Efficacy of the aqueous extract of Siwa dates in protection against the whole body γ irradiation induced damages in mice

Abstract

Ionizing radiation hydrolyzes H2O and leads to free radicals production that initiates inflammation and DNA damages. Siwa dates are an important crop in Egypt that has been used as a staple food due to its nutritional value and its antioxidant properties. The study aimed to investigate the radioprotective effects of aqueous extract of Siwa dates in whole body γ- irradiated mice. Animals were divided into four groups: healthy mice, unirradiated mice that received Siwa date aqueous extract, irradiated unprotected mice and irradiated mice that received daily 4 ml/kg Siwa date extract for 14 days prior to irradiation. Twenty four hours post irradiation, blood and liver samples were collected for immunological, biochemical, and histopathological studies. Apoptosis and apoptotic proteins in hepatocytes were measured by flow cytometry techniques. Moreover, the cytokinesis-blocked micronucleus assay was performed to measure DNA damages. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) were evaluated in liver samples by both ELISA and immunohistochemical techniques. The results have shown the improvement in liver histopathological sections and the amelioration in the pro-inflammatory cascade. Siwa date extract allowed DNA protection from the destructive effect of irradiation. In conclusion, Siwa dates were effective in alleviating radiation induced damages such as hepatotoxicity, oxidative stress, inflammation, and DNA damage.