Apigenin protects gamma-radiation induced oxidative stress, hematological changes and animal survival in whole body irradiated Swiss albino mice

Aim: The present study was undertaken to find out the possible radioprotective efficacy of apigenin against whole body gamma (γ)-irradiation, oxidative damage and hematological alterations in Swiss albino mice. Materials and Methods: The percentage of mice surviving 30 days, of exposure to radiation dose (7-11 Gy) was used to construct survival dose response curves. Apigenin (15 mg/kg body weight) was administered intraperitonially ( i . p ) for 7 consecutive days, once daily, and then the mice were exposed to single dose of 7 Gy of γ-radiation. Mice were sacrificed at 24 hours post irradiation, and liver and intestine were taken for various biochemical estimations viz. lipid peroxidation (LPO) markers [thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), conjugated dienes (CD) and lipid hydroperoxides (LOOH)], antioxidant status [superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and reduced glutathione (GSH)]. Further blood was collected for the hematological studies [Haemoglobin (Hb) content, red blood cell (RBC) and white blood cell (WBC) count]. Results: Apigenin 15 mg/kg body weight elevated radiation LD 50 from 8.2 to 10 Gy, indicating the dose modifying factor (DMF) of 1.21. It was found that there was an increased LPO level with decreased antioxidant status in 7 Gy irradiated Swiss albino mice. It has been also observed that Hb content, WBC and RBC count was decreased in irradiated Swiss albino mice. Conversely, significant decrease in LPO and restoration of antioxidant status and hematological changes was observed in apigenin pretreated group. Conclusion: Hence, apigenin pretreatment renders protection against 7 Gy radiation-induced biochemical and hematological alterations in Swiss albino mice.