Document Type : Original Paper
Authors
1
Department of Medical Physics, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
2
Associate Professor of Medical Physics, Research Center of Medical Physics, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
3
Neurogenic Inflammation Research Centre, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
4
Department of Medical Physics, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
5
Kidney Transplantation Complications Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, I.R. Iran.
6
Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran
7
Medical Physics Dept, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences
Abstract
Introduction: The development of protective agents against harmful radiation has been the subject of research for decades. Drugs and materials containing antioxidants protect normal tissues by scavenging the free radicals produced by radiation. Ferula asafeotida (AS) is a plant with antioxidant properties. In the present study, the protective effect of AS against radiation damage to the small intestine of the rat was investigated.
Material and Methods: A total 35 Wistar rats were divided in 5 groups (7 rats/group) as follows: control, irradiated (R), irradiated+AS extract (R+AS), irradiated+vitamin E (R+E) and irradiated+AS+E (R+AS+E). The control group did not receive any treatment. Treatments were performed for 8 days with a daily dose of 100 mg/kg AS (and or 20mg/kg vitamin); and a single dose of 6 Gy X-rays emitted from a Linear accelerator( 6 MV X-rays, Elekta, Stockholm, Sweden) on the sixth day. On the 8th day, the rats were euthanized and their intestine and liver were extracted. The intestine was assessed by pathologic examination and MDA (Malondialdehyde) level as well as GSH (Glutathione) level, were measured in the intestine and the liver.
Results: AS reduced MDA level and increased GSH level in the intestine as well as in the liver. Vitamin E had the same effect but to a lower extent. Nevertheless, in most cases, vitamin E combined with AS did not increase the radio-protective effects of AS. AS was also effective in preventing inflammation and atrophy. Vitamin E alone and in combination with AS was effective in reducing inflammation and epithelial erosion, but none of them could increase the number of mucous cells.
Conclusion: The present study showed that AS can prevent oxidative stress, inflammation, and atrophy caused by radiation in the intestine of rats.
Key words: Ferula asafeotida, radiation protection, small intestine, pathology, vitamin E
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