The Protective Role of Hesperidin against Some Biochemical and Trace Element Changes Induced by Gamma Radiation and / or Acrylonitrile in Rats

Abstract

Ionizing radiation is a high-energy radiation that has the ability to break chemical bonds, cause ionization and produce free radicals which can result in biological damage. These free radicals can induce damage to critical macromolecules such as DNA. Cellular DNA damage leads to mutation and cancer. High levels of gamma radiation can induce mortality in mammals. Acrylonitrile (AN) is a synthetic colorless liquid, with onion- or garlic-like odor. It is used to make other chemicals such as plastics, synthetic rubber and acrylic fibers. AN and its metabolites can produce a wide array of toxicological effects in animals and humans. The present study was designed to evaluate the protective and antioxidant effects of hesperidin against the toxicity induced by the exposure to 6.5 Gy as a single shot of γ- radiation and /or acrylonitrile. The parameters studied in the current work were complete blood count, serum aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase and alkaline phosphatase activities as well as levels of albumin, total proteins and glucose. In addition, total cholesterol, triacylglycerols, high Summary and conclusion density lipoprotein cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, urea and creatinine were also examined. Moreover, the antioxidant enzyme activities of catalase, SOD and GPx along with the GSH content and MDA concentration were also studied in both liver & kidney tissues. Furthermore, copper, zinc, selenium, iron, manganese and calcium contents were also determined. Eighty rats were divided into eight groups (10 rats of each) and classified as follows: Group I: normal control group. Group II (Hes group): rats received 200 mg hesperidin / kg body weight (three times per week) for 4 weeks, (prolonged oral administration by intragastric gavage). Group III (γ-ray): rats exposed to 6.5Gy, as a single dose whole body gamma irradiation. Group IV (γ-ray+ Hes): rats received hesperidin as in group II for 3 weeks, then exposed to gamma irradiation of 6.5 Gy (whole body irradiation) at day 21, followed by treatment with Hes for an additional week. Group V (AN group): rats received 50 mg acrylonitrile / kg body weight orally for 4 weeks (twice per week). Group VI (AN+ Hes): rats received 200 mg Hes/ kg body weight and 50 mg AN / kg body weight for 4 weeks. Summary and conclusion Group (VII) (γ-ray+ AN): rats received AN as in group Vand exposed to gamma irradiation of 6.5 Gy at day 21 of the treatment.