Improvements of gamma radiation-induced immunological, hematological, and some biochemical changes in male albino rats by custard apple (Annona squamosa) seed oil extract

Abstract

Background: Annona squamosa seed oil extract (ASSOE) was used in the current study to investigate the radioprotective potential of ASSOE on radiation-induced hematological, immunological, and biochemical parameters in albino male rats.

Materials and methods: The fatty acid profile of ASSOE was analyzed using GC. Total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) were determined. Antioxidant activity for ASSOE was assayed by the DPPH activity assay, the anticancer activity was also valuated. Forty-nine male albino rats were separated into seven groups: group 1 (normal rats) were administered saline by gavage. Rats in the 2nd, 3rd , and 4th groups were subjected to a single dose of γ-radiation (4, 6, and 8 Gy), respectively, and then administered saline by gavage. The 5th, 6th, and 7th groups of rats were subjected to gamma radiation with 4, 6, and 8 Gy, respectively, then administered ASSOE by gavage (200 mg/kg B.W.) for 14 consecutive days.

Results: Annona squamosa seed oil yield was 28.13%, which gave a TPC of 0.71 mg/g ASSOE, TFC of 0.145 mg/g ASSOE and DPPH percentage (65.41%). Fatty acids in ASSOE were oleic acid (57.80%), linoleic acid (23.31%), and palmitic acid (16.22%). The anticancer impact of ASSOE against Caco-2 and HepG-2 cell lines were, 47 ± 0.68 and 912.33 ± 10.81 µg/ml), respectively. Treated rats with ASSOE showed a noticeable increase in the percentage of immune cells, including CD4 and CD8. C-Reactive Protein (CRP) and Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α) levels increased following γ-irradiation, but they dramatically dropped after 14 days of administration of ASSOE. Moreover, the 5th, 6th, and 7th groups exhibited notable improvements in all hematological parameters. After 14 days of treatment with ASSOE, cholesterol and triglyceride levels significantly decreased, reversing the rise that occurred following γ-irradiation.

Conclusion: ASSOE is an excellent immunomodulator, radioprotector, and biochemical enhancer, suggesting that it might be used as an adjuvant during radiation therapy.