Beetroot ( Beta vulgaris ) rescues mice from γ-ray irradiation by accelerating hematopoiesis and curtailing immunosuppression

Abstract

Context: Beetroot [Beta vulgaris Linné (Chenopodiaceae)], a vegetable usually consumed as a food or a medicinal plant in Europe, has been reported to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Since the lymphohematopoietic system is the most sensitive tissue to ionizing radiation, protecting it from radiation damage is one of the best ways to decrease detrimental effects from radiation exposure. Objective: In this study, we evaluated the radio-protective effects of beetroot in hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and progenitor cells. Materials and methods: Beetroot extract was administered at a dose of 400 mg/mouse per os (p.o.) three times into C57BL/6 mice and, at day 10 after γ-ray irradiation, diverse molecular presentations were measured and compared against non-irradiated and irradiated mice with PBS treatments. Survival of beetroot-fed and unfed irradiated animal was also compared. Results: Beetroot not only stimulated cell proliferation, but also minimized DNA damage of splenocytes. Beetroot also repopulated S-phase cells and increased Ki-67 or c-Kit positive cells in bone marrow. Moreover, beetroot-treated mice showed notable boosting of differentiation of HSCs into burst-forming units-erythroid along with increased production of IL-3. Also, beetroot-treated mice displayed enhancement in the level of hematocrit and hemoglobin as well as the number of red blood cell in peripheral blood. Beetroot diet improved survival rate of lethally exposed mice with a dose reduction factor (DRF) of 1.1. Discussion and conclusion: These results suggest that beetroot has the potency to preserve bone marrow integrity and stimulate the differentiation of HSCs against ionizing radiation.

Protective Effect of JXT Ethanol Extract on Radiation‐Induced Hematopoietic Alteration and Oxidative Stress in the Liver

“…Tea polyphenols, particularly in the combination in TP50 as the radioprotector in mice, have antioxidant potential activity and can reduce inflammatory cytokines especially during the recovery of the hematopoietic system [ 55 ]. Beetroot has the potency to preserve bone marrow integrity and stimulate the differentiation of HSCs against ionizing radiation [ 56 ].…”

Red Beet (<i>Beta vulgaris</i>) Impact on Human Health

“…The administration of betalains from red beets provided a radio-protective effect in mice irradiated by 60 Co in vivo [35]. Beetroot extract ingestion in mice after 10 days of beta-ray irradiation minimized DNA damage of splenocytes, boosted differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells into burst-forming units-erythroid, enhanced hematocrit and blood hemoglobin, and improved the survival rate of lethally exposed mice [36].…”

“…Targeted iron supplementation with pharmaceuticals is widely used, but peroral iron salt ingestion often causes side effects-nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain. Oral iron supplementation leads to an improved blood hemoglobin level, but at the cost of increased oxidative stress [36].…”

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“…This is also supported by (Kumar et al, 2018) 20 who reported a reduction in the number of WBC of gamma irradiated mice. It has been observed that natural compounds from medicinal plants are effective in relation to blood circulation and to improve hemodynamics in various cardiovascular diseases 21 . The screening of these parameters including the red cells, white cells and the platelets and factors are correlated with inflammation, necrosis, various infections of visceral organs and due to stress related factors 22 .…”