Radioprotective role of some bacteria belonging to actinomycetales against gamma irradiation-induced oxidative stress in male albino rats

Background: Radiation protection concepts and philosophy have been evolving over the past several decades. The inadvertent exposure of human from various source of radiation causes ionization of molecules, setting off potentially damaging reactions via free radicals production. Development of radioprotectants and mitigators is the therapeutic approach to ameliorate the negative health impact of radiation exposure. The majority of substances with biological activity used in medicine are produced by actinomycetes and fungi

Aim: The aim of the present study is to evaluate the radioprotective role of the antimicrobial active metabolite of Streptomyces atrovirens Rahman as antioxidant against gamma irradiation that induced some biochemical alterations in rats

Material and Methods: Animals were pretreated with antimicrobial active metabolite of Streptomyces atrovirens Ab1 using suitable stomach tube for two weeks prior to radiation exposure. The levels of malondialdhyde [MDA], glutathione content [GSH], superoxide dismutase [SOD], catalase [CAT], glutathione peroxidase [GPx], glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase [ALT], glutamic aspartate transaminase [AST], alkaline phosphatase [ALP] and gamma glutamyl transferase [GGT] activities, also total cholesterol [TC], triglyceride [TG], high density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C], and low density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL- C] were estimated

Results: The results revealed that exposure to ionizing radiation resulted in significant elevation in the levels of MDA content, ALT, AST, ALP and GGT activities and concentration of TC, TG and LDL-C, meanwhile, showed significant depletion in GSH content and SOD, CAT and GPx activities and HDL-C concentration

Conclusion: It could be concluded that, the administration of the antimicrobial active metabolite of Streptomyces atrovirens Ab1 pre-whole body gamma irradiation resulted in sufficient amelioration against radiation effects on the biochemical aspects examined in the present study

Effect of cynara scolymus L. [artichoke] extraction on hyperlipidemic induced by gamma radiation in male rats

Excessive free radicals are caused by unnatural environmental influences such as air pollution, radiation, cigarette smoke, factories, pesticides, food contaminants and a myriad of other factor that are part of our modern life. Hypercholesterolaemia is directly associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease [CHD]. Cynara scolymus L. [Artichoke] grows in Egypt and other countries. It is used as foods and has medicinal properties. Artichoke extracts have been shown to produce various pharmacological effects, such as the inhibition of cholesterol biosynthesis and low density lipoprotein [LDL] oxidation. The present study aims to evaluate the antioxidative activities and radioprotector role of cynara scolymus L. [artichoke] against hyperlipidemic induced by gamma- irradiation in male rats. Male Swiss albino rats were orally administrated by artichoke [head or leaves] [10% mg/rat/day] using suitable stomach tube [6weeks, 45 days] before exposure to a single dose [6.5 Gy] of whole body gamma radiation. Levels of lipids peroxides [MDA], reduced glutathione content [GSH], superoxide dismutase [SOD], total cholesterol [TC], triacylglycerol [TG], high density lipoprotein [HDL-C] and low density lipoprotein [LDL-C] were investigated in serum. The results revealed that gamma radiation led to significant increase in MDA, TC, TG and LDL, Meanwhile, significant decrease in GSH and SOD, but groups administrated with Artichoke [head and leaf] before whole body gamma irradiation, artichoke exerted noticeable amelioration against the radiation induced changes in most of the biochemical tested parameters

Proactive role of garlic and lycopene extract against gamma irradiation-induced alterations in antioxidant defense systems in the brain of rats

Radiation protection concepts and philosophy have been evolving over the past several decades. The inadvertent exposure of human from various source of radiation causes Ionization of molecules, setting off potentially damaging reactions via free radicals production. Garlic, Allium sativun, is a member of the lily family that has been cultivated by humans as a food plant for over 10,000 years. Ancient Egyptian used garlic as a remedy for a variety of diseases. Lycopene is a naturally occurring carotenoid found almost exclusively in tomatos and tomato products and the red pigments of the tomato. Lycopene is one of the most potent antioxidants among dietary carotenoids, it exhibits the highest antioxidant activity and singlet oxygen quenching ability of all dietary carotenoids. The present study aims to investigate the antioxidative activity of garlic and lycopene extract on the oxidative stress in the damaged brain tissue, irradiated with a single dose of 15 Gy. Animals were pretreated with garlic or lycopene by orally administration using suitable stomach tube for one month prior to radiation exposure. The levels of malondialdhyde [MDA], glutathione content [GSH], superoxide dismutase [SOD], catalase [CAT] and glutathione peroxidase [GSH-Px] were estimated in brain tissue. The results revealed that exposure to ionizing radiation resulted in significant elevation in the levels of MDA and [GSH-Px] as well as, significant reduction in SOD, CAT activities and GSH content. Administration of garlic or lycopene by using suitable stomach tube pre-irradiation has significantly ameliorated the radiation induced disturbances in all of the investigated parameters

Fluoride levels of mothers' breast milk in Egypt

Fluoride exists naturally in water sources and is derived from fluorine. It is well known that fluoride helps, prevent and even reverse the early stages of tooth decay. The aim of the present study was to determine the fluoride levels in plasma and breast milk of lactating mothers in Egypt [Cairo and Giza Governorate]. Two hundred healthy lactating mothers aged between 20-40 years old were asked to give plasma and milk samples voluntary. Breast milk samples were directly refrigerated until measurements. The fluoride concentrations of plasma, milk and drinking tap water were assessed using an ion-selective fluoride electrode combined with an ion analyzer. The fluoride levels of plasma, breast milk and drinking tap water samples were 0.0207+/-0.012, 0.0111+/-0.0044 ppm, and 0.482+/-0.117 ppm, respectively. A significant direct correlation between fluoride content in breast milk and drinking tap water was found [r=0.858, p< 0.01]