Natural product and low dose γ- irradiation as inhibitors of chemically induced hepatic and renal carcinogenesis in rats.

Abstract

Increasing data from both cancer epidemiology and experimental attempts support the bright future of naturally occurring substances in chemoprevention and suggest that daily consumption is a promising new approach to prevent carcinogenesis. The present study was designed to investigate the efficacy of Ginkgo biloba (GB) and Low Doses of Gamma Irradiation against ferricnitrilotriacetate (Fe-NTA) induced renal and hepatic carcinogenesis in Wistar rats. Carcinogenesis was induced by intraperitoneal injection of Fe-NTA (9 mg Fe/kg body weight) twice weekly for 20 weeks. Animals (whole body) were exposed to 50 cGy of γ- radiation per week for 19 weeks at a total dose of 9.5 Gy. The efficacy of GB was studied in terms of lipid peroxidation (LPx), anti-oxidant armory such as catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase and reduced glutathione (GSH) and plasma toxicity markers such as ALT, AST, blood urea nitrogen and creatinine. Also, caspase 3 and Histopathological changes were detected either in kidney or liver tissues. Administration of Fe-NTA and exposure to low doses of γ- radiation enhanced LPx and plasma toxicity markers with concomitant reduction in GSH content and antioxidant enzymes. Histopathological alterations and caspase 3 enhancement were detected in kidney and liver tissues. Chemo preventive effects of GB were associated with upregulation of antioxidant armory and down regulation of plasma toxicity markers. GB was also able to down regulate caspase 3. Histopathological changes further confirmed the biochemical results. In conclusion: These results may provide an evidence for the preventive efficacy of GB against renal and hepatic carcinogenesis induced by either low doses of γ- irradiation or Fe-NTA.