Protective Role of Tea Polyphenols in Combination against Radiation‐induced Haematopoietic and Biochemical Alterations in Mice

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the radioprotective effects of tea polyphenols (TPs) in various combinations against radiation-induced damage in mice. Mice were divided into different groups: non-irradiated control, irradiated control, amifostine (43.6 mg/kg, i.v. 30 min before irradiation; positive control) and various combinations of tea polyphenols in different doses. The radioprotective effect on the haematopoietic system, serum cytokines and endogenous antioxidant enzymes were studied. TP50, containing approximately 50% of (-)-epigallochatechin-3-gallate in addition to other catechins, showed the greatest radioprotective effect against radiation-induced changes in haematological parameters (red blood cell count, white blood cell count and haemoglobin), and maintained the spleen and thymus indices unchanged (spleen or thymus weight/body weight × 1000). Tea polyphenols also significantly decreased radiation-induced lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde levels), elevated endogenous antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase) and reduced the serum cytokines which were elevated in radiation-induced toxicity. This evidence shows the potential of tea polyphenols, particularly in the combination found in TP50, as radioprotectors in mice, especially regarding recovery of the haematopoietic system, antioxidant potential activity and reduction of inflammatory cytokines.

Phase I study of topical epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) in patients with breast cancer receiving adjuvant radiotherapy

“…[8][9][10] It was found that EGCG was most efficient at inhibiting erythema response evoked by ultraviolet radiation in human health volunteers. 11 At the same time, the toxicity test of green tea extract also did not show any sign of irritation in the skin in patients with allergic contact dermatitis.…”

Green tea polyphenol epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) as adjuvant in cancer therapy

“…EGCG treatment was related to amelioration of leukocytopenia, reduction of inflammatory cytokines in serum and improved antioxidant defense. 36 Moreover, EGCG administered intraperitoneally to mice after cecal ligation and puncture, was shown to protect against lethal endotoxemia and rescued animals from lethal sepsis. 37 This effect could be explained by EGCG-induced decrease in systemic concentration of high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), a critical proinflammatory mediator of lethal sepsis.…”

Radioprotective effect of thymoquinone on salivary gland of rats exposed to total cranial irradiation

“…However, it is not always possible to keep the normal tissues outside of the treatment field and to avoid side effects and complications of the irradiation. Exposure to high amounts of ionizing radiation results in damage to the hematopoietic, gastrointestinal, and central nervous systems, depending on the radiation dose . It is important to protect normal tissues in the treatment field.…”

“…Naturally occurring compounds that function as antioxidants and immunostimulants are important for the development of radioprotective agents. Approved radioprotective agents are expensive and have some severe side effects . For this reason, to prevent injury caused by radiation on healthy tissue, many investigations related natural products that have antiviral, anticancer, immunostimulant, and antioxidant effects have been constructed.…”

“…Exposure to high amounts of ionizing radiation results in damage to the hematopoietic, gastrointestinal, and central nervous systems, depending on the radiation dose. 6,26,27 It is important to protect normal tissues in the treatment field. The nature and degree of such side effects depends on the dose of radiation and the sensitivity of the organs irradiated.…”