum inhibitory concentration ranged from 15.62 μg/ml in Enterococcus faecalis to 500 μg/ml in several bacteria. Minimum bactericidal concentration ranged from 31.25 μg/ml to 1000 μg/ml. Extracts impacted the biofilm formation in a concentration-dependent and species-specific manner. A significant difference in the frequency of nucleoplasmic bridges between the methanolic extract of fruit (0.5 μg/ml, 1 μg/ml, 2 μg/ml), as well as for the frequency of micronuclei between ethanolic extract of leaf (2 μg/ml) and the control group was observed. Molecular docking suggested that hesperidin possesses the highest binding affinity for multidrug efflux transporter AcrB and acyl-PBP2a from MRSA, as well as for the SARS-CoV-2 Mpro. This study, by complementing previous research in this field, gives new insights that could be of great value in obtaining a more comprehensive picture of the Morus alba L. bioactive potential, chemical composition, antimicrobial and toxicological features, as well as molecular profile.

Radioprotective Effect of Piperine, as a Major Component of Black Pepper, Against Radiation-induced Colon Injury: Biochemical and Histological Studies

BACKGROUND

Patients undergoing radiotherapy are prone to radiation-induced gastrointestinal injury. Piperine is an alkaloid component in black pepper with a unique chemopreventive activity against oxidative stress-related damage in healthy tissues. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of piperine on intestinal damage.

METHODS

In this study, mice were divided into eight groups: including the control, piperine (10, 25, and 50 mg/kg), radiation (6 Gy), and piperine+radiation (10, 25 and 50 mg/kg + 6 Gy) groups. The radioprotective effects of piperine were evaluated by biochemical (MDA, GSH, and PC) and histopathological assessments in colon tissues.

RESULTS

The 10 mg/kg dose of piperine significantly reduced the levels of oxidative stress biomarkers compared to the group that received only radiation. In addition, pre-treatment with 10 mg/kg piperine diminished the histopathological changes like vascular congestion in the submucosa, while the dose of 50 mg/kg led to the infiltration of inflammatory cells.

CONCLUSION

Based on this study, it is concluded that piperine, at low dose, with its antioxidant properties, could reduce the colon damage caused by radiation.

Crosstalk between Oxidative Stress and Inflammation Induced by Ionizing Radiation in Healthy and Cancerous Cells

Radiotherapy (RT) is a unique modality in cancer treatment with no replacement in many cases and uses a tumoricidal dose of various ionizing radiation (IR) types to kill cancer cells. It causes oxidative stress through reactive oxygen species (ROS) production or the destruction of antioxidant systems. On the other hand, RT stimulates the immune system both directly and indirectly by releasing danger signals from stress-exposed and dying cells. Oxidative stress and inflammation are two reciprocal and closely related mechanisms, one induced and involved by the other. ROS regulates the intracellular signal transduction pathways, which participate in the activation and expression of pro-inflammatory genes. Reciprocally, inflammatory cells release ROS and immune system mediators during the inflammation process, which drive the induction of oxidative stress. Oxidative stress or inflammation-induced damages can result in cell death (CD) or survival mechanisms that may be destructive for normal cells or beneficial for cancerous cells. The present study has focused on the radioprotection of those agents with binary effects of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms IR-induced CD.

Febuxostat, an inhibitor of xanthine oxidase, ameliorates ionizing radiation-induced lung injury by suppressing caspase-3, oxidative stress and NF-κB

Febuxostat (FBX), a selective inhibitor of xanthine oxidase, has several biological properties such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptosis activities. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the protective effect of FBX against ionizing radiation (IR)-induced lung injury through mitigation of oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis. Sixty-four mice were randomized into eight groups as control, FBX (5, 10, and 15 mg/kg), IR (6 Gy), and IR + FBX (IR + FBX in three doses). Mice were received FBX for 8 consecutive days and then were exposed to IR at a single dose (6 Gy) of X-ray. At 1 and 7 days after irradiation, the biochemical parameters were analyzed in lung tissue, while histological and immunohistochemical examinations were evaluated 1 week after irradiation. Irradiation led to elevate of oxidative stress parameters (an increase of MDA, PC, NO, and decrease of GSH), inflammation and apoptosis in lung of mice. Furthermore, IR resulted in histopathological changes in the lung tissues. These changes were significantly mitigated by FBX treatment. FBX also inhibited immunoreactivity of caspase-3, NF-κB, and reduced oxidative stress. This study showed that FBX is able to protect lung injury induced by IR through inhibiting apoptosis (caspase-3), oxidative stress and inflammation (NF-κB).

Investigating Radioprotective Effect of Hesperidin/Diosmin Compound Against 99mTc-MIBI-Induced Cardiotoxicity: Animal Study

This study was designed to indicate the cardiotoxicity due to ^99mTc-MIBI injection in myocardial perfusion imaging in wistar Rats. In addition, protective effect of hesperidin/diosmin compound (HDC) against the cardiotoxicity was evaluated. Twenty five male rats were randomly divided into five groups. The rats in Group 1 (control) only received PBS. For Group 2 (HDC only) the rats treated with only HDC. The rats in Group 3 (radiation) received PBS before injection and exposure to 1 mCi ^99mTc-MIBI. The rats in Group 4 (HDC + radiation) treated with HDC before exposure. For Group 5 (radiation + HDC) the rats were exposed and thereafter administered HDC. The Animals of this study were orally administered 100 mg/kg/day of the HDC for 7 days. Then, the rats were sacrificed and afterwards their heart tissues were carefully extracted for biochemical and histopathological evaluations. According to our results in the radiation group, the rate of rupture of cardiomyocyte fibers was higher than other groups, and in some fibers, the presence of lymphocytes was observed. Relative improvement was observed in radiation + HDC group compared to the radiation group and also a small number of cardiomyocyte fibers were torn and in some fibers, the presence of lymphocytes was observed, which was less than the model group. Collagen deposition significantly increased in radiation group compared to control group (P < 0.05). It can be seen that the percentage of collagen deposition decreased substantially in the group treated with HDC before or after radiation compared to radiation group (P < 0.05). The MDA activities significantly reduced (P < 0.05) in both (HDC + radiation) and (radiation + HDC) groups. SOD activity significantly increased in both (radiation + HDC) and (HDC + radiation) groups compared to that of radiation group (P < 0.05). It could be concluded that the HDC is safe and promising useful therapeutic agent in radiation induced cardiotoxicity for patients undergoing nuclear medicine procedures.

The protective effects of red ginseng and amifostine against renal damage caused by ionizing radiation

This study aimed to elucidate the effects of amifostine (ethyol) (AM), a synthetic radioprotector, and red ginseng (RG), a natural radioprotective agent, against the toxic effect of ionizing radiation (IR) on kidney tissues through changes in biochemical and histopathological parameters in addition to contributions to the use of amifostine and RG in clinical studies . Five groups were established: Group I (control, receiving only saline by gavage), Group II (IR only), and Group III (IR+AM, 200 mg/kg intraperitoneally (i.p.). Group IV (IR + RG, 200 mg/kg orally once a day for 4 weeks), and Group V (IR+RG+AM, 200 mg/kg orally once/day for 4 weeks before IR and 200 mg/kg AM administered (i.p.) 30 min before IR). All groups, except for the control group, were subject to 6-Gy whole-body IR in a single fraction. 24 h after irradiation, all animals were sacrificed under anesthesia. IR enhanced MDA, 8-OHdG, and caspase-3 expression while decreasing renal tissue GSH levels ( p < .05). Significant numbers of necrotic tubules together with diffuse vacuolization in proximal and distal tubule epithelial cells were also observed. The examination also revealed substantial brush boundary loss in proximal tubules as well as relatively unusual glomerular structures. While GSH levels significantly increased in the AM, RG, and AM+RG groups, a decrease in KHDS, MDA, 8-OHdG, and caspase-3 expression was observed, compared to the group subject to IR only ( p < .05). Therefore, reactive oxygen species-scavenging antioxidants may represent a promising treatment for avoiding kidney damage in patients receiving radiation.

The Influence of Piperine on the Radioprotective Effect of Curcumin in Irradiated Human Lymphocytes

Objectives

Ionizing radiation (IR) induces DNA damage in normal cells, leading to genotoxicity. The radioprotective effects of co-treatment with curcumin and piperine were investigated against genotoxicity induced by IR in human normal lymphocytes.

Materials and Methods

Human blood samples were pretreated with curcumin at different concentrations (5, 10, and 25 μg/mL) and/or piperine (2.5 μg/mL) and then were exposed to IR at a dose 1.5 Gy. The radioprotective effects of curcumin and piperine were assessed by micronucleus (MN) assay.

Results

Curcumin and piperine reduced the percentage of MN induced by IR in lymphocytes. Piperine alone significantly reduced genotoxicity induced by IR as compared to curcumin alone at all concentrations. An additive radioprotective effect was observed with combination of piperine and curcumin at the low concentration of 5 μg/mL, while this synergistic effect was not observed with curcumin at the higher concentrations of 10 and 25 μg/mL.

Conclusion

Piperine has a potent radioprotective effect at low concentration as compare to curcumin. However, an additive radioprotective effect was observed with co-treatment with piperine and curcumin at low concentration, while piperine increased the percentage of MN in normal lymphocytes when co-treated with curcumin at higher concentration.

In-vivo and In-vitro Antioxidant Activity of Troxerutin on Nickel Induced Toxicity in Experimental Rats

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of troxerutin (TXN) on Nickel (Ni) toxicity by using rats and in-vitro model. Ni toxicity induced in male albino wistar rats (20 mg/kg body weight (b.w) was administered orally for 20 days). TXN was administered orally (100 mg/kg (b.w) for 20 days with administration of Ni. The toxic effect of Ni and the action of TXN was measure by determining the lipid peroxidation markers and antioxidant levels in plasma and various in-vitro antioxidant systems. TXN exhibited a significant (p < 0.05) antioxidant activity in Ni induced toxicity by reversing the changes observed in TBARS, HP, Vitamin C, E and GSH. The free radical scavenging properties of TXN at different concentrations (10-50ug/mL) were investigated with various in-vitro methods such as 2, 2'-diphenyl-1- picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH), 2, 2'-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical (ABTS•+), hydroxyl radical, superoxide anion scavenging activity and reducing power. Among the different concentrations, 50 μg/mL of TXN was more effective compared to other concentrations in all in-vitro assays. The above study conclude that TXN possesses potent in-vivo and in-vitro antioxidant activity with effective free radical scavenger for potential therapeutic value.

Radioprotective effect of diethylcarbamazine on radiation-induced acute lung injury and oxidative stress in mice

The present study was designed to evaluate the radioprotective effect of diethylcarbamazine (DEC) against oxidative stress and acute lung injury induced by total body radiation (TBI) in mice. For study the optimum dose for radiation protection of DEC, mice were administrated with three dose of DEC (10, 50 and 100 mg/kg), once daily for eight consecutive days. Animals were exposed whole body to 5 Gy X-radiation on the 9 day. The radioprotective potential of DEC in lung tissues was assessed using oxidative stress examinations at 24 h after TBI and histopathological assay also was analyzed one week after TBI. Results from biochemical analyses demonstrated increased malonyldialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO) and protein carbonyl (PC) levels of lung tissues in only irradiated group. Histopathologic findings also showed an increase in the number of inflammatory cells and the acute lung injury in this group. DEC pretreatment significantly mitigated the oxidative stress biomarkers as well as histological damages in irradiated mice. The favorable radioprotective effect against lungs injury was observed at a dose of 10 mg/kg of DEC in mice as compared with two other doses (50 and 100 mg/kg). The data of this study showed that DEC at a dose of 10 mg/kg with having antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties can be used as a therapeutic candidate for protecting the lung from radiation-induced damage.

Radioprotective Effect of Gliclazide as an Anti-Hyperglycemic Agent Against Genotoxicity Induced by Ionizing Radiation on Human Lymphocytes

Objectives:

Gliclazide (GL) is widely used to reduce hyperglycemia in diabetic patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effect of GL against chromosome damage induced by ionizing radiation in human blood lymphocytes.

Methods:

In this experimental study, peripheral blood samples were collected from human volunteers and treated with GL at various concentrations (5, 25, 50 or 100 μM) for three hours. Then samples were irradiated to X-ray (1.5 Gy). Blood samples were cultured with mitogenic stimulation. The frequencies of micronuclei in cytokinesis-blocked binucleated lymphocytes were determined in the different samples. The antioxidant activities of GL were assayed by two different methods as 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl radical (DPPH) free radical scavenging and reducing antioxidant power assays.

Results:

GL significantly reduced the percentage of micronuclei in lymphocytes which were irradiated. The maximum radioprotection in the reduction of percentage of micronuclei in lymphocytes was observed at 100 μM of GL with 52% efficacy. GL exhibited excellent free radical scavenging activity and reducing power at concentration dependent activities. The IC50 values of GL were lower than ascorbic acid. Higher potencies were observed in the antioxidant activities for GL than ascorbic acid in both methods.

Conclusion:

This data exhibits that GL is a powerful radioprotective agent that could protect healthy cells against the chromosome damage induced by ionizing radiation through antioxidant activity. The radioprotective effect is new indication of GL for patients' protection against side effect induced by ionizing radiation.

Radioprotective effect of olanzapine as an anti-psychotic drug against genotoxicity and apoptosis induced by ionizing radiation on human lymphocytes

Olanzapine (OLA), is prescribed as an anti-psychotic medicine in schizophrenia patients. In this study, the protective effect of OLA against genotoxicity and apoptosis induced by ionizing radiation in human healthy lymphocytes was evaluated. At first, the antioxidant activities of OLA were assayed by two different methods as free radical scavenging with DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl) and ferric reducing power methods. In in vitro experiment, human blood samples were treated with OLA at various concentrations (0.25-20 μM) for 3 h and then were exposed to X-ray at a dose of 150 cGy. The genotoxicity was assessed in binucleated human lymphocytes with micronuclei assay. The apoptotic lymphocytes were assessed by flow cytometry in OLA treated and/or irradiated lymphocytes. OLA exhibited free radical scavenging and reducing power activities more than ascorbic acid. The results showed that the lymphocytes treated with OLA and later exposed to IR presented lower frequencies of micronuclei and apoptosis compared to the control sample which was irradiated and not treated to OLA. The maximum radioprotection was observed at 20 μM of OLA with 83% of efficacy. The present study suggested the protective role for OLA in protection radiation-induced genetic damage and apoptosis induced by ionizing irradiation in human normal cells.

Radioprotective Effect of Hesperidin: A Systematic Review

Background and objectives: Ionizing radiation (IR) has been of immense benefit to man, especially for medical purposes (diagnostic imaging and radiotherapy). However, the risks of toxicity in healthy normal cells, leading to cellular damage as well as early and late side effects, have been major drawbacks. The aim of this study was to evaluate the radioprotective effect of hesperidin against IR-induced damage. Materials and Methods: The preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) were applied in reporting this study. A search was conducted using the electronic databases PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Google Scholar, and www.ClinicalTrials.gov for information about completed or ongoing clinical trials. Results: From our search results, 24 studies involving rats, mice, and cultured human and animal cells were included. An experimental case-control design was used in all studies. The studies showed that the administration of hesperidin reduced oxidative stress and inflammation in all investigated tissues. Furthermore, it increased 30-day and 60-day survival rates and protected against DNA damage. The best radioprotection was obtained when hesperidin was administered before irradiation. Conclusions: The results of the included studies support the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic abilities of hesperidin as a potential radioprotective agent against IR-induced damage. We recommend future clinical trials for more insights.

Radioprotective effect of atorvastatin against ionizing radiation-induced nephrotoxicity in mice

PURPOSE

Kidneys are exposed to ionizing radiation during radiotherapy in patients with abdominal malignancy. The aim of this study is to investigate the protective effect of atorvastatin (ATV) against ionizing radiation-induced nephrotoxicity in mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixty male BALB/c mice were randomly divided into six groups (10 mice per group); control, irradiation (IR), IR plus ATV (10, 20 and 50 mg/kg) and only ATV (50 mg/kg). ATV groups received ATV for seven days via oral gavage before exposure to IR. Animals were exposed to 2 Gy whole body of X-ray on day 8. After exposure to IR, biochemical, histological and immunohistological assays were performed.

RESULTS

ATV significantly decreased the level of oxidative stress biomarkers in irradiated mice in comparison with IR alone. A significant reduction in the urea and creatinine levels was observed in ATV plus IR group compared to IR alone. Tubular degeneration, glomerular atrophy, interstitial expansion and fibrosis were observed in irradiated mice. Tubular degeneration and atrophy in the kidneys of IR plus ATV group were less than IR group. In addition, pre-treated animal with ATV significantly showed reduction in caspase-3 immunoreactivity.

CONCLUSION

ATV has significant protective effect against radiation-induced nephrotoxicity in mice and is a promising medication for protection of patients during radiotherapy.

The Radioprotective Effect of Resveratrol Against Genotoxicity Induced by γ-Irradiation in Mice Blood Lymphocytes

In this study, we evaluated whether the protective potential of resveratrol (RSV; 3,5,4'-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene) against γ-radiation caused damages in peripheral blood lymphocyte of mice. Resveratrol as a polyphenolic compound scavenges free radicals. Various doses of RSV were administered intraperitoneally 2 hours to adult male mice before a single dose of whole-body γ-irradiation (2 Gy). To assess the protective ability of RSV, the alkaline comet assay in blood lymphocyte of mice was performed and the total comet score was evaluated. The results of the alkaline comet assay showed that RSV significantly inhibited radiation-induced DNA damage. We observed that RSV protects blood lymphocyte against radiation-induced damage in mice.

Health-promoting effects of the citrus flavanone hesperidin

Hesperidin, a member of the flavanone group of flavonoids, can be isolated in large amounts from the rinds of some citrus species. Considering the wide range of pharmacological activities and widespread application of hesperidin, this paper reviews preclinical and clinical trials of hesperidin and its related compounds, including their occurrence, pharmacokinetics, and some marketed products available. Preclinical studies and clinical trials demonstrated therapeutical effects of hesperidin and its aglycone hesperetin in various diseases, such as neurological disorders, psychiatric disorders, and cardiovascular diseases and others, due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, lipid-lowering, and insulin-sensitizing properties.

The mitigating effect of Citrullus colocynthis (L.) fruit extract against genotoxicity induced by cyclophosphamide in mice bone marrow cells

Possible genoprotective effect of Citrullus colocynthis (L.) (CCT) fruits extract against cyclophosphamide- (CP-)induced DNA damage in mice bone marrow cells was evaluated using micronucleus assay, as an index of induced chromosomal damage. Mice were preadministered with different doses of CCT via intraperitoneal injection for 7 consecutive days followed by injection with CP (70 mg/kg b.w.) 1 hr after the last injection of CCT. After 24 hr, mice were scarified to evaluate the frequency of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MnPCEs). In addition, the number of polychromatic erythrocytes (PCEs) among 1000 normochromatic erythrocytes (NCEs) per animal was recorded to evaluate bone marrow. Pretreatment with CCT significantly reduced the number of MnPCEs induced by CP in bone marrow cells (P < 0.0001). At 200 mg/kg, CCT had a maximum chemoprotective effect and reduced the number of MnPCEs by 6.37-fold and completely normalized the mitotic activity. CCT also led to marked proliferation and hypercellularity of immature myeloid elements after mice were treated with CP and mitigated the bone marrow suppression. Our study revealed that CCT has an antigenotoxic effect against CP-induced oxidative DNA damage in mice. Therefore, it could be used concomitantly as a supplement to protect people undergoing chemotherapy.

The potential chemoprotective effects of melatonin against genotoxicity induced by diazinon in human peripheral blood lymphocytes

The protection afforded by melatonin (MLT) against diazinon (DZN)-induced micronucleus formation, an index of DNA damage, in human blood lymphocytes was investigated. Whole blood samples were collected from five volunteers and were incubated with MLT at different concentrations (100, 200, 300, and 400 µM final concentration) for 1 h. The samples were then incubated with 750 µM DZN for 1 h. Subsequently, the lymphocytes were cultured with a mitogenic stimulant to evaluate micronucleus formation in cytokinesis-blocked binucleated cells. The incubation of lymphocytes with DZN induces additional genotoxicity. Pretreatment with MLT at these doses significantly reduced the micronucleus frequency in cultured lymphocytes ( p < 0.05– p < 0.0001). The maximum decrease in the frequency of micronuclei was observed at 400 µM of MLT, which caused a reduction of 87%. MLT also exhibited an excellent and dose-dependent radical-scavenging activity against 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl free radicals. Our study revealed that MLT has a potent antigenotoxic effect against DZN-induced DNA damage, which may be due to the scavenging of free radicals and increased antioxidant status. Because MLT is a natural compound and is considered safe, it can be used as a supplement to protect people exposed to chemical or environmental hazards.

The chemoprotective effects of l-carnitine against genotoxicity induced by diazinon in rat blood lymphocyte

The purpose of this study was to assess the preventive effects of l-carnitine (LC) against DNA damage induced by diazinon (DZN) in rat blood lymphocytes. Animals were concurrently administered intraperitoneally with DZN in proper solvent (20 mg/kg body weight (b.w.)) and LC at three different doses (50, 100, and 150 mg/kg b.w.) for 30 consecutive days. The positive control group received DZN at the same dose without LC. Twenty-four hour after last injection, 0.5 ml blood of each rat was received and cultured in culture medium for 44 h. The lymphocyte cultures were mitogenically stimulated with cytochalasin B for the evaluation of the number of micronuclei (MNs) in cytokinesis-blocked binucleated cells. Incubation of lymphocytes with DZN induced additional genotoxicity and was shown by increase in MNs frequency in rat lymphocytes. LC at all doses had a protective effect and significantly reduced the MNs frequency in cultured lymphocytes ( p < 0.0001– p < 0.05). The maximum effect was observed at 150 mg/kg that reduced the frequency of MN from 12.78 ± 0.24% for DZN group to 5.61 ± 0.17%. Our study revealed that LC has a potent antigenotoxic effect against DZN-induced toxicity in rats, which may be due to the scavenging of free radicals and increased antioxidant status. Since LC is a natural compound and is being safe, it is recommended as a daily supplement for body defense against side effects induced by chemical hazardous agents.

Potential chemoprotective effects of selenium on diazinon-induced DNA damage in rat peripheral blood lymphocyte

The purpose of this study was to investigate the protective effects of selenium (Se) against genotoxicity induced by diazinon (DZN) in rat peripheral blood lymphocytes by micronucleus (MN) test. Animals were concurrently administered intraperitoneally with DZN in proper solvent (20 mg/kg body weight (b.w.)) and Se at three different doses (0.5, 1, and 2 mg/kg b.w.) for 30 consecutive days. The positive control group received DZN at the same dose without Se. After 24 h of last injection, 0.5 ml blood of each rat was received and cultured in culture medium for 44 h. The lymphocyte cultures were mitogenically stimulated with cytochalasin B to allow the evaluation of number of MNs in cytokinesis-blocked binucleated cells. Incubation of lymphocytes with DZN induced additional genotoxicity and is shown by increase in MNs frequency in human lymphocytes. Se at low dose of 0.5 mg/kg had a maximum effect and significantly reduced the MNs frequency in cultured lymphocytes ( p < 0.0001) that reduced the frequency of MN from 12.78 ± 0.24% for DZN group to 4.40 ± 0.36. The present study revealed that Se particularly at low doses has a potent antigenotoxic effect against DZN -induced toxicity in rats, which may be due to the scavenging of free radicals and increased antioxidant status.