Inhibition of Radiation-Induced DNA Damage by Jamun, Syzygium cumini, in the Cultured Splenocytes of Mice Exposed to Different Doses of γ-Radiation

Abstract

The radioprotective property of 50 mg/kg body weight jamun (Syzygium cumini) extract was studied in the cultured splenocytes of mice exposed to 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, or 4 Gy of γ-radiation. The spleens of irradiated mice were removed aseptically and the splenocytes were extracted from the individual spleens and cultured. The micronuclei were prepared 72 hours after irradiation in binucleate splenocytes by blocking cytokinesis with cytochalasin-B. Irradiation of mice resulted in a dose-dependent elevation in the micronucleated splenocytes. The exposure of mice not only elevated splenocytes bearing one micronucleus but also cells bearing 2 and multiple (>2) micronuclei indicating induction of complex DNA damage after irradiation. Oral treatment of mice with 50 mg/kg body weight of jamun leaf extract protected against the radiation-induced micronuclei formation. Jamun extract also protected against the formation of 2 and multiple micronuclei indicating repair or inhibition of complex DNA damage. The assessment of lipid peroxidation in mice brain homogenate has indicated a concentration dependent inhibition of lipid peroxidation by jamun extract. Studies in a cell free system revealed that jamun extract inhibited the formation of OH, O 2 −, DPPH, and ABTS + free radicals in a concentration dependent manner. Our study demonstrates that jamun extract protected mice against the radiation-induced DNA damage and inhibition of radiation-induced free radical formation may be one of the mechanisms of radioprotection.

Phytochemical Composition and Pleotropic Pharmacological Properties of Jamun, Syzygium Cumini Skeels

“…Similarly, it equally inhibited DPPH and ABTS + free radicals, and the highest effect was achieved with 80 µg/mL for both radicals. 43 The acid ethanol extracts of seed and fruit pulp of Jamun have been reported to inhibit generation of DPPH and ABTS + free radicals, and to exhibit iron chelating activity. 44 The aqueous leaf extract of Jamun was shown to scavenge OH, O 2 − •, NO and ABTS + • free radicals in a concentration-dependent manner.…”

“…The Jamun leaf extract inhibited the production of radiation-induced micronuclei formation and thus protected the mice against radiation-induced DNA damage. 43 The latest studies carried out in mice to understand the mechanism of action of radioprotection utilized 50 mg/kg bodyweight of DCM-MET Jamun leaf extract before exposure to 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 3 or 4 Gy whole body γ-radiation. The assays for GSH, catalase and SOD revealed that the activities of each were increased significantly in the Jamun leaf extract-treated group, at all exposure doses, compared to the irradiated control group, whereas the induction of lipid peroxidation was reduced in the mouse liver.…”

Endostar enhances the antitumor effects of radiation by affecting energy metabolism and alleviating the tumor microenvironment in a Lewis lung carcinoma mouse model

“…The results indicated that Endostar may enhance the efficacy of radiation by reducing hypoxia and acidification in the tumor microenvironment, finally resulting in suppression of tumor growth. Treatment with radiation causes generation of reactive oxygen species, including superoxide radical anions and hydroxyl radicals (26,27). Thus, an accumulation of antioxidants, such as lactate, may induce or enhance resistance to radiation (28).…”

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“…In an earlier study the methanol extract of Mallotus roxburghianus has been reported to scavenge DPPH free radicals in-vitro 34 . Several plant extracts including Agele marmelos, Croton caudatus, Oroxylum indicum and Syzygium cumini have been reported to effectively scavenge the DPPH free radicals in-vitro 35,36,37 .…”