Radioprotection by plant products: present status and future prospects

Mitigation effect of hesperidin on X-ray radiation-induced intestinal barrier dysfunction in Caco-2 cell monolayers

The tight junctions (TJs) and barrier function of the intestinal epithelium are highly sensitive to radiation. However, polyphenols can be used to reverse the effects of radiation. Here, we investigated the effects of hesperidin (hesperetin-7-rhamnoglucoside) on X-ray-induced intestinal barrier dysfunction in human epithelial Caco-2 monolayers. To examine whether hesperidin mitigated the effects of X-ray exposure (2 Gy), cell survival was evaluated and intestinal barrier function was assessed by measuring the transepithelial flux, apparent permeability coefficient (Papp), and barrier integrity. Hesperidin improved the survival of Caco-2 cell monolayers and attenuated X-ray exposure-induced intestinal barrier dysfunction. For fluorescein transport experiments, transepithelial flux and Papp of fluorescein in control group were significantly elevated by X-ray, but were restored to near control by 10 μM hesperidin pretreatment. Further, X-ray exposure decreased the barrier integrity and TJ interruption by reducing TJ-related proteins occludin and claudin-4, whereas cell monolayers pretreated with hesperidin before X-ray exposure were reinstated to control level. It was concluded that hesperidin treatment before X-ray exposure alleviated X-ray-induced intestinal barrier dysfunction through regulation of TJ-related proteins. These results indicate that hesperidin prevents and mitigates X-ray-induced intestinal barrier dysfunction.

Haberlea rhodopensis Extract Tunes the Cellular Response to Stress by Modulating DNA Damage, Redox Components, and Gene Expression

Ionizing radiation (IR) and reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced oxidative stress can cause damage to cellular biomolecules, including DNA, proteins, and lipids. These harmful effects can compromise essential cellular functions and significantly raise the risk of metabolic dysfunction, accumulation of harmful mutations, genome instability, cancer, accelerated cellular senescence, and even death. Here, we present an investigation of HeLa cancer cells' early response to gamma IR (γ-IR) and oxidative stress after preincubation of the cells with natural extracts of the resurrection plant Haberlea rhodopensis. In light of the superior protection offered by plant extracts against radiation and oxidative stress, we investigated the cellular defence mechanisms involved in such protection. Specifically, we sought to evaluate the molecular effects of H. rhodopensis extract (HRE) on cells subjected to genotoxic stress by examining the components of the redox pathway and quantifying the transcription levels of several critical genes associated with DNA repair, cell cycle regulation, and apoptosis. The influence of HRE on genome integrity and the cell cycle was also studied via comet assay and flow cytometry. Our findings demonstrate that HREs can effectively modulate the cellular response to genotoxic and oxidative stress within the first two hours following exposure, thereby reducing the severity of such stress. Furthermore, we observed the specificity of genoprotective HRE doses depending on the source of the applied genotoxic stress.

In vivo protective efficacy of astaxanthin against ionizing radiation-induced DNA damage

Astaxanthin, a carotenoid pigment, is believed to be effective in the repair of DNA damage. Our study evaluates the effect of astaxanthin on DNA damage in rats exposed to whole-body radiotherapy using the comet assay. Thirty-two male rats were randomly divided into four groups (control, ionizing radiation, astaxanthin, and radiation+astaxanthin). The radiation and radiation+astaxanthin groups were exposed to X-rays at a dose of 8 gray (0.62 gray/min). Astaxanthin was administered at 4 mg/kg by gavage for 7 days starting from irradiation. The %TailDNA parameter was chosen as an indicator of DNA damage and the results were compared using one-way ANOVA. %TailDNA was 3.24 ± 3.12 in the control group, 2.85 ± 2.73 in the astaxanthin group, 4.11 ± 7.90 in the radiation group, and 3.59 ± 4.05 in the radiation+astaxanthin group. There was a significant increase in DNA damage in the radiation group, compared with the control and astaxanthin groups (p < .001). DNA damage was reduced in the radiation+astaxanthin group compared with the radiation group (p < .05). Although this decrease did not reduce damage to the level of the control group, it was significant. The decrease in radiation-induced DNA damage by astaxanthin administration in our study supports the hypothesis that astaxanthin is a promising agent for against/reducing DNA damage.

Modulation of radiation-induced intestinal injury by radioprotective agents: a cellular and molecular perspectives

The gastrointestinal (GI) system has rapidly proliferating and differentiating cells, which make it one of the most radiosensitive organs in the body. Exposure to high dose of ionising radiation (IR) during radiotherapy may generate a variety of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) including radicals, cause some side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, pain, ulceration, mal-absorption etc. Irradiation disrupts GI system by damaging proliferating stem cells of the crypts that alters the histology and physiology of intestine. Radiation damage reflects the qualitative and quantitative changes in intestinal epithelial stem cells like enterocytes, enteroendocrine cells, goblet cells and Paneth cells. The damaging effects of radiation to bio-molecules and cellular structures can alter gene signalling cascades and grounds genomic instability, protein modifications, cell senescence and cell death. The signalling pathways of GI tract includes Wnt, BMP, Hedgehog, PTEN/PI3K and Notch plays an important role in self-renewal of intestinal stem cells (ISCs) and maintaining the balance between self-renewal and differentiation of ISCs. Various radiation countermeasures including radioprotectors and mitigators are under development phase globally but still not approved for clinical applications during any radiation emergencies. In view of above, present review highlights cellular and molecular interruptions of GI system due to acute and chronic GI radiation injury, role of radioprotectors in signalling cascade modulations in GI epithelium and involvement of ISC markers in radioprotection.

Fruits and their phytochemicals in mitigating the ill effects of ionizing radiation: review on the existing scientific evidence and way forward

Although helpful in treating cancer, exposure to ionizing radiation can sometimes cause severe side effects, negating its benefit. In addition to its use in clinics, a nontoxic radioprotective agent can also be beneficial in occupational settings where humans are occupationally exposed for prolonged periods to low doses of radiation. Scientific studies using laboratory animals have shown that the fruits Aegle marmelos, Capsicum annuum, Citrus aurantium, Citrullus lanatus, Crataegus microphylla, Eugenia jambolana, Emblica officinalis, Garcinia kola, Grewia asiatica, Hippophae rhamnoides, Malus baccata, Malpighia glabra or Malpighia emarginata, Mangifera indica, Prunus domestica, Prunus avium, Prunus armeniaca, Psoralea corylifolia, Punica granatum, Solanum lycopersicum, Terminalia chebula, Vaccinium macrocarpon, Vitis vinifera and Xylopia aethiopica, and the phytochemicals gallic acid, ellagic acid, quercetin, geraniin, corilagin, ascorbic acid, hesperetin, ursolic acid, lycopene, naringin, hesperidin, rutin, resveratrol, β-sitosterol, apigenin, luteolin, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, mangiferin, diosmin, ferulic acid, and kaempferol are effective in preventing radiation-induced ill effects. Clinical studies with Emblica officinalis and Punica granatum have also shown that fruits help mitigate radiation-induced mucositis, dermatitis, and cystitis. For the first time, the current review summarizes the beneficial effects of fruits and phytochemicals in mitigating radiation-induced damage, the underlying mechanisms and the existing lacunae for future studies to be undertaken for the benefit of humans and the nutraceutical and agri-based industries.

Looking for the phoenix: the current research on radiation countermeasures

PURPOSE

Ionizing radiation (IR) is widely applied in radiotherapy for the treatment of over 50% of cancer patients. IR is also intensively used in medical diagnostics on a daily basis in imaging. Moreover, recent geopolitical events have re-ignited the real threat of the use of nuclear weapons. Medical radiation countermeasures represent one of the effective protection strategies against the effects of IR. The aim of this review was to summarize the most commonly used strategies and procedures in the development of radiation countermeasures and to evaluate the current state of their research, with a focus on those in the clinical trial phase.

METHODS

Clinical trials for this review were selected in accordance with the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) statement. The search was performed in the clinicaltrials.gov database as of May 2022.

RESULTS

Our search returned 263 studies, which were screened and of which 25 were included in the review. 10 of these studies had been completed, 3 with promising results: KMRC011 increased G-CSF, IL-6, and neutrophil counts suggesting potential for the treatment of hematopoietic acute radiation syndrome (H-ARS); GC4419 reduced the number of patients with severe oral mucositis and its duration; the combination of enoxaparin, pentoxifylline, and ursodeoxycholic acid reduced the incidence of focal radiation-induced liver injury.

CONCLUSION

The agents discovered so far show significant side effects or low efficacy, and hence most of the tested agents terminate in the early stages of development. In addition, the low profitability of this type of drug demotivates the private sector to invest in such research. To overcome this problem, there is a need to involve more public resources in funding. Among the technological opportunities, a deeper use of in silico approaches seems to be prospective.

A literature review of the studies concerning selected plant-derived adaptogens and their general function in body with a focus on animal studies

BACKGROUND

Adaptogens are generally referred to the substances, mostly found in plants, which non-specifically increase resilience and chances of survival by activation of signaling pathways in affected cells.

PURPOSE

This literature review was conducted to summarize the investigation, until March 2021, on selected adaptogenic plants and plant-derived substances.

STUDY DESIGN

Electronic databases were searched (up to March 2021) for in vitro and animal studies, as well as clinical trials. Moreover, all modes of action connected with the adaptogenic effects of plants and phytochemicals were collected.

METHODS

The search of relevant studies was performed within electronic databases including Scopus, Science Direct, PubMed, and Cochrane library. The most important keywords were adaptogen, plant, phytochemical, and plant-derived.

RESULTS

The most investigated medicinal herbs for their adaptogenic activity are Eleutherococcus senticosus, Panax ginseng, Withania somnifera, Schisandra chinensis, and Rhodiola spp., salidroside, ginsenosides, andrographolide, methyl jasmonate, cucurbitacin R, dichotosin, and dichotosininare are phytochemicals that have shown a considerable adaptogenic activity. Phytochemicals that have been demonstrated adaptogenic properties mainly belong to flavonoids, terpenoids, and phenylpropanoid glycosides.

CONCLUSION

It is concluded that the main modes of action of the selected adaptogenic plants are stress modulatory, antioxidant, anti-fatigue, and physical endurance enhancement. Other properties were nootropic, immunomodulatory, cardiovascular, and radioprotective activities.

Protective Effect of Some Essential Oils Against Gamma-Radiation Damages in Tetrahymena pyriformis Exposed to Cobalt-60 Source

The main purpose of this study was to investigate the protective effect of Rosmarinus officinalis, Origanum compactum, Lavandula angustifolia, and Eucalyptus globulus essential oils (EOs) against gamma-radiation-induced damages on Tetrahymena pyriformis growing in presence of cobalt-60 source. The chemical composition of the 4 EOs was analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The protective effects of EOs on growth, on morphology, and on some metabolic enzymes and antioxidant markers have been evaluated. Thus, addition of EOs significantly improves the growth parameters (generation number and time) in irradiating conditions. All EOs allowed restoring growth parameters over more than 90% compared to the controls. The morphological analysis indicated that T. pyriformis cells growing in irradiating conditions were able to regain their normal form in presence of the different EOs. Our results indicate that the 4 EOs also have protective effects on some metabolic enzymes. They allowed recovering totally or partially the glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase and the succinate dehydrogenase activities compared to the controls. Moreover, the addition of EOs reduced the lipid peroxidation level and decreased the activities of catalase and superoxide dismutase induced by the gamma-radiation exposure. A more pronounced protective effect was found for O. compactum and L. angustifolia EOs compared to R. officinalis and E. globulus EOs. These results suggest that the studied EOs are efficient natural antioxidants that could offer protection against gamma-radiation-induced damages and can therefore be useful in clinical medicine.

Effect of reduced atmospheric pressure on growth and quality of two lettuce cultivars

Future space missions will likely include plants to provide fresh foods and bioregenerative life support capabilities. Current spacecraft such as the International Space Station (ISS) operate at 1 atm (101 kPa) pressure, but future missions will likely use reduced pressures to minimize gas leakage and facilitate rapid egress (space walks). Plants for these missions must be able to tolerate and grow reliably at these reduced pressures. We grew two lettuce cultivars, 'Flandria' a green bibb-type and 'Outredgeous,' a red, loose-leaf type, under three pressures: 96 kPa (ambient control), 67 kPa (2/3 atm), and 33 kPa (1/3 atm) for 21 days in rockwool using recirculating nutrient film technique hydroponics. Each treatment was repeated three times using a different hypobaric chamber each time. A daily light integral of 17.2 Moles Photosynthetically Active Radiation per day was provided with metal halide lamps set to deliver 300 µmol m-2s -1 photosynthetic photon flux (PPF) for a 16 h photoperiod at 22 °C. Oxygen was maintained at 21 kPa (equal to 21% at 1 atm) and CO2 at 0.12 kPa (equal to 1200 ppm at 1 atm). Leaf area for 'Outredgeous' was reduced 20% and 38% at 67 kPa and 33 kPa respectively; shoot fresh mass was reduced 22% and 41% at 67 kPa and 33 kPa respectively when compared to control plants at 96 kPa. These trends were not statistically significant at P ≥ 0.05. Leaf area for 'Flandria' showed no difference between 96 and 67 kPa but was reduced 31% at 33 kPa; shoot fresh mass was reduced 6% and 27% at 66 kPa and 33 kPa respectively compared to 96 kPa. There were 10% and 25% increases in anthocyanin concentration at 66 kPa and 33 kPa compared to 96 kPa, potentially increasing the bioprotective capacity of the plant. Previous studies with other cultivars of lettuce showed slight change in growth across this range of pressures, suggesting responses may vary among genotypes, hypobaric exposure treatments, and / or environmental conditions. Collectively, the findings suggest further testing is needed to understand the effects of atmospheric pressure on plant growth.

Complex housing partially mitigates low dose radiation-induced changes in brain and behavior in rats

Purpose: In recent years, much effort has been focused on developing new strategies for the prevention and mitigation of adverse radiation effects on healthy tissues and organs, including the brain. The brain is very sensitive to radiation effects, albeit as it is highly plastic. Hence, deleterious radiation effects may be potentially reversible. Because radiation exposure affects dendritic space, reduces the brain’s ability to produce new neurons, and alters behavior, mitigation efforts should focus on restoring these parameters. To that effect, environmental enrichment through complex housing (CH) and exercise may provide a plausible avenue for exploration of protection from brain irradiation. CH is a much broader concept than exercise alone, and constitutes exposure of animals to positive physical and social stimulation that is superior to their routine housing and care conditions. We hypothesized that CHs may lessen harmful neuroanatomical and behavioural effects of low dose radiation exposure. Methods: We analyzed and compared cerebral morphology in animals exposed to low dose head, bystander (liver), and scatter irradiation on rats housed in either the environmental enrichment condos or standard housing. Results: Enriched condo conditions ameliorated radiation-induced neuroanatomical changes. Moreover, irradiated animals that were kept in enriched CH condos displayed fewer radiation-induced behavioural deficits than those housed in standard conditions. Conclusions: Animal model-based environmental enrichment strategies, such as CH, are excellent surrogate models for occupational and exercise therapy in humans, and consequently have significant translational possibility. Our study may thus serve as a roadmap for the development of new, easy, safe and cost-effective methods to prevent and mitigate low-dose radiation effects on the brain.

Therapeutic implications of exosomes in the treatment of radiation injury

Radiotherapy is one of the main cancer treatments, but it may damage normal tissue and cause various side effects. At present, radioprotective agents used in clinics have side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and hypotension, which limit their clinical application. It has been found that exosomes play an indispensable role in radiation injury. Exosomes are lipid bilayer vesicles that carry various bioactive substances, such as proteins, lipids and microRNA (miRNA), that play a key role in cell-to-cell communication and affect tissue injury and repair. In addition, studies have shown that radiation can increase the uptake of exosomes in cells and affect the composition and secretion of exosomes. Here, we review the existing studies and discuss the effects of radiation on exosomes and the role of exosomes in radiation injury, aiming to provide new insights for the treatment of radiation injury.

Radiosensitizing Effect of Bromelain Using Tumor Mice Model via Ki-67 and PARP-1 Inhibition

Recent reports have shown that bromelain (BL), a pineapple extract, acts as an adjuvant therapy in cancer treatment and prevention of carcinogenesis. The present study was designed to investigate the possible mechanisms by which BL could radiosensitize tumor cells in vitro and in a mouse tumor model. BL has shown a significant reduction in the viability of the radioresistant human breast carcinoma (MCF-7) cell line using cell proliferation assay. The in vivo study was designed using the Ehrlich model in female albino mice, treated with BL (6 mg/kg b. wt., intraperitoneal, once daily for 10 days) 1 hour before exposure to a fractionated dose of gamma radiation (5 Gy, 1 Gy for 5 subsequent days). The radiosensitizing effect of BL was evident in terms of a significant reduction in tumor volume, poly ADP ribose polymerase-1 (PARP-1), the proliferation marker Ki-67 and nuclear factor kappa activated B cells (NF-κB) with a significant elevation in the reactive oxygen species (ROS) content and lipid peroxidation (LPO) in tumor cells. The present findings offer a novel insight into the radiosensitizing effect of BL and its potential application in the radiotherapy course.

Protection and Mitigation by Resveratrol of DNA Damage Induced in Irradiated Human Lymphocytes In Vitro

The aim of this study was to examine the protective and/or mitigative properties of resveratrol (RSV) administered before or after irradiation of human lymphocytes in vitro. The isolated lymphocytes were incubated for 1 h with resveratrol, at doses of 0.1 (lowest), 0.5 (medium) or 1 (highest) mM/ml: 1 h before; immediately before; immediately after irradiation; and 1 h after irradiation with 0.5, 1 and 2 Gy. The degree of DNA damage was evaluated by Comet Assay. Treatment of human lymphocytes with resveratrol 1 h before or immediately after radiation exposure showed protection from radiation-induced DNA damage. However, 1 Gy irradiation + 1 mM/ml RSV, and 2 Gy irradiation + 0.5 and 1 mM/ml RSV 1 h before irradiation did not provide the same protection. Significant dose-dependent reduction of the level of DNA damage was observed after application of RSV immediately postirradiation or 1 h postirradiation. The reduction in DNA damage was the highest at the 0.1 dose of resveratrol. Our results lead to the conclusion that resveratrol may act both as a radioprotector as well as a radiomitigator. Resveratrol at the lowest (0.5 mM/ml) dose was more effective when combined with 0.5 and 1 Gy doses of radiation.

Study of the Radiosensitizing and Radioprotective Efficacy of Bromelain (a Pineapple Extract): In Vitro and In Vivo

This study hypothesizes that, bromelain (BL) acts as radiosensitizer of tumor cells and that it protects normal cells from radiation effects. In vitro and in vivo studies have been carried out to prove that assumption. In vitro MTT cell proliferation assay has shown that the irradiated Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) cell line could be sensitized by BL pretreatment. In vivo: animals were randomly divided into 5 groups, Group 1: control (PBS i.p for 10 days), Group 2: Ehrlich solid tumor (EST) bearing mice, Group 3: EST + γ-radiation (fractionated dose, 1 Gy × 5), Group 4: EST + BL (6 mg/kg, i.p), daily for 10 days, Group 5: EST + BL for 10 days followed by γ-irradiation (1 Gy × 5). The size and weight of tumors in gamma-irradiated EST bearing mice treated with BL decreased significantly with a significant amelioration in the histopathological examination. Besides, BL mitigated the effect of γ-irradiation on the liver relative gene expression of poly ADP ribose polymerase-1 (PARP1), nuclear factor kappa activated B cells (NF-κB), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPAR-α), and it restored liver function via amelioration of paraoxonase1 (PON1) activity, reactive oxygen species (ROS) content, lipid peroxidation (LPO) and serum aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), and albumin (ALB). It is concluded that BL can be considered as a radio-sensitizer and radio-protector, suggesting a possible role in reducing radiation exposure dose during radiotherapy.

Rutin Mediated Apoptotic Cell Death in Caski Cervical Cancer Cells via Notch-1 and Hes-1 Downregulation

Natural dietary molecules such as flavonoids have been recognized for their immense potential in cancer therapeutics with several health benefits. Hes-1 and Notch-1 overexpression has been associated with the progression of cervical cancer. However, the apoptosis-inducing potential of one such potent flavanol against these two key components of the Notch signaling pathway in cervical cancer has not been elucidated to date. Therefore, in this study, we performed several in vitro assays to gain detailed insight about the apoptotic inducing effect of rutin as well as its modulatory effect on Notch-1 and Hes-1 in cervical cancer cells. The results indicated that rutin led to a dose-dependent antiproliferative effects on Caski cervical cancer cells. DAPI and Mitotracker red staining revealed that rutin induced significant apoptotic effects via caspase-3/9 activation, ROS generation, and alteration in Bax/Bcl2 mRNA expression. Cell cycle analysis resulted in the arrest of cell cycle progression in G0/G1 that was associated with a reduced expression of CDK4 and Cyclin D1. The gene expression analysis further revealed that rutin treatment decreases Notch-1 and Hes-1 mRNA expression. Altogether, these results showed that rutin showed potent anticancer effects in human cervical cancer Caski cells by triggering apoptosis, G0/G1 phase arrest, and downregulating the level of Notch-1 and Hes-1 of the Notch signaling pathway.

Indian Indigenous Fruits as Radioprotective Agents: Past, Present and Future

Ionising radiation has been an important modality in cancer treatment and its value is immense when surgical intervention is risky or might debilitate/adversely affect the patient. However, the beneficial effect of radiation modality is negated by the damage to the adjacent healthy tissue in the field of radiation. Under these situations, the use of radioprotective compounds that can selectively protect normal tissues against radiation injury is considered very useful. However, research spanning over half a century has shown that there are no ideal radioprotectors available. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA or USFDA) approved amifostine or WR-2721 (Walter Reed-2721) [chemically S-2-(3-aminopropyl-amino) ethyl phosphorothioic acid] is toxic at their optimal concentrations. This has necessitated the need for agents that are safe and easily acceptable to humans.

BACKGROUND

Dietary agents with beneficial effects like free radical scavenging, antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects are recognized as applicable and have been investigated for their radioprotective properties. Studies in these lines have shown that the fruits of Aegle marmelos (stone apple or bael), Emblica officinalis or Phyllanthus emblica(Indian gooseberry/amla), Eugenia jambolana or Syzygium jambolana (black plum / jamun), Mangifera indica (mango) and Grewia asiatica (phalsa or falsa) that are originally reported to be indigenous to India have been investigated for their usefulness as a radioprotective agent.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this review is to summarize beneficial effects of the Indian indigenous fruits stone apple, mango, Indian gooseberry, black plum, and phalsa in mitigating radiation-induced side effects, emphasize the underlying mechanism of action for the beneficial effects and address aspects that merit detail investigations for these fruits to move towards clinical application in the near future.

METHODS

The authors data mined in Google Scholar, PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library for publications in the field from 1981 up to July 2020. The focus was on the radioprotection and the mechanism responsible for the beneficial effects, and accordingly, the articles were collated and analyzed.

RESULTS

This article emphasizes the usefulness of stone apple, mango, Indian gooseberry, black plum, and phalsa as radioprotective agents. From a mechanistic view, reports are suggestive that the beneficial effects are mediated by triggering free radical scavenging, antioxidant, anti-mutagenic and anti-inflammatory effects.

CONCLUSION

For the first time, this review addresses the beneficial effects of mango, Indian gooseberry, black plum, stone apple and phalsa as radioprotective agents. The authors suggest that future studies should be directed at understanding the selective radioprotective effects with tumor-bearing laboratory animals to understand their usefulness as radioprotective drug/s during radiotherapy and as a food supplement to protect people getting exposed to low doses of radiation in occupational settings. Phase I clinical trial studies are also required to ascertain the optimal dose and the schedule to be followed with the standardized extract of these fruits. The most important aspect is that these fruits are a part of the diet, have been consumed since the beginning of mankind, are non-toxic, possess diverse medicinal properties, have easy acceptability all of which will help take research forward and be of benefit to patients, occupational workers, agribased sectors and pharma industries.

Pterocarpus santalinus L. extract mitigates gamma radiation-inflicted derangements in BALB/c mice by Nrf2 upregulation

Plant-based natural extracts contain several nutrients and bioactive compounds, such as phenolics and flavonoids, that possess various health-promoting activities. This study investigated the effects of polyphenols from Pterocarpus santalinus hydroalcoholic extract (PSHE) against gamma radiation-induced derangements via the upregulation of Nrf2. Ultra High Performance Liquid Chromatography Coupled to High Resolution Mass Spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS/MS) analysis was performed to identify the possible radioprotectors. In vivo and in vitro studies, namely Real-Time-PCR (RT-PCR) analysis, Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) scavenging activity, lipid peroxidation and GSH levels, DNA damage and cell death studies, anti-inflammatory (Sandwich ELISA), immunomodulatory studies (antibody staining), and model free radical scavenging assays, were performed. Vanillic acid, protocatechuic acid, para-hydroxybenzoic acid, chlorogenic acid, TNF-α inhibitor (Eudesmin), isoflavone (Daidzein 7-o-glucoside), astragalin (Kaempferol 3-o-glycoside), and other polyphenols were identified in PSHE using UHPLC-HRMS/MS analysis. Prophylactic administration of PSHE (-1 h) rendered more than 33% survival in mice exposed to 8 Gy whole-body-irradiation with increased mice survival and recovery of bone marrow and spleen cellularity. Real-time RT-PCR analysis showed that PSHE treatment (50 µg/mL) upregulated Nrf2, HO-1, and GPX-1 in mice splenocytes. At 50 µg/mL, PSHE reduced ROSscavenging activity, mitochondrial and spleen membrane lipid peroxidation levels, DNA damage, and cell death, and increased GSH levels. At 10 µg/mL, PSHE treatment diminished the content of IL-6 and TNF-α. At 50 µg/mL, PSHE suppressed lymphocyte proliferation. These findings indicate that polyphenols of PSHE possess marked antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory capacities, which play important roles in the prevention of radiation damage.

The role of nutrition in space exploration: Implications for sensorimotor, cognition, behavior and the cerebral changes due to the exposure to radiation, altered gravity, and isolation/confinement hazards of spaceflight

Multi-year crewed space exploration missions are now on the horizon; therefore, it is important that we understand and mitigate the physiological effects of spaceflight. The spaceflight hazards-radiation, isolation, confinement, and altered gravity-have the potential to contribute to neuroinflammation and produce long-term cognitive and behavioral effects-while the fifth hazard, distance from earth, limits capabilities to mitigate these risks. Accumulated evidence suggests that nutrition has an important role in optimizing cognition and reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases caused by neuroinflammation. Here we review the nutritional perspective of how these spaceflight hazards affect the astronaut's brain, behavior, performance, and sensorimotor function. We also assess potential nutrient/nutritional countermeasures that could prevent or mitigate spaceflight risks and ensure that crewmembers remain healthy and perform well during their missions. Just as history has taught us the importance of nutrition in terrestrial exploration, we must understand the role of nutrition in the development and mitigation of spaceflight risks before humans can successfully explore beyond low-Earth orbit.

Radioprotective Role of Natural Polyphenols: From Sources to Mechanisms

The identification and development of radioprotective agents has emerged as a subject matter of research during recent years due to the growing usage of ionizing radiation in different areas of human life. Previous work on synthetic radioprotectors has achieved limited progress because of the numerous issues associated with toxicity. Compounds extracted from plants have potential to serve as lead candidates for developing ideal radioprotectors due to their low cost, safety and selectivity. Polyphenols are the most abundant and commonly dispersed group of biologically active molecules possessing broad range of pharmacological activities. Polyphenols have displayed efficacy for radioprotection during various investigations and can be administered at high doses with lesser toxicity. Detoxification of free radicals, modulating inflammatory responses, DNA repair, stimulation of hematopoietic recovery, and immune functions are the main mechanisms for radiation protection with polyphenols. Epicatechin, epigallocatechin-3-gallate, apigenin, caffeic acid phenylethylester, and silibinin provide cytoprotection together with the suppression of many pro-inflammatory cytokines owing to their free radical scavenging, anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Curcumin, resveratrol, quercetin, gallic acid, and rutin's radioprotective properties are regulated primarily by direct or indirect decline in cellular stress. Thus, polyphenols may serve as potential candidates for radioprotection in the near future, however, extensive investigations are still required to better understand their protection mechanisms.

Prophylactic administration of podophyllotoxin and rutin combination assists the revival of radiation-induced hematopoietic suppression in lethally irradiated mice

Hematopoietic syndrome contributes to mortality after exposure to high doses of low LET radiation. In this context, we have earlier demonstrated the potential of G-003 M (a combination of podophyllotoxin and rutin) in alleviating radiation-induced bone marrow suppression. Similarly, we here demonstrate that G-003 M protected mice from death (>83% protection) and increased the populations of CD 34 (Cluster of differentiation 34) as well as CD 117 (Cluster of differentiation 117) positive cell population and their colony forming capacity. This was accompanied with increase in the serum titre of granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF), granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF). Interestingly, G-003 M lowered down the titre of fms-like tyrosine kinase (Flt-3) ligands. Our results furthermore demonstrates that G-003 M facilitated the nuclear translocation of β-catenin and upregulated the expression of Wnt 10b. Conditioning of animal with G-003 M activated the expression of survivin, inhibited the activation of Caspase-3 in CD 34/117+ progenitor stem cells and protected the bone marrow vascularity and splenic colonies in lethally irradiated animals, which collectively promoted hemopoietic recovery in lethally irradiated mice.

Radioprotective Potential of Nutraceuticals and their Underlying Mechanism of Action

Radiations are an efficient treatment modality in cancer therapy. Besides the treatment effects of radiations, the ionizing radiations interact with biological systems and generate reactive oxygen species that interfere with the normal cellular process. Previous investigations of synthetic radioprotectors have shown less effectiveness, mainly owing to some limiting effects. The nutraceuticals act as efficient radioprotectors to protect the tissues from the deleterious effects of radiation. The main radioprotection mechanism of nutraceuticals is the scavenging of free radicals while other strategies are involved modulation of signaling transduction of pathways like MAPK (JNK, ERK1/2, ERK5, and P38), NF-kB, cytokines, and their protein regulatory genes expression. The current review is focused on the radioprotective effects of nutraceuticals including vitamin E, -C, organosulphur compounds, phenylpropanoids, and polysaccharides. These natural entities protect against radiation-induced DNA damage. The review mainly entails the antioxidant perspective and mechanism of action of their radioprotective activities on a molecular level, DNA repair pathway, anti-inflammation, immunomodulatory effects, the effect on cellular signaling pathways, and regeneration of hematopoietic cells.

Radiation protection by Ex-RAD: a systematic review

Protection of normal tissues against ionizing radiation-induced damages is a critical issue in clinical and environmental radiobiology. One of the ways of accomplishing radiation protection is through the use of radioprotectors. In the search for the most effective radioprotective agent, factors such as toxicity, effect on tumors, number of tissues protected, ease of administration, long-term stability, and compatibility with other drugs need to be assessed. Thus, in the present study, we systematically review existing studies on a chemical radioprotector, Ex-RAD, with the aim of examining its efficacy of radiation protection as well as underlying mechanisms. To this end, a systematic search of the electronic databases including Pubmed, Scopus, Embase, and Google Scholar was conducted to retrieve articles investigating the radioprotective effect of Ex-RAD. From an initial search of 268 articles, and after removal of duplicates as well as applying the predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria, 10 articles were finally included for this systematic review. Findings from the reviewed studies indicated that Ex-RAD showed potentials for effective radioprotection of the studied organs with no side effect. Furthermore, the inhibition of apoptosis through p53 signaling pathway was the main mechanism of radioprotection by Ex-RAD. However, its radioprotective effect would need to be investigated for more organs in future studies.

The Radioprotective Effect of Ascorbic Acid and Kefir against Genotoxicity Induced by Exposure in Mice Blood Lymphocytes

The aim of this research was to determine how coadministration of ascorbic acid prior to the beginning of X-irradiation influences the lymphocyte DNA damage and also if the kefir supplementation to irradiated mice may alter the recovery procedure of lymphocyte genetic material injury. Following treatment of animals with these agents, the whole-body of mice were irradiated to 6 MV X-rays, then genotoxicity activity was investigated by comet assay. Our results show that the Total Comet Score (TCS) value was 1.39 and 1.5 fold less in the kefir and ascorbic acid groups respectively the following irradiation than in the irradiated mice only. Coadministration of ascorbic acid and kefir with 2 h, before relatively to 2 Gy radiation decreased DNA damage in lymphocyte blood cells. The antioxidant strength of ascorbic acid and kefir were investigated by the study of the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging properties and also ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay. Our results revealed that ascorbic acid and kefir show strong antioxidant activity by these methods. According to these results, it seems that ascorbic acid and kefir, as a free radical scavenging capacitiy, protect animal lymphocyte blood cells from radiation-induced DNA injury and genotoxicity.

Substituted Piperazines as Novel Potential Radioprotective Agents

The increasing risk of radiation exposure underlines the need for novel radioprotective agents. Hence, a series of novel 1-(2-hydroxyethyl)piperazine derivatives were designed and synthesized. Some of the compounds protected human cells against radiation-induced apoptosis and exhibited low cytotoxicity. Compared to the previous series of piperazine derivatives, compound 8 exhibited a radioprotective effect on cell survival in vitro and low toxicity in vivo. It also enhanced the survival of mice 30 days after whole-body irradiation (although this increase was not statistically significant). Taken together, our in vitro and in vivo data indicate that some of our compounds are valuable for further research as potential radioprotectors.

Amentoflavone protects the hematopoietic system of mice against γ-irradiation

Some flavonoids have been shown to exhibit good antioxidant activity and protect mice from damage induced by radiation. Amentoflavone (AMF), a biflavonoid derived from the traditional herb-Selaginella tamariscina, has been reported to have antioxidant properties. The protective effects and mechanism of action of AMF against radiation injury remain unknown. In this study, male C57BL/6 mice were subjected to total-body ⁶⁰Co γ-irradiation at 7.5 or 3.0 Gy. The survival rate and mean survival time were evaluated to determine the radioprotective effect of AMF. Number of peripheral blood cells, frequency of colony forming unit-granulocytes, monocytes and micronuclei were measured to assess the protective effects of AMF on the hematopoietic system. Levels of superoxide dismutase and glutathione, and pathological changes in the bone marrow were determined. Additionally, next-generation sequencing technology was used to explore potential targets of AMF. We observed that AMF markedly extends average survival time, reduces injury to the hematopoietic system and promotes its recovery. Furthermore, treatment with AMF significantly attenuated radiation-induced oxidative stress. In addition, AMF had a significant effect on gene tumor necrosis factor alpha-induced protein 2. Together, the results of this study suggest that AMF is a potential protective agent against radiation injury.

Effect of MMP-2 gene silencing on radiation-induced DNA damage in human normal dermal fibroblasts and breast cancer cells

Introduction

Diagnostic and therapeutic ionizing radiation (IR) is one of the well known long term risk factors of breast cancer. Extremely lethal consequences of IR causes double-strand breaks, which are mainly responsible for genomic instability, altered gene expression, and cell death.

Findings

This study evaluated the effect of matrix metalloproteinases-2 (MMP-2) gene silencing using MMP-2 shRNA expression plasmids (pMMP-2) on IR induced cytotoxicity and DNA damage by MTT, dead green, γH2AX and comet assays in human normal dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) and MCF-7 human breast cancer cells. IR has decreased the viability of HDFs and MCF-7 cells with increasing IR (2-10Gy). IR induced DNA damage in both HDFs and MCF-7 cells. However, pMMP-2 transfection has increased the viability of irradiated HDFs (10Gy) and significantly decreased the viability of irradiated MCF-7 cells (10Gy). Further, DNA damage in terms of γH2AX foci decreased with pMMP-2 transfection in irradiated HDFs (10Gy) and increased in irradiated MCF-7 cells (10Gy). In addition, MMP-2 gene silencing using pMMP-2 decreased comet tail length in irradiated HDFs but increased in irradiated MCF-7 cells.

Conclusions

The results conclude that pMMP-2 has protected HDFs and sensitized the MCF-7 cells from IR induced DNA damage. This differential response might be due to IR induced MMP-2 distinctive ROS generation in HDFs and MCF-7 cells.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s41021-019-0131-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Suitability of Solanum lycopersicum L. 'Microtom' for growth in Bioregenerative Life Support Systems: exploring the effect of high-LET ionising radiation on photosynthesis, leaf structure and fruit traits

The realisation of manned space exploration requires the development of Bioregenerative Life Support Systems (BLSS). In such self-sufficient closed habitats, higher plants have a fundamental role in air regeneration, water recovery, food production and waste recycling. In the space environment, ionising radiation represents one of the main constraints to plant growth. In this study, we explore whether low doses of heavy ions, namely Ca 25 Gy, delivered at the seed stage, may induce positive outcomes on growth and functional traits in plants of Solanum lycopersicum L. 'Microtom'. After irradiation of seed, plant growth was monitored during the whole plant life cycle, from germination to fruit ripening. Morphological parameters, photosynthetic efficiency, leaf anatomical functional traits and antioxidant production in leaves and fruits were analysed. Our data demonstrate that irradiation of seeds with 25 Gy Ca ions does not prevent achievement of the seed-to-seed cycle in 'Microtom', and induces a more compact plant size compared to the control. Plants germinated from irradiated seeds show better photochemical efficiency than controls, likely due to the higher amount of D1 protein and photosynthetic pigment content. Leaves of these plants also had smaller cells with a lower number of chloroplasts. The dose of 25 Gy Ca ions is also responsible for positive outcomes in fruits: although developing a lower number of berries, plants germinated from irradiated seeds produce larger berries, richer in carotenoids, ascorbic acid and anthocyanins than controls. These specific traits may be useful for 'Microtom' cultivation in BLSS in space, in so far as the crew members could benefit from fresh food richer in functional compounds that can be directly produced on board.

The roles of radio-functional natural chemicals for the development of cancer radiation therapy

Ionizing radiation (IR) targeted at killing cancer cells also damages normal human cells and tissues through oxidative stress. Thus, the practical treatment of cancer using radiation therapy (RT) is sometimes limited because of the acute side effects in individual patients. In addition, some radioresistant cancers are difficult to treat with limited doses of IR, which leads to treatment failure. Natural chemicals that have unique physiological functions and low toxicity offer significant advantages for the development of new radiation therapies. Natural chemicals can counteract the oxidative damage caused by IR during RT because of their strong antioxidant ability. Certain natural chemicals can also serve as radiosensitizers that can enhance the cancer-killing effects. This review article discusses the main roles of radio-functional natural chemicals in the development of cancer RT.

Herbal medicine against genotoxicity of dimethoate, an insecticide, in mammalian somatic cells

In this study, the genotoxic effects of dimethoate (DIM) were investigated with the in vitro micronucleus test in human peripheral lymphocytes. The ethanol extracts of Rosa canina and Salvia lavandulifolia were used to remove possible genotoxic effects of these substances. For this purpose, different concentrations (0.5-1-2 μg/mL) of dimethoate, DIM + RC_eta and DIM + SL_eta (1:1 v/v) application groups were prepared and applied to the blood culture. The obtained data were compared with the negative control group that was prepared with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as solvent and a well-known genotoxic effects of ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) as positive control group. It was observed in lymphocyte cells that the frequency of MN considerably increased depending on the increasing dose of DIM whereas the nuclear division index (NBI)decreased according to the control group, especially in the last concentration (2 μg/mL). But, as the MN frequency decreased, NBI values approached to control group with 2μg/mL DIM + RC_eta and 2μg/mL DIM + SL_eta according to DIM application group (P < 0.05). Additionally, RC_eta and SL_eta were analyzed by gas chromotography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS).

Concise Review: Therapeutic Potential of the Mesenchymal Stem Cell Derived Secretome and Extracellular Vesicles for Radiation-Induced Lung Injury: Progress and Hypotheses

Radiation‐induced lung injury (RILI) is a common complication in radiotherapy of thoracic tumors and limits the therapeutic dose of radiation that can be given to effectively control tumors. RILI develops through a complex pathological process, resulting in induction and activation of various cytokines, infiltration by inflammatory cells, cytokine‐induced activation of fibroblasts, and subsequent tissue remodeling by activated fibroblasts, ultimately leading to impaired lung function and respiratory failure. Increasing evidence shows that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) may play a main role in modulating inflammation and immune responses, promoting survival and repair of damaged resident cells and enhancing regeneration of damaged tissue through soluble paracrine factors and therapeutic extracellular vesicles. Therefore, the use of the MSC‐derived secretome and exosomes holds promising potential for RILI therapy. Here, we review recent progress on the potential mechanisms of MSC therapy for RILI, with an emphasis on soluble paracrine factors of MSCs. Hypotheses on how MSC derived exosomes or MSC‐released exosomal miRNAs could attenuate RILI are also proposed. Problems and translational challenges of the therapies based on the MSC‐derived secretome and exosomes are further summarized and underline the need for caution on rapid clinical translation. stem cells translational medicine2019;8:344–354

Natural radioprotectors and their impact on cancer drug discovery

Cancer is a complex multifaceted illness that affects different patients in discrete ways. For a number of cancers the use of chemotherapy has become standard practice. Chemotherapy is a use of cytostatic drugs to cure cancer. Cytostatic agents not only affect cancer cells but also affect the growth of normal cells; leading to side effects. Because of this, radiotherapy gained importance in treating cancer. Slaughtering of cancerous cells by radiotherapy depends on the radiosensitivity of the tumor cells. Efforts to improve the therapeutic ratio have resulted in the development of compounds that increase the radiosensitivity of tumor cells or protect the normal cells from the effects of radiation. Amifostine is the only chemical radioprotector approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), but due to its side effect and toxicity, use of this compound was also failed. Hence the use of herbal radioprotectors bearing pharmacological properties is concentrated due to their low toxicity and efficacy. Notably, in silico methods can expedite drug discovery process, to lessen the compounds with unfavorable pharmacological properties at an early stage of drug development. Hence a detailed perspective of these properties, in accordance with their prediction and measurement, are pivotal for a successful identification of radioprotectors by drug discovery process.

Salvianolic acid B, an antioxidant derived from Salvia militarize, protects mice against γ‑radiation‑induced damage through Nrf2/Bach1

Salvianolic acid B (SB) is an antioxidant derived from Salvia militarize, and is one of the most widely used herbs in traditional Chinese medicine. SB is a potent antioxidant that has been well documented as a scavenger of oxygen free radicals, and has been used for the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis-associated disorders. To explore its potential therapeutic effects in treating radiation damage, in this study, mice were treated with SB at different doses of 5, 12.5 and 20 mg/kg, subsequent to receiving γ-irradiation. The effects of SB on peripheral blood, bone marrow nucleated cells, spleen and thymus indices, and oxidation resistance were evaluated in both radiated mice and control groups. The results indicated that SB significantly increased the counts of peripheral white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets. The number of nucleated cells in the bone marrow and the level of protein increased as well. In addition, improved spleen and thymus indices in the bone marrow were observed. SB treatment additionally reversed the deterioration of both the thymus and spleen indices, which is associated with increased serum superoxide dismutase activity and decreasing malondialdehyde levels via nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 protein/BTB and CNC homology 1 mediated antioxidant effect. Furthermore, ROS levels and Bax protein expression were also suppressed by SB. The data suggested that SB is effective in protecting mice from γ-radiation injury, and could potentially be applicable for clinical use. Notably, the present study identified a promising candidate drug for enhancing the hematopoietic and immune systems.

African Herbal Remedies with Antioxidant Activity: A Potential Resource Base for Wound Treatment

The use of traditional herbal remedies as alternative medicine plays an important role in Africa since it forms part of primary health care for treatment of various medical conditions, including wounds. Although physiological levels of free radicals are essential to the healing process, they are known to partly contribute to wound chronicity when in excess. Consequently, antioxidant therapy has been shown to facilitate healing of such wounds. Also, a growing body of evidence suggests that, at least, part of the therapeutic value of herbals may be explained by their antioxidant activity. This paper reviews African herbal remedies with antioxidant activity with the aim of indicating potential resources for wound treatment. Firstly, herbals with identified antioxidant compounds and, secondly, herbals with proven antioxidant activity, but where the compound(s) responsible for the activity has not yet been identified, are listed. In the latter case it has been attempted to ascribe the activity to a compound known to be present in the plant family and/or species, where related activity has previously been documented for another genus of the species. Also, the tests employed to assess antioxidant activity and the potential caveats thereof during assessment are briefly commented on.

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

This study aims at investigating the radioprotective effect of ethanol extract from Ji-Xue-Teng (JXT, Spatholobus suberectus) on radiation-induced hematopoietic alteration and oxidative stress in the liver. Mice were exposed to a single acute γ-radiation for the whole body at the dose of 6.0 Gy, then subjected to administration of amifostine (45 mg/kg) or JXT (40 g crude drug/kg) once a day for 28 consecutive days, respectively. Bone marrow cells and hemogram including white cells, red cells, platelet counts, and hemoglobin level were examined. The protein expression levels of pJAK2/JAK2, pSTAT5a/STAT5a, pSTAT5b/STAT5b, and Bcl-2 in bone marrow tissue; levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS); and the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in serum and liver tissue were determined. At the end of the experiment, the effect of JXT on cell viability and G-CSF and G-CSFR levels in NFS-60 cells were tested by CCK-8 assay, ELISA, and flow cytometry. The results showed that the mice exposed to γ-radiation alone exhibited a typical hematopoietic syndrome. In contrast, at the end of the 28-day experiment, irradiated mice subjected to oral administration of JXT showed an obvious improvement on blood profile with reduced leucopenia, thrombocytopenia (platelet counts), RBC, and hemoglobin levels, as well as bone marrow cells. The expression of pJAK2/JAK2, pSTAT5a/STAT5a, and Bcl-2 in bone marrow tissue was increased after JXT treatment. The elevation of ROS was due to radiation-induced toxicity, but JXT significantly reduced the ROS level in serum and liver tissue, elevated endogenous SOD and GSH-PX levels, and reduced the MDA level in the liver. JXT could also increase cell viability and G-CSFR level in NFS-60 cells, which was similar to exogenous G-CSF. Our findings suggested that oral administration of JXT effectively facilitated the recovery of hematopoietic bone marrow damage and oxidative stress of the mice induced by γ-radiation.

Biophysical and biochemical roles of Moringa oleifera leaves as radioprotector

It has been found that medicinal plants have chemical and/or therapeutic effects on different diseases related to oxidative damage. This work investigates the use of ethanolic Moringa oleifera leaves extract; as a protective and/or therapeutic agent against damage induced by high acute dose of ionizing radiation. Also, this study aims to explore the associations of electrical properties (relaxation time and DC conductivity of bone marrow) with biochemical markers (SOD, CAT and GSH) to detect and prognosticate radiation effects. Biophysical and biochemical data revealed that Moringa extract can improve the electrical properties of bone marrow and the antioxidants levels in the blood. They also showed that the feeding of Moringa leaves extract post irradiation is preferred to recover rapidly and continuously from radiation effects.

Radioprotective effects of dammarane sapogenins against 60 Co-induced myelosuppression in mice

Radiotherapy frequently induces failure of hematopoietic system and leads to myelosuppression. The objective of this study was to investigate the protective effect of dammarane sapogenins (DS), the hydrolysed product of the constituent ginsenosides of Panax ginseng, which are produced by gut metabolism, on radiation-induced hematopoietic injury. Mice were exposed to 3.5 Gy 60 Co γ-rays of total body radiation at a dose rate of 1.60 Gy per minute and treated with DS or granulocyte colony-stimulating factor immediately after radiation. The general condition of the mice, the peripheral blood cell counts, multiple colony forming unit (CFU) assays of hematopoietic progenitor cells, hematopoietic stem cell counts, bone marrow histology, and spleen colony forming unit counts were then investigated. Our results indicated that administration with DS could ameliorate 60 Co-irradiation induced damage and significantly increase the number of peripheral blood cells (white blood cells and platelets), 5 types of hematopoietic progenitor cells CFU (CFU-GM, CFU-E, BFU-E, CFU-Meg, and CFU-GEMM), hematopoietic stem cell (Lin- c-kit+ Scal-1+ ) numbers, and CFUs in the spleen, as well as improved bone marrow histopathology. All together, these results confirmed the enhancement of DS on hematopoiesis.

Ultrasound-assisted aqueous extraction, LC-MS/MS analysis and radiomodulating capability of autochthonous Italian sweet cherry fruits

The current cancer treatment scenario lacks drugs acting as both radiosensitizer and radioprotector agents. In this context, the radiomodulatory properties exerted by an aqueous extract from the fruits of the Italian Prunus avium cv. Della Recca (PaDRw) were investigated. The extract, obtained through an environmentally-friendly ultrasound-assisted extraction, seemed to act as a radioprotector at lower tested doses (25 and 50 μg mL^-1) and a radiosensitizer at 400 and 500 μg mL^-1 dose levels towards the neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cell line, irradiated with four graded X-ray doses (0, 0.5, 2, and 4 Gy). The fractionation of PaDRw by Amberlite XAD-4 non-ionic polymeric resin, coupled to LC-UV-MS/MS techniques, proved to be efficient also in the disclosure of lower constituents. About 63% of the whole PaDRw extract was constituted of hexitol, followed by fructose (∼22.8%) and glucose (∼10.7%). Chlorogenic acids and flavonoids, which accounted only for ∼2.2%, were hypothesized to be the main actors in PaDRw-induced radiomodulation.

Phytochemical analysis and In-vitro Biochemical Characterization of aqueous and methanolic extract of Triphala, a conventional herbal remedy

Triphala, an Indian ayurvedic triherbal formulation, is an equiproportional mixture of fruits of three herbs, amalaki (Emblica officinalis), haritaki (Terminalia chebula) and bibhitaki (Terminalia bellerica). The present study focused on phytocompounds detection and comparative analysis of various biochemical activities in the aqueous and methanolic extracts of triphala and its constituting herbs. Antioxidant activity was determined by 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), super oxide dismutase (SOD), catalase assay. Antibacterial potential was determined by broth dilution and agar well diffusion assays. Results revealed the presence of valuable bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, alkaloids, phenols, etc which might be responsible for biochemical activities. Extracts exhibited satisfactory radical-scavenging activity comparable with ascorbic acid. Methanolic extracts demonstrated higher antioxidant activity compared to aqueous extract. Extracts showed promising antibacterial potential against tested strain comparable to ampicillin. Hence, it can be concluded that triphala may be a promising candidate in pharmaceuticals and future medicine.

DRDO Herbal Technologies: Military and Civil Applications

The novel herbal technologies developed by India’s Defence Research and Development Organization are discussed with a view to improving the lives of soldiers and civilians. The life sciences laboratories of DRDO are engaged in R&D with the aim to develop processes, products and technologies and effective strategies to protect and enhance the operational efficiency of the Indian Armed Forces. Over the last five decades, the endeavours have resulted in creating specialized human capital through selection and training; enhancing efficiency through customized nutrition; optimizing human efficiency through traditional systems; optimizing performance through human engineering approach; protecting against health hazards like CBRN and vectors; reducing combat stress by counselling, training and resilience building; reinforcing adaptation through acclimatization processes and saving lives through life support systems. Several technologies with holistic and pragmatic applications for defence and civil sector from a herbal perspective are presented.

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

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.

Medicinally important aromatic plants with radioprotective activity

Aromatic plants are often used as natural medicines because of their remedial and inherent pharmacological properties. Looking into natural resources, particularly products of plant origin, has become an exciting area of research in drug discovery and development. Aromatic plants are mainly exploited for essential oil extraction for applications in industries, for example, in cosmetics, flavoring and fragrance, spices, pesticides, repellents and herbal beverages. Although several medicinal plants have been studied to treat various conventional ailments only a handful studies are available on aromatic plants, especially for radioprotection. Many plant extracts have been reported to contain antioxidants that scavenge free radicals produced due to radiation exposure, thus imparting radioprotective efficacy. The present review focuses on a subset of medicinally important aromatic plants with radioprotective activity.