Cytoprotective Potential of Rutin and Quercetin in Swiss Mice Exposed to Gamma Radiation

Abstract

Radioprotective mechanisms of Rutin (RUT) and Quercetin (QRT) against gamma radiation was studied by investigating recovery of histopathology of intestinal mucosa and bone marrow in Swiss albino mice. These mice were treated with RUT (10mg/kg.b.wt.) and QRT (20mg/kg.b.wt.) once daily for five consecutive days and exposed to 7.5 Gy of gamma radiation after the last administration. RUT and QRT treatment before exposure to 7.5 Gy of gamma radiation. To assess the intestinal and bone marrow protective potential of RUT and QRT, histological analysis was carried out by observing the villus height, crypt survival, number of goblet cells/villus section and dead cells/villus section in the mouse jejunum and bone marrow cellularity at 24 hours post-irradiation. Mice exposed gamma radiation caused a significant decline in the villus height and crypt number with an increase in goblet and dead cell number with a significant decrease in bone marrow nucleated cells. The potent antioxidant nature of RUT and QRT mitigate the oxidative stress induced by gamma radiation and thus protect the mice from gastrointestinal damage. Key-wordsRutin, Quercetin, Cytoprotective, Irradiation INTRODUCTION Radiation therapy has been successfully used to treat malignant tumours of different histological origin and stages, (individually or in combination with chemotherapy and surgery, or both) for several decades. The response of mammalian cells to ionizing radiations at the cellular and molecular level is complex and is an active irreversible process that is dependent on both the radiation dose and the tissue-weighting factor . Most of the tissue damage caused by ionizing radiation is mediated by the reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated from the interaction between radiation and water molecules in cells . These ROS react with biological molecules including proteins, lipids, lipoproteins and DNA . Many synthetic compounds have been studied for their ability to protect against adverse effects of radiation ever since the original observation of radioprotection by Patt and co-workers . Access this article online Quick Response Code Website: