In Vivo Radioprotective Effects of Wheatgrass (Triticum Aestivum) Extract Against X-Irradaition-Induced Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis in Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes in Rats

Abstract

Objectives: The present study was undertaken to investigate the possible protective potential of wheatgrass extract against radiation-induced toxicity in peripheral lymphocytes of rats exposed to a fractionated dose of X-rays.Methods: Effects of the X-irradiation with and without wheatgrass were studied on various parameters in peripheral lymphocytes including antioxidant defense system and apoptosis. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four different groups: Normal control group, X-ray-irradiated group (21 Gy over a span of 7 days), wheatgrass-treated group (80 mg/100 g bodyweight for 2 weeks), and X-rays-irradiated + wheatgrass-treated group. All the biochemical indices which included lipid peroxidation (LPO), reduced glutathione, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and activities of antioxidant enzymes were investigated in lymphocytes. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling assay was carried out to assess the apoptosis in lymphocytes following whole-body X-irradiation.Results: Whole-body X-irradiation to rats resulted in significant increase in LPO with concomitant depression of antioxidant enzymes activities, namely, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidise (GPx) in lymphocytes. Further, the present study witnessed a significant increase in the number of apoptotic lymphocytes in the X-irradiated animals. However, wheatgrass supplementation lowered the LPO levels, restored cellular antioxidant status, and provided significant protection against radiation-induced apoptosis.Conclusions: Based on these observations, the present study suggests that wheatgrass extract has the potential to be used as an effective radioprotectant against radiation-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in peripheral lymphocytes of whole-body X-ray-exposed rats.

Anti-Alzheimer Activity of Combinations of Cocoa with Vinpocetine or Other Nutraceuticals in Rat Model: Modulation of Wnt3/β-Catenin/GSK-3β/Nrf2/HO-1 and PERK/CHOP/Bcl-2 Pathways

“…CoQ10 has also been revealed to improve ER stress, modulate autophagy, and prevent apoptosis [ 80 ]. WG can protect against oxidative stress and apoptosis [ 81 ]. Vitamin B supplementation has been shown to restore autophagic flux, lessen ER stress, and repair lysosomal dysfunction caused by hyperhomocysteinemia [ 82 ].…”

Review of Phyto-Medical Extracts’ and Compounds’ Anti-Radiation Properties

“…Radiation exposure raised the MDA and ROS levels significantly and decreased the antioxidant enzyme activities. When the irradiated rats were supplemented with wheatgrass, the antioxidant enzymes increased significantly (p<0.001) and the levels of MDA and ROS decreased similarly when compared to the irradiated rats [3].…”

“…Radioimaging aids early patient diagnosis, but ionizing radiation can cause DNA damage, cancer, carcinogenicity, and teratogenicity. X-rays and CT scans expose patients to radio-associated pathology, nucleotide dimerization, and fatal mutations [3,4]. Internal and external risk factors may produce irreversible alterations in DNA structure, which may aid in the onset and advancement of the carcinogenesis process [5].…”